North Shore Long Island Fishing Report
It is beginning to look like the North Shore has little to offer save for the few wintering species that are common this time of year. Tautog anglers have just about given up the hope of seeing better fishing in the last week of the season, and with only three weeks left for sea bass things are not looking much better for that fishery. However, Carmine at Campsite Sports Shop in Huntington Station did say a few customers are still bringing bottom fishing reports back to the shop, although those reports are seemingly far and few between. On a brighter note, John from Terminal Tackle in Kings Park reports herring up and down the Sound, throughout many of the harbors, and inside the Nissequogue. A few shad can also be found in some but not all of the harbors, and there was word that a small mass of squid have not moved out of Huntington Harbor just yet. Bass reports were virtually nonexistent this week, and the fish that may be sticking around are likely getting sluggish.
South Shore Long Island Fishing Report
South Shore bottom fishing is promising to finish out the seasons strong with nice catches all around for a multitude of species. Bert at White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported great inshore tog fishing within the shallow structures of only 13-40 feet. Good fishing can also be found anywhere from just west of Debs Inlet out to the Atlantic Highlands at various locations, according to information customers brought to the folks at Bay Park Fishing Station in Oceanside. Anglers fished some tough conditions recently with heavy fog, but still managed quality fish from 7.5 pounds to 14.20 pound jumbos, all on white crabs. Joe from Trophy Tackle in West Babylon also said the bottom bite at the 30-40 mile wrecks is hot with sea bass, cod, and jumbo porgy all making great appearances, although it appears the better fishing is starting to come from the structure on the further end.
Striper numbers are definitely thinning as we head toward the end of their season, but Bert at White Water did say a few stragglers remain in the area on the beaches and in front of the Inlet. If the birds work close enough to shore guys are hitting the bass under them on tins, bucktails, and small plugs. With nice ocean conditions as of late, a few boats were able to make it out to the Hudson Canyon for good offshore fishing this week with a decent catch of bigeyes and even a few Giant Bluefin.
Metro Long Island Fishing Report
Stretch from Stella Maris Bait & Tackle in Brooklyn says continued efforts at the blackfish grounds are paying off for anglers, namely at the South Reef, NJ Reef, and New Bottom as well as some of the lesser known pieces of structure in the area. Herring are the newcomers this week, according to Vinny at Bernie’s Fishing Tackle in Brooklyn, and guys throwing Sabiki rigs at Canarsie Pier are doing a number on them. Stretch added that the Coney Island Pier is also starting to see an influx of fish, and nighttime action was found at the blue foot bridge. A few mackerel are also in the area, but they are dwarfed by the numbers of herring. On the striper front, very few remain in western Long Island, but if you are in the right place at the right time you could run into the few blitzes happening around the islands in Jamaica Bay.
East End/North Fork Long Island Fishing Report
Bottom fishing looks like the only game in town on the East End with all species continuing to bite very well in their respective areas. Bill at Jamesport Bait & Tackle in Mattituck said that the Sound is leaning toward the barren side, but blackfish are stacked in good numbers north of Plum Island, north and south of Fishers Island, and around Race Rock Lighthouse. Nice sized porgy and decent quantities of cod are mixed in the waters north of Fishers. Anglers sailing from the South Fork for tog are having the best luck south of Block Island, according to Ben at Star Island Marina in Montauk. Chase from Montauk Marine Basin in Montauk said that Coxes Ledge on the other hand is the place to be for cod and sea bass.
Best Bets for the Weekend
December marks the end of several recreational fishing seasons, and this is the last weekend to enjoy taking both blackfish and striped bass home for the dinner table. With many opportunities out there, especially on the bottom fishing front, and with the great forecasted weather in the next few days it would be a good excuse to give the boat one last spin. North Shore is just about done, but you can find some great fishing on the other sides of the Island. Local wrecks and reefs should be stacked with tog through the last remaining days, and offshore remains great for everything else. Party boats are still running where the activity is good so get your last licks in before it is time to pack it up.
With herring coming into many areas in droves, the striped bass hanging around might just stay for a bit longer. Although it is definitely on the slower side, there is still bird activity off the southern beaches and to the west. Straggler bass are here, you just need to put in the hours to find them. If you have put away your gear for the season and are focusing instead on shopping for the holidays, remember that many of your local shops are still open and would appreciate your business this time of year for any outdoor gear you might be in search for. Some of your favorite charter boats also offer gift certificates for future trips which make for great stocking stuffers.