Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a good one, weather wise, with sun and temperatures reaching into the 70s on Friday and Saturday.
And you know what that means for many Long Islanders.
Taking to the water.
To help, FishingBooker, which bills itself as the world’s largest platform for connecting anglers and fishing guides,” has released a Top 10 list of America’s best fishing cities for the holiday.
Montauk ranks second behind San Francisco, but one spot ahead of Nashville.
(And for our snowbirds still down south, Venice, Fla. ranks ninth.)
The booking website for anglers lists Montauk has having 66 fishing charters available, so it’s really never too late to get going.
Why Montauk?
Here’s how FishingBooker describes the fishing scene in Montauk:
Montauk is famous worldwide for its stunning beaches, enviable oceanfront, breathtaking sunsets, gorgeous parks, historical landmarks, and superb angling opportunities. There’s no wonder it’s a favorite destination for countless visitors each year. But why should Montauk be your go-to Memorial Day choice?
Montauk is brimming with tourists from June to September, and Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial season opener. However, it’ll still be quiet enough for you to relax before the high season skyrockets. You’ll be able to unwind on its sandy beaches and stroll to the Montauk Point Lighthouse without bumping into a sea of people.
As Memorial Day marks the beginning of the fishing season, you’ll get to experience the inshore angling scene in bloom. Expect to catch anything from stripers, bluefish and seabass, to fluke and flounder. Stay a bit longer, and June will also reward you with offshore big game such as tuna.
Long story short, Montauk wakes up inland, inshore, and offshore on Memorial Day, and you can witness its awakening before the hustle and bustle hits hard.
The full list:
- San Francisco, Calif.
- Montauk, N.Y.
- Nashville, Tenn.
- Lake City, Minn.
- Park City, Utah
- Moses Lake, Wash.
- The Woodlands, Texas
- Baton Rouge, La.
- Venice, Fla.
- Washington, D.C.
Photo: Smiling anglers show off two striped bass on Montauk Charterboat CUJO, captained by Mike Elling. (FishingBooker courtesy photo)
