Slipping through the cracks last week was news of a 15.6-pound fluke caught in the ocean west of Moriches Inlet on Sunday, July 5th. John Yander of Middle Island was the angler. Some might call him lucky, but John's previous best summer flattie weighed a bit over 10 pounds so I figue a bit of skill has to be in play here. The huge doormat took a live killie and squid strip combination in 50 feet of water.
"For a big fish, there were no complications once I lifted it off the bottom," said Yander. "It fought okay, but I've had eight- and 10-pound fish fight harder. John Willis gets the assist for a perfect job with the net."
Yander was back out yesterday, this time working outside Moriches Inlet "toward Westhampton." He reported fast action but tallied only one keeper among 40 shorts.