North Shore Long Island Fishing Report
Each week, things are getting progressively worse on the inshore front. John from Terminal Tackle in Kings Park said that there is absolutely zero happening on the North Shore. Harbors and bays are frozen over so the likelihood of herring is very slim, and you would have to trudge through 2 feet of snow to any open freshwater that may hold some trout. All we can hope for is that spring comes early and the Island begins to thaw so we can hit the water.
South Shore Long Island Fishing Report
Bill at Combs Bait & Tackle in Freeport reported a deep chill happening inshore this week where ocean temperatures plummeted in just a few short days. A charter captain that was fishing 60-90 feet of water for cod got skunked as the water has just gotten way too cold and the fish moved deeper offshore. The King Cod out of Moriches fished their normal grounds during a trip late last week, but found no life in the water so they moved out deeper to around 200 feet where the anglers aboard had a decent pick of 30 keeper cod and nice pollock in the mix. Jigs and bait worked equally well.
On the freshwater front, Bryce at White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays received reports of white perch caught in open water out in Bridgehampton. Bryce also wanted everyone to mark their calendars for the NY Sportfishing Federation Forum and Auction happening next weekend held at the Freeport Recreation Center where you can stop by and visit them.
Metro Long Island Fishing Report
There were still a few opportunities in western Long Island for herring this past week, according to Ralphie at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn. A couple spots by the popular piers, including Coney Island, Carnarsie, and Magnolia, still have some open water where anglers threw sabiki rigs for a handful of fish, but things are not what you would call red hot.
Joe from Stella Maris Bait & Tackle in Brooklyn said the cod fishing was also hit or miss. Charters heading out to the AB Reef were met with continuous shorts and very few keepers in the mix.
East End/North Fork Long Island Fishing Report
East End fishing was equally slow as the rest of the Island this week with boats having a tough go at it when they were actually able to get out. The Viking Starship was contending with high winds and rough seas, and the slow pick of fish made for an almost unpleasant day on the water. However, the day was not a total bust as they did manage a small mix of short cod, ling, and bergalls.
Best Bets for the Weekend
The wind and seas for the weekend are not looking horrific so sailing should be an option before the bad weather starts to move in later Sunday night. Cod fishing was tough this week as the water temperatures dropped quickly pushing the fish to deeper water. Hopefully the captains have had time to relocate the fish so they can put anglers on top of them. The eastern South Shore and the East End will be the best spots to hop on a boat before the weather keeps them tied to the dock for a few days.
There is not much in the way of inshore fishing going on other than a small chance at herring or trout where access is actually possible. Time might be better spent getting your gear in tip-top shape for when things start thawing. You should also mark your calendars with some upcoming expos to get your fill of fishing even if you can’t hit the water just yet. There are a few good local shows coming up as well as some ones further away making a good excuse for a quick weekend getaway.