Memorial Weekend Fishing Update • It's Porgy Time!! • Weakfish Surprise • Bluefish Show • Wreck of the Week

The North Shore has produced some quality fish, with Porgies being caught at from Wildwood State Park and Peconic Bays.

Patchogue locals fishing the Peconic Bays found great success with jumbo porgies while using clam and squid. Also in the mix were some weakfish  being picked on clam while porgy fishing . Using small bucktails or small tins and jig of the bottom are great tips to target these weakfish during a scup bite ! 

Many anglers have reported a mixed bag of activity throughout the Island. Weakfish have been surprisingly lively. Many anglers are fishing from Ocean Beach, Peconic Bay, and Great South Bay and Shinnecock canal ((631) 852-8299‬) have all produced weakfish.

Striped Bass have been reported in the south shore inlets and back bays.

Moriches and Shinecock Inlet  have produced some great Fluke fishing as well.

Bluefish have been all around the bays and inlets. People are still catching bluefish at many of the Suffolk County Beaches  Using a diamond jig has been doing very well. Super strike poppers have been very effective and are really fun to use .

just reported..Bluefish at Patchogue and Bluepoint on bunker!!

Breaking News-Surf Report:  Anglers managed to pick a few slot sized bass Fishing south hampton back bays using swim shad to imitate the bunker the bass have been feeding on . Aslo reported many blues in the Shinnecock East County Park at night and during the day on top water , sp minnows and diamond jigs 

Fun fish around Long Island are starting to arrive in our local waters. Blowfish, Sea Robbins: Blowfish Size Limit-Bag Limit-Season: No Restrictions. Excellent eating!! Blowfish feed on sandworms, squid, and clam.  puffs up into a ball in self-defense by inhaling air or water.  Sea Robin Size Limit-Bag Limit-Season: No Restrictions. Sea Robins feed on sandworms, squid, clam and will take lures too. Fun to catch and fine to eat.

"Fun Fish Around Long Island." Most are edible and plentiful too. So enjoy the summer and tight lines. (PDF) Updated Part 1 & 2

   Part 1     Part 2
     

Activity hasn’t changed much when it comes to Striped Bass fishing. The fishing has been solid with a nice mix of  some teen sized fish and above. Soft plastics has been effective when fishing off bridges. Using a white bucktail with a white eel tail has worked very well at the inlets. For the best fishing experience, try fishing the end of the incoming and the beginning of the outgoing tides.

The local lakes have been active with bluegill and perch. Nightcrawlers are the primary bait fished with a small float. Another alternative if you don’t want to use live bait are, small hair jigs and plastics.

Explore More:
Boat Access Sites by County
Places to Fish

The lake of the week is Great Patchogue Lake  also known as mill pond is located right in patchouge and is one of the best lakes in the area. Great Lake contains excellent fishing for bass, pickerel, crappie and perch.Shore fishing is productive but limited.  If you are able to use a kayak or boat it is a great choice. This lake can be fished from both the front and back side with shore access along the roe blvd bridge. The best way to fish this lake would be bait like live shiners or night crawlers. Lures will also work great with spinners, senkos and top water baits like poppers and jitter bugs all producing great results.

Taking Care of Your Catch

There is nothing quite like a meal of fresh-caught fish you harvested yourself. However, meal preparation starts as soon as you land the fish, not when you reach the kitchen.

1. Handling and Bleeding

• Bleed the fish: Make a cut in the gills while in a livewell or cooler. 
• Keep it cold: Pack your catch in plenty of ice immediately. Fish like bluefish will deteriorate very quickly if they are not kept well-iced. [1]

2. Cleaning and Filleting

• Take your time: Do not rush. Carefully remove all bones and the dark meat found just under the skin.
• Remove hidden bones: For species like Sea Bass or scup, you may need to "V-out" the bones from the center of the fillet.
• Prep whole fish: If cooking the fish whole, ensure the gills, guts, and scales are thoroughly removed. 

3. Storing and Freezing

• Vacuum seal: If you aren't cooking your catch right away, vacuum sealing is the best method. Always rinse and pat the fish dry first.
• The paper towel trick: If excess moisture prevents a good seal, fold a paper towel and place it inside the top of the bag to absorb liquid before sealing. 

1) Measure your catch-Total length: is the longest straight line measurement from the tip of the snout, with the mouth closed, to the longest lobe of the tail, with the lobes squeezed together, and the fish laid flat on the measuring device.