Some of the most exciting fly-fishing for stripers takes place when anglers exit Montauk harbor and turn to the west to fish the shallows ranging all the way to Goff Point. This region is ideal for small-boat anglers. Techniques include poling across shallow flats not more than 100 feet from shore, and then sight-casting to cruising stripers.

Most of the striper action for boatmen occurs in deeper water, in the rips and along the ridges and shoals to the east of the harbor, down around the point, in front of the lighthouse, and then west along the boulder- strewn ocean beaches.

Usually during spring, the fish will be feeding deep, a natural for wire line trolling with parachute jigs, tube lures or drifting with live baits. Jigging and casting with artificials also produces.

Good beach catches occur at North Bar, Jones Reef and Scott's Hole on the north side of False Point. Along the south shore beaches, Caswell's, the Coconuts, Ditch Plains and Gurney's all produce during the spring run.

Both Johnny's Tackle and Freddie's will be pleased to direct visiting anglers to these spots. Striper anglers who fish from the beach will find parking available at the end of many streets leading to the ocean off Old Montauk Highway.

The south shore beaches have produced fine fishing all the way from the point to Hither Hills State Park, both with natural bait and lures. There's parking and access to the waters beneath Montauk Light at the end of Route 27. Stripers often can be observed chasing baitfish right in among the rocks along the beach extending all the way to Shagwong.

Anglers traveling with four-wheel-drive vehicles score along the beaches all the way from Gin Beach at the harbor inlet to the point. First-time visitors to the area would be well served to contact a local surf guide. They will tell you precisely what's happening, and if they're booked, they'll put you in touch with a select group that really know the beaches.

You really can't appreciate Montauk's striper fishing unless you're able to set aside four days to a week, where you can settle into the hamlet and spend some time walking the docks, talking with the skippers and mates, stopping by the tackle shops and rubbing elbows with the countless bass anglers, professional skippers and guides in the region. They're all part of the charisma of Montauk, and it would be to your advantage to give an attentive ear to the fishing advice you'll garner along the way.

A stroll through the village of Montauk is also worthwhile. There are fast food and gourmet restaurants, convenience stores and a variety of shops to accommodate your every need. One of the oldest restaurants in Montauk is the Shagwong, where you'll see natives and visitors gather to swap fishing yarns and plans for the day ahead. This is truly a striper angler's gathering spot, and the fish you eat there were invariably caught that day. In fact, you can bring in your own catch of the day and they'll prepare a scrumptious dinner second to none. That's just the way things are in Montauk.

For more information on lodges and restaurants, guide services and charters, contact the Montauk Chamber of Commerce at (631) 668-2428, or access their Web site at www.montaukchamber.com. By accessing the chamber's Web site anglers may also obtain a copy of their vacation guide, complete with maps and current information.

As for me, I'll be heading east on the Southern State Parkway as I've done for many years. I just know the stripers will be aggressively feeding in the rips and along the beaches at the easternmost point on Long Island. Montauk is where it's at and one visit will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.