The spring striper bite continues to build across Long Island, with fish now spread from the East End back bays to the South Shore surf and into the western bays. Schoolies and slot-size bass are becoming consistent, with larger fish pushing into the 30-inch class and beyond to 30 plus pounds. Bunker schools are holding fish in place, while anglers are scoring on a mix of plugs, soft plastics, bucktails and fresh chunks, with the best action often tied to tide changes and areas holding bait. As fresh reports roll in from every corner of the island, the season officially kicks into high gear with the kickoff of the 2026 Dream Boat Fishing Challenge. With porgy season opening May 1 and fluke set to follow on May 4, anglers have plenty of opportunities to get in on the action. This week’s forecast also highlights what’s inside the latest glossy issue and digital edition, plus a full “Around the Island” breakdown from our correspondents covering the East End, South Shore, West End and beyond.
