[Skmag357]

Hey guys,
I was talking with my dad yesterday and we both think that the susky flats fishing won't get good until mid-april or so since it has been much colder this year than years past. Add to that the snow falls and I think it is going to a take a while for the water to warm up. I was curious what others are thinking?

 

[bbrownie]

Way too early to predict.

 

[gotboost1]

The 100 fish days are gone on the flats,there might be some fish around for a short time,and I'am sure some nice fish will still come and go,but without a strong herring run this year it will be weak,Sure hope I'am wrong but I doubt it..hope for a nice warm March..Good Luck

 

[marlinmatt]

The 100 fish days are gone on the flats,there might be some fish around for a short time,and I'am sure some nice fish will still come and go,but without a strong herring run this year it will be weak,Sure hope I'am wrong but I doubt it..hope for a nice warm March..Good Luck

ah i dont know.. do you think a major herring run is what dictates a very good flats season? my thoughts are no to be honest with you.. how many years did we go out their and absolutley hammer fish from 22-26" i mean 100-175 fish days the past couple years have been very bleak.. but i like the cold winter we are seeing and i hope to be praising a great spring fishery as years past.. keep your fingers crossed!

 

[gotboost1]

Let me ask this..Why to the fish come on to the Flats in the spring?back in the good years when we did have 100 fish days as the normal there were tons of bait on the flats,heck when we would leave one spot to go to another we would troll rattle traps and snag herring on the way,Belive me I'am hoping for the best,but know better without food they won't stay..Good Luck

 

[WETDREAM]

They spawn on the flats in the spring. Thats why its catch & release only.

 

[marlinmatt]

the flats are a natural holding ground to a pre spawn/post spawn territory as a majority of the fish spawn in the river. the place alone is a quick warming spot because of its shallow flats and sandy bottoms. i do believe their is some forageing of bait but how important is the herring run for these schoolie size fish which have been absolutley inadequate the past few years.. i really dont see it having an effect.. but im hopeing someone jumps in with a good response.. im just curious really.

 

[gotboost1]

Granted it is because of the spawn,but as Matt said they don't spawn on the flats..
Matt have you ever went out in the river and watched them spawn,it's a sight to see,Well I better get to my job site or I won't be able to pay for my fishing habit..

 

[Mike Hammer]

I predict it will be cold, dirty with much floating debris and way too many fisherman.

The last few years have been poor to say the least.

 

[Fishin Dave]

I have heard claims that the fish don't spawn on the flats but I don't beleive it. I saw them spawning on the flats last year

 

[flatsrat]

I thought I would give lend my 2 cents to this. Keep in mind, in today's economy, it's only worth a penny. Back in the day when 100+ fish a day were common, we always had plenty of herring there. We had these days in early March with water temps in the low 40's. Four years ago we were out with water temps in the low 50's and fished with rattle traps, assassins,and everything else in the box for 4 hours without a tap. We could see fish in the clearer water. I snagged a herring on a rattle trap and hooked em up. Not 30 seconds went by and I had a fat 20+ pounder. Rehooked the dead herring and banged another good fish right away. Too many herring for lures ? As for where they spawn, 10 years ago, between Furnace Bay and Carpenters Point, they were so thick I was hitting them with the trolling motor. I have seen it many times over Sandy point as well. Boat traffic,fishing pressure,lack of herring,who knows. Capt. Ed knows as much about these fish and the flats as anybody, maybe he can shed some light on the subject !

 

[capt. ed]

As a general rule the fish come in waves, following the herring and shad runs. That doesn't mean you can't catch some fish when herring aren't prevalent, but those 100 fish days are a result of big waves of fish entering the area.

Weather and water clarity? Way to soon to tell.

Of bigger concern is the pattern of the past 3 or 4 years of little to no success on the Flats. Big fish have been caught early on fresh herring up the river, and the small fish haven't shown in force until the season is closed.

 

[dano1801]

The cold wont make a difference. I've caught them in as low as 38 degree water very early in the season. The herring will migrate regardless of temps. They wont run creeks until temps are right, but they'll be there staging. And the stripers will be right on them. Daylight hours and moons have more to do with setting off the migration than water temps. THeyll be there like clockwork.

Dont worry about the cold weather. Plus, its only the first week of February right now. Its supposed to be cold right now, isnt it. You are thinking too much if you ask me.

 

[Skmag357]

Dont worry about the cold weather. Plus, its only the first week of February right now. Its supposed to be cold right now, isnt it. You are thinking too much if you ask me.

This will be my second full season fishing the flats so I am trying to learn how to fish it properly. We have been lucky the past few years with typically warmer winters and not that much snow. This year, it seems that we have had more snow and colder temps so I thought that would have an impact.

 

[dixie noormiss]

iT'S GOING TO BE THE WORST YEAR EVER!!! STAY AWAY!!!!! You will wreck your prop on some debris, and no one will have fresh herring or bloodworms...the stripers will spawn someplace else!!!!!!:fighting:

 

[DEEP POCKETS]

My father has always said, if the herring are up on the flats/in the rivers - the stripers will be right there with them. The flats fishery is either red hot or ice cold, you really have to put your time in and be there when one of those waves of fish come through and have a day youll never forget.

 

[2dogs]

I had a terrible flats season last year but I'll be back at it regardless. It's the potential that keeps me going. Two years ago we did well on bait but that is not my preferred method. I'm still looking forward to it.