QUOGUE CANAL, NY: EARLY WEAKS
While these good ole days of yesteryear seem a distant memory, the Quogue Canal is still alive and well, only this time we adjust the calendar and the tackle a bit to focus on the weakfish and fluke bite that has taken hold in the past few seasons in this canal.
As part of the Quogue-Quantuck habitat complex, this nearly four-mile stretch of waterway is fed by small freshwater streams of groundwater origin. The areas complex also includes tidal creeks and marshes feeding into Moriches and Shinnecock Bays. The ground water feeding into the canal is a solid 57 degrees year round hence making it the perfect early spring habitat as the elements consisting mainly of shallow dark muddy bottom and relative warm water equates to the marshes and creeks holding a substantial amount of forage fish, particularly small grass shrimp and spearing, which draw the attention of both weakfish and fluke by the third week of April.
While fluke come right out of the gate and start their feeding frenzy upon arrival, keep in mind that any fluke caught must be released until the season opens in May. As for the weakfish, they will also be on a tear until the first full moon of May, or some years, June. At that time their feeding is minimized as spawning becomes their first priority, which is done primarily in the shallows of Moneybogue and Quantuck Bays. The good news is that from April until they spawn, you can find good action with fish to eight pounds. After the spawn and as water temperatures rise, much of the forage baitfish will move into the bays, followed by the fluke and weakfish. While fluke will settle into either bay, most of the spring weakfish will move back into the ocean. Later in the summer they will be replaced with smaller summer-run weaks which range from shorts to three pounds. These summer-run fish will take up the same residences as their older brothers and sisters, however plan on fishing this area early a.m. or late p.m. as summer boat traffic will put a damper on the fishing.
While many areas along the canal consist of shallow water, there is enough deep water, along with several holes, that are prime real estate for both species. However, to cut to the chase, I’ll steer you through spots that have long produced solid weakfish and fluke action. Starting from the Moriches side and working our way east, our first stop is Taylor’s Hole south of buoy 36 and just west of the first (Westhampton) bridge. The hole is approximately 100 yards wide and 30 feet deep and is often overlooked by passing boaters since the hole is not marked on any navigation map, which makes this area a pretty well-kept secret. Bouncing plastic jigs and bucktails work well here, however if you want a shot at a double digit weakfish? Try live lining a bunker which typically are abundant in this area by mid-April. Moving east, the south end of Moneybogue Bay sees good action, particularly along the channel just east of the first bridge by poles two and three. Again jigs will work well here. The third area is just past the third bridge and up off the golf course where there are several pockets that tend to hold both species. Jigs are the ticket here as well.
Navigation through the canal can be tricky, therefore be certain to have a reliable GPS or paper chart to help you maneuver through. Keep in mind that there are many speed zones going through the canal which are strictly enforced. Shore bound opportunities are extremely limited due to parking restrictions, which are also strictly enforced. However, there is legal parking just north of the third bridge (Post Lane) and you can walk from there.
