With the open and charter boat porgy limit set to expand on Monday, September 1, I asked Dave Brennan, captain of the Greenport based open boat, Peconic Star (www.peconicstar.com,) for this best porgy-catching tip.
"Hook 'em before they bite," was his simple advice.
That may sound like a joke, but it's actually right on target. Porgy fishing can be so hot at times that some anglers have their baits stolen before even feeling a tug. Brennan suggests engaging your reel the instant the line hits bottom, and then lifting the rod tip gently.
"If there is any extra weight at the end of the line, set the hook immediately," explains the crafty skipper. "A fish already has your bait in its mouth."
Most anglers use a high-low rig for porgies. Once you set the hook, let the fish struggle near the bottom for a few seconds and a second porgy will likely jump on the free hook.