North Shore Long Island Fishing Report

There are not many good reports coming off the water around the Island this week. However, John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park did let us know that the ice is finally starting to clear, and the boats may have a chance to leave the harbor soon enough. While we have had some warmer days, the temperatures at night are still pretty low, slowing the melting process. John reported that a few anglers were out fishing for trout this week, but no reports made it back to the shop so far.

He also wanted to let everyone know that the shop is stocked for the April 1st opener of winter flounder, so stop by and pick up whatever you need to be ready to get out.

South Shore Long Island Fishing Report

The trips that got out on the days before and after the weekend had a pick of fish, but the weekend itself was tough. Mike from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said that the water conditions didn’t allow many boats to get out over the weekend with the gusty winds and moderate chop, and Trophy Tackle in West Babylon reported that most of the Captree boats stayed tied to the dock. While the boats did pull a few keepers over the rails, they had to sort through a lot of shorts, according to Joe at Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh.

Metro Long Island Fishing Report

Frank at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn didn’t have much good news for us either. He said there has been an increase in herring rig sales recently, so he is hopeful anglers are at least out trying, but hasn’t had many reports coming back to the shop so far. The cod and ling bite for the boats heading out of Sheepshead Bay hasn’t been too positive either, with a trip the other day coming back with only one fish. Frank said the few nice days we have had are getting some people a little too optimistic and they are asking how the bluefish bite is. Unfortunately, we just aren’t quite there yet, but hopefully action will pick up soon enough.

East End Long Island Fishing Report

Montauk was pretty quiet over the last week, with the stiff winds and heavy chop not allowing for very good fishing conditions. When boats were able to get out, the catch was hit or miss with some anglers getting a few cod and others who got skunked.

Best Bets for the Weekend

This upcoming weekend might be another tough one. A few boats cancelled trips for Friday and are questioning or already cancelled their weekend trips. I’m sure someone will be sailing for cod, you just have to be willing to find the boats and deal with the conditions.