North Shore Long Island Fishing Report
Mark at Cow Harbor in Northport said that the first weekend of flounder season started off pretty nicely. There weren’t many jumbo fish, but a good number were caught. Most flounder were hooked during the incoming in shallow tidal areas that were exposed and able to warm up during low tide. Mussels and worms have been the bait of choice, and heavy chumming is key. John from Terminal Tackle in Kings Park agreed, saying that anglers have even been able to limit out in Huntington, Northport, and Centerport Harbors.
John also reported that the trout action continues to be consistent for guys fishing at White’s Pool and Twin Ponds. Small spinners and nightcrawlers have been working best.
South Shore Long Island Fishing Report
Chasing Tails Bait & Tackle in Oakdale has been reporting plenty of customers coming in with trout from the local areas. They have been eating up wax worms, meal worms, nightcrawlers, and spinners. The shop’s Annual Trout and White Perch Tournament runs until April 30th, so there is still plenty of time to land a big fish and take the lead.
Bay Park Fishing Station in Oceanside reported that anglers fishing with clams on the South Shore have had a decent catch of cod and ling over 10 pounds.
Vinny at White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said that the flounder season started off nicely in the Quogue Canal for those fishing with clams, mussels, and bloodworms.
Vinny also reported that the bass action continues in the tidal creeks with fish up to 28 inches and 10 pounds, and it seems like bunker have begun showing up in the bay. White Water will be holding a Grand Opening party on Saturday, May 3rd at their new store. There will be plenty of food, drinks, music, giveaways, raffles, and demos throughout the day. Specials will be running that weekend for anyone purchasing new gear and tackle.
Metro Long Island Fishing Report
Jimmy at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn said the flounder reports have been fairly slow, but he reported a few anglers have had some luck at the bulkheads by the 69th Street Pier on sandworms. Louie from Island Bait and Tackle in the Bronx also said the incoming tide has been good for fish up to 17.5 inches around Orchard Beach Lagoon.
The bass are on the move and we have received quite a few reports of them coming from the Metro area this week. John at Hudson Park Bait and Tackle in New Rochelle said that the Hudson is full of schoolies at the moment, and Joe from Stella Maris Bait and Tackle in Brooklyn reported some small bass were caught off the beach by the Verrazano Bridge. Louie at Island Bait said the Pelham Bay Bridge is holding a few decent sized fish, and guys are catching them on bloodworms, small swim shads, and 4-inch twisty tails.
East End Long Island Fishing Report
We heard from Bill at Jamesport Bait & Tackle in Mattituck that the East End has been pretty quiet, but there are reports of herring in both the Peconic Bay and the Sound, so the bass shouldn’t be too far behind.
Fishing Forecast for New York and Long Island
Fishing is definitely picking up around the Island, and each week things are sounding better and better. Shallow water flounder fishing is off to a decent start on both the North and South Shore. The key seems to be to fish during the incoming over the areas which were exposed to the sun at low tide. Chumming can’t hurt either.
Small stripers are starting to show up, especially around western Long Island, and it’s only a matter of time before they begin heading east. Hit your local shallow tidal areas, as that is the first place you will find them. All of the shops keep saying it’s only a matter of time before the action lights up, and you want to find the bass soon since the season opens up on April 15th.
With reports of stripers around, anglers start to forget about their local freshwater spots, but don’t dismiss them just yet. Trout action is still excellent in stocked locations and other species are waking up with the warmer weather.