Long Island and NYC Fishing Report
Captain Kenny Schmitt of the Angler Fleet (@anglerfleet) in Port Washington reports: “It may be a later start for migratory fish after this winter, but I’ve found some fish in a few early season haunts. The full moon has the fish charged up right now, and it’s just going to get better on the backside of this moon. I’d focus on shallow water and warmwater outflows for the more aggressively feeding fish. By opening day, I expect the fishery to be in full force for all shore and boat fishermen in the Western Sound.”
Andrew Bernat (@tactical_bassin26) reports: “The first real signs of life are showing in local waters, and while the striped bass bite is not full swing just yet, it’s undeniably starting to take shape. We are in a transitional period when everything is almost firing, and those willing to dial in their approach, timing, and techniques are being rewarded.
Large schools of spearing, along with good numbers of killies, are steadily pouring out of the back bays and creeks. Slowly but surely a consistent push of forage is pulling the bass along bass with them, so the fish are staging along key transition areas rather than spreading out across open water. The most productive areas are those with good moving water—specifically, outflows where current concentrates bait and creates an easy feeding zone. These zones are holding the more active fish, and focusing on these ambush points will yield you the best results.
Presentation has been everything. With fish still in that early season, slightly lethargic mood, downsizing has made a noticeable difference. Smaller offerings in the 2.5- to 5-inch range have been the ticket, especially when the fish are a bit finicky. Slowing things down and matching the hatch has outperformed larger, more aggressive profiles, at least for the time being. That said, change is coming quickly. Water temperatures are climbing at a steady pace and with that, striper activity levels rise. As conditions stabilize, look for the bite to become more consistent and for bass to start committing to larger plugs and aggressive presentations.
Timing has also played a critical role. The most consistent action has been occurring on the outgoing tide after dark, particularly around shallow, muddy flats. These areas retain heat, drawing in bait and making them prime targets for anglers fishing the night shift. Read the water, follow the bait, and keep it simple. All signs are pointing to things breaking wide open in upcoming days.”
Mark at Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport reports: “Tog season just opened up and shallow water is the move. The same spots you hit in the fall should be conducive to catching. We just started going out striper fishing this week and while there are definitely fish west of us, we haven’t seen too much life. This time last year I always already catching fish.”
Justin Braun at Port Tackle (@porttacklecompany) in Port Jefferson reports: “The shop is open for business! Our celebration is April 25th, come in and stock up on bass gear. We’ve got plenty of new inventory and great deals. We’re excited to connect with you all!”
Bill Falco (@fishlongisland) at Chasing Tails Bait and Tackle in Oakdale reports: “If you want to catch some big fish in the lakes, now is the time. Bass are lurking up close, and so are the pickerel. Offer up something big that swims, or drag a jig or soft plastic along the bottom. Jerkbaits are always a great idea to bring with you this time of year. Yellow perch and sunfish are also moving up and grouping together, eager for a bite! Toss a small jig or even a worm and bobber for tons of fun. Walleye and smallies are out crushing jerkbaits and paddletails hard. I’ve had a lot of fun with them lately. The first spring stocking of trout has all the local spots full of rainbows and some nice browns. They love inline spinners, spoons, dough baits and live worms. Second round of stocking is next month! In the salt and brackish water it’s been lots of solid white perch fishing and some nice schoolies in the local rivers. The perch are all over tiny jigs—soft plastics, marabou, whatever you have. Stripers are eating basically the same things, just size up a bit. Soft plastic swimbaits and shads are killer options for this time of the season.”
White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reports: “The freshwater stuff is great; we have the local lakes and ponds providing fun carp, largemouth, and pickerel action. The Connetquot is also a great choice for trout fishermen right now. If you’re looking for holdovers, the tidal creeks are warming up and some fish are being caught, but we’re a couple weeks away from seeing migratory fish. White perch are still chewing but again, it’s been a slow white perch season!”
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Sean Conway (@long_island_fishing_guy) reports: “Walleye started chewing heavily on jerkbaits. Some larger fish pushing 20 inches are starting to roll in, which was a nice change of pace compared to the 10- to 12-inch fish I’ve been seeing. Using a twitch-and-pause retrieve will call them in and lead to some aggressive hits.”
Derek Monfort (@derek_sucks_at_fishing) reports: “Largemouth! They are still on the feed and I only expect it to get better as these temps warm. Holdovers are waking up a bit, but for another week at least, it’s sweet water time!”
The Author’s Experience
Welp, last night I fished locally deep in the Western Sound. I was surprised to see giant spearing darting and cruising. Watching the bait zip around solidified that minnow plugs continue to be a great spring option. These spearing had to be nearly 6-inches long! I also found some thick killies. It’s great to see happy bait in the water. As for fish, I’m not as lucky as Captain Kenny of the Angler Fleet. I didn’t sniff a single bass, but the water I was fishing did look juicy. With the full moon overhead, the tidal outflow was set up perfectly with a left to right sweep. While I pounded the area with a floating line and fly, the fish just did not want to cooperate. I believe that the colder temp last night may have turned them off a bit. As we know, spring stripers can be fickle; on one warm night you’ll catch 5 fish, and then temps drop and you can’t get a bite for a week.
On another note, blackfish season just opened up. I’m not a huge tog fan, but my buddies love togging and they always say the biggest fish come in the spring. I’m interested to see how folks do on the tog this spring.
I’d also like to remind everybody that Port Tackle has their big opening day celebration on April 25th! Swing by and welcome a new shop to the neighborhood.
Long Island & NYC Fishing Forecast
Yesterday was the full moon. I say this a lot, but the 3 days before and after the moon exacerbate tides, create strong currents and ultimately, rev up the fish. In Long Island, the play is the Western Sound. The west is definitely the best due to warmer water temperatures and an abundance of feeder creeks/tidal rivers that supply back bays and estuaries with warm water. Minnow style plugs such as small SPs, Mag Darters, and Swarters are the preferred options. As for the setup, I’d recommend a 8 to 9 foot medium rod paired with a VS 100, 20-pound braid and 20- to 30-pound leader.
Later in April, as migratory fish and bait move in, boost the size of your plugs. I usually throw custom metal lips from Scabelly and Back Bay. If you can find bunker and fish those plugs around the school, it’s game on. A large metal lip has some serious drawing power. Aside from metal lips, I’ll also be throwing some larger swimming plugs such as the Bluff Lures Bunker swimbait. Speaking of, Bluff will have a few of these at the Tackle Box in Hazlet, NJ, on May 23rd. Mark your calendars and stop in anytime from 9AM to 3PM if you’re in the area.