It was tough to get a solid report from the saltwater scene this week. However, I did get a few solid reports on the freshwater side of things. Trout, white perch, and schoolie striped bass seem to be what is keeping most people busy this past week. Here is what I heard from calling around to the shops today.
In Brooklyn at Stella Maris Bait & Tackle they report things have still been pretty slow in their neck of the woods. They did however hear some reports of anglers catching herring off of the Coney Island Pier. Not crazy action but better then it has been in weeks past.
At River- Bay Outfitters, Paul said that the Connetquot River is still fishing very well. Almost all of his regulars have been hitting the river as of late. Paul said fishing was so good that he had two anglers that were fairly new to fly fishing stop in and buy some gear. They headed out later in the day to the Connetquot; they called Paul later to tell them that they caught ten fish each!
Chasing Tails in Oakdale said, there local waters have been on fire as of late. They report the white perch has been the main target species. Frank said the key lure for the white perch has been a 1/8oz jig head tipped with a 2-inch Mr.Twister curly tails in either chartreuse or motor oil. Also mixed in the perch, have been schoolie striped bass that of course is catch and release only. He has also heard of the great trout action at the Connetquot as well.
At White Water Outfitters Bryce told me, a couple of the local guys have been heading out to wreck fishing but things have been slow. On the freshwater side of things, he said the local ponds and lakes have started to produce some better action as of late. They will be at the NY Sport fishing Federation Forum & Auction with a bunch of great gear for sale.
Fishing Forecast for Long Island
I would say if you are looking to bend a rod this weekend, head to the back bay tidal rivers and target some schoolie striped bass and white perch. If you are fly fisherman it still looks like the best place to try to get into would be the Connetquot. If the rain does not dirty the water too much tomorrow in the local ponds try giving that a shot as well this weekend. If you do not want to head out on the water this weekend, head over to the NY Sportfishing Federation Forum & Auction Show this weekend. The hours will be Saturday, 8am-6pm and Sunday 9am-2:30pm. I will be there at the On The Water booth so make sure to stop by say hello, talk some fishing, and grab a magazine.
I’m new to surf fishing if I went out in February or March on the surf are there any stripers still out there
You’d have much better luck fishing the tidal rivers with an ultralight spinning rod. There are resident populations of stripers, but they are not actively feeding.
I start fishing for bass the first long warm front of April, big bluefish have been around starting in late april the last few seasons too. I don’t even consider hitting the beachfront for bass until mid may, I do much better in the back bays/northshore early season.