BREAKING NEWS: Long Islands lakes Are STOCKED • Flounder And Blackfish Opens April 1st • Fish Facts

On the freshwater side of things, some of Long Islands lakes are waiting for anglers..... West Lake  right by the shop, Argyle lake in Babylon and Southards Pond also in Babylon to name a few. Any small gold tin does very well for me with the brown trout. Kastmasters, Thomas lures and Blue Fox Vibrax spinners to name a few. Used in combination with a light spinning rod and reel spooled with 4lb test can be a lot of fun.

Catch and release fishing for Largemouth Bass is starting to get better with the warmer days we have been getting. Ive been searching for them locally in my downtime and have come up with a few nice fish as a result. Rubber worms worked slowly, close to the bottom have been working well for me. When the bass arent cooperating, ill use a small hook under a float baited with a piece of nightcrawler for Yellow Perch.

The tidal creeks are starting to yeild a few small Striped Bass. My favorite method for catching them is a light seven foot spinning rod and reel with soft plastics. Usually im only casting a quarter ounce or so. Sometimes the beginning of the outgoing tide is more productive for me this time of the year.

Read more "Stories and Reports" from J&J Sports Blog Posts: Click Here

Just a reminder. All anglers 16yrs and older are required to register for saltwater fishing or purchase a license for freshwater fishing in New York State.

You need to register before saltwater fishing. It's easy and it's FREE for NYS residents and all visitors.  To fish our local lakes and ponds, a Freshwater License is required. Basically, a NYS resident, Freshwater License, is available to purchase for a days fishing ($5.00) a week ($12.00) or a season (one year from date of purchase for $25.00.-Senior [70 or older] $5.00. )  Additional discounts are available for active military, disabled vets and more...... Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses are also available for a fee from $10.00-$50.00. 

Stop down at  J & J Sports  and we'll issue you a licenses or marine registry. To purchase a license or register  online- click HERE.   There's nothing worse than getting a ticket just because you went fishing. Have a smart phone? Here's an idea:

It's a good idea to "snap a shot" of your license so it's always with you in case of loss or its destroyed.

Send your reports, photos or your favorite fish recipe to: REPORTS@JJSPORTSFISHING.COM 

Don't forget to include, names, location and details (when possible: lures or bait used, tides, etc….) comments or questions are welcome. Call (631) 654-2311

The Fishing Line 

In This Issue: Regulation Reminder - Pike, Pickerel, Tiger Muskie, Walleye Season Closes March 15 DEC Biologist Receives Award Preparing for the Upcoming Open Water Season Burbot Blunder DEC Fisheries Staff Spotlight - Steve Grabowski, Fish Culturist To protect coolwater sportfish during their spawning season, the open season for northern pike, pickerel, tiger muskellunge and walleye closes on March 15 and reopens on May 1.

Fish Facts

Cobia:
Minimum Size Limits:   37"
Possession Limits:  2 per day, per person
Seasons:  All year

In U.S. waters, cobia are most abundant from Virginia south through the Gulf of Mexico. Cobia migrate seasonally in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Along the Atlantic coast, they move south and offshore toward warmer waters during the late fall and winter. EXCELLENT EATING
Cobia | NOAA Fisheries