North Shore Long Island Fishing Report

Nothing new and exciting happening on the North Shore. Robert at Hi Hook Bait & Tackle in Huntington said all of the harbors are frozen, so the herring just aren’t around. We will need a good warm spell before we see any good herring action again.

John from Terminal Tackle in Kings Park reported much of the same. He said he can’t get anyone out fishing, so reports are hard to come by. However, he does know of a guy who has been out for trout and pulls a fish every now and then.

South Shore Long Island Fishing Report

Thankfully, there was a bit more action on the South Shore. Mike at White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said there was solid cod fishing on the wrecks last week for the boats running out of Moriches and Shinnecock. He also let us know that some guys from the shop have caught a few holdover schoolie stripers, but they are tight-lipped on locations, so you’ll have to brave the cold temperatures and do some searching.

White Water Outfitters will be at the NY Sportfishing Federation Freeport Show Friday-Sunday. Bryce will be doing a seminar on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. on rigging for bluefin and bigeyes, and Bert will be doing a hands-on clinic for Van Staal self service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Metro Long Island Fishing Report

It was a little slow in Metro Long Island, but there were a few things going on to speak of. Vinny at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn let us know that the herring fishing is off and on at Coney Island Pier and Canarsie Pier. It seems like they move away during the cold snaps, but return when it gets a few degrees warmer.

He also said that some of his customers are catching ling off the 69th St. Pier with clams and others are ice fishing for pike, perch, and bass.

East End Long Island Fishing Report

We heard from a number of the shops across the Island that Montauk cod fishing did well this past week. John at Terminal Tackle said it isn’t what you would call red hot, but there are definitely a good number of fish being caught. You’ll find most of the boats heading to the wrecks southeast of Block Island.

Best Bets for the Weekend

It’s looking like another cold weekend and a good chance of more snow on Saturday, since all the snow we got Thursday wasn’t enough. Everything is expected to still be frozen, so most herring spots are out of the question, unless you can get lucky in the Metro area and fish on a good day around some of the piers. Ice fishing is another option, although I haven’t heard too much of that going on around here. If you feel like exploring, a few holdover schoolies are around for the taking if you are willing.

Cod is the better bet if the boats are sailing, but I would call ahead since there might be some windy conditions this weekend. Montauk and South Shore wreck fishing has been seeing good numbers of cod and pollock, so there’s a good chance you’ll bring some home for the dinner table.

Here’s just another reminder for the NY Sportfishing Federation Forum & Auction Freeport Show happening this upcoming Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Freeport Recreaction Center. There will be a bunch of great exhibitors there, including On The Water, and some of your favorite tackle shops as well. Also, there will be some great seminars going on, including a few from the guys at White Water Outfitters. The show should be a good remedy for the winter doldrums and help us forget about the snow for a little while.