July 22, 2024 - 08:17:09
From Paul McCain at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin I heard who said “We got a break from the hot and humid weather this week after what started as record highs. We did receive some rain which we really did need to keep our streams full and cool.” According to Paul, fishing the Connetquot has been a little slow but changing flies and fishing deeper water close to cover has been the ticket to success. Terrestrial patterns like ants and beetles are his choices to put fish in the net. In the heat of the summer Paul will switch over to the warm water species. Paul and his friend Mark spent Tuesday up on the Housatonic and all Paul could say is that the fishing was off the charts. None of the fish were large with the biggest at about 14inches. But these fish fight way above their weight class. The pond fishing is also another option. It is best to fish early or late during the cool of the day. Paul is always amazed how overlooked this fishery is. Nothing gets his heart going like a big largemouth exploding on a topwater popper and with over 100 ponds and lakes here on Long Island, full of hard fighting fish willing to take a fly, the opportunities are endless. If you need more information about this fishery, call 516 415 7748 or stop into the shop, 980 Church St., Baldwin.
July 22, 2024 - 08:17:07
Paul at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin said now that we are starting to get into the summer doldrums, it’s more of just being outdoors rather than catching fish. For Paul that means hanging around at the beach and casting, with the idea that catching is not all that relevant than just being out there. In spite of how Paul felt, he still was able to hook a few small fluke and sea robins. He has heard of a few bay bluefish around but most have been on the North Shore or east. The best time to catch a striper is very early in the morning before first light, while the water is at its coolest. If you are using swimming plugs or soft plastic lures, a slow and steady retrieve is best suited for the task at hand. However your absolute best shot at banging away on some fish is to hire one of the recommended guides posted on Paul’s website which is riverbayoutfitters.com or call the shop at 516 415 7748
July 15, 2024 - 10:01:02
At River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin I heard from Paul who said that even with the hot temps, there have been fishing opportunities. Most of his fishing has been for smallmouth on the Housatonic. On Monday, Paul and some buddies took advantage of the dropping river flows to fish for smallmouths. Brown, olive or black Woolly Buggers were all you needed, but that can be boring so after a few fish, Paul changed to other flies. The water was a little off color so dark flies worked best. Paul ended the day with a Shenks Minnow in olive that put the biggest smallies in the net. It is a great fly and very easy to tie. You can see how to tie it on The Fisherman YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/f8HcHg6rOgo?si=_OWLmJGNU4N63kUU. Here on Long Island most of the fishing for trout has been in at the Connetquot or the Nissequogue. The Carmans River has been getting too hot in the afternoon so it is best in the early morning. Paul stopped at a small pond in a local park and was surprised how many carp were in such a small pond. He didn't see any of them feeding, but he will be stopping there this week before work to see if he can get them to eat. If you want to know more about fly fishing opportunities, stop by the shop at 980 Church St., Baldwin.
July 15, 2024 - 10:01:01
Paul at River Bay Outfitters in Baldwin said that this never-ending hot weather has slowed the saltwater efforts, but there are opportunities to feel the tug. He had a few spare hours in the evening so he went to the Jones Beach area to wet a line. The conditions were good with a dropping tide and a light wind out of the south. Paul didn't have any expectations with the heat but as the sun was just about to go below the horizon, he decked four summer flatties. They were small with the biggest at 16 inches but he didn't care as it was just nice being out and casting a fly line. Shop regular Chris was also there and went right to his favorite spot knowing where there was a hole. He also landed a few short fluke plus a scrappy schoolie bass. The tuna bite is starting along the South Shore and that is where you will find Capt. John McMurray. Across the island on the North Shore, Capt. Dave Flanagan has been finding plenty of bass for his customers. He also reported that there is still a worm hatch going on and with the full moon next Saturday it be a good chance to catch a large striper on the fly. Capt. Timothy O' Rourke from Montauk reports that when he could get out, the fishing has been good and the yellowfin tuna offshore is really off the charts. However, as with all tuna they move around. (516) 415-7748.
