The table is set for the spring run. Long Island’s bays and backwaters are teeming with baitfish. Herring, bunker, spearing, and even peanut bunker have been spotted in marinas, tidal creeks, and bays around the island. It’s a good sign that when migratory stripers do arrive, they’ll have plenty of food to keep them around.
There are some stripers being caught on the island. Paul at River Bay Outfitters reported that bass to 24 inches were being caught in the backwaters. Mark at Cow Harbor had heard similar reports, saying that schoolie stripers have been feeding on spearing far up some of the tidal creeks. Mark has also seen baitfish being chased in his marina. John at Hudson Park Bait and Tackle reported that fishermen are beginning to look for stripers in Turtle Cove, but he had yet to see any fish caught.
The stripers being caught around the island right now are thought to be resident fish, ones that spent the winter here. Migratory fish should be arriving soon, and the extreme west end of the island will be the place to find them.
Besides the talk of all the baitfish and the first signs of stripers, fishermen were excited about the recent trout stocking. Long Island Ponds were stocked last week, and the fishing has been excellent since as anglers try their luck at locations like Twin Ponds. Spinners are a great lure for spring trout, but if you prefer to fish bait and wait, it’s tough to beat Berkley PowerBait for the fresh-stocked fish.
Paul at River Bay said though it hasn’t been stocked recently, the Connetquot is fishing very well. Though the fish are plentiful, he says they are getting educated, seeing a lot of flies. Pail expects another stocking to take place before April 1 to further improve the action at the Connetquot.
Paul also mentioned the upcoming Fly Fishing Expo on March 19, taking place at the Holiday Inn in Plainview. The expo will have demos, presentations, seminars, and even a film festival.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle in Freeport said they had no news this week on the fishing scene. White Water Outfitters also reported nothing doing lately.
No more news on the alleged bluefish from last week. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility, but we have yet to see any photographic evidence.
Most shops agree things are looking good for an early season in the salt. Just a reminder that striper fishing is catch-and-release only until April 15, except north of the George Washington Bridge on the Hudson where it opens April 1.
The Viking Fleet has been sailing for cod when the weather allows. They had their first offshore trip of the season last Friday, and came back with great catches of tilefish, barrelfish, wreckfish and hake.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Head deep into the bays with small jigs or swimming plugs to look for some resident stripers. The water temperatures will be highest during the outgoing tide, which makes it the best time to hit the water.
If you would rather wait for migratory stripers to show, spend this weekend targeting trout in the island’s freshwaters. Bring small spinners and jigs, but have some PowerBait as a backup plan in case the trout aren’t in a lure-chasing mood.
Sunday’s forecast is calling for 3 to 5 inches of snow, but the temperatures are climbing into the 60s by late next week. The spring fishing is running ahead of schedule, so get your gear ready to go if you haven’t already.
I wonder if we can go fishing this week
I live in Northport,in March I would see birds working on small baitfish.
In the sound,along the beach,but only in rough water days.
Any idea what those little fish are?