Long Island, Metro NY - South Shore Fishing Reports

Capt. Tom Cornicelli of Back Bay Outfitter in East Moriches said there is no word on spot yet, but it is still early. Tom will definitely have live spot this year, and we will report it as soon as Tom gives me the nod. For info, call Tom at 516-446-2286.

Jay at Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches said the station will officially open on May 15th with rentals available. The shop will also have all the seasonal baits, with tackle available.

In from Richie at Dick's B&T in Mastic Beach we learned striper action has been pretty good on the bay side with anglers seeing fish to 34 inches on soft plastics, SP Minnows and the likes. A few anglers have tried for flounder, but school bass have been the catch!

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said they have had only a few reports of flounder or blackfish yet, we are stocked with baits and rigs so that you can try your luck at catching a few. Seeking warm water in the early spring season is critical to success for flounder or blackfish. Chumming heavily will increase your odds greatly on getting a bite going. Skimmer clams and sandworms would be the dominate bait for both. For weeks now we have been hearing about the loads of bait in the local bays and creeks. Bunker and big spearing are the two main baitfish people have been spotting. This is an excellent sign for the early season. Our local creeks and rivers tend to hold a decent population of holdover bass too. With all these baitfish around we are starting to see a good pick of fish coming from the west end bays. Jamaica Bay has been producing solid bass from 20 to 35 inches. A lot of anglers have gone the kayak route and are trolling tubes tipped with sandworms, while others are fishing soft plastics on light jig head. In another few weeks, bluefish will start making an appearance.  Fluke is scheduled to open May 4th and weakfish are not far behind.

Dan at Bay Shore Fish and Hunt reported the shop is open seven days per week with all the local bait, tackle and gear you will need for a great trip in 2024.

Greg from Burnett's Marina in Bay Shore we heard the shop is officially open but angler activity was still a bit slow. The shop will be closed Monday and Tuesday this year.

At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip I heard there were good reports of stripers again this week with slot and undersize fish roaming Great South Bay, on the north and south sides. The north side by the bay bridge and the local creeks have been good while the typical south side hot spots have been along South Beach to the Moses Bridge. Blackfish action is okay in the bay with several anglers reporting a few keepers. No word on flounder this week.

On the Capt. Gillen, we heard that their first trip of the 2024 fluke season will be at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 4. To start the season, they will be sailing at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and at 11 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.  Full schedule for fluke season is posted on their website.  As always, families and novices welcome.  Rod, reel, bait, tackle included in fare. Reduced fares for seniors, veterans, first responders, and children; information available by clicking on the tickets page on their site.  For more information call 631-586-5511 or visit their website.

Brenden at Captree Bait and Tackle Shop on Captree Island reported a few blackfish are hitting with a few reports of keepers on green crabs and clams. On the bass front, more schoolies were reported using soft plastics. The shop will be opening May 4th with a super 2024 opening sale at both shops.

On the King Cod VII out of Captree I heard from Capt. Joe who said fishing has been up and down this week. They had good trips on Tuesday and Saturday with some big blackfish to 8 pounds and cod to 14 pounds. However, things fell apart on Sunday with the coming moon and strong current. Just a handful of the target species made for a slow day. Things should bounce back for their next trips, most likely next weekend. Text 631-605-1404 for more info and reservations.

On the Laura Lee out of Captree, on their Facebook page, Capt. Joe reported Saturday the a.m. trip saw good action with nine codfish, 42 blackfish, 50 sea bass, 3 pollock and 15 red hake coming over the rails. There was also word of good striper action Friday and Saturday with keepers and shorts taken on light tackle.

LuAnne at Babylon Fishing Station said the only news she heard was several anglers fishing the Oregon and scoring with cod. The station is open with fuel available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with shop hours from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days per week. As always, bait, gas and ice is always available.

Bob Rose at Bob's Bait and Tackle in Amity Harbor reported the best news is striped bass as they are basically all over Great South Bay. The best bet to score has been worms, clams and soft plastics. On the blackfish front the bite is best in the ocean… but even that is tough as seas have not been that great. Flounder reports have not come in, but I’ll bet if you tried, and Bob can set you up, you could find a few buried in the mud of the channels.