Long Island Sound Fishing Report

The Long Island Sound is an excellent fishing zone and an absolute breeding ground for baitfish and large predacious fish, game fish, and migratory species such as bluefin tuna, fluke, striped bass, Atlantic bonito, false albacore, and bluefish.

Naturally, during spring and fall, you will have the best fly fishing opportunity when the vast migratory fish travel through to feed on the massive schools of bait fish.

Local bait and tackle shops are crucial for up-to-date fishing information, especially within the May through November period, when you can take a trip here on the Long Island and target various game species within this boat-friendly region.

What Are The Best Places to Fish on Long Island?

The long island extends from the east shore to the south shore of southeastern New York state, with extreme fishing spots ranging along its Atlantic coast from Montauk Point State Park, Fire Island, to Jones Beach State Park.

Here are some of the best salt and freshwater fishing spots in New York Long Island;

• Fire island reef Atlantic ocean – this spot won’t disappoint you as an angler with a variety of fish like; porgies, fluke, and striped bass fishing that are in season now.
• Robert Moses State Park, Babylon– It is a perfect spot that Links up to Fire Island. This season, enjoy a trip with family and friends here and enjoy surf fishing for bluefish and fluke. You can also go crabbing off of the long piers
• Lake Ronkonkoma, West Islip– is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Long Island. The site is always open for boat launching and fishing, with a 100-foot fishing pier located in the park at the north end of the lake, perfect for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass.
• Blydenburgh Lake, Smithtown – located within Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown, the lake is a hotspot for bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch.
• Comments Pond, Merrick – a small fishing site located within an 8-acre suburban park, boats are prohibited. This pond is home to two species, the American eel, and white perch.
• Kismet Reef, Great South Bay – located north of South Beach, is the perfect spot for striper fishing on a private boat with schools of fluke, black sea bass, and bluefish.
• Port Jefferson – known for successful catches of bluefish and stripers using diamond jigs, this vibrant fishing scene is a must-visit.
• Fishing Line Reef -This reef links southwest of Jones Inlet and 2.8 miles south of Long Beach. It draws the attention of fluke, black bass, and Blackfish
• Montauk – It links some of the island’s best fishing grounds, with the Block Island and Long Island Sounds, along with the Atlantic within reach.
• Shinnecock Bay -this canal links the north and south shores or heads out onto the bay. Pier fishing, surf fishing, and charters are all possible here.

Best Time to Fish the Long Island

All inshore species are in season from May to December. Summer fishing is particularly robust, with a variety of fish such as Stripers, Fluke, Black Sea Bass, Blackfish, Weakfish, and Scup actively being caught. Fishing for striped bass and bluefish is more appropriate from May and October, especially during night and evening fishing trips.

July to October is the best time for offshore and canyon trips. You can target Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Bluefin, Longfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Swordfish, Blue Marlin, and White Marlin. On many offshore trips, you can also find dolphins, Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, and Whale Sharks.

June to early August is a perfect time to catch 125 to 200 lbs of Mako, thresher, and blue sharks. End of July and mid-September, target about 75 to 150 lbs of the blue shark, brown shark, hammerhead shark, dusky shark, and Mako. From mid-September to October, thresher, blue shark, and Mako are more massive and aggressive, weighing around 200 to 400 lbs.

What Fish Are in Season Now on Long Island?

Long Island is home to various inshore species ranging from tautog, scup, flounder, sea bass, bluefish, and weakfish. Certain species like sea bass transition to deeper water, which affects fishing opportunities and the types of fish that can be targeted. You can also go crabbing most of the year.

On the deep waters, Mahi Mahi, tuna, Amberjack, and Kingfish are available and tend to come near shore. Here are some of the most sought-after species;

Sea Bass

Sea bass is a game fish that provides a real fight and a delicious meal. The season is open from June through the end of the year when you can try bottom fishing with live bait to attract their attention.

The best way to target sea bass is using a bait Rig with clam. Also, Diamond jigs with no rubber tails are another way to catch these fish. When targeting sea bass, fish near structures since they use them for cover and feeding. Peanut bunker is also a highly effective bait for attracting sea bass.

Cod

Cod is one of the most targeted species at the north shore. The Long Island and Block Island Sounds are the most productive areas, so a trip out of Montauk promises great fun and prizes. Troll the deeper spots or bottom fish, and you will most likely catch them in winter and early spring.

 Striped Bass

Stripers are the most craved fish on Long Island. Booking fishing charters with knowledgeable captains is a convenient way to target striped bass. Striped bass fishing is available from April throughout the rest of the year. Use any fishing technique from trolling, bottom fishing, and even fly fishing. This year striper fishing opens with new regulations.

Fluke

Fluke fishing is excellent right now. Use bucktail rigs with light tackle and some finesse after these tide runners.

Fluke fishing lasts from May to early October; Winter Flounder, Summer Fluke, and Yellowtail Flounder all populate these shallow waters. Fluke is easy to catch as they deep-sea crawl the muddy bottoms along the east coast.

Tuna

When you talk about deep-sea fishing, tuna fishing is the pride of most Long Island anglers. Massive species of tuna-like bluefin to yellowfin tuna, along with sought-after species like Spanish mackerel, are caught, especially at Montauk.

Fishing Regulations at Long Island

You need to register for a free license with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to fish at the island and great south bay salt waters within three miles along the deep island coast.

Anyone age 16 or older who wishes to fish in freshwater in New York must register for a fishing license. NY fishing licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Licenses are also required for frog spearing and catching freshwater baitfish for personal use.

Anglers from Connecticut and Rhode Island can fish in Long Island waters if they have marine fishing licenses from their states. Marine and coastal district anglers do not require registration while fishing aboard a licensed party or charter boat.

Tuna and shark fishing requires a National Marine Fisheries Service permit. Lobstering is only done with a New York State recreational lobster permit (available only to residents). Those fishing for clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, or scallops are exempt from registration but may be subject to other requirements.

Conclusion

With these fishing reports, you can take a ride out from the hustle and bustle of New York City on Long Island, which is one of the longest mainland islands with great angling opportunities. With guidance from the best captain, a variety of trophy fish can be caught.