Montauk Sportfishing Report 2/16/09

2/16/09

I wish I had the parking concession for the Viking area. Except for one day this week when it blew, there have been more

cars parked there than I have ever seen in my life, at any time of year. And, it's all the cod fish's fault. There are too may

of them and they are all hungry.

The fishing is unreal. The Viking started out the end of January planning to run on Friday, Saturday and Sundays, but

now both boats are sailing every day, railed. Don't have a reservation? Don't bother to come out. There is no room for

you. Montauk has even had to import a boat, the ROSIE from Moriches is sailing out of the MARLIN PRINCESS slip,

also railed.

A friend e-mailed me about ten days or so ago. He wanted to go out on the Viking, but it was fully booked, so I told him

to give CAPT MARK a call. At this time of year he will sail on an open boat basis if he doesn't have a charter. He

checked with Mark and booked a day later this month, the only date he had available until St Patrick's Day (the real one,

not the parade Sunday).

I have been putting these reports out throughout the season since 1995. I went back and checked, and this is the first time

I ever posted one in February. That will give you an idea of how good the codfishing is.

I addition to the boats mentioned above, The MISS MONTAUK and MARLIN V, both open boats are sailing as are the

VIVIENNE and LORY JAY, both six pack boats.

The auction for the CRICKET came and went without a qualifying bid, although someone offered $40,000 for it.

Apparently a sail is being negotiated. But now Henry Uhlein is trying to put a deal together with the town of East

Hampton to buy it for $45,000, and put it on display at the entrance to the harbor area. It's a good idea, but maybe not

workable.

If you finally realized that the financial mess hasn't cut into you yet and you can afford to go fishing somewhere this

winter, give me a call. Fishing is hot in Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama. In fact, Tropic Star Lodge in Panama

continues to come up with cancellations. It's a fantastic place, and if you have the $$$ and want the fishing adventure of

a lifetime It's a great choice.

If you would like to get these reports sent to you directly, drop me a line at captaingene@montauksportfishing.com and

I'll put you on the list.

Capt Gene Kelly - Montauk Sportfishing