With the Nor’Easter that blew through last Friday and the snow storm that happened yesterday, reports were hard to come by. The good news is people went out between the two storms and caught some fish. Most of the action has been on the freshwater side of things and it can be great action for you guys looking to beat cabin fever and bend a rod. Over the weekend, I was at the Ward-Melville fishing show and it was a great time. I just want to thank the fishing club and Bob for putting on an amazing show; you guys do a wonderful job!
In Manhattan at Capitol Tackle, they said before the storm yesterday, largemouth bass fishing in Central Park has been getting better by the day. Anglers are having success catching these fish on drop shot rigs and lipless crank baits. They have also seen pan fishing in the lakes improve as well. Also, the Capitol Princess will start sailing next month. Check out their website for updates on when they will exactly start sailing and you can also buy tickets for the trips before heading out.
Bernie’s Bait & Tackle in Brooklyn said, things have been quiet lately, but they have heard some reports of herring being caught at the Coney Island Pier. While action is not on fire, some days guys are putting together a pretty decent catch. They have also heard some reports of bunker showing up in the Staten Island area. While there are no predators on the bunker, this is a good sign to see bait already for the upcoming season.
At River-Bay Outfitters, Paul said before the storm, action in the local ponds and rivers was very good. He thinks the waters will clear up soon and fishing should be right back on track. He also gave me the first report of carp for the year. He said anglers have been coming in regularly showing him pictures of carp caught in the local ponds.
In Wantagh at Causeway Bait & Tackle, they told me that is has been much of the same recently with many anglers catching a variety of pan fish in the area. They said more anglers should be out in the next couple of weeks with the state starting to stock the areas lakes and ponds with trout for the spring.
At White Water Outfitters, Jeff said anglers are still having a lot of success with the white perch. Jeff himself recently has been having some success with walleye as well on the island. The really cool part is he has been targeting these fish at night with the fly rod and has left the spinning set up at home. Check out our Instagram page to see one of his latest catches.
Miller Place Bait And Tackle wanted me to let everyone know that they are open again for the season. They have heard some reports of a good trout bite in the upper lake in Yaphank. They have also heard of schoolie stripers being caught in the Mount Sinai area. Next time you stop in the shop make sure to ask Jim to show you some of the photos of the fish he caught down in Florida over the winter.
Long Island Fishing Forecast
For the weekend and into next week, the local waters might be a little dirty with the run off from these past two storms. It should not take that long however for things to start clearing up. I would still give it a shot this weekend and head to a local pond for some freshwater action. Do not forget about the back bays and tidal rivers as well for targeting some white perch and schoolie bass. Things should start falling into place soon and before you know it spring will be in full swing and the options will be endless when it comes to what you want to target. Hope everyone has a great weekend and remember to send in your photos of your catches.