North Shore Long Island Fishing Report

John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park reported that the beaches and bays are quiet for stripers, but there has been a good number of small keepers caught in 40 to 50 feet of water at Cranes Neck, Buoy 15, and the Triangle. Jigging has been working with the tide until in slows down during slack water. Phil from Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport said some small bass were also caught on top water poppers at dawn in the Sunken Meadow area.

No word on any blues on the North Shore, but blackfishing is excellent with anglers knocking them dead, according to John at Terminal Tackle. Robert from Hi Hook Bait & Tackle in Huntington said tog up to 6 pounds are coming from Greens Ledge and Buoys 28C and 11B. Phil from Cow Harbor said green crabs are the bait of choice.

South Shore Long Island Fishing Report

The stripers are still around off the beaches; however Mike from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said anglers have had to work a bit harder this week. The bass have been hitting diamond jigs, darters, and SuperStrikes. A few keepers were mixed in, although Joe from Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh said the beach fish are getting small. From the boats, jigging and trolling bunker spoons and umbrella rigs have worked from Atlantic Beach to Debs Inlet with fish up to 38 inches, according to the report from Bay Park Fishing Station in Oceanside.

Blues mixed in with the bass on the western South Shore on umbrella rigs, bunker spoons, and jigs.

Bay Park reported boats limiting on tog with a fish this week weighing in at an awesome 11.9 pounds off the AB Reef. Eight-pounders have not been uncommon. According to Mike at White Water, wreck fishing has blown up this week. He said to target water of 120 to 180 feet and to use jigs or various baits to pull up some cod and sea bass. Mike also wanted to remind everyone that White Water is a service center for all major reels. Now is a good time to get the offshore big game reels respooled or have service done before putting your setups away for the winter.

Metro Long Island Fishing Report

Frank at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn reported that bass of barely keeper size have been caught in the early morning from the Breezy Point Jetty to Sandy Hook. Stretch from Stella Maria Bait and Tackle in Brooklyn also said they are blitzing in some spots, so if you find the birds working, you should find the bass.

There hasn’t been many blues in the area, but a few were mixed in with the stripers at the Breezy Point Jetty. When anglers have connected, they were rewarded with a nice fish of about 10 to 12 pounds.

Stretch at Stella Maris Bait & Tackle in Brooklyn said the tog fishing is really good at New Bottom and South Reef, and Frank from Bernie’s said the boats have been limiting out with blackfish between 6 to 7 pounds. He also mentioned that there is a good herring bite in NY Harbor and for some reason the fish have stuck around for the past few weeks without really moving out to different areas.

East End Long Island Fishing Report

Captain Mike from Prime Time 3 North Fork Charter Boat said that despite some herring moving in on the East End, it doesn’t look like there are any stripers on them as of yet. The beach still has a few bass, but mostly very small fish, according to Mike at Star Island Marina in Montauk.

Captain Mike also said the boat has been limiting out on tog from 8 to 12 pounds in 60 to 100 feet of water on all the wrecks. Cerberus Shoal in 80 to 100 feet is a good spot to try, according to Paulie from Paulie’s Bait and Tackle in Montauk. The sea bass fishing is very good also, but it looks like they may be on their way out.

Prime Time Charter Boats will be running until December 8th.

Best Bets for the Weekend

Weather is continuing to be a major factor for many anglers who can’t seem to catch a break. This week is no different with some wicked rain and wind the next few days, although things are looking up by Friday. Stripers are still all over the South Shore, but I am hoping this latest storm doesn’t completely turn them off. The bass bite is starting to wind down somewhat, but it is still worth targeting them for now.

The wreck fishing seems to be the better way to go since there’s a good chance you can go home with some fish. Tog are biting nicely all over the Island, but the biggest fish have been found on the East End and South Shore. The cod and sea bass fishing are starting to heat up and it should just keep getting better from here.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving holiday!