Winter flounder catches heating up

It doesn't take much to start the tales of yesteryear flowing when it comes to winter flounder. The tasty flatfish once filled Long Island's bays each spring to the point where anglers' catches typically pushed into double digits.

An entire generation has grown up since the flatties, called "blackbacks" by some, were a prominent player on the inshore scene. Today, a two-fish creel limit and 12-inch minimum size limit protect the bottom feeders, but even filling that quota can be a long shot most days.

Over the past couple years, however, there has been a noticeable uptick in the action, especially in Jamaica and Moriches Bays, and this year seems to be off to a good start.

George Bartenback, skipper of the Captree open boat Captain Rod was pleased with his initial flounder results this past week, and seemed guardedly optimistic about the rest of the season.

"We had 15 keepers last Sunday on Great South Bay, and managed to pick a few good fish later in the week despite strong winds," he said. "I think this weekend will see some decent catches if the wind lies down."

On Moriches Bay, Gary Grunseich at Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches said flounder fishing was just getting started, with a few fish caught at buoy 11 and from the shore around Smiths Point. Grunseich noted that water temperatures have cooled significantly over the past week, which might have slowed the action. Two weeks ago, surface temperatures on Moriches Bay were running around 52 degrees; yesterday's temperature was 43 degrees. That drop, believes Grunseich, will tip the bite toward the warming influence of outgoing water following the full moon this weekend.

At the west end of Long Island, charter and private boats sailing out of Sheepshead Bay, Freeport and Oceanside have seen a fair number of anglers head home with full limits. Good reports have also come from the western Long Island Sound around City Island, as well as Northport Bay, the Babylon Flats and Montauk Lake. Although catches have been scattered, there has been a pattern: The better scores have come from 4- to 8-foot depths on bloodworm and sandworm baits.

The season for winter flounder extends through the end of May, but with waters warming fast expect it to peak quickly. If heading out this weekend, you can also bring along gear suitable for school stripers and blues. Both are already patrolling local waters. Wednesday saw the first surf blitz of the season take place between Amagansett and Montauk Point, with 6- to 10-pound schoolies smashing bucktails and tins.

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