Head out to local waters & finish off 4th with bang

Now is the time to scout around for boats offering spectacular views of July 4 Fireworks. Reservations are necessary and space is limited. There are ample choices of various metro area celebrations.

Among those heading for front-row seats to Macy’s fireworks show are Sheepshead Bay’s Ocean Eagle V. Some of City Island’s Island Current fleet will cruise down the East River to those Hudson River vantage points.

Merrymakers aboard Huntington’s James Joseph II will witness the popular Oyster Bay, L.I., display. And Montauk will be firing up its own Stars Over Montauk Grucci display less than a mile east of town center.

Twenty boats out of the Captree Boat Basin fleet will be setting sail from Captree State Park for Bay Shore anchorage to see Grucci’s extravaganza on Great South Bay. See CaptreeFleet.com.

Departure times and prices vary. Some captains offer special children’s rates. Several promise limited party food. However, it’s best to count on supplying your own food and drink.

Whatever you do, wherever you go, celebrate our Independence Day safely and well.

If I were a betting lady, I’d pick sea bass as the current favorite quarry along the South Shore of Long Island. As for the Sound, I would say the focus is on porgies. Anglers are also delighted with their catch- es of bluefish and striped bass, perhaps now even with triggerfish and some of those lingering ling.

Bets also seem to be on for the heaviest fluke. For example, a 10.6-pound Great South Bay specimen was recently weighed in, and a 10-pounder was taken from near Harts Island in the Sound.

Even some blue-claw crabs are beginning to clamber around docks and piers. Remember that New York regulations call for a minimum carapace measurement of 41/2 inches for that tasty treat.

For heftier fare, head east to Montauk and enliven things with offshore angling for mako and thresher sharks.

Not that sharks are the focus of its new promotion, but the Montauk Chamber of Commerce has come up with the welcome idea of offering six midweek summer evenings of free fishing for kids 6 to 18. The dates are July 10 to 12 and Aug. 14-16. The designated times are 5:30 to 8 p.m., although other hours may be available.

Sign up at the Chamber’s office at 742 Montauk Highway (Main Street). Nine boats, including the Viking fleet, are participating in this program.

A $10 fee will be charged for the required adult accompanying the children. Montauk’s Westlake Marina is donating the bait and fishing equipment, and personal floating vests will be provided.

For further info, view www.MontaukChamber.com or phone (631) 668-2428.