SHEEPSHEAD BAY — The Blessing of the Fleet, a yearly ceremony that officially opens the sailing season for recreational boaters, was hosted by Varuna Boat Club on June 30.

Fishing pieces of shrimp on 3/8- to 1/2-ounce Sheepballs and jigheads, Gunter said the sheepshead were in full-on spawning mode, following up hooked fish to the surface.