North Shore Long Island Fishing Report
With many of the harbors and bays at least partially frozen, the options were very limited on the North Shore this week, according to Carmine at Campsite Sports Shop in Huntington Station. Being that herring fishing was really the only promising thing going on, the Sound is pretty dead at this point since there was no open water to cast into from the piers. John at Terminal Tackle in Kings Park said that trout should be around in the usual spots, such as White’s Pool and the Carmans River toward the South Shore, but no one has been out looking for them.
South Shore Long Island Fishing Report
Herring on the South Shore is pretty impossible now also with all of the frozen water. The good news though is that the cod fishing is heating up nicely. Bert at White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported excellent cod trips for the charter boats out at the 30-mile wrecks with roughly 8 to 10 keepers per person with a few shorts thrown in there, and ling are starting to make an appearance also. There were a few boats that headed out from the western South Shore this week, but their short to keeper ratio was not as good. A good portion of the catch had to be tossed back, and only about a third of the fish were keeper size. Anglers were still able to go home with roughly 3 to 4 fish for the dinner table.
White Water is busy this week servicing tons of Van Staals and offshore gear at the shop while also setting up a booth at the New York Boat Show, which is going on now through Sunday.
Metro Long Island Fishing Report
Richie of Stella Maris Bait & Tackle in Brooklyn said that anglers are still hammering herring at the usual spots, including Pier 10 in Sheepshead Bay, Magnolia Pier, Coney Island Pier, and Canarsie Pier. He also added that anglers are keeping their rods bent on the offshore cod trips out to the AB Reef with plenty of shorts, but also some decent keepers in the mix.
East End/North Fork Long Island Fishing Report
The best cod action this week was found on the East End. Ben at Star Island Marina in Montauk reported good hauls for the boats sailing from their docks and any of the main charters that also headed out. While fish in the 8 to 18 pound range are more likely, 25 to 30 pound fish are becoming pretty regular keeping both captains and anglers very happy. Some days of fishing were stellar and other days just a pick, but overall things are picking up. Both bait and jigs are working nicely, and Pollock are starting to show up at the cod grounds also for a bit of a mixed bag trip.
Best Bets for the Weekend
This weekend is not looking like it is going to be a pretty one with a coastal storm on the way, which promises to bring high winds and a good amount of snow and rain depending on how it tracks. However, seas won’t be picking up until Sunday so there is a chance you can find a charter boat willing to make the trip out for cod. From a fishing standpoint, offshore is the best bet right now as there is not much happening inshore. With most of the Island’s bays and harbors frozen, you would be hard pressed to find a stretch of open water holding fish. We might get lucky with some freshwater opportunities in the near future, but for now it might be time to hang up the gear.
If the weather is not conducive to a day out on the water, the New York Boat Show at the Javits Center is always an option. It is running from now until Sunday, January 25, and you can visit the guys at the On the Water booth.