A fluke of a news conference on fish

Something flukish happened at Sen. Charles Schumer's news conference last week in Freeport.

Schumer, who'd assembled a school of media on the Nautical Mile for his presser about superstorm Sandy aid, was interrupted by a passing fishing boat in nearby Woodcleft Canal. Fishermen on board called out, in unison, "Hi, Chuck!" drawing chuckles from the crowd.

Speaking into a microphone, Schumer responded: "Hi, guys! I'm getting you more fluke!" He proceeded to tell reporters about his efforts to change regulations about the popular fish.

Local anglers can keep four fluke of 19 inches each -- smaller than last year's 19.5-inch limit, regulators announced in April. Schumer had pushed for the restrictions to be eased.

-- Patrick Whittle