Matt Broderick

Frigid conditions have pushed most of the action toward safe ice, where anglers are finding bites from perch, pickerel, panfish and the occasional trout. Local shops are staying busy with winter rod and reel repairs while also stocking up on cold-weather essentials for hardwater anglers. Meanwhile, party and charter boats are looking ahead to late-winter wreck trips and the start of spring seasons, and freshwater anglers still have reliable moving-water options that stay open even during extended cold snaps. Now’s the time to service gear, tie rigs and get ready for the upcoming spring run. Anglers looking to get out of the house? On February 7, the annual Pre-Super Bowl Fishing Flea Market returns to 535 Broadhollow Road (Route 110) in Melville from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This popular mid-winter event features tables loaded with new, used and collectible saltwater and freshwater tackle, along with rods, reels and gear. It’s a great chance to gear up, swap stories and shake off cabin fever before the season kicks into high gear. Admission is $5.

Marinas and captains across Montauk and the East End are already looking ahead to the 2026 season, with several charter boats now booking trips and marinas fielding early dockage and service inquiries. The Viking Fleet’s spring offshore schedule is filling quickly, with a number of limited-load canyon and offshore trips close to selling out. Tackle shops report the usual midwinter slowdown locally, but remind anglers that now is a great time for gear maintenance, trip planning, and even some winter trout or ice fishing as conditions allow.