North Shore Long Island Fishing Report
It looks like the drastically cold temperatures from last week had an unfortunate outcome on the herring fishing on the North Shore. John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park said that it seems like the cold snap and frozen water have pushed the herring out of the area and into deeper water. There’s a chance they may not be back until the spring.
On a good note, John reported that there is a trout bite at the back of the Nissequogue by White’s Pool. Anglers have been having luck using nightcrawlers and small lures, and fishing seems to be best when the water is high.
South Shore Long Island Fishing Report
Chris from Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh reported that the herring fishing is still going strong in Reynolds Channel at Magnolia Pier. Mike over at White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said there have also been some herring in the canal over by the shop.
Chris mentioned that small cod have been caught on the local wrecks on the western end of the South Shore, but the better cod fishing can be found on the wrecks further to the east. Mike at White Water said when the boats can get out of Shinnecock and Moriches they are fishing in 150 to 220 feet of water and pulling up good numbers of cod. Pollock and ling can also be found mixed in. White Water is fully stocked with everything you need for the upcoming season and they are getting new arrivals of gear all the time. They are also happy to take care of all your current equipment maintenance and repair.
Metro Long Island Fishing Report
Frank at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn said the herring fishing that was so hot a week ago took a hit after the cold weather moved in. However, things are already beginning to pick up at the Coney Island Pier and the 69th Street Pier, and Frank said if the weather continues to stay on the warmer side, we can probably see better life at other local piers in the near future as well. Joe at Stella Maris Bait and Tackle in Brooklyn also added that herring are still being found in Sheepshead Bay even after the deep freeze.
East End Long Island Fishing Report
John at Terminal Tackle said that the East End cod fishing isn’t what you would call “red hot” right now, especially with the weather not cooperating lately. There is a slow pick of fish, however, on the wrecks if you get out on any of the boats. Mike from White Water said this is usually the time the year they hear reports out of Montauk, but the news has been slow to come in. If the weather allows the boats to sail, the shop should hear some updates soon.
Best Bets for the Weekend
On the herring front, the fishing has dropped off a bit since last week, especially on the North Shore and Metro area. However, the bite has rebounded in western Long Island a bit and should be pretty decent for the weekend. A few spots on the South Shore are producing catches, but the North Shore fish seem to have moved off probably until the spring.
If you still want to find some fish on the North Shore, you can try the Nissequogue for a chance at winter trout.
Cod fishing is still going strong on the eastern South Shore with some ling and Pollock also making things more fun. There is a small chance of rain for this weekend, but the temperatures continue to be more on the mild side, so East End cod may pick up a bit.
As always, support your local shops this slow time of year and take care of your gear for the upcoming fishing.