Several KFA-NY members travelled to the western Long Island Sound last weekend to fish the Atlantic Outfitters Tournament in Port Washington, New York. As usual, we pounded the schoolies inside Manhasset Bay during the tournament. In addition, the KFA-NY swept the conventional division, catching the largest striped bass, bluefish, and most fish caught. Here is a rundown of the winners:

Largest striped bass: Bob Marvin, KFA-NY - 36.5"
Largest bluefish: Sultan Hall, KFA-NY - 24"

Largest striped bass fly rod - Ed Sinn - 22"
Largest bluefish fly rod - N/A

Most Fish Caught - Pat Gallagher, KFA-NY -- 32.

Good quantity numbers of schoolie stripers were caught by all that participated. Most stripers ranged from 18" - 25", with a few 26" - 28" striped bass also caught. Bob Marvin's 36.5" striper is also noteworthy because it was the biggest striper taken in any of the Atlantic Outfitters tournaments, which began in 2006. Tim (Tim Mac), Daimon (banjer), and Kayak Willy all caught at least 25 schoolies each. Most anglers had double digit stripers.

There were only a handful of cocktail-sized blues caught. Bob Stueber had some in the morning on top water plugs and Sultan Hall won the Bluefish Divison with a 24" blue. Disappointing quantity and quality bluefish compared to years past in that area, but there isn't any big bait in the western sound at this time to draw in the gators. Additionally, Hurricane Irene moved the bluefish off last month and they still haven't returned in typical numbers in the far western sound. In comparison, KFA-NY member George White won the 2009 Atlantic Outfitters Tournament with a monster 39" bluefish. Other blues were caught to 37" that day.

We all saw a good amount of small baits back there, including some fish crashing peanut bunker that looked to be chased by small blues.

Special thanks to John Thomson, owner of Atlantic Outfitters, for his hospitality and running a great tournament that is extremely fun for kayak fishermen of all levels. AO is a great shop and John is one of the most knowledgeable fishermen in the western sound for kayak fishermen. He ties a great selection of flies for the area as well.

Here is a picture of Bob Marvin with the tournament winning striper:



Below are some other assorted pictures from the day.

Locking and loading in the morning.



The Atlantic Outfitters Launch.



Kayak Willy casting plugs from his Pro Angler. Here is a link to his video: http://youtu.be/tWOXZvZ8EzY



Tournament winning bluefish:





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