North Shore Long Island Fishing Report

The North Shore salt action is virtually nonexistent at this point since most of the herring have moved off to deeper water. However, not all hope is lost. Dan from Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh said he has gotten reports of a few herring being caught off Tappen Beach and Bar Beach.

Although a bit picky right now, there is a freshwater bite going on as well. John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park said that the trout are out to play, namely in White’s Pool in the Nissequogue, but other streams may see some action too. He said it’s not what you would call “red hot”, but some fish are better than no fish.

Just south of Terminal Tackle at Blydenburgh Lake in Smithtown, a few yellow perch have been caught as well as a few stray largemouth bass.

South Shore Long Island Fishing Report

Dan at Causeway let us know that Magnolia Pier in Long Beach is still holding herring, at least up until the frigid temperatures moved in the past few days. If you’re looking to get into some freshwater fishing, Dan also mentioned that pickerel have been biting at Lower Twin Pond in Wantagh.

The cod, ling, and Pollock bite is still on for those fishing the local wrecks off the eastern South Shore, according to Bert at White Water Outfitters. He also said that he’s been stuck in the shop basement working on rod and reel repair lately, so bring down your gear sooner than later so it’s ready before the fish arrive.

Metro Long Island Fishing Report

Frank from Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn said that the herring fishing has not been as intense lately with spotty fishing reported at all the local spots. Many of the guys have spent their time scouting around, with the best luck coming from the Coney Island Pier, the 69th Street Pier, and Red Hook. Stretch at Stella Maris Bait and Tackle in Brooklyn also reported hit or miss herring fishing in Sheepshead Bay with one or two days being good and then the bite will be shut off the other days.

For those interested in ling and cod around western Long Island, Stretch at Stella Maris said it’s happening out around 17 fathoms.

East End Long Island Fishing Report

Cod fishing off Montauk has been hit or miss lately, with only a few fish willing to bite most days. Bert at White Water did say there have been some smaller fish picked off south of Block Island when the boats are able to get out.

Best Bets for the Weekend

I’m sure most of you know already, but if you happen to be cooped up inside it might surprise you to find out that it got bitterly cold out again this week. Although the herring bite has rebounded a bit since the last bout of cold, we can only hope it can rebound again. As it is, much of the North Shore is pretty quiet and only a few spots on the South Shore and Metro area have been producing spotty catches. For those of you willing to brave the mid-20 degree temperatures this weekend, you may be spending more time test casting around the piers than actually catching herring.

Cod, ling, and pollock fishing, especially on the South Shore, are a better bet if the boats will actually set out.

If you don’t want to hit the saltwater this weekend, freshwater fishing is picking up if you want to give that to try. The North Shore is seeing a decent trout catch, as well as some yellow perch, and pickerel are starting to bite on the South Shore.