Weather has kept many anglers at home this week.  We did get some reports of decent blackfish when the boats were able to get out.  Blackfish season on the south shore will close on Saturday and with the weather forecast being what it is for the next two days it looks like no one will be able to get out.  We did have some good reports of herring along the local piers both on the north and south shore this past week.  Here is what your local shops had to say for the week.

Stella Maris Bait and Tackle reported, things have been quiet this past week. When the boys were able to get out the blackfishing has been steady.

Bay Park Fishing Station said, not a lot has been going on lately.  The shops last day for this season will be Christmas Eve and will reopen back up in the spring.  They have a lot of ton of holiday sales still going on for you last minute shoppers.

Causeways Bait and Tackle reported, blackfishing was good when the boats were able to make it out.  Locally there have been some herring coming from the Magnolia Pier.  They said they did have some reports last week of herring around green island, but it seems like those fish have moved.

River Bay Outfitters reports that they just had an angler in names Breezy Point Joe, who fished the Connetquot today and did very well.  He said he caught some nice trout almost pushing the 20” mark.  Paul said he has heard of herring coming up from all the local piers.  Many of his regulars are heading up to the Salmon River as it is fishing outstanding with the steelhead right now.

White Water Outfitters reports, most of their regulars are heading out on the head boats to Montauk to target cod.  They reported that the catches have been decent when the boats are able to get out.

Miller Place Bait and Tackle reported, people are still catching the occasional herring in the back of the harbors. Some anglers are still practicing catch and release with some schoolie bass in the local harbors as well. The shop will be closing next week for the winter and will open March 1st.

Terminal Tackle reports, there has not been much going on as of late.  They did however hear over the weekend that anglers were picking up herring locally.

Fishing Forecast for Long Island

The next couple of days look terrible if you are trying to get out on the water.  The weather should start to improve towards the start of next week.  Herring in the back or the harbors and on the local piers will give you your best shot at fish locally.  When the boats are able to sail it is a good time to get offshore for some cod on one of the head boats.  Almost all the shops are running Christmas specials this weekend.  So, if you are looking for a last-minute gift head over to a tackle shop and get in on the great deals.  I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!