North Shore Long Island Fishing Report

I wish I had some better news to report, but it looks like it has been another slow week across the Island. I was really hoping that the warm weather over the weekend would heat things up a bit or at least get a few more people out. However, despite the spring-like temperatures outside, all of the cold runoff from melting snow and ice kept the water temperatures down. John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park said the sun coming out was the only good thing that happened over the weekend.

South Shore Long Island Fishing Report

Joe at Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh reported that the cod boats on the South Shore did make it off the dock, but it was a very slow pick of fish this week. There were plenty of boats with mixed bags of cod, pollock, and ling, but the action wasn’t as steady as we would like.

Bryce from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said he has not had any reports making it back to the shop this week. Even the couple of guys that work there who have been hitting holdover schoolies were out of luck, but they will be trying next week to see if things pick up a bit.

Bryce also wanted to remind everyone to visit them this Saturday at Ward Melville High School for the Saltwater Fishing Expo.

Metro Long Island Fishing Report

Frank at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn said that the herring fishing has been a roller coaster with many bad days and only a few good ones mixed in. Other than the possibility of herring if you’re lucky, he has heard of a few small stripers caught up by the FDR Drive, and the Upstate ice fishing has been pretty decent. Frank also mentioned that he heard of steady offshore tilefish action for those heading out on those trips.

East End Long Island Fishing Report

It seems like the only place with any consistent action is Montauk. John at Trophy Tackle in West Babylon reported that the cod fishing is halfway decent on the East End, with many guys on the charter boats catching between 2 to 4 fish up to 20 pounds.

Best Bets for the Weekend

From what I have seen so far, the boats will be sailing this weekend, although it’s looking to be quite a bit colder than last weekend. The cod trips out of Montauk should provide a decent catch, but don’t be discouraged against the South Shore boats as they are hauling in a good amount of fish as well.