The Fisherman’s new coastwide coverage fishing podcast, will keep you informed on all the hot bites along the Northeast coast.

A few snapshots from Spring Lake from the opening day of the ’26 trout season. 

The Shark River Surf Anglers (SRSA) hosted their annual Trout Contest for Kids at Spring Lake on the April 11th opener, alongside the American Legion Post 432’s opening day festivities at assisted by the Surf Kings Fishing Club.

Big fish honors on the day went to 15-year-old Abe Toohey for a 4-pound, 13-ounce brown trout (the ’26 champ was profiled in our April 26, 2026 weekly edition).

We have now (mostly) passed the breakoff point of when our readers switch out of freshwater mode and dive head first into the salt. But before we laser-focus on the salt, we need to take one more look back at a spring of phenomenal freshwater fishing. And now, as fully-embrace the bring, I want to remind you to take lots of photos and email them to danderson@thefisherman.com with all the pertinent details so that you might see them featured here. Good luck!

Middle Township in Cape May County is pleased to announce the 22nd annual Middle Township Drum Fish Tournament being held from May 15-17.  The Middle Township Drum Fish Tournament is an event initiated to raise money to enhance Middle Township Recreational activities. The founders of this event feel that by investing in the youth, it is a great way to show support for the community.

All of the proceeds from this event will go directly into popular recreation activities located throughout the various facilities in the Township of Middle.  The captain’s meeting will be held on Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at Menz Restaurant, 985 NJ-47, in Rio Grande.  Fishing gets underway at noon on Friday the 15th, and continues through Sunday the 17th at noon.

To earn your shot at winning the “Mayor’s Cup” drum classic, visit Jim’s Bait and Tackle at 1208 NJ-109 in Cape May or go to middletownship.com.

For boaters who prefer their competitive fishing away from shore, you have two more options for this weekend ahead.  Lewes Harbour Marina is once again hosting their 2026 Canal Flounder Tournament on Friday, May 15.  Cash entry fee is $50 per angler, $25 for kids 15 and under, and all tournament anglers must register by 7 a.m. on the day of the tournament.

Fishing time is from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. with weigh-in back at Lewes Harbour Marina no later than 4 p.m.  Tournament boundaries are Rehoboth Bay Canal entrance, Roosevelt Inlet (not outside the inlet) and Main Broadkill River only (no tributaries) to Oyster Rocks Road.

Cash prizes determined on the number of entrants, with top awards to first, second and third heaviest summer flounder.  There’s also a rod and reel combo prizes for women’s heaviest flounder and the child 12 and under catching the heaviest flounder, and a bonus $1,000 prize for the heaviest summer flounder caught using an Aqua Clear rig.

As always, 50% of the proceeds will go benefit pancreatic cancer research.  Lewes Harbour Marina is located at 217 Anglers Road in Lewes, DE.  For details call 302-645-6227.

In South Jersey, this Saturday, May 16 the Valhalla Flounder Open returns to Valhalla Yachting Center in New Gretna with cash payout totaling more than $4,750, plus the optional calcuttas for heaviest three-fish bag and heaviest overall summer flounder.

Top cash prizes will be awarded after the tournament weight-in at Breeze’s on the Bass River, with $2,000 for first place, $1,250 for second place, $750 for third, $500 for fourth slot and the fifth place finishers get $250.  There are also prizes for anglers under 12 years of age.

Boundary lines are inshore waters (less than 3 miles from shore) from Corson’s Inlet to Barnegat Inlet, with tournament fishing underway at 6 a.m.  Registration is $150 per boat (up to four anglers), and all forms and payment must be received at the Viking Yachting Center office at 5724 N. Route 9 in New Gretna no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15.

A portion of the proceeds from the Valhalla Flounder Open will go towards the Fisheries Conservation Trust. Register online at fisheriesconservationtrust.org/valhalla-flounder-open.

For Jersey Shore surfcasters looking to score this weekend, there are two tournaments taking place on Saturday and Sunday, with plenty of prizes offered up for tournament winners.

This Saturday, May 16, the Surf n Land Sportsman’s Club will host their 36th Annual Surf’n Land Tournament on the beach in Brigantine.  Sanctioned by the Association of Surf Angling Clubs (ASAC) and using ASAC scoring, the event is open both teams ($70 entry) and individuals ($15 entry).

Registration gets underway at 5:30 a.m. at the American Legion Hall at 3218 W Brigantine Avenue.  First fishing position runs from 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m., followed by the second fishing position from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Awards/plaques will be awarded to teams, individuals, men, women and youth participants at 1 p.m. For details contact Dan Wiest at 215-410-6192 or danstcroix@verizon.net.

Then on Sunday, May 17, the 35^th Annual Governor’s Cup Surf Fishing Tournament.  Newly named as the Garden State Surf Fishing Classic at Island Beach State Park, the individual who catches the overall largest tournament-eligible legal-sized fish will win the “Governor’s Award” and will have their name engraved on the Governor’s Cup to be permanently displayed at Island Beach State Park.

This family-friendly day of fishing awards prizes in age, species, and gender categories.  Same day registration ($20 for adults, $5 kids ages 13 to 17, and 12 and under free of charge) begins at 5 a.m. at Pavilion #1.  The tournament fishing runs from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a raffle drawing at 1:30 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 2 p.m.  All funds raised go toward improving beach access, surf fishing instruction programs and equipment plus marine education and restoration projects.

Entry fee is waived for student teams, and admission to the park is free for registrants. Questions can be directed to 609-947-1201.  Learn more at njfishandwildlife.org.

After a long, drawn out battle – one that included a lapse in federal bookkeeping in the U.S. Department of Commerce that nearly upended the entire increase in recreational harvest this season – New Jersey’s black sea bass fishery will reopen again this Friday, May 15th.

The first part of the season will run through June 21 with a 10 fish bag limit and 12-1/2-inch minimum size.  Starting June 22 and running all the way through September 22 the bag limit will drop to just one fish, with the 10 fish bag returning September 23 and running through October 31.  From November 1 through December 31, it’s a 15 fish bag limit.  The size limit throughout the entire New Jersey black sea bass season is 12-1/2 inches.

In Delaware marine waters, the 2026 black sea bass fishery officially opened on May 1 and will continue all the way through December 31 with a 12-1/2-inch minimum size limit and 15 fish bag for the entire year.

If you’re fishing in New York waters, the regulations are also expected to change this week, although Empire State officials have yet to make the change official (as of May 1).  It’s expected that New York waters will reopen on Saturday, May 16 for black sea bass, with a three fish bag limit and 16-inch size and three-fish bag limit.  The season is expected to reopen on September 1 with the same size limit and a six-fish bag limit in place through December 31.

For any regulatory updates and recommendations for the weekend ahead be sure to check out weekly video fishing forecasts this Thursday on our YouTube page at www.youtube.com/@thefishermanmagazine.

In the quiet corner of Hopkinton, where the dense forest canopy of the Canonchet Region provides a sanctuary for migratory birds and local wildlife, a new chapter of conservation has officially taken root. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) recently finalized the acquisition of the 68-acre Princess Pine Estate, a move that effectively weaves another vital thread into the state’s tapestry of protected lands. This $1.66 million purchase marks a significant win for both the ecosystem and the public, expanding the footprint of the Rockville Wildlife Management Area and ensuring that a pristine stretch of Wincheck Pond remains accessible to future generations.

The acquisition was made possible through a collaborative financial effort that reflects the high priority placed on New England’s forest corridors. Funding was anchored by an $800,000 contribution from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program, supplemented by a generous $500,000 gift from the Rhode Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The remaining $361,000 was drawn from voter-approved Open Space Bond funds, a clear signal of the public’s continued appetite for land preservation.

By securing the Princess Pine Estate, state officials are doing more than just putting a fence around a few dozen acres. The property sits within a 2,140-acre block of already conserved land, bordering parcels managed by the Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy. This creates a contiguous corridor that is essential for species movement and genetic diversity. Conservationists view this region as nationally significant; it is a key segment of a resilient forest highway that stretches from the South County coastline all the way to the foothills of the Berkshires. This connectivity is a cornerstone of climate resilience, protecting water quality and providing a buffer against the encroaching pressures of development.

For the local outdoor community, the news is equally impactful. The land will be managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife with an eye toward traditional uses, including hunting, fishing, and trapping. Anglers and paddlers have particular reason to celebrate, as the property includes a small parking area designed for cartop boats. While gas-powered motors are prohibited to maintain the pond’s tranquility and ecological integrity, the new access point offers a quiet gateway to Wincheck Pond for canoes, kayaks and small boats with electric motors.

Currently, about 15 acres of the estate will remain temporarily closed to allow the DEM to complete necessary site improvements, ensuring the land is safe and sustainable for heavy foot traffic. Once fully integrated, it will stand as a testament to a conservation strategy that has protected over 20,000 acres across Rhode Island since 1985. It is a reminder that in the smallest state in the union, every acre counts, and the preservation of the Princess Pine Estate ensures that the Ocean State remains just as defined by its deep, silent woods and placid ponds as it is by its rocky shores, diverse saltwater fishery and crashing surf.

The Connecticut CARE (Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education) program is pleased to announce a robust schedule of “Learn to Fish” classes and field trips through the end of May 2026. Designed to foster an appreciation for the state’s aquatic resources, these events provide residents with the equipment, bait, and expert instruction necessary to master the art of angling.

The CARE program events are tailored for adults ages 16 and up, as well as families with children ages 6 and older. To ensure a barrier-free introduction to the sport, the program provides all necessary loaner fishing equipment and bait at no cost to participants.

Upcoming May 2026 Event Schedule:

May 13: Fishing Trip – Colony Pond, Ansonia (4:30 PM – 7:00 PM)

May 14: Fly Fishing Field Day – Winding Trails, Farmington (5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)

May 20: Fishing Trip – Center Springs Park, Manchester (4:30 PM – 7:00 PM)

May 26: Fishing Trip – Mirror Lake (Hubbard Park), Meriden (4:30 PM – 7:00 PM)

May 27: Fishing Trip – Pickett’s Pond, Derby (4:30 PM – 7:00 PM)

May 29: Fishing Trip – Lake Wintergreen, Hamden (4:30 PM – 7:00 PM)

Registration and Licensing Requirements: Prospective participants must have a Conservation Identification Number (CID) to register. Requirements vary by age:

Anglers 16 and older: Must possess a valid Connecticut fishing license.

Anglers 15 and younger: Must obtain a free CID before registering. These young participants also have the option to register for a “YOUth Fishing Passport.”

A Conservation ID or Youth Fishing Passport can be obtained through the official Online Licensing System.

Registration is mandatory and can be completed via the Fishing and Hunting Education Registration System. Because classes are subject to change due to weather or staffing, registered attendees will be notified of any scheduling updates directly via email.

For more information on the CARE program and to view the full year-round schedule, please visit the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website.

The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is pleased to announce the official opening of the 2026 recreational black sea bass fishing season, effective Saturday, May 16. As one of the Commonwealth’s most popular inshore species, the black sea bass provides significant recreational opportunities for anglers across state waters, from the rocky bottoms of Buzzards Bay, to the deeper reaches of the Elizabeth Islands to the wrecks and drop-offs of Nantucket Sound.

Starting May 16, anglers may legally harvest black sea bass provided the fish meet a minimum total length of 16 inches. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the stock while maximizing access during peak fishing, the 2026 season features a bifurcated bag limit based on the calendar date.

Recreational Harvest Schedule and Limits:

• May 16 through August 31: Anglers are permitted a daily bag limit of four fish per person.
• September 1 through October 14: The daily bag limit will adjust to two fish per person for the remainder of the season.
• Minimum Size Limit: A strict 16-inch minimum size requirement remains in effect throughout the entire duration of the season.
• The season is scheduled to conclude on October 14, 2026.

The implementation of these specific harvest limits is designed to manage the biomass effectively while providing a fair and equitable experience for the diverse range of stakeholders within the Massachusetts fishing community. Black sea bass are known for their aggressive nature and are prized by anglers as excellent table, making them a cornerstone of the spring and summer maritime economy.

Anglers are reminded to practice proper catch-and-release techniques for sub-legal fish to reduce discard mortality. All recreational fishers are required to possess a valid Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit. For more information regarding fishing regulations, permit requirements, or species identification, please visit the official Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries website.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced the graduation of 33 new officers from the 20th Basic School of the Park Police Academy, with the ceremony held at Saratoga Spa State Park. The recruits completed six months of intensive training and will now enter a 10-week supervised field training program beginning the week of May 4 before transitioning to full patrol duties.

The new officers will be deployed across the state, including several assignments on Long Island, as part of the New York State Park Police, helping to protect visitors at more than 250 state parks, beaches, and recreational facilities. Training included criminal and park law, emergency response, firearms proficiency, and off-road operations, preparing officers for a wide range of public safety responsibilities.

Officials noted the new class will play a key role in supporting major seasonal events and upcoming Semiquincentennial celebrations, while continuing to ensure safe access for the millions of visitors who utilize New York’s park system each year.

Upcoming Safe Boating Courses
District 3 Boating Courses
Squadron: Great South Bay – America’s Boating Course
Contact: Michael Boland Phone: 631-290-8096
Email: bolandmichael123@gmail.com
Location: West Islip Library
Address: 3 Higbie Lane
City: West Islip, NY 11795
Start Date: MAY 11, 2026 Time: 06:30PM
Cost: $40.00

Squadron: Patchogue Bay District: 3 – America’s Boating Course
Contact: Bob Bernstein Phone: 516-429-3439
Email: hbbob1926@gmail.com
Location: Long Island Maritime Museum
Address: 88 West Ave
City: West Sayville, NY 11796
Start Date: MAY 30, 2026 Time: 09:00AM
Cost: $75.00

Upcoming District 3 Seminars
Subject: BH Knots & Line Handling,
Squadron: Patchogue Bay
Contact: Bob Bernstein Phone: 516-429-3439
Email: hbbob1926@gmail.com
Location: Long Island Maritime Museum
Address: 88 West Ave
City: West Sayville, NY 11796
Start Date: MAY 05, 2026 Time: 09:00AM
Cost: $20.00

Subject: BH Anchoring with Assurance,
Squadron: Bayside
Contact: Gene Molteni Phone: 718-224-2124
Email: eugene.molteni@verizon.net
Location: Virtual
Address: 5235 Leith Place
City: Little Neck, NY 11362
Start Date: MAY 13, 2026 Time: 07:30PM
Cost: $25.00

Subject: All About VHF/DSC Marine Radio,
Squadron: Bayside
Contact: Gene Molteni Phone: 718-224-2124
Email: eugene.molteni@verizon.net
Location: Virtual
Address: 5235 Leith Place
City: Little Neck, NY 11362
Start Date: JUN 17, 2026 Time: 07:30PM
Cost: $25.00

Upcoming District 3 Advanced Classes
Subject: Marine Navigation,
Squadron: Patchogue Bay
Contact: Bob Bernstein Phone: 516-429-3439
Email: hbbob1926@gmail.com
Location: Long Island Maritime Museum
Address: 88 West Ave
City: West Sayville, NY 11796
Start Date: MAY 12, 2026 Time: 07:00PM
Cost: $25.00

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding anglers and beachgoers to report any deceased sharks or sturgeon encountered along shorelines as part of its ongoing Shark and Sturgeon Salvage Program. These occasional wash-ups can result from a variety of causes including fishing interactions, vessel strikes, predation, disease, or natural mortality.

DEC staff collect key data such as location, species, length, sex, and overall condition, and when possible will retrieve specimens for necropsy to help determine cause of death. Biological samples are also distributed to researchers statewide and nationally, contributing to a broader understanding of these species and helping inform future fisheries management decisions.

The public is urged not to handle or remove any carcasses, as possession is prohibited. Instead, report findings through the DEC’s Marine Life Incident Report system or by calling 845-256-3073 for Hudson River sturgeon or 631-444-0444 for marine waters. When reporting, include coordinates, estimated size, condition, visible injuries, and photos if available.

As most readers are probably aware, I’m a big NFL fan.  Much like fishing, football is pretty much religion in my family.  Perhaps if my father had been a preacher rather than a high school football coach, I’d be telling a different story today about faith, but in the Hutchinson world it’s all about family, fishing, and football (not necessarily in that order).

After my Philadelphia Eagles grabbed receiver Mikai Lemon with their first pick in the April draft, my phone was buzzing with texts from equally obsessed family and friends.  It wasn’t until that Saturday while plugging away at stripers with a buddy, just prior to the nor’east winds and rains that afternoon that I was on the receiving end of a group text with my wife and daughter.  “Arriving at Philadelphia training complex for his first day and he’s already got a Goyard bag,” my wife texted, my daughter replying “Love it!”

It’s worth noting that that both my wife and daughter enjoy fishing with the prickly old patriarch on occasion; but in terms of football, I must say I’m somewhat of a missionary, able to convert both of these ladies into rabid Eagles fans, even if they are still urban-afflicted professional women tied to fashion and culture.  “I assume Goyard is some pricey bag,” I responded.   Oh Jimmy, you’re so out of touch.

I always thought Coach was the big brand in bag fashion; that and perhaps Gucci.  Of course, my fanciest bags are from Plano and Pelican, so what do I know.  But a Goyard bag like the one the Eagles top pick was carrying around in Philly immediately after the draft apparently costs more than much of my fishing tackle.  It prompted me to ask my wife about the price of status, a little shopping intel on my part for future gift ideas.  That’s when she mentioned the brand Hermès.

As the wife explained, even if you’ve got money out the wazoo – and unless you’re Taylor Swift, or perhaps the NFL player who is dating her – don’t expect to just waltz into an Hermès boutique with cash in hand hoping to walk out with one of their exorbitantly priced bags. You have to earn it before you can buy it!

After a bit of Googling, I found the “retail” price for a standard Birkin 25 in Togo leather starts at around $10,400, and runs upwards of $13,500.  But that’s retail; the price on the open market is two to three times that amount!  You see, unless you’re a preferred Hermès shopper who gets tapped on the shoulder to enter the big game, you’re not entitled to buy one at retail, which supposedly makes them highly coveted on the secondary market.

Still with me?  In order to buy a Birkin bag at Hermès, you apparently have to be a regular; someone who frequents the shop and continually drops coin on other products, until reaching some level of preferred customer status, a fashionista’s Zen if you will.  Then, once you’ve n proven worthy enough, I guess someone gives you the nod, whispering “hey, come in the back room with me.”  And that point, you’ve finally crossed over to coveted status, and are now entitled to plop down $12,000 to walk out with a Hermès Birkin bag.

The best part?  Since there’s an exclusive socioeconomic threshold required for point-of-purchase at the retail level, on the open market you can probably sell that bag for two, even three times the price you actually paid.  That said, even if I did sell off all my fishing gear to collect enough cash, the folks at Hermès will not allow me to purchase a Birkin for my wife’s birthday this summer. Sorry honey (whew!)

If you’re a tackle manufacturer reading this, please don’t get any ideas.

I used to revel in the bookends of the season. I was one of the few that was out earlier and later in the year than most could stand (or thought was worth their time). But the bragging board of social media has revealed these quiet times to the masses and that “me too” thirst has pushed more and more anglers out earlier and later than ever before, just to harvest a photo to post on their feed.

As I was returning from a trip down to the Cape to help out with a kid’s fishing day, I got that twinge that told me that it was time to make that first surf trip of the season. Sunday nights are great for fishing because most anglers have run late nights over the weekend and need to ‘freshen up’ for the work week. So I made the trip out and fished in Sunday solitude, landing my first five bass of the season, ranging from a – surprising for April – 14 to 22 pounds.

A few nights later I felt the need to go back. And I dragged my wife and daughter along with me, so that my daughter could help me shoot some photos for future articles. We took separate vehicles so that I could stay into the dark. There were a couple fly guys that appeared right at sunset, but they didn’t stay long and I was alone again by full darkness. On my successful Sunday night there had been hundreds of herring in this spot, but on this night they were few and far between. A cold and relentless north wind buffeted me as I stood casting heavy herring imitations over and over.

Finally, a smaller push of herring came in and I felt the telltale thump of a bass sucking in my glidebait. After a battle that outpunched its weight, a 15-pounder swam into the glow of my headlamp. The next 90 minutes were brutally cold, nearly devoid of herring and completely devoid of fish. With my phone softly playing the Red Sox game, I told myself, “one more inning and, if I don’t get a hit, I’m outta here!”

Right around the time that inning was wrapping up, I heard some chatter on the beach, straining my ears, I heard the unmistakable crunching of boots in the gravel. I knew this meant I had to stay. I heard a hushed voice say, “See him, he’s all the way out and to the left.” The duo of shadows crossed the shallow cut and made their way out until they were right next to me.

It’s a funny situation, fishing but hoping no one hooks up. It’s not that I didn’t want these guys have to have a good time, it’s that I worry that if someone does have a good night that they will start the chain reaction of phone calls and there will be 14 guys there the next night. I’ve seen it happen and I’ve seen it completely ruin a great spot.

I remained quiet and diligent, casting constantly and cycling through a lineup of plugs that I thought would tempt any fish that came within range. I heard the guys talking, about how the night ‘felt right’ and listened as the slow fishing and cold wind whittled away at their confidence. As the tide continued to drop out, the tiny swell coming in broke over a shallow bar behind them. “Did you hear that?!” one of them said. “A fish just blew up behind us! Cast directly behind me!” I knew that there was no possible way a fish was back there, at this stage of the tide, there was barely 8 inches of water in there and it was cut off from the ocean by a long bar. But his partner flung a backward cast back and came back with 9 pounds of gunk. I don’t write this to make fun of them for trying, I included this detail because it shows how hard we try to find something, anything, to prop up our confidence on a slow night.

My hands were frozen, and I could feel my elbow barking from casting with tensed muscles in the wind. But I knew now that there was no way I was going back before they did. Why? I have no idea. So I stayed true to the task at hand, casting and reeling, until I heard one say to the other, “Phew, you know, I’m getting pretty cold!”

Sweet salvation was near. I only had to wait for them to walk all the way back and drive away. And when I saw their headlights swing out of the sandy parking lot, I released myself from my fishless prison sentence and I had to wonder, am I too competitive… for my own good? What do you think?

For most Long Island anglers, Coast Guard Station Jones Beach isn’t something you think about—until you need it. It’s not flashy. It’s not something that shows up in a catch photo or a tide report. But it’s there, sitting quietly on the edge of one of the busiest recreational waterways in the Northeast, serving as a safety net for everyone from the weekend bay boater to the offshore canyon runner pushing through rough weather on a late-season trip. And over the past couple of years, that safety net has gotten a little thinner.

In 2024, as part of a broader Coast Guard force realignment, Station Jones Beach was one of nearly 20 stations nationwide that saw reductions in operational capacity. The reasoning was familiar—recruitment struggles and funding limitations—but the local impact hit close to home. Capabilities were scaled back, and with that came concerns about response times, coverage, and ultimately the long-term future of the station itself.

If you fish the South Shore—or frankly anywhere from Fire Island to Jamaica Bay—you understand just how critical that presence is. These waters aren’t forgiving. Spring tides rip through the inlets, fog rolls in quick, and heavy boat traffic during the peak season only adds to the risk. When something goes wrong out there, minutes matter. That’s why a recent development out of Washington carries some real weight back home.

During a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, Congresswoman Laura Gillen secured a commitment from Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday to prioritize restoring Station Jones Beach to full operational capability. It’s not a finished deal—but it’s a step in the right direction.

The plan hinges largely on continued improvements in recruitment and future budget support, but the Coast Guard is coming off a strong 2025 in both funding and enlistment numbers, giving officials reason to believe that rebuilding smaller stations like Jones Beach is achievable. And what does “restoring capability” actually mean?

In practical terms, it’s about getting back to full-time readiness—things like year-round search and rescue coverage, properly staffed small-boat crews, and the ability to respond quickly across a wide stretch of heavily trafficked water. These aren’t luxuries; they’re baseline expectations for a region that sees as much recreational and commercial activity as Long Island does.

For anglers, especially, the Coast Guard plays a role that often goes unnoticed. They’re the ones monitoring distress calls, coordinating rescues, and keeping a watchful eye when conditions turn ugly. Whether it’s a mechanical failure in the bay, a capsized skiff, or a bigger offshore emergency, they’re the last line of defense. And the truth is, the fishing community relies on them more than most.

From spring flounder drifts to summer fluke runs and into the fall striper blitzes, there’s no off-season for boat traffic here anymore. Add in kayakers, paddlecraft, and an ever-growing number of recreational users, and the margin for error gets smaller every year.

So while this kind of news might read like just another political headline, it’s worth paying attention to because maintaining a strong Coast Guard presence isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about confidence. It’s about knowing that when you leave the dock, there’s a system in place to help bring you back if something goes wrong.

We spend a lot of time talking about access on these pages—beach access, boat ramps, fisheries access—but safety is just as critical a piece of the puzzle. And right now, for Long Island’s South Shore, it’s one worth fighting to keep intact.

Affordable and effective reel spooling at home. 

I have been fishing for 50 plus years, and if there is one thing I have mastered it is getting the most bang for my buck where spinning reels are concerned. I am not talking about finding the best reel for the dollar value, I am talking about getting the best performance by spooling up the reel the “right way,” and in the most affordable fashion.

We have all witnessed the angler trying to cast from a pier, beach or boat, only to see the lure go about 25 feet and the spool looks empty. How about, “Braid is too expensive and I’m spending way too much money to fill a spool with 400 yards of the stuff.”

Over the years I have changed some things, but the bottom line is if you start off right – the arbor knot or tape, correct amount of backing and a full spool, you get the best results.

The Knot, or Tape.  The first time I got a spool filled was way back in 1978 at Great Eastern in Bay Shore, NY. I bought my first-ever new reel – a 300 Garcia Mitchell, which spins backwards! Well, the “tech” at the store did not know this and after my first cast, and then trying to reel it in to no avail, I stripped the reel. The first thing I noticed was some kind of knot holding the line to the spool. To me it looked like 15 half hitches, but I can assure you, it was not an arbor knot. To this day I use an arbor knot 90% of the time, but I also use a piece of blue painters’ tape as well at times. I have never, and I mean never, had the line slip on a spool. For the skeptical ones, use the arbor knot; easy to tie, even easier to Google.

The Backing.  Here is where you will save spending a lot of money on braid; fill the spool with backing to where it needs to be, and if heaven forbid you get down to the backing, the line and knot will hold so you can land the fish.  When I first started surfcasting, there was no braid, so Ande 15-pound pink monofilament was the line choice for our Crack and Luxor 300 and Penn 300Z. We experimented with different kinds of backing and finally (I’m sure some old guy told us about it) began using yarn. Good old fashioned knitting yarn; it allowed the mono to be wound on tight and stay tight. As braid became the source, the yarn was replaced with monofilament. No, you do not need to get the highest price mono you can find. Quite frankly, as I have never gotten down to the mono, I use the cheapest I can find. The final height on the reel with backing will be determined in the next phase. For the knot from backing to braid – double Uni-Knot or GT Knot.

Top It Off.  The final step is to top off the reel with your desired braid of choice. What braid is best…your guess is as good as mine, but I will tell you one thing; once you find one you like and trust, use it until it fails you.  The tricky part is knowing how full to fill the reel with backing. This will take trial and error. Look, I do not care how far you think you can cast, but trust me, it isn’t 300 yards, it isn’t 200 yards and believe it or not fellas, it probably isn’t 100 yards. I use the 25% rule where I get the maximum distance, I can cast a specific spinning reel based on past performance and add 25%.

The final step is to fill the reel to its maximum capacity based on sight. I like my braid to be within 1/32 or less of the spool’s lip.  “But Tom, then the line just falls off and gets all kinds of wind loops.” No, it really doesn’t, but here’s the key – pay attention to your spool at all times. If you are using a light lure and make multiple casts, your line will be loose as a goose on the spool and probably overflowing, and is about to give you the nastiest win loop you have ever seen. On the other hand, if you were paying attention and then made a cast and tightened up to spool, you will almost never have an issue.

Spools filled “right” will give you the best bang for your buck, and make your day on the water fun and less stressful. Give it a shot, I am sure you will say, “Thanks Tom!”

Learn to tie the uni-to-uni and other knots at www.thefisherman.com/fishing-knots.

PHOTO CAPTION

A properly filled spool will be right at the spool’s lip.

The simple bucktail has been a surf bag staple for decades along the Striper Coast. 

If I were to accept a fishing challenge that stated I could only use one type of lure for an entire fishing season, I would hands-down select the bucktail jig! And I suspect that I am not alone in my thinking when arriving at that choice. It is a lure that can literally cover the full spectrum of surf angling situations by just changing up the weight, hair density, color, and presentation.

The history of the jig is one that has probably spanned hundreds of years. Studies reveal that some Native American tribes tied deer hair to crude stone or wooden hooks. The modern bucktails as we know them today were first produced in numbers by Morrie and William Upperman in the early 1940s under the Upperman brand and patented in 1943. It later went on to be included in survival kits for the U.S. Navy and Army Air Corps during WWII.

Today, the bucktail comes in many shapes and sizes, giving the angler a multitude of choices and making it easy to zero in on the style of fishing at hand. For the surfcaster, bucktails are a blessing. They can be effectively used in so many different scenarios, both day and night! They are at home in stormy surf conditions that would render many other lures unfishable. They punch into an onshore wind easily and work extraordinarily well in big, nasty water. The bucktail is the staple for casters tackling nor’easters that pound the ocean beaches and create fish-attracting whitewater heaven!

They are suited for calm surf conditions as well. Another place where they shine is in deep, fast-moving water, such as breachways, canals, and rivers. Just cast them up-current, sink them to the desired depth, and follow the drift while keeping in contact with the jig. I couldn’t even guess the number of “cow” stripers that must have succumbed to this method over the decades by bucktail enthusiasts.

Big water is not the only place these killers can be used. Calm, shallower back-bay waters and harbors are also perfect places to utilize these by selecting lighter jigs and adjusting retrieve speeds. They also are an excellent pick when fishing the base of bridges at night, letting them work the shadow line where gamefish set up shop.

With the wide range of waters where the jig can be employed, the really important part of fishing bucktails is selecting the correct weight and profile for the task in front of you. You don’t want to toss a 4-ounce jig into a shallow back-bay spot, and conversely, you won’t do much with a half-ounce jig trying to get down in a raging inlet. The trick is matching the weight to the water type while still presenting a natural-looking meal to the predator.

Also, the amount of hair on the jig will affect its sink rate and its profile. Slender, thinly tied jigs work well when sand eels and spearing are on the menu. Heavily dressed jigs with a bulky profile can imitate bunker and squid. I can recall one time when bass were feeding on baby blowfish along a jetty, and bucktails with some yellow and brown were taking significantly more fish. So, sometimes color comes into play, but the majority of the time, white is my first choice, with green coming in at number two on my list.

I have caught fish on bucktails that were not sporting any kind of trailer, and sometimes that is what they prefer, but 95% of the time I will be using a jig with some form of adornment—be it pork rind, soft plastic, or what I often use now: bucktails that have the addition of long feathers. Most are tied from saddle hackles. These feathers take the role of the aforementioned trailer and give the jig great fish-attracting action. I also strongly feel that having some type of eyes painted or glued onto the jig can make a positive difference in the number of strikes.

There are many jighead styles are on the market, such as the smiling bill design, the lima bean, the round head, and the ultra-minnow shape. They all have their time and place, and learning the ways to utilize these great, time-tested lures will definitely up your score. Seasoned casters know the value of these jigs, and they will almost always have a few in their bags—and for good reason!

Those who received complimentary Danco 7-inch Fish Species pliers with a subscription to The Fisherman during the winter show season can certainly appreciate the quality of Danco products.  Manufactured from aircraft grade aluminum and sporting a spring-loaded hinge, these corrosion-resistant pliers are light, strong and in it for the long haul.

For readers who prefer titanium, Danco’s Premio line of 100% machined titanium offers a full lineup of American-made titanium pliers ($189.99 to $847.99).  From the Premio USA Gen 2 designed for inshore and offshore performance, to Premio Lite options on the light tackle side available in 5- and 6-inch models ($189.99 and $209.99 respectively), there’s also the top of the line Premium AI titanium ($847.99) which as the name suggests uses Artificial Intelligence to optimize performance and efficiency.

Now that we’ve piqued your titanic interest in titanium, let’s go one step further with Danco’s newest addition to the Premio line, fused carbon.  “This has never been done in the industry before,” said Danco’s Christina Weber, talking about the new Danco Premio Fused Carbon pliers.  “This is actually a patented fused carbon,” Weber told us during ICAST ’25 in Florida, the state where each of these Premio pliers is made.

The new Danco Premio Fused Carbon line is considered titanium strong, even at just 1.8 ounces in weight.  “It’s feather-light, and it’s just as strong as what we’re all used to,” Weber noted.  The American-made Premio Fused Carbon pliers have been tough to find since their 2025 release, but only because they’re presently built in small batches.  “The Fused Carbon can only be produced 10 at a time. It’s a very slow process and they sell very quick,” Weber said recently of these 6-1/2-inch pliers ($199.99) which feature a unique carbon fiber pattern so that no two pliers look alike.

With a replaceable Titanium-Cobalt cutter (find Danco replacement cutters here), smooth Halo Hinge, and protective Cerakote clear finish, anglers should keep an eye out for these fused carbon models.  “We’re actually in a process of a Gen 2 that will hopefully solve the speed issues,” teased Weber.

Speaking of second generations, perhaps the most popular Danco pliers with Northeast anglers are the Premio USA Gen 2 available in three colors (Copper, Crocodile and Titanium Blue) and two sizes, 6.5 and 7 inches (respectively priced at $349.99 and $379.99).  Made in America from solid Grade 5 aerospace titanium, Premio USA Gen 2 pliers are Ceratoke finished for protection against the elements, and feature built-in rigging features for crimping, cutting braid and pulling hooks from stubborn fish.  Danco Premio USA Gen 2 titanium pliers are also backed by an industry-leading lifetime warranty, and come with leather sheath with belt clip and elastic lanyard.

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Knowing your forage fish helps you target predators.

Forage fish or “baitfish” are loosely defined as small, schooling fishes that form critical links between the marine zooplankton community and larger predatory fish. Big fish need lots of protein, and they get it from eating baitfish.

WHITE BAIT

Collectively known as “white bait” in southeast waters, this term describes scaled sardines (Harengula jaguana), (or “pilchard”), and thread herring (Opisthonema oglinum), (“threadfin,” “greenback,” or “greenie”), which rank at the top of southeast forage species.

Threadfin have a bright green/blue back and spots along the dorsal side. Most notable is a long, thread-like trailer from the first dorsal fin. Threadfin have a rotund body, deeply curved belly, and small, pointed head. They range from Massachusetts to Florida along the Atlantic Coast.

The scaled sardine lacks the dorsal fin trailer, has a larger eye, an olive-green back, and scattered spots. Scaled sardines are distributed in the western Atlantic from New Jersey southward.

BUNKER AND ALEWIVES

Ranging from Nova Scotia to Florida, Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), nicknamed “bunker,” are the premier forage species for many Northeast gamefish. “Peanuts” are the juveniles, and they’re the northern version of white bait. Bluefish, striped bass, weakfish, and false albacore assault bunker along New England and the Mid Atlantic shores.

Bunker are in the herring family Clupeidae, and they swim in massive schools that stratify by age and size along our coast. While adults grow to 15 inches long and one pound, peanuts range from 1 to 4 inches. Bunker are silvery overall, but dark on top, and are more flattened than herring. Black spots behind the gill plates help distinguish them. Adult schools are often seen finning in bays and estuaries.

Also in the family Clupeidae, alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) are a few inches long as juvenile baitfish and about 10 inches as adults. They feature a blue to green back, with light sides showing horizontal stripes. The head is broad and triangular, and the body is relatively deep. They are anadromous and range from Nova Scotia to North Carolina. Alewives spend most of their adult lives in the ocean but return to the freshwater streams to spawn in spring. They’re important forage for striped bass and bluefish, and stripers pursue them up spawning rivers.

HERRING & MACKEREL

In the Gulf of Maine, Atlantic herring and Atlantic mackerel are common targets of big bluefish, large striped bass, cod, pollock, and bluefin tuna. “Tinkers” are young Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) ranging from 6 to 10 inches long. They have an elongated and rounded body and a long, pointed nose; they are steel-blue, and marked with distinctive wavy black lines on their back with a silvery-white underside.

Herring appear similar to bunker, but their body is less flattened and more elongated than menhaden. Generally, menhaden are an inshore and warmer water species whereas herring stage more offshore and favor cooler water.

BAY ANCHOVIES

Bay anchovies (Anchoa mitchilli), also known as “rainbait,” are a small, translucent fish, 1 to 4 inches long, which school from Maine to Florida. Bay anchovies are slender with a silvery-green back, clear body, and silver stripe along the sides. They have a large, underhanging mouth, single dorsal fin, and forked tail. They’re an important food source for small bluefish, schoolie stripers, bonito, and false albacore.

SILVERSIDES AND SAND EELS

Silversides or “spearing” and sand eels or “sand lance,” belong to the Ammodytidae family. They feature a slender body, pointed snout, and a silvery body with an olive back. Silversides are typically 3 to 4 inches long with a maximum of about 6 inches, and they range from Canada to Florida.

Silversides prefer a sandy bottom and grass beds in shallow water of estuaries and are popular snapper bluefish targets. Schools flash brightly in unison when disturbed. Anglers can buy them frozen or catch them with a small-mesh dip net or beach seine net. Silversides are also popular feed for weakfish, fluke, albies, and bonito.

Sand eels (or “sandeels”) are not true eels—they only look like eels due to their long, slender shape and green back. They swim in large schools close to the seabed and will burrow into the sand to evade predators. They’re a vital food for many predators, including pollock, cod, haddock, black sea bass, bluefish, striped bass, tuna, fluke, albies, and bonito.

BUTTERFISH

Butterfish are thin, deep-bodied, and somewhat circular. They have a small mouth with a rounded, blunt nose. They’re steely blue on the top, with pale sides and a silvery belly. Their size varies from 6 to 9 inches in length, but they’re often targeted as forage species when juveniles (“baby butterfish”) of only 1 to 2 inches long.

Butterfish range from Florida to Newfoundland, but they primarily occur from North Carolina to Maine. They grow quickly and are semi-pelagic, swimming in loose schools. They often stage in nearshore rips of the Northeast. Butterfish are a top food for many predators, including black sea bass, bluefish, weakfish, and tuna.

Once you determine the predators you’re targeting, it’s important to duplicate the size and shape of those baitfish with your lure. For example, a diamond jig or Deadly Dick Long closely imitates long, slender baitfish like silversides, sand eels, and herring, whereas a Kastmaster and Hopkins Shorty will imitate deeper bodied forage like white bait, peanut bunker, and butterfish.