Little Yellow Eyed Demons

[Slobber Bob]

I made two quick trips behind OC this past Memorial Day weekend. Both were night trips to fish near some lights. Neither trip was much more than an hour long, but were both cast and catch bluefish action with fish between 15" - 22". I was looking for fish to smoke so I had full intentions of keeping my 3 fish bluefish limit, which didn't take much more than 4 or 5 casts each time. These little blues were putting on quite a show too when they were on the hook doing back flips, jumping over my bow, and jumping and into my kayak as I attempted to land them.

I haven't had a chance to check the flats for bigger bluefish this year, but if the 22" and under fish are out thick under the lights like they are, then I'd bet a few bigger ones are lurking on the flats by day. Unless boat traffic picks up that is, specifically jet skis. One of the jet ski rental companies uses the flats as their area for the rental jet skis to cut loose. They'll push those fish out of 3 ft. water quick.

[Big Mike]

Still waiting for them in quantity here in the bay, hopefully we’ll get some action like you enjoyed. There is no more spasmodic creature in nature.

[Jman]

Thanks for the report and glad you found em! Been waiting for a day with less wind and boat traffic to go out to the flats again. Last year was a blast!

[Slobber Bob]

I went back out for a quick trip this morning before work. Launched at 4:15 and off the water by 6:45. The current was slack when I first got out and there wasn't as much activity as usual. I had to spent a little time searching but finally found some schools of small blues. The fish were constantly on the move and were like a rolling wave with bay anchovies scurrying out of the water in front of them as they made their way across the top. You'd pick a fish or two out before they were gone and you'd have to search around again to find them.

At first light I put the little stuff away and pulled out the 6" poppers and went out across the flats looking for bigger blues. Nothing until sunrise proper when schools of blues starting showing on top in quick burst in different areas with terns and laughing gulls above them. They too were constantly on the move and I'd have action for a couple minutes before they would be gone and I'd have to search again. They weren't the size class I was looking for, but fun nonetheless on topwater.

I tried hard for a few gators, but didn't see any sign of them. The entire area seemed to be mostly fish of 14" - 24". It was perfect conditions out thee and it was hard to leave them biting to go to work. I would have loved to stay another hour or two to see if the still rising tide pushed any bigger fish onto the flats.

[jbrown]

My fishing friend (has a skiff boat) went out yesterday on the bay and caught 4 keeper size flounder. Could not keep the blues off his line (mud minnows). Landed a 28" and a 33" (beast mode!)- I am going to head out from the 64th street ramp Sat AM (high tide is not til 10 AM)- I might get in by 7 AM. Hope any and all will join in. The other option would be 'Stinky beach'- never been there- but may be good too.