April Fishing Update-May Fishing Forecast

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Just In!!!...........Crazy 2026 Fishing Has Begun....WOW!!!!

Porgy fishing begins on May 1st.... Anglers will head to our North Shore and Peconic Bays . The best bait to use for porgy would be sand-worms or clam on a small bait rig with a size one or two hook.The best places to target porgy would be peconic bays, Wildwood State Park and cedar beach both located on the north shore.  The south shore has its share of porgies too.  Best to concentrate, around the inlets or Artificial Reefs and local wrecks.

Smith Point County and Moriches Back Bay Fishing Report: The striped bass are actively feeding on bunker and spearing in both Smith Point Beach/ Inlet and the back bays (Fish ranging from 28”-35” ) . Lure Recommendations for this time are Swim shads , Effective for mimicking the adult bunker swimming around. SP Minnow are great for the realistic profile in their action. Also buck-tails are versatile and can be jigged or retrieved steadily. For some anglers using the real deal - as in bait - bunker chunks are a reliable choice this time of year for striped bass. Blood/Sand Worms and Clam Bellies are also very effective during the spring runs

South Shore, Long Island: May Saltwater Fishing Forecast
The South Shore is the heart of New York's saltwater action in May. As the ocean warms and the migration moves "out west" toward the inlets, the bays and surf zones light up with life.

Expected Species and Where to Find Them
1. Striped Bass (The Spring Run)

The Forecast: This is peak "schoolie" season with larger keeper-sized bass (28–31") starting to fill in.

Hotspots: * The Inlets and South Shore Inlets-: Jones, Fire Island, and Shinnecock Inlets are major highways for migrating fish. Target the moving tides, especially the outgoing water which pulls bait from the warmer bays.

The Surf: Sand beaches from Robert Moses to Smith Point are seeing bass hit the sand. Look for "white water" where waves break over bars.

The Bays: Great South Bay and Moriches Bay flats are perfect for light tackle.

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2. Bluefish ("Yellow-Eyed Devils")

The Forecast: Expect the "racer" blues to crash the party by mid-May. They are aggressive and will often be found in the same areas as stripers.

Hotspots: Look for birds diving near Moriches Inlet or the Mascot Dock in Patchogue for some back-bay action.

3. Summer Flounder (Fluke)

The Forecast: Fluke Season opens May 4th. Early season fluke are typically found in the shallower, warmer waters of the bays before they move to the deeper ocean reefs.

Hotspots: Focus on the "Green Island" area near Jones Beach or the channel edges in the  Great South Bay. (Chart)

Tackle Tips & Bait Selection
Tackle:

Surf: 9–10 foot medium-heavy surf rod for tossing tins and plugs into the wind.

Bay: 7 foot medium-light spinning rod. Use 15–20 lb braid with a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader for those wary back-bay stripers.

Lures: * Soft Plastics: 4–6 inch paddletails (white or "pearl" color) on 1/2 oz jig heads.

Plugs: Super Strike "Little Neck" poppers or SP Minnows in bone or sand eel patterns.

Tins: Diamond Jigs with surgical tubes are essential for the inlets.

Bait: * Bunker: Best for larger bass in the surf or inlets.

Clams & Sandworms: The "gold standard" for early-season bay fishing. Note: You must use non-offset circle hooks when using bait for striped bass.

2026 May Season Openers & Regulations
Keep these dates on your calendar to ensure a legal trip:

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Pro Tip: Since you'll be out on the South Shore, don't forget to pack your foul weather gear—the ocean spray can be biting even on a sunny May afternoon. If you're heading toward Patchogue, a quick stop at J&J Sports is great for grabbing the freshest local bait.

Tight lines! Is there a specific inlet or beach you're planning to target first?

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

Freshwater: Trout & Bass
Trout: The NYSDEC has completed its spring stockings! Belmont Lake, West Lake, and Upper Yaphank Lake have been loaded with Rainbow and Brown Trout. Early morning or late afternoon is best. PowerBait in chartreuse or pink is the standard, but don't overlook a small gold Phoebe or Panther Martin spinner on light 4lb test.

Largemouth Bass: The "pre-spawn" move is starting. In shallower ponds like West Lake or Patchogue lake, bass are moving toward the edges. They are still a bit lethargic, so slow down your presentation. Suspending jerkbaits or a slow-rolled lipless crankbait near structure will produce the bigger bites.

Panfish: Bluegill and Yellow Perch are active in many lakes ponds and Reservoir. A simple worm under a bobber is all you need for a fun afternoon.

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:

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