As another stretch of hot, humid weather settles over Long Island, one local charter boat says some of the coolest summer temperatures (and some of the hottest fishing) are out on the Great South Bay.
According to the crew aboard the Island Princess in Captree State Park, the summer fishing season has hit its stride, with steady daytime fluke action and an increasingly active evening bite for bluefish and weakfish in recent weeks.
“It’s been a fun stretch,” said Capt. Bryan Sorice. “People have been catching fish on just about every trip, whether it’s someone’s first time fishing or someone who’s been coming out with us for years.”
During the day, anglers have been finding consistent fluke action, with plenty of shorts keeping rods bent and a growing number of keeper fluke making their way into coolers.
As the sun begins to set, the focus shifts to evening trips targeting bluefish and weakfish, where cooler temperatures and breezes off the bay offer a welcome break from the heat on land.
For many guests, the fishing is only part of the experience.
Families introducing children to the sport, couples looking for something different to do on a summer evening and groups of friends have all been taking advantage of the four-hour trips, which offer front-row views of sunset over the Great South Bay before darkness settles in.
The Island Princess has been operating from Captree for more than 40 years and welcomes anglers of all experience levels. Rods, bait and tackle are included with every trip, and crew members are available to help guests bait hooks, cast, untangle lines and learn the basics of fishing.
“We love seeing someone catch their first fish,” said First Mate Cara Higgins. “That excitement never gets old.”
Current trips include:
- 7 to 11 a.m.: Great South Bay fluke fishing
- Noon to 4 p.m.: Great South Bay fluke fishing
- 6 to 10 p.m.: Evening bluefish and weakfish fishing
For schedules, tickets and additional information, visit IslandPrincessCaptree.com.
Daily fishing reports and photos are also available on Facebook and Instagram (click the grid below to follow).
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