It seems that for the last four weeks, Metro NY and Long Island has dealt with either a storm or high winds that kept fishermen at home. The last few days, windy conditions have kept anglers at home. But for the anglers who have been able to sail, the fishing has been good.
In Brooklyn, at Stella Maris Bait & Tackle reported fishing has been a little slow due to the weather and wind we have been having. The boats that have been making it out have seen steady action with the blackfish. They have green, white, and hermit crabs in stock for anglers looking to get out over the holiday. Stretch, also mentioned that the striped bass action has remained good as well. Anglers have found most success jigging for these bass. First reports of herring being caught have been coming in as well, being caught on Sabiki rigs.
At Causeway Bait and Tackle, they said the boat anglers are still having success with the striped bass outside of Jones Inlet to the Pink Hotel. Boat anglers that are staying in the bay are also still picking away at striped bass while chumming clams. Blackfishing remains steady on the local reefs with green crabs being the bait of choice.
At River Bay Outfitters, Paul gave me the first report of some freshwater action on the island. He said, the Long Island Flyrodders were out on the Connetquot on Monday and had some great action on the fly. Paul said, that Belmont lake was stocked a couple a weeks ago and action remains fairly decent. Other local lakes have also been producing a variety of species as well. He also talked about how anglers on the north shore were getting into schoolie size bass on the fly over the weekend.
Captree Bait and Tackle reported much of the same with the strong winds keeping a lot of folks at the docks. The boats that were able to make a trip or two were still able to catch some bass. There has been a lot of short striped bass being caught lately, instead of the larger striped bass we have had for the last few weeks. But the action is still there for the anglers who are looking to go out. Tomorrow is the last day at the shop for regular store hours. Make sure you call first after tomorrow to see if the shop will be open. This Wednesday Captree Bait & Tackle will have a Black Wednesday sale with many items discounted and some great buy one, get one deals.
Jim at Miller Place Bait and Tackle gave me the best report of fishing on the whole island. He said even with the wind anglers have been able to get out and stick close to shore to limit out on blackfish. He said ever since the cold front the action has been red hot in the area for keeper tog up to 7lbs. Jim also mentioned that the shore anglers are catching schoolie size bass in the harbors on paddle tails. Even though the fish might not be big, it is great action for someone looking to bend a rod.
In Port Jefferson, the Celtic Quest was able to get out over the weekend before the big winds came in. They had great action with the blackfish in the area. The fishing should only continue once the weather turns in their favor.
Jake at White Water Outfitters, reported hearing of some striped bass along the beaches in the area. Boats again have not heard much of because of the lack of guys going out. They will be open on Thanksgiving morning for you anglers looking to get out before sitting down for dinner.
In Montauk at Westlake Marina, they also reported small schoolie size bass along the south side of Montauk. They said before the blow that there was steady bite for seabass, cod, and blackfish south of Block Island. For the anglers heading out to Montauk over the holiday and this upcoming weekend going after blackfish they also have green, white, and hermit crabs in-stock.
Fishing Forecast for Long Island
If the marine forecast is holds true, it looks like later this week the winds should start to finally lay down. This means you will finally be able to get out there on the water. It seems your best action for the weekend would to be target blackfish. With only a few weeks left in the season, the time is now to get out and target these fish. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!