More tough fall weather had a say in anglers looking to soak their lines this week but it wasn’t enough to deter all of the bite as big fish made it worth the work. Striped bass are hammering away at bait along the shoreline and blackfish are in full swing. Bottom fish can still be targeted in most local waters as far as scup, sea bass and, of course, the season favorite blackfish.
John from Hudson Park Bait And Tackle had a very successful week finding ‘tog. Two double-digit fish were weighed in at 12 pounds and 11.5 pounds, respectively. These fish were mixed in with plenty of shorts and smaller keepers alike. Bluefish have also been tearing up the New Rochelle waters and are falling victim to just about anything you can tie to a line from diamond jigs to poppers. Porgies have slowed a little bit, making way for easier black fish action. The bigger porgies and sea bass are now in deeper water.
At Bay Park Fishing Station, Ashley has seen some terrific bass action. This week a 43.45-pound striper topped the charts and was accompanied nicely by lots of other big fish. Many linesiders ranged from 30 to 49 inches. Most were caught trolling white and chartreuse bunker spoons in about 50 feet of water. Blackfish have begun to heat up a little with a 9.45 pounder hitting the deck on Thursday.
Brendan from Captree Bait And Tackle continues to have great fishing with bass, blues, scup and sea bass. The stripers have been up to 38 pounds in all areas from shore, boat and off the Captree Pier. Anglers have found success using fresh bunker, clams and eels. Bluefish are still running through the bait schools and taking diamond jigs, Deadly Dicks and some poppers. For the bottom dwellers, look for any rocky area or bottom with structure. Clams and squid strips are the way to go for these species.
Robert from Sea Isle Custom Rod Builders reports that the stripers are red hot by the local bridges and back bays. The beaches have been doing well too – so you really can’t go wrong. Sea bass and blue fish haven’t been crazy this week but can still be found. Surf casters have been doing better, though, especially towards the western side of Freeport.
Aboard the Jib VI, Captain Joey had plenty of anglers filling their limit of bass the last few days. The sizes have been decent with a monster mixed in here and there. The boat had been using clam chum mainly.
At Miller Place Bait And Tackle, Jim has also seen great action from the surf. Bluefish are hot on the trail of local bait schools and have been hitting poppers, diamond jigs and SP Minnows. The shop’s blackfish tournament is producing plenty of bulldogs. This week, trophies weighing 6.7 and 7 pounds hit the scales and are now atop the charts.
In Southold, at Wego Fishing, Steve reports that the stripers can be found on the Sound-side beaches from Kennys Beach to Orient Point. The bite has been the best seen in the last few years – when the weather allows – and seems to be bass alone. The blues haven’t been as relevant, making it easier to catch without being worried of having a passing gator blue cut the line. Keep an eye on the birds as they are the tell-tale sign of fish working the bunker and spearing.
Over at White Water Outfitters, Jake is still finding successful bass action. The Hampton Bays beaches have produced plenty of fish and are at their best during the daytime both with bait and artificials. The false albacore can still be found but are very hit and miss. Shinnecock Inlet is a good place to keep an eye on both albies and stripers.
In Montauk, at Gone Fishing Marina, TJ reports that the local surf striper bite has been slower lately but the bite is still solid by boat off of Block Island. If staying local, the shallow water has produced best. Once this rough weather passes through, it should pick up again. On the other hand, scup and sea bass are still present and can help bide the time until the fall run reboots.
Paul from River Bay Outfitters had a tough week for fishing. The back bays are still holding tons of bait in Oceanside, he noted, and they should return to producing plenty of fish when the sun finally breaks through.
“The freshwater bite is still strong,” said Paul from River Bay Outfitters. “All the open rivers, streams and ponds are freshly stocked with trout so you can bet there will be some great fly-fishing action ahead. The shop’s Healing Waters charity event is on November 4th, with door prizes and demonstrations
Long Island Fishing Forecast
Good weather will allow for seasonal action to resume at the great rate we saw just prior to all the stiff winds. There are still plenty of fish to be had in both fresh and saltwater, so keep your gear ready to go at a moment’s notice.