Long Island, Metro NY - West End Fishing Reports

The staff at Capitol Tackle in Freeport told me that blues and bass are running around the bays and ocean areas. Tuna have shown up off of Jersey. (516) 490-6314.

Kathy Sansonetti at Freeport Bait and Tackle told me that gator blues have moved in. Choppers in the 30-inch plus range have been tearing up fresh bunker, swimming plugs, diamond jigs and anything else that moves. Bass action has been improving with reports of slot fish being taken at West End 2, Field 6 and Robert Moses. Julio brought in a photo of a nice 31-inch bass that he nailed at night on clams at West End 2 at Jones Beach. Fluke have already appeared in the back bays, which is good news for the season opener on Saturday. Big Paulie reported that he was fishing in Peekskill and Haverstraw on the Hudson River and employed bloodworms for bass from 10 to 40 inches. He said the best action was just before high water. The shop has a large selection of bucktails, Gulp, spearing, squid and all the fluke necessities. Fresh bunker is delivered daily. Please note the new shop hours. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday 12 noon to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (516) 378-4988.

Captains Paul Paris and A.J. Coleman of the Keel Hauler in Freeport at Guy Lombardo Marina asked that you please check the website for full details on their upcoming trips. www.keelhaulerfishing.com. (631) 827-5269.

Capt. Bob Schmitt of Sea Rogue Charters in Freeport said that ‘tog action was picky with a by catch of a few cod and ling later in the week. Bass activity was spotty in the bay on clam chum and jigs. A few blues appeared in the back areas of the bay. Beginning on Saturday, May 4th he will be targeting the summer flatties. To book prime dates please call (516) 551-2177.

Over on the Super Hawk in Pt. Lookout Capt. Steve Kearney reported that this will be the last week of the 6 a.m. trips. On Tuesday, there will be a Special Last Day of ‘Tog Season limited load run at 6 a.m. Fresh clams and white crabs will be on board. The next day a 1 a.m. Wreck Special for cod, pollock and jumbo porgies will sail on Wednesday, May 1. Starting on Saturday, May 4th, the boat will sail two trips daily for fluke. The hours will be 7 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Please call, or check the Facebook page for additional dates and details. Reservations are required for all trips. (516) 607-3004.

Paul from River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin checked in to say that the nice weather has helped with the reports that he has been hearing. Bass dominated most of the fishing action and are spread throughout the island. Most of the larger fish are to the west with schoolies being picked up in the surf out in Montauk. Paul heard of bluefish in his area and he hopes that the weather holds so that he can get out with his fly rod to get a piece of the action. Most anglers are looking forward to fluke season that opens on May 4th. Paul looks forward to the flats warming up and the appearance of baitfish so that he can target them with a fly rod. He noted that fly fishing is just a technique and any species of fish can be caught with on the fly. Anglers have multiple choices on Long Island where to fish whether its streams, bays, lakes or surf and that makes it hard to decide where to go. Not such a bad problem to have. (516) 415-7748.

The staff at Bay Park Fishing Station in Oceanside reported that blues rolled into the back bays and there are good numbers of bass everywhere. Blackfishing was slow with a few being picked on local pieces. A handful of cod were taken at the local reefs. The station is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (516) 766-3110.

I spoke to Capt. Nick Savene of No Time Charters in Oceanside and bass activity was exceptionally good. Dan K fished solo and decked a limit of bass and a limit of blackfish. On Friday, Bill Smith and friends limited on bass while releasing 10 others. The next day, Steve Shore wanted ‘tog and nailed six along with a couple of blues. Dates are available for bass and fluke so call (516) 662-6519.

I spoke to Capt. Dave Paris of the Captain Dave III in Sheepshead Bay and on Sunday some ling and ‘tog hit the deck. The boat sails daily at 9 a.m. and night trips for bass depart at 6 p.m.

I spoke to Capt. Bob Weigand of the Lady Flamingo in Sheepshead Bay and Saturday’s run was pretty good on the bass front. The fares hauled in some keepers and several large overslots. On Sunday, the fish got lockjaw. Reports came in of blues running down the beaches so they should appear in force any day now. The boat departs daily at 6:30 a.m. Please check the website www.ladyflamingofishing.com or call (646) 637-1447.

Capt. Tony Renda of the charter/open boat Reel Challenge/Ho Choy in Seaford said that it’s not too early to book a charter or reserve a spot on an open boat by reservation trip. Please call (516) 541-2006.

Bill Witchey at Combs Bait and Tackle in Amityville told me that the reports he received indicated that the night bite on bass was somewhat better than the daytime action. The best method was to offer the fish soft shads, Joe Baggs Swarters and SP Minnows. The top colors were white and bone. The bass are still a little sluggish so it’s best to employ a slow retrieve. Fortunately, the bay waters have hit the 52-degree mark. Blues have moved in and out of the bay with sizes ranging from cocktail to 10 pounds. Look for the working birds and then toss the choppers tins or poppers. Surf anglers reported finding blues at the Sore Thumb. Unconfirmed rumors came in of weakfish at Ocean Beach. The shop has sandworms, local and Canadian spearing, California and local squid, mussels, frozen shrimp, clams, clam bellies and clam chum. Nightcrawlers and mealworms are in stock for freshwater anglers. The shop’s new hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. (631) 264-3525.

I spoke to Victor at the LI Outdoorsman in Rockville Centre and bass and blues have invaded the bays, ocean and surf. Weakfish are slowly trickling in. The shop has all the baits and lures you will need for bass, fluke, weakfish and blues. (516) 678-5554.