Long Island, Metro NY - West End Fishing Reports

Over at Capitol Tackle in Freeport, I was told that they will have what you need to get your spring season going. Please call to confirm the hours. (516) 490-6314.

Kathy Sansonetti at Freeport Bait and Tackle wants to inform you that the shop will reopen on April 1st for the spring blackfish season. Green crabs and clams will be in stock. They look forward to seeing everyone this season. Please call to confirm the hours. (516) 378-4988.

Capt. Paul Paris of Keel Hauler Charters in Freeport said that he is accepting bookings for the 2025 season. He plans to begin fishing in May in time for the opening of fluke season. Speaking of fluke, Paul noted that if you call them and mention their ad in The Fisherman, you can get 10 per cent off your next fluke charter. Paul and Capt. A. J. target all inshore and offshore species. They have plans for some open boat by reservation trips for ocean ling. Please call/text/dm for reservations and information. (631) 827-5269.

Capt. Bob of Sea Rogue Charters in Freeport told me that it’s time to book your 2025 charters. He will be targeting blackfish, cod and bass beginning in April. To book a trip please call (516) 551-2177.

Over on the Super Hawk in Pt. Lookout the word from Capt. Steve Kearney was that he will finish out March with Special Wreck Trips for cod and ling. The trips will depart at 5 a.m. on March 26, 28 and 30. A Special Wreck run for cod and pollock will depart at 1 a.m. on Saturday, March 29. Beginning on April 1st, the boat will sail daily from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for blackfish, cod and ling. Reservations are required for all trips. Please call or check the Facebook page for additional dates and details. (516) 607-3004.

I heard from Paul McCain at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin and with the warmer weather, things are starting to happen on the saltwater. First on the menu is that you must get your Night Sport Fishing or 4x4 Fishing Permit. You have until March 31st and you will need it for the shop’s Saltwater Meetup trips. Paul has been hearing of a few stripers starting to show in the western North Shore bays but the water is still a little cold and what we need is a warm spell to get the bass into the feeding mood. Paul plans to start his season by fishing the bays in the afternoons when the tide is low about 12 noon so that the mud flats will have time to warm up. They will be doing a lot of evening Saltwater Meetups this year and the best way to learn about them is to sign up for the River Bay newsletter at www.riverbayoutfitters.com. You can also access info on their Bucket List Trips to Alaska. Paul noted that we should always make memories; not regrets. He concluded his report by stating that early spring is always a crap shoot, but it’s just nice to just get out.

Capt. Nick Savene of No Time Charters in Oceanside told me that it is time to book your trips for blackfish, cod or striped bass. Please call or check his Facebook page for more information. (516) 662-6519.

Capt. Dave Paris of the Captain Dave III in Sheepshead Bay told me that he is starting his 2025 season on Saturday, April 5th and will be sailing daily at 8 a.m. for ling and blackfish. (917) 251-2628.

Capt. Bob Weigand of the Lady Flamingo in Sheepshead Bay told me that his 2025 season will start sometime in mid to late April. (646) 637-1447.

I spoke to Bill Witchey at Combs Bait and Tackle in Amityville and the shop will reopen in early April. Please call to check the daily hours. (631) 264-3525.

Capt. Vinnie Calabro of Karen Ann Charters in Howard Beach told me that he has begun his 2025 season by chasing bass in Raritan Bay NJ. On opening day in April in NY, he will sailing out of Jamaica Bay as well. You can book your trips now. Vinnie runs open boat by reservation and private charters. Please call (516) 728-6952.

I spoke to the staff at the LI Outdoorsman in Rockville Centre and the shop is open and has everything you will need for the opening of blackfish season. (516) 678-5554.