North Shore Long Island Fishing Report

The fishing is almost in full swing as the spring weather continues to become more consistent. Herring have appeared back in local North Shore areas, as well as other baitfish throughout the Sound, according to Mark from Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport. This has brought some more bass to the area as well, with a few extra keepers in the mix. John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park said the Power Plant has been relatively consistent for schoolies and small keepers, but along the beaches and in the Nissequogue have also produced some fish.

Mark at Cow Harbor said the flounder bite continues to be picky, but fish up to 2 pounds are out there. They are spread out, but if you find one fish, there are likely more with it as a few seem to concentrate together. All of the harbors have accounted for a few flounder, as well as in the Nissequogue River.

There are not a lot of porgy in the area yet since the water is still a little cold, but a few are around. They will begin spawning soon, but whether or not the scup will be actively feeding is something we will keep an eye on.

South Shore Long Island Fishing Report

Flounder fishing seems to be tough to come by on the South Shore, but Chasing Tails Bait and Tackle in Oakdale reported that fish have been hanging around the Heckscher Flats and under the Smith Point Bridge. However, it seems like most other reports are coming from farther west. Chris at Causeway Bait and Tackle in Wantagh said Raritan Bay is still a hot spot for flounder, and Bay Park Fishing Station in Oceanside reported anglers have been catching their limit of fish to 3 pounds on the Coney Island Flats using heavy chum, mussels, and sandworms.

Bryce at White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays said that the bass bite is getting better by the day. Bunker have invaded most of the bays, and it won’t be long until the larger bass and blues are on them. A few migratory fish have begun showing up to the east, but holdovers are still prevalent. Chasing Tails reported that bass were caught on chunks under the Smith Point Bridge and off the West Sayville dock, and there have been stripers over 20 pounds picked up at Raritan Bay, according to Bay Park.

Bryce at White Water said that the first weakfish have been caught in Shinnecock and Quogue Canals and in the Peconic. There are not a ton to speak of, but a few 3- to 5-pound fish are just the beginning. Henry at Trophy Tackle in West Babylon said a few Captree boats have RSA permits for fluke, and boats have been catching fish of 14 to 19 inches. The water is still a bit too cold, but with a few keeper sized fish in the mix already, we hope the start of the season will kick off nicely.

Also, don’t forget that registration is open for the 2014 Kayak Fishing Classic at Jamaica Bay, which is being held on May 15th through May 18th. Hosted by Captain Jerry and the crew at Captain Kayak in Sayville, this event proves to be tons of fun and better each year.

Metro Long Island Fishing Report

Louie at Island Bait and Tackle in the Bronx reported that the flounder bite continues to be decent at Orchard Beach Lagoon, Turtle Cove, and around the Pelham Bay Bridge. Joe at Stella Maris Bait and Tackle in Brooklyn added that fish have been picked from the Coney Island Flats, Plum Beach, and Floyd Bennett Field.

Bass are the big news in western Long Island. John from Jack’s Bait and Tackle in the Bronx said the bunker have moved in, and 20- to 25-pound stripers have been caught in the back of Little Neck Bay, Manhasset Bay, and Hempstead Harbor on fresh bunker. Ralphie at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn reported both bass and blues were found in Sheepshead Bay, Plum Beach, and Jamaica Bay. Further to the north, bass up to 28 lbs have been caught from the Throgs Neck Bridge to Rye in 50 feet of water at night on chunks, according to John at Hudson Park Bait and Tackle in New Rochelle. Louie at Island Bait added that bunker and sandworms have been working for a few bass around the Stepping Stone Lighthouse, Execution Lighthouse, and in the East River.

East End Long Island Fishing Report

The East End is finally beginning to warm up a bit. Bill at Jamesport Bait & Tackle in Mattituck said there are a few porgy in Peconic Bay. Buoy 17 seems to be the best spot right now for anglers fishing by boat. Bill also said squid are now being caught around the Greenport jetties.

There is plenty of bait in the bay, including herring, bunker, and spearing, which has brought the bass in around the 105 bridge and Fleets Neck in Cutchogue. Harry at Star Island Marina in Montauk said things have been relatively quiet, but a few small stripers were caught on the south side of Montauk off the beach.

Best Bets for the Weekend

If you haven’t gotten out there yet this year, now is the time to start. The Island is surrounded by stripers, and the majority of the back bays are heating up so it’s only a matter of time and few 70-degree days before things get really good. The baitfish are invading the harbors and beaches, and chunks are working just about everywhere to catch bass. Bucktails, swimming plugs, and worms are also good options as well. With a few showers hopefully ending by Saturday morning, the water should be relatively clean for the gorgeous day on Sunday. If you’re lucky, you can sneak out for a few casts in between Mother’s Day brunch and dinner.

Flounder hasn’t been easy, but if you are interested, the fish are around. Heavy chum continues to make or break trips, and the North Shore and western Long Island seem to be doing the best.

Fluke regulations have been officially finalized. The season starts on Saturday, May 17th and runs through September 21st, and the limit is five fish at 18 inches. With the season opener in just over a week, it’s time to get your gear ready!