Rain doesn't seem to dampen the action

The weather this week may have been wet and wild but that seemed to slow fishing effort more than results as catches of stripers, bluefish and fluke continued to gain momentum.

"We had 330 anglers turn out last weekend for the Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament," said Jerry Collins of Captain Kayak in Sayville, the event sponsor. "They caught plenty of stripers and blues with the best action at the Pumpkin Patch, Ruffle Bar and Cross Bay Bridge."

Instead of monetary awards, prizes for this tourney were raffled off with anglers catching the largest fish provided extra tickets and the revenue donated to Casting For Recovery, a breast cancer survivors group. Junior Division entrant James Maloney of Brooklyn won the top prize, a Hobie Revolution kayak. Robert Stuber of Sayville caught the largest fish, a 42.5-inch striper which struck a trolled tube and worm combo.

The big news on Long Island Sound this week is that porgies have invaded 20-foot depths at Eatons Neck, Smithtown Bay and west to City Island. "These are big spring scup," said Chris Cullen, captain of the City Island open boat Island Current. "Our pool winners have been running three pounds and anglers are limiting out."

Like many local open boat skippers, Cullen has a Research Set Aside (RSA) allotment so his fares can target porgies outside the regular season. Private boaters and bank fishermen have to wait until Tuesday's official season opening to join the fun.

On the South Shore, fluke, blues and bass remain the primary targets. Action with the summer flatties is building steadily in 50 to 60 feet of ocean water while the blues and bass can be found both inside and outside the inlets. Some bigger bass to 30 pounds have also shown off Gilgo and Tobay.

To the east, big fluke continue to hit at Montauk and Greenport while ravenous blues are in Peconic Bay, especially around Jessups Neck. Stripers to 25 pounds are now firmly established at Montauk, Orient Point and Ponquogue Bridge.

Around the docks

The NYS DEC has released new sea bass regulations establishing a split-season of June 14 through Oct. 1, and Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. The minimum size limit this year is 13 inches and you can creel 10 fish.

There aren't many flounder contests these days but you can get in on one Saturday at the Jones Beach Field 10 Flounder Tournament. Hosted by Jones Beach Fishing Station, entry is $15 (free for military members). Visit jonesbeachfishingstation.com.

The South Shore Spring Rodeo, sponsored by Long Island State Parks, The Fisherman Magazine and Captree Bait and Tackle, is scheduled for June 3-5. This contest targets fluke and stripers, offering cash and tackle prizes. Entry costs $15. Call 631-321-3510.

The Peconic Bay Fishing Tournament out of Strong's Marina in Mattituck is set for June 11. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fluke, striper and bluefish -- plus the greatest aggregate weight for all three species. The $75 entry fee will be donated to the Lyme Disease Association. Visit peconicbayfishing.org.

The Fishing Line TV show is available through MagRack (free VOD) while the 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 4 p.m. Saturday radio shows air on WGBB / 1240 AM and stream on TheFishingLine.com.

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