Long Island, Metro NY - South Shore Fishing Reports

In from Capt. Tom Cornicelli of Back Bay Outfitter in East Moriches I heard the shop would be open for the 2012 season May 1. If you need rigs, he is tying now, so give him a call.

In from Capt. Tom Cornicelli of Back Bay Outfitter in East Moriches I heard school bass have entered the bay and are being caught on topwaters. Don had fish to 23 inches on the Matrix soft plastics. The bass action has been good in the cuts near the islands.

Jay or Jamie at Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches said the fluke action was very good this week as anglers scored with keepers and shorts using hi lo rigs with bucktails. Spearing and squid on the bait end will produce well in the buoy 26 and 27 area, plus behind Gull Island. If you want some great eating triggerfish, fish the west side of the inlet near the rocks with clam baits. Crabs are also in and in abundance, but snappers are still on the slow side.

James at Center Yacht Club in Center Moriches I heard the fluke bite is good in the bay, with many fish in the 15 to 18 inch class. Weakfish can be found at the Smith Point Bridge taking small plastics or sand worms. On the offshore scene, James heard the tuna bite is good, but the mahi bite is still on the slow side. Shark action remained good in the canyon region.

We would like to welcome back the King Cod out of Center Moriches. They will be adding a party boat for the Moriches Bay area to go along with the already popular charter boat. The charter boat saw cod action slowing slightly, but blackfish picking up. The charter boat is now running year round, and also looking forward to the opening of fluke season, May 1. The party boat should be available by July-2022. Both boats will sail out of Senix Creek Marina.

At Hampton Watercraft & Marina in Eastport, Mike reported the fluke bite for anglers using Gulp or spearing and squid has been very good inside the bay. Snappers have arrived along with big blue claws. Sea bass has slowed down a bit but they’re still out there and Mike is sure, especially after the storm, they will put on the feed bag. Try a smaller, lesser known wreck or rough bottom for best results. On the shark side, the action has been nothing short of fantastic.

From Capt. David Vlacich of Arrest Spot Charters out of Mastic Beach I learned it was a tough week with the storm on Tuesday and rain and thunder on Friday. Dave did manage to get out on Thursday with Sofia, Maddie and Emma. The crew braved the rain and had decent action in the bay flunking. Weather looks much better this week so give Dave a call to set up a trip at 631-335-0745.

In from Dick at Dick's B&T in Mastic Beach we learned of a good week of fluke with larger ones as well. Dick heard of a 9-pound, 29-inch fish caught in the East Cut Tuesday by Dawn Korolski while dunking spearing and squid from the jet ski. There was also a reported 11 pounder taken from the Coast Guard Station. At the Smith Point Bridge Mark reported weird looking rays, a 15-inch porgy and several small kingfish. Weakfish action has been best after dark on soft plastics. Snappers and crabs are going strong.

Rich at Dick’s Bait & Tackle in Mastic Beach said he expects to get back to regular hours this week. He has had a few guys poking around locally but not coming up with anything.

In from Dick at Dick's B&T in Mastic Beach we learned school bass continue to please anglers throughout the bay. Fluke season is now open and the narrows is a good place to begin your quest. The shop is open and has all the bait and tackle you need.

I heard from Terrance of Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle in Shirley who reported a lot of sea robins roaming the bay. The fluke action is okay, with action spotty. Under the Smith Point Bridge, anglers have scored with short fluke, or occasional small blue. One angler had a 7-1/2 pound fluke fishing the shore. Porgies and triggerfish are active at the inlet on clam baits.

I heard from Terrance of Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle in Shirley who reported there are school stripers along the beach for casters, while at the Smith Point Bridge, reports of flounder action filtered back into the shop. Terrence also heard of some scattered blackfish reports from inside the bay.

Brian at J&J Sports in Patchogue reported lots of bunker in the bay and creeks but he hasn’t heard of any bass caught locally yet with the exception of some winter holdovers from the Carmans and Connetquot rivers. He did have confirmed reports of bass being taken on the west end of the Island in recent days. Fisherman managing editor Matt Broderick and him fishing partner Andrea travelled west Friday night and scored a dozen or so bass into the low teens. The fish were taken on Super Strike Darters and SP Minnows.

From Frank at Chasing Tails in Oakdale we heard that striper season is officially upon us, and the bass are here and they are hungry! Anglers willing to take the time and do the work are catching bass in the surf and back bays. Soft plastics and Darters seem to be the lures of choice. Fly guys are using Clousers and other small baitfish imitations and doing very well. Blackfish season has started, with some larger fish starting to come up over the rails. Flounder remain mostly elusive, but a few sharpies have them dialed in with blood worms and plenty of mussel chum.

From Frank at Chasing Tails Bait and Tackle in Oakdale we heard that summer fishing is officially in full swing. Fluke action is not the best, but not the worst. Lots of shorts hanging around, with a keeper limit very doable with some effort. Bucktails tipped with a Fat Cow strip have been getting it done for Billy and the guys at the shop. Their favorites have been pink, orange, and sea robin colored bucktails and strips. As for sea bass, the fishing couldn't be better. Limits of large sea bass have been coming up over the rails. Jigging is getting more popular, big epoxy jigs or bucktails are getting smacked by big fish. Striped bass are still around the bays, in the cooler water, bait, and a good current. They're taking small swimbaits, small poppers, and they are absolutely destroying flies. Billy and his buddy got on a good late night tide this week and had fish popping a rod length away as soon as the tide turned and the water got cooler. The ocean bite is going very strong. Triggerfish, blowfish, and kingfish are all over the local structure. They're a ton of fun on light tackle, and all you need is a few hi-lo rigs and some clams for a day of non-stop action. Tiny snappers are starting to show up at the local docks, they'll be bigger and way more plentiful very soon.  

Greg from Burnett's Marina in Bay Shore we heard the station will be open April 1 for all your boat, tackle and bait needs. There are also some boat slips available, but they are going fast, so if you are interested, call Greg ASAP.

Greg from Burnett's Marina in Bay Shore we heard weakfish are in the bay, with fish to 12 pounds on bunker chunks. Smaller fish in the 18 inch class are near the Lighthouse on soft plastics. On the docks, snapper action started great with tons of fish. Crabbing is okay, but the crabs are small. Fluke action was a bit quiet, with some keepers but no big fish. Sea bass action on the wrecks and reefs remained good on clam and squid or jigs.

From Kurt at Willie K’s Bait and Tackle in Bay Shore I heard that the weather held anglers down but by the weekend the fluke bite increased. Anglers are scoring well using spearing and squid from the inlet to Moses Bridge. The shop has live killies for fluke so come on down.

From Kurt at Willie K Bait and Tackle in Bay Shore I heard the shop is open for the season, with baits in stock for flounder and blackfish. The shop also has all the gear you will need for a great 2021.

At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle Tackle in West Islip I heard there are a lot of school bass, with a few flounder in the channels. There are also some flounder and blackfish on the FI Reef. As for blackfish, there are a lot of fish on the reef, but few keepers. Keep in mind, the season is closed the end of this month.

From Capt. Patrick of the Capt. Gillen we heard the fluke action is still producing some very nice fish including a 7-pound, 8-ounce fluke for 15-year-old Logan on Wednesday. Logan’s fish moved him into the top slot in the adult division of the “Heaviest of the Year Contest.” Once again Captain Patrick reminds us that they are following all CDC guidelines and that each trip is limited to 25 passengers and online advance ticket purchases are required.  They are sailing at 6 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m., seven days a week.  Beach traffic has been heavy so plenty of travel time is advised.  For more information, please call 631-586-5511 or visit their website, Facebook page, or Instagram account.

Capt. George from the Capt. Rod reported this week was on and off but anglers have seen a pick of fish with pool fish to 4 pounds. Fares also had a pick of weakfish and small blues in the mix as well.

On the Captain Gillen, we heard from Captain Patrick they will start sailing May 4 for fluke with a reduced capacity due to COVID-19.  Schedule, tickets, and fares will be posted shortly on their website, and additional information will also be posted on their Facebook and Instagram pages.  For more information, please call 631-586-5511.

Brenden at Captree Fuel Bait and Tackle Shop on Captree Island reported black tip sharks are in the ocean, in close, with fish from 4 to 6 feet. There are a lot of kingfish and sea bass on the inside pieces, taking clams. Blowfish remained active on the clam and squid bite. Triggerfish are good in the inlet and near the CG Station with clams again the bait of choice. The fluke bite is okay with the largest weighed in this week 4 pounds. The best fluking has been near the pier with live snappers producing well.

At Babylon Fishing Station I heard the snapper and crab action is great off the local docks. The action was off this week due to the storm which produced wind gusts to 80! The station survived and has ice, bait and fuel, so come on down.

At Bergen Bay Docks in Babylon, I heard from Scott who said the big news was a huge 448-pound bluefin off the Jersey coast. The “Crack of Dawn” with Capt. Tom Kelly, Greg Gargullo, Matt Ervolino and Joe Tree landed the bluefin off Jersey on Saturday. On the bay scene, there are reports of fluke, bass and weakfish in the State Channel. There are also reports of small blues in the mix.

At Bergen Bay Docks in Babylon, I heard from Scott who reported the shop will officially open between the 1st and 15th, but is already up and running with fresh fuel in the tanks. If you need fuel, call Scott at 631-827-4012. You can also call Scott for any bait and tackle needs.

From Capt. Scott Leonard of Top Gun Sportfishing Charters out of Babylon I heard he is now booking trips for striped bass in Montauk and Fire Island. For info, or to book a trip, call 631-775-0945, email topgunfishing27@gmail.com or go to www.topgunsportfishcharters.com.

At Bergen Bay Docks in Babylon, I heard from Scott who reported school bass continue to roam throughout the bay feeding on small baits and larger bunker. Flounder is a pick. The shop is open for fuel, bait and tackle daily.

At Bergen Bay Docks in Babylon, I heard from Scott who reported a slower week with the storm causing havoc in the bay for a few days and kept anglers away from the ocean. By the weekend, things settled down and the fluke bite was okay from the inlet to bridge, and on the ocean reefs and wrecks. Blowfish, kingfish, crabs and snappers can be caught on all the docks.

Bob Rose at Bob’s Bait & Tackle in Amity Harbor reported that customers have been catching schoolie stripers from Tanner Park Pier on plugs and worms. He was caught off guard by one customer who came in to restock on Fishbites after catching three blackfish to keeper size, and breaking his rod trying to lift a larger tog onto the pier – all on the scented strips. Bob noted that in addition to the strips, he also has a good supply of Fishbites Dirty Boxer Curly Tail Grub, which has been red hot on fluke and weakfish the past two seasons.

Bob Rose at Bob's Bait and Tackle in Amity Harbor reported small stripers taking sand worms throughout the bay. Off the pier at Tanner Park, anglers scored with blackfish using “Fishbites” for bait! And a lot of them! The shop is fully stocked and ready for the upcoming 2021 season.

Bob Rose at Bob’s Bait & Tackle in Amity Harbor reported that customers have been catching schoolie stripers from Tanner Park Pier on plugs and worms. He was caught off guard by one customer who came in to restock on Fishbites after catching three blackfish to keeper size, and breaking his rod trying to lift a larger tog onto the pier – all on the scented strips. Bob noted that in addition to the strips, he also has a good supply of Fishbites Dirty Boxer Curly Tail Grub, which has been red hot on fluke and weakfish the past two seasons.

Bob Rose at Bob’s Bait and Tackle in Amity Harbor reported that small bass are everywhere – in the State Channel, bay and even at Tanner Park Pier. Stevie from the shop and his son tallied 20 small bass on the pier one day during the week. Storm swim shads and small poppers have been very effective on the fish, but sandworms and Fishbites are also catching their share. Bob had one customer tell of doing well with big porgies from a pier in Bayville and he showed Bob photos of the fish. Bob noted that he has a good supply of Fishbites Baits, including Dirty Boxer Curly Tail Grubs, which have been red hot on fluke and weakfish the past two seasons.

Capt. Vince of All Pro Charters in Lindenhurst reported the boat is ready for the 2021 season and is now accepting reservations for stripers and fluke, then the local reefs and wrecks. The fleet has a 32-foot Boston Whaler Outrage and a 285 Boston Whaler Conquest cabin style boat. For more info, drop Vince a line at 844-462-5577 or go to www.allprocharters.com.

At Bergen Bay Docks in Babylon, I heard from Scott who reported school bass are in the State Channel, while weakfish are in the channel from Captree to points west. On the flounder front, saw few anglers tried to no avail. The shop has gas daily, along with all fresh baits in stock.

From Lindenhurst Bait and Tackle Rich let me know he weighed in a potential state record white perch of 2 pounds, 12 ounces to Saltwaters Bait and Tackle. He caught the fish in a local tidal creek before Christmas.

Over at Pelagic Outfitters, their FB page noted several good catches this week. The first was the crew of the Bass Bandit Charters drilling some fine yellowfin, while the second was a surprise snowy grouper of 40 pounds coming up on the Ocean Vue!