'2026 Local Fishing Regulations Updates • Fluke Opens May 4th • Porgies Opens May 1st • Blackfish & Flounder Update
Posted by Pablo Salinas on
The locally stocked lakes continue to see a good pick at Brown Trout on all sorts of lures and baits. Common lures being used are kastmasters, blue fox spinners and phoebe lures. Bait fishermen have been using nightcrawlers and Power bait (dough) to catch fish. Local fisherman have been having excellent luck on power baits, wax worms and nightcrawler these past couple of days.
Largemouth Bass at the lakes is "starting" up too. When the water warms , it will get the bass to feed more aggressively. Using a senko worm or Berkley worm (rigged weedless) can draw some strikes too. (Region one regulations. Catch and Release only 12/1-6/14. Artificial lures only.)
The lake of the week is Lake Ronkonkoma: Lake “ronk” is located in ronkonkama off of portion road and is our largest lake on the island . This lake provides some unique opportunities to catch species not common in most of our lakes including Waleye , white perch and small mouth bass. The catch Waleye the best way would be to fish at night using lures like senkos, rapalas and swim shads. To catch small mouth you can use the same methods that you would use for large mouth bass like crank baits and bass assassins. This lake still has all other game fish like large mouth and yellow perch. Since this lake is so large it can be difficult to fish but there is plenty of public access with a county park on the east side of the lake. There is also a town of islip boat ramp on the east side, but remember only electric motors can be used on this lake.
April 1st marked the first day of spring blackfish season and recently reports have came in of a few good sized keeper fish caught on our local waters near both Moriches and Shinnecock. The best way to catch blackfish would be a small piece of clam or crab either on a high low rig or a small blackfish jig.
During the closed recreational season for striped bass, catch and release fishing by angling only is permitted. Catch and release fishing is defined as a fishery where the fish are returned to the water. During the closed season all striped bass taken shall be returned to the water immediately without unnecessary injury.
For weeks now we have been hearing about the bait in our local bays and creeks. Bunker and big spearing are the two main baitfish people have been spotting. This is a excellent sign for the early season. Striped Bass season opens April 15th, reports of decent sized fish being caught in New Jersey, Hudson, and throughout Long Island waters., these fish will increase in the weeks to come ! However some reports of "keeper" sized fish are starting to be heard from areas out west and east on the island.
Our local Creeks and rivers tend to hold a decent population of holdover bass too. A couple of anglers have managed to hook into some of these fish while fishing the local waters and creeks. An effective early season bait for stripers is a sandworm or clam and especially bunker on a simple high-low CICLE HOOK rig . Lures for these holdovers/schoolies stripers are small bass assassins, small swim shads, swimbaits like sp minnows or Mag darters as well.
With all these bait fish around we are starting to hear a good pick of fish coming from the west end bays. Places like little neck bay and Jamaica bay have been producing solid bass from 20 to 35 inches. while most are utilizing kayaks for these fish. They are trolling tubes tipped with sandworms, behind their kayak. others are fishing soft plastics on light jig head. From what fishermen are saying tube and worm is out fishing any other technic 4 to 1.
East End Striped Bass fishing continues to improve with fish of all sizes beginning to move along long islands north and south shore.To catch these fish the best methods would include lures such as poppers and soft plastics.Bait is also a good option for these Fish. Baits such as clam, Sand worm and bunker are all excellent options. When fishing with bait be sure to use a circle hook The bass regulation this year will remain the same as last years limit with one fish a day between 28-31 inches.
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Here are some tips for measuring a striped bass:
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.
- Use a measuring board or lay a tape measure on the ground to ensure a straight line measurement
- Don't measure along the fish's body, as the curve will skew the length
- Firmly grasp the fish with both hands
- Make sure the head of the fish touches the zero mark on the measuring tool at the same time as the tip of the tail
- Pinch the tail together and measure from the closed mouth to the end of the pinched tail. Make sure the tail is stretched out as far as possible when you pinch it together. This is a straight line measure so it is recommended to use a measuring board or lay the tape on the ground.
With these tips in mind, you're ready to make the most of the upcoming Striped Bass season. Get your gear ready, study the regulations, and get ready for an exciting fishing adventure. Good luck and tight lines!
In another few weeks, bluefish will start making an appearance. Fluke is scheduled to open May 4th and weakfish are not far behind.
PROPOSED 2026: Recreational Fishing Regulations. Black Sea Bass - New size and season! 16" 3 fish 5/16-8/31, 6 fish 9/1-12/31*
Bluefish - New increased bag limit! 5 for Private Angler 7 on Party/Charter Boat* *Both of these changes are currently undergoing emergency rule making process so they can be officially in place for the start of the season.
Fluke (Summer Flounder) No Changes - Status Quo for 2026 & 2027 Scup (Porgy) No changes - Status Quo for 2026 & 2027
Atlantic Cod update - It was announced late last year that new rule making was submitted to bring NY in line with ASMFC for NO POSSESSION of Cod in NYS waters. The new rule has been in Albany awaiting approval.
Read more "Stories and Reports" from J&J Sports Blog Posts: Click Here
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Trust the experts at J&J for your rod and reel repairs: (631) 654-2311
When it comes to preparing your fishing gear for the next season, trust the experts at J&J. Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in rod and reel repairs, ensuring that your equipment is in the best possible condition. Don't wait until the last minute—bring your gear to us this spring and be ready for a successful fishing season ahead!
1. Reel cleaning and lubrication
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• Rod Guide Repair $10 per wrap plus cost of guide
• Rod Tip Repair: $5.00 plus price of tip
• Rod Handle Repair $30 per hour plus parts
• Spinning Reel Service $30 plus parts
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