North Shore Long Island Fishing Report

Unfortunately, no reports of stripers came from the North Shore shops, but there are plenty of blackfish to go around. John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park said that the fishing is a bit unpredictable as some days the tog are deep and other days they are more shallow. However, if you find the fish, the area will be loaded with big ones. John reported that anglers fishing in 45 feet of water last weekend hammered the fish and things should continue to be good until the season comes to an end.

Robert from Hi Hook Bait & Tackle in Huntington reported herring being caught on sabiki rigs in Centerport, Cold Spring Harbor, and Huntington Harbor, as well as many other area harbors. John also added that Huntington Harbor is the best spot for squid right now.

South Shore Long Island Fishing Report

The bass fishing is pretty slow on the South Shore, although Bert from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said some schoolies can be found from the rivers in to the bays.

The bottom fishing has been much better with big blackfish being caught on the AB Reef, with some cod mixed in, according to John at Trophy Tackle in West Babylon. Bay Park Fishing Station in Oceanside weighed in the largest tog of the season so far of 12.70 lbs, although most of the fish caught were in the 7- to 8-pound range. The shop said the blackfish are still very hungry, and white crabs are working best right now. Bert at White Water said the sea bass bite is insane right now in 100 to 200 feet of water, with nice cod mixing in, and the tuna fishing at Hudson Canyon is still phenomenal. Bert also wanted to remind everyone that it is a good time to bring in your rods and reels to White Water for an end of the season service.

Metro Long Island Fishing Report

We finally have some good news on stripers with Louie from Island Bait and Tackle in the Bronx reporting bass caught at the Pelham Bay Bridge, the Throgs Neck Bridge, and the Stepping Stone Lighthouse. Although the largest fish reported was only about 18 pounds, many of the fish were at least of keeper size, and fresh herring, bloodworms, and squid are all working well. Vinny at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn said some small stripers were caught off the beaches on tins and needlefish. We also got a report from Joe at Stella Maris Bait and Tackle in Brooklyn who said you can jig up some bass around Coney Island and the Verrazano Bridge where you find birds working.

Louie at Island Bait said the blackfishing is still going strong with tons of keepers in 70 feet of water at New Bottom, and although green crabs are still catching them, white crabs are the best bait right now. Joe at Stella Maris said tog fishing at Buoy 17 is also good in 50 to 100 feet of water. Vinny at Bernie’s told us that herring are being caught at the Coney Island Pier, as well as other area piers. Louie wanted to let everyone know that the shop is having their holiday sale of 10% to 50% off select items, and they are also doing rod and reel services  and are now open Thursday-Sunday 10am to 4pm.

East End Long Island Fishing Report

Although the herring are still on the East End, bass haven’t really been spotted chasing them. Blackfish on the other hand have been hungry at Fisher’s Island, Block Island, and most other hard structure, according to Mike from Star Island Marina in Montauk. Captain Mike from Prime Time 3 North Fork Charters also said south of Block Island at the 30 mile wrecks in about 120 feet of water, cod and sea bass are really heating up.

Best Bets for the Weekend

With the 2013 blackfish season closing on Saturday and the striper season ending on Sunday, this weekend is your last chance to bring any of those home for the table. For a keeper bass, the Metro area seems to be the only place reporting larger fish and targeting the areas around the bridges with fresh bait will be the best chance at a last minute linesider.

The tog fishing should remain excellent to close out the season with plenty of fish hitting the decks all around the Island. Fisher’s Island, the AB Reef, the Triangle, and New Bottom are all good spots to try depending on where you like to fish, and the blackfish seem to be favoring white crab at this point. As long as the weather is decent, hitting the blackfish grounds on Saturday is a really good idea.

Sea bass and cod fishing are excellent, especially on the South Shore and East End, and the herring can keep you busy in the bays and off the piers.