UPDATE YOUR LICENSE AND REGISTRY, AND MORE ON CIRCLE HOOKS
The season is fast approaching and it’s a good time to make sure your freshwater fishing license and marine registry are up-to-date. There are plenty of options for getting it done as managing editor Matt Broderick explains in this week’s E-News. The ASMFC’s Striped Bass Board will be meeting on March 14 to discuss possible changes to the requirement of using circle hooks when bait fishing for striped bass. The results of that meeting will guide the state’s circle hook regulations. Senior editor Fred Golofaro has the info you need to listen on the meeting.
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UPDATE YOUR LICENSE AND REGISTRY, AND MORE ON CIRCLE HOOKS The season is fast approaching and it’s a good time...
WINTER LOOSENS ITS GRIP AND CIRCLE HOOK REGS Mild temperatures this week and next good could have a positive effect...
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Long Island Surf Fishing Reports
Fred Golofaro-LI Surf Highlights
February 22, 2021 - 09:55:18
Time is running out to get your 2021 state park fishing permits. By the time you are reading this, the deadline will be little more than a month away. The deadline is Wednesday, March 31st, or you will have to wait until they become available again on September 7th, the day after Labor Day. If you are hoping for a Caumsett Permit, you are out of luck. The 500 allotted permits were sold out via this years online process just minutes after becoming available at 7 a.m. on January 4th. There were no in-person sales due to Covid-19. Due to restrictions resulting from Covid-19 and to protect the health of state park employees and the public, the process for acquiring 4x4 Fishing (Beach Vehicle), Night/Sportfishing and Camp Hero Fishing permits has also undergone changes, with two options available. You must have the following documents available when applying: Valid e-mail address; Valid Vehicle registration; Valid Driver's license; Valid NYS DEC Recreational Marine Fishing Registry ID number. The Marine Registry is free and available online at https://decals.dec.ny.gov/DECALSCitizenWeb or by calling 1-866-933-2257 during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Your first option is to purchase your permit online through DocuSign. The application and Credit Card Authorization Form is posted on state parks Long Island Regional page at https://parks.ny.gov/regions/long-island/default.aspx. A valid credit card is required for payment (Amex, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit Card). Your permit will be mailed once processed.The second option is to drop off a completed application with payment (check, money order, or credit card authorization) in person at a State Park Drop-Box location during business hours. Most parks maintain hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter and early spring but you are advised to call the office in advance to confirm their current hours. A fillable PDF: 2021 Dashboard Permit Drop Off Application will be posted on the LI Regional page at https://parks.ny.gov/regions/long-island/default.aspx. Hard copies of the application are also available at Drop-Box locations. Drop-Box locations include: Hallock State Park Park Office 631-315-5475; Jones Beach State Park Field 4 Park Information Office 516-785-1600; Long Island Regional Headquarters (Monday through Friday only, excluding Holidays) Permit Office 631-321-3770; Montauk Downs State Park Park Office 631-668-5000; Orient State Park Park Office 631- 323-2440; Robert Moses State Park Park Office - 631-669-0449; Sunken Meadow State Park Field 1 Park Office 631-269-4333; Wildwood State Park Park Office 631-929-4314. Permit fees and details of the Night/Sportfishing Permit, Four Wheel Drive Beach Vehicle Fishing Permit and Camp Hero Permit are listed below. As noted earlier, Caumsett Fishing Permits are sold out. NIGHT/SPORTFISHING PERMIT: Fee of $35.00, $60-Out of State. Permit is valid for fishing after sunset only from April 1-December 31, except where noted. Valid for: Captree - Main field, Overlook and Captree Drawbridge (north side only 24 hour access) Jones Beach - Fields 6, 10, West End 2, West End Boat Basin, West End Dock Area (24 hour access) & Green Island (24 hour access) Hither Hills - Except Memorial Day to Labor Day Montauk Point - Lower Parking Lot only. Robert Moses - Field 2, Field 3 September 15 to December 31 (24 hour access), Field 4 April 1 to June 23 (7pm-7am) and September 15 to December 31 (24 hour access), Governor Alfred E. Smith/Sunken Meadow - Field 1 & Field 3 (24 hour access), Wildwood Main Field. FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE BEACH VEHICLE FISHING PERMIT: Fee of $80.00, $125-Out of State. Permit is ONLY valid for fishing at: Hither Hills (Year round), Montauk Point (Year round), Napeague (Year round), Gilgo State Park (April 1 December 31, Robert Moses (Democrat Point and Sore Thumb) - April 1 - December 31, hours vary. Also serves as Night/Sportfishing Permit. Those purchasing the Four Wheel Drive Beach Vehicle Permit are required to have a shovel; rope or tow chain; portable toilet; jack and jack board; full size spare tire and a tire gauge. A fishing rod is required for everyone in the vehicle over the age of 12 when on the beach. CAMP HERO FISHING PERMIT: Fee of $40.00, $75-Out of State. Permit is valid for fishing after sunset only at Camp Hero State Park, April 1 - December 31. CAUMSETT FISHING PERMIT Fee of $40.00 for NYS Residents, or $75 for out of State. Limited to 500 permits. For more information on permits, call 631-321-3510 or visit www.nysparks.com.
South Shore Fishing Reports
December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Mike at Saltwaters Tackle in West Islip said there were still some bass being caught along Robert Moses and Democrat Point through last weekend but no reports since, and then the snow and cold finishe...
Mike at Saltwaters Tackle in West Islip said there were still some bass being caught along Robert Moses and Democrat Point through last weekend but no reports since, and then the snow and cold finished things off. He has heard of some white Perch coming from the Connetquot and Carmans rivers, with a few winter over stripers with them. Nightcrawlers or small twister tails on 3/16 to ¼-ounce leadheads are taking the perch. There was a nice shot of herring at the Moses Pier and on the back of Demo but it was short lived, and there has been next to no effort since the snowstorm. Now is a great time to bring in your reels for repairs and servicing. Saltwaters is an authorized Van Staal service and repair shop.
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December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Brian at J&J Sports in Patchogue had not heard of any bass in the surf for well over a week, but did hear of a few from Carmans River by perch fishermen. There have been a decent number of white perch...
Brian at J&J Sports in Patchogue had not heard of any bass in the surf for well over a week, but did hear of a few from Carmans River by perch fishermen. There have been a decent number of white perch in local tidal creeks from Sayville to Bellport and out east, with small jigheads tipped with a piece of nightcrawler working best. Customers reported catching some herring in Mt. Sinai and Port Jeff harbors on the North Shore.
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December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Mike from Bernies Bait and Tackle in Sheepshead Bay said customers are catching herring on the Coney Island and Canarsie piers and along the Rockaway Sea Wall with Coney Island the most productive. ...
Mike from Bernies Bait and Tackle in Sheepshead Bay said customers are catching herring on the Coney Island and Canarsie piers and along the Rockaway Sea Wall with Coney Island the most productive. There were still a few small bass around prior to Wednesdays snowstorm but there has been zero effort since then. The shop is closed Mondays and Tuesdays and open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the week.
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December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Bob at Bobs Bait & Tackle in Amity Harbor reported some small bass were still being caught at Robert Moses and Demo prior to the snow and sub-freezing temperatures. Hes heard nothing on white perc...
Bob at Bobs Bait & Tackle in Amity Harbor reported some small bass were still being caught at Robert Moses and Demo prior to the snow and sub-freezing temperatures. Hes heard nothing on white perch from any of the tidal creeks in his area but there has also been hardly any effort. There was a good herring run in Fire Island Inlet prior to last weekend but hes heard nothing since then.
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November 23, 2020 - 09:37:22
Jones Beach Bait and Tackle is closed for the season but I did speak to casters at Robert Moses who told me that they had good numbers of small bass and a few bluefish east of Field 6 at Jones Beach a...
Jones Beach Bait and Tackle is closed for the season but I did speak to casters at Robert Moses who told me that they had good numbers of small bass and a few bluefish east of Field 6 at Jones Beach and at Tobay during the week on diamond jigs with teasers.
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November 23, 2020 - 09:37:22
Brenden at Captree Bait and Tackle said there continues to be a lot of small stripers with a sprinkling of 6 to 7-pound blues along the Robert Moses parking fields and Demo. Most are being caught on d...
Brenden at Captree Bait and Tackle said there continues to be a lot of small stripers with a sprinkling of 6 to 7-pound blues along the Robert Moses parking fields and Demo. Most are being caught on diamond jigs and tubes with a teaser. One caster was cleaning a couple of 6 to 7-pound blues in front of the shop on Saturday morning. Brenden reminded that if you are shopping for tackle this winter, be sure to check them out on E-Bay for some great deals.
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November 23, 2020 - 09:37:22
Rich at Dicks Bait and Tackle in Mastic Beach reported another good week of action with school bass along Smith Point at Great Gun, cuts 2 and 3, and FINS, with a few slot fish scattered among the s...
Rich at Dicks Bait and Tackle in Mastic Beach reported another good week of action with school bass along Smith Point at Great Gun, cuts 2 and 3, and FINS, with a few slot fish scattered among the smaller fish. A couple of blues were also caught this week. Snap jigging with bucktails, diamond jigs and tubes, and teasers accounted for many fish during the day. At night, bottle plugs, needlefish and SP Minnows have been effective.
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September 28, 2020 - 09:36:40
Terrence at Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle in Shirley knew of some pretty good bass and bluefish action in Moriches Inlet. The fish were being taken on bucktails and poppers during the day, and liv...
Terrence at Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle in Shirley knew of some pretty good bass and bluefish action in Moriches Inlet. The fish were being taken on bucktails and poppers during the day, and live eels and bucktails at night. The inlet is open to fishermen at night. Some small weakfish are being reported from Smith Point Bridge at night.
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August 31, 2020 - 10:13:40
From Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle in Shirley, the word was there are still sharks along the Outer Beach at Smith Point taking bunker and mackerel chunks but the numbers are down. Cocktail blues a...
From Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle in Shirley, the word was there are still sharks along the Outer Beach at Smith Point taking bunker and mackerel chunks but the numbers are down. Cocktail blues and a few school bass were reported from both sides of Moriches Inlet.
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North Shore Fishing Reports
December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Matt at Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport reported there were some herring in Huntington and Cold Spring harbors before the storm on Sabiki rigs. There was a shot of squid in Huntington Harbor t...
Matt at Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport reported there were some herring in Huntington and Cold Spring harbors before the storm on Sabiki rigs. There was a shot of squid in Huntington Harbor the first week of December but not much since then, and there have been no reports of bass since prior to last weekend.
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December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Jim at Miller Place Bait and Tackle reported there are some small winter over bass falling to small soft plastics inside Mt. Sinai Harbor. There has also been a decent herring bite inside the harbor o...
Jim at Miller Place Bait and Tackle reported there are some small winter over bass falling to small soft plastics inside Mt. Sinai Harbor. There has also been a decent herring bite inside the harbor on Sabiki type rigs. One customer reported doing well on G-Dock. The shop will be closed during January and February and reopen in March.
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September 14, 2020 - 09:41:00
Richie at L & R Bait and Tackle in Pelham said his customers reported good bass action along rocky shorelines on swimming plugs during the early morning hours. Most of the fish are short with an occas...
Richie at L & R Bait and Tackle in Pelham said his customers reported good bass action along rocky shorelines on swimming plugs during the early morning hours. Most of the fish are short with an occasional keeper. Some blues in the 4 to 5-pound class are also being found along area beaches at dawn and dusk. Porgy action remains good at Rye Playland Pier.
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September 14, 2020 - 09:41:00
Blaise at Duffy's Bait and Tackle in Glenwood Landing reported that porgy action remains good along local beaches on worms and clams. School bass are being taken in the early morning and evening on sw...
Blaise at Duffy's Bait and Tackle in Glenwood Landing reported that porgy action remains good along local beaches on worms and clams. School bass are being taken in the early morning and evening on swimming plugs and topwaters along Prybil and Crescent beaches. Some cocktail blues are also roaming the harbor. There are also a fair amount of cocktail blues around.
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September 08, 2020 - 09:34:55
Pat Catalano of Island Bait and Tackle in City Island reported cocktail blues are falling to bunker and metals in Orchard Beach Lagoon. Turtle Cove is producing some pretty decent action with schoolie...
Pat Catalano of Island Bait and Tackle in City Island reported cocktail blues are falling to bunker and metals in Orchard Beach Lagoon. Turtle Cove is producing some pretty decent action with schoolie bass on poppers and swimming plugs. Bass and blues were also reported near the bridge at Ferry Point Park.
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August 31, 2020 - 10:14:47
Chris at Blue Water Ventures in Southold reported a few blues in the 4 to 8-pound range along Sound beaches on epoxy jigs, Deadly Dicks and other small tins. He heard of a few schoolies picked at plac...
Chris at Blue Water Ventures in Southold reported a few blues in the 4 to 8-pound range along Sound beaches on epoxy jigs, Deadly Dicks and other small tins. He heard of a few schoolies picked at places like Trumans, Goldsmiths and Orient but no numbers. One customer had a bonito and there have been some Spanish mackerel reported.
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August 31, 2020 - 10:13:40
From Campsite Sports in Huntington, Carmine said he was just back from being on vacation all week so had little info on the local fishing scene. We do know from one caster who has been working the Smi...
From Campsite Sports in Huntington, Carmine said he was just back from being on vacation all week so had little info on the local fishing scene. We do know from one caster who has been working the Smithtown Bay shoreline that some small blues have been turning up in the early a.m. with a very occasional school bass in the mix. Poppers and 007s have been the ticket.
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East End Fishing Reports
December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Jeff from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported there are still a few small bass around but effort has all but disappeared since Wednesdays storm. There are some herring around, and the lo...
Jeff from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported there are still a few small bass around but effort has all but disappeared since Wednesdays storm. There are some herring around, and the local salt ponds are producing some decent white perch action. The shop is open seven days a week throughout the winter except for Christmas day and New Years day.
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December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Ken at Tight Lines Tackle in Sag Harbor reported that local salt ponds like Sagg have been yielding some nice catches of white perch. Bass fishing in the surf was pretty much finished even before the ...
Ken at Tight Lines Tackle in Sag Harbor reported that local salt ponds like Sagg have been yielding some nice catches of white perch. Bass fishing in the surf was pretty much finished even before the snowstorm with little or no effort for more than a week. The shop will be closed by the time you are reading this and will reopen in mid to late January from Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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December 21, 2020 - 11:06:15
Paul from Paulies Tackle in Montauk reported all is quiet at the tip of the Island but he plans to remain open through the end of the year. The final results of the Montauk Surfmasters Fall Tourname...
Paul from Paulies Tackle in Montauk reported all is quiet at the tip of the Island but he plans to remain open through the end of the year. The final results of the Montauk Surfmasters Fall Tournament saw Mike Coppola claim the top spot for his 44 pounder caught on October 9 on the south side. The winning fish took a black Super Strike Bottle Plug. On the same night, but on the north side, Brandon Sausele found a 30 pounder, good enough to nail down second place. Mary Ellen took third place with a 12-pound fish, the only one entered into the tournament for the wader division.
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November 23, 2020 - 09:37:22
Chris at Blue Water Ventures in Southold heard from customers of a lot of small bass spread along North Fork beaches from Kennys Beach and Hortons Point out to Trumans and Orient Point. Diamond jigs, ...
Chris at Blue Water Ventures in Southold heard from customers of a lot of small bass spread along North Fork beaches from Kennys Beach and Hortons Point out to Trumans and Orient Point. Diamond jigs, small bucktails and poppers are taking the fish. Still a few tog from shore but it is not what it was earlier this fall, as dropping water temps have moved most of the tog to deeper water.
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November 23, 2020 - 09:37:22
Celeste at East End Bait and Tackle in Hampton Bays knew of plenty of small stripers along Southamptons ocean beaches, especially east of Shinnecock Inlet, this week and into the weekend, including ...
Celeste at East End Bait and Tackle in Hampton Bays knew of plenty of small stripers along Southamptons ocean beaches, especially east of Shinnecock Inlet, this week and into the weekend, including Sunday morning. Diamond jigs with tubes and teasers continue to fly out of the store.
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October 26, 2020 - 09:49:21
Scott at East End Bait and Tackle in Hampton Bays reported a good mix of bass from shorts to slots from Shinnecock to Cupsogue, with less fish but better quality to the west whenever the ocean was fis...
Scott at East End Bait and Tackle in Hampton Bays reported a good mix of bass from shorts to slots from Shinnecock to Cupsogue, with less fish but better quality to the west whenever the ocean was fishable this week. Diamond jigs and bucktails are taking most of the fish during the daytime. One customer weighed a 9-pound blackfish that he pulled off of one of the inlet jetties.
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August 10, 2020 - 18:42:21
Scott at East End Bait & Tackle in Hampton Bays reported the Shinnecock Inlet jetties are seeing a pick of small bass, cocktail blues and Spanish mackerel but nothing consistent. Best shot is early mo...
Scott at East End Bait & Tackle in Hampton Bays reported the Shinnecock Inlet jetties are seeing a pick of small bass, cocktail blues and Spanish mackerel but nothing consistent. Best shot is early morning. Fluke are taking bucktails tipped with Gulp on both jetties on the last of the incoming and start of the ebb. Triggerfish are also on the rocks taking squid or clam baits on both sides of slack water, with a few porgies mixed in. Shinnecock Canal is seeing just a few blowfish, porgies, small fluke and an occasional small weakfish.
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