North Shore Long Island Fishing Report

With the few days of warmer temperatures and local areas getting stocked with trout, things are beginning to look up. John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park said that all of the usual spots on the North Shore were stocked, and there are plenty of trout being caught in White’s Pool and Twin Ponds in Centerport. He also said that herring have been spotted in the Nissequoge and Huntington Harbor, although no one has really been out targeting them. John said he doesn’t anticipate a strong April 1st flounder opener since the water is about 4 degrees cooler than normal for this time of year, but he expects to see people out on the water bringing up an occasional fish.

Carmine at Campsite Sports Shop in Huntington Station reported that the freshwater bite picked up a bit this week, with a few more largemouth bass and pickerel caught.

South Shore Long Island Fishing Report

Joe from Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh said that the lakes woke up this week after trout were stocked in the area. Not only are guys hooking up with trout now, but the bass and pickerel bite has picked up as well.

Bert over at White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said that despite the recent winds, there were a few days where cod boats were able to get out and fish. It was actually a fairly productive week with a consistent pick of cod up to 20 pounds and plenty of ling and pollock mixed in, although it seemed like the eastern South Shore had better luck than further west. Bert also said he has been pummelled by all the Van Staals and offshore gear coming in to get serviced. The season is right around the corner, so now is your last chance to get your setup ready.

Metro Long Island Fishing Report

Ralph at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn said that not a whole lot has changed since last week. There are a few herring around, but nothing to get too worked up over. The Hudson River striper season opened up a little over a week ago, and there have been some bass caught, but things haven’t turned on quite yet. There should be an increase in activity with a few consistent warmer days.

Joe at Stella Maris Bait and Tackle in Brooklyn said that the boats going out for cod from Sheepshead Bay had some luck this week bringing in a few cod and ling, allowing everyone on board to take home some fillets.

East End Long Island Fishing Report

Ben at Star Island Marina in Montauk said the East End has been pretty quiet except for cod fishing, which is hit or miss with the weather lately. When the boats are able to head out, the fishing is decent, but the wind has been making it tough. There are trips scheduled for the weekend, and a few special deepwater trips coming up.

Best Bets for the Weekend

It looks like someone informed the fish that it is spring, and they decided to start getting hungry. Freshwater fishing began to pick up this week, and with highs in the 50’s for at least the next few days, things should only continue to improve. Stocked trout have livened up the lakes and this is a good weekend to get out there and get them.

Cod fishing seemed to pick up as well this week, and if the weather is favorable, boats will be heading out. The wind looks like it will be a bit of a pain over the weekend, but should die down by the middle of the week so anglers hopefully won’t get beat up too much.

Flounder season opens up next week, and while anticipation for a big haul aren’t high, there should be some fish around, and it’s a good excuse to get out there.

Also, I’m sure many of you are aware, but 2014 fluke regulations have been decided on. The season will run from May 17th through September 21st, and you are allowed 5 fish at 18 inches. There are a few boats already taking reservations, so book early if you want to get out for the opener.