Cod Fishing and Sportsman’s Shows
Black sea bass fishing has closed at least temporarily, but anglers looking to get out and do some bottom fishing can still head east to catch cod out of Montauk. The cod bite has been hot and cold, but the fish coming over the rails lately have been a better average size than those of the past few weeks.The Viking Fleet has been consistently finding the cod lately, but the recent trips have been marked by slow fishing with flurries of very fast action.
The word at Whitewater Outfitters is that there are some cod hanging on the wrecks in 120 to 200 feet of water off Shinnecock Inlet. The cod range from small to medium, but enough are keeper-sized for anglers to come home happy. Pollock and the now out-of-season sea bass have been mixing in on those wrecks as well.
Beyond the cod in Montauk, Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh had little to report. With sea bass closed and the stripers still weeks away, there is not much fishing going on right now on Long Island.
Freshwater fishing is always an option. Pickerel and carp ought to be active in the ponds scattered throughout the island. Fish corn for the carp and shiners or stickbaits for the pickerel. White perch will also be active in the brackish portion of the Connetquot.
With the fishing in a sort of lull, anglers would be wise to hit a flea market or sportsman’s show this weekend. The World Fishing and Outdoor Exposition in Suffern, NY is this weekend, where a lagre number of freshwater and saltwater companies will be displaying their wares.
The Berkley Striper Club fishing flea market is this weekend as well. This will be a great opportunity for surfcasters to find and buy those coveted custom striper plugs.