Slow going on Long Island this week. According to Bernies Tackle in Brooklyn, the only fishing happening locally is a few herring being caught from the piers. Anglers hopping on an offshore sea bass trip aboard the Brooklyn VI out of Sheepshead Bay are finding limit catches of big sea bass to 6-plus pounds. The sea bass fishery closes at the end of the month, so book a trip this weekend if you want your fill of fast action on some of the biggest sea bass you’ve ever seen.
At the other end of the island, the cod bite is okay. The Viking Fleet has been putting together some decent catches fishing clam baits around Block Island. Cod in the teens have been winning the pools recently. Over the past few years, March was the best month for the Block Island cod fishery, but this year the bite seems to be declining already. Nevertheless, most anglers are returning to the dock with enough fresh fillets to make it worth the trip.
Freshwater fishing for pickerel and white perch is an option provided the lakes are free of skim ice. Pickerel will strike live shiners fished under a float or suspending jerkbaits fished with long pauses. White perch will hit small spinners or jigs, as well as fathead minnows and grass shrimp.
Trout are an option as well, and lures or flies should be fished deep and slow to tempt the cold water trout.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Get on the phone and lock up a spot aboard a sea bass party boat now. The season is shutting down for a bit at the end of the month, and the sea bass fishing is the most reliable option on Long Island right now. Cod are another option, although the cod bite is fair, not as hot as it was a few weeks back.