As we enter the final month of the 2016 season, the seasons for several key species are also coming to a close, but there is still time to get a last shot or two at these popular species. Blackfish have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years. Could it be the drastically reduced season that limits tog fans to just a little more than two months in the fall to target them? Or the fact that they are right at the top when it comes to the dinner table? Or is it that the fishery has improved to the point where the action justifies making repeated trips for them? Maybe the surge in outsize blackfish, including a new world record, the past few years – has directed more attention to the fishery? Whatever the reason, tog have risen to the top as one of our most popular fall species and you still have two weeks left to cure this season’s case of togitis. The last day of the season is Wednesday, December 14th.
Striper fishing is winding down in some areas but remains strong in others, particularly on both shores of the west end of the Island. If you haven’t had your fill of bassing, the clock is ticking. Striper season in marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge shuts down after December 15th. The last day of the season on the Hudson is Wednesday, November 30th. Striped bass are unique in that they are the only inshore species that can be targeted for catch and release fishing due to special wording included in the regulations. So if you are not looking to put meat on the table, stripers remain an option until a lack of fish or the weather puts an end to the game.
The abundance and size of both porgies and sea bass in our waters the past several years has created an army of fans for these once humble and sometimes overlooked species. The ability to catch them on light tackle with artificials has won over a whole segment of anglers who shy away from typical bottom fishing techniques involving baited hooks and sinkers. They also rank high for their eating qualities and bag limits are far more generous than say fluke, flounder and weakfish. The seasons for both species run to the end of December. A ten fish bag limit is in effect for sea bass during November and December, and a 30 fish bag limit for porgies is in effect during the same time frame. The best fishing for both species in December will be on the South Shore’s offshore wrecks and in deep water off of the East End. Several party boats will continue to target them through the month, weather permitting, and as a bonus you can expect some cod, blackfish and possibly bluefish mixing into the action. This past weekend saw sea bass into the 6 and even 7-pound class taken on these deepwater trips.
So while holiday preparations and shopping are sure to eat up some time during the twelfth month, it might behoove you to squeeze in a day or two of fishing before winter sets its icy grip on our region.
