Striped Bass Season Opens Wednesday April 15th...Trout Stockings Are Fully Underway

Striped Bass season opens April 15. Fish are already being caught (and released) out west and are slowly making there way east. Most of the fish caught have been schoolies, but there have been a few keepers in the mix. Guys have been successful using swimming plugs like a Sp Minnows or redfins but using clams will also work.  Early season fish require some patience, but putting in your time can be very rewarding. Try fishing the mouths of creeks and rivers as well as some warmer water in shallower areas. A couple of days of warmer weather should really "turn the fish on," so get out there and give them a shot.
On the surf fishing scene: The "surf rats" have taken trips to Manhasset bay to score with Stripers to 33." Anglers have been using the usual small plugs,Sp Minnows and redfins.  Try your favorite lures or possibly a small shad lure or Gulp Bait.

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With Striped Bass season opening on April 15th, remember the regulations  now in place if you decide to use bait. The regulations require the angler to use circle hooks with all types of bait fishing.  Lures are still allowed, like bucktails, super strike lures and swimming plugs.  Trailers are also allowed when using a bucktail.  A trailer like "Fat cow" strips or squid strip are acceptable. 

Proper Fish Measurement & Rules: 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.    

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Looking to catch a few  Flounder this season?  Try Sandworms and heavy chumming with bank mussels should be the keys to success. Smith Point County Park , Quogue Canal are good spring areas to try.

• The fishing pier jutting into Narrow Bay from Smith Point Park is named for John J. Fritz, a tireless advocate for public access to the area’s recreational resources. Before the surf caster, birder, and fisherman passed away in 2008, he tallied 773 bird species on his Life List. 
  • Location: Smith Point County Park, Shirley, NY (Northeast corner of main lot).
  • Access: Take William Floyd Parkway South, cross the drawbridge, and bear left at the traffic circle.
  • Features: A 150-foot long fishing pier with a 27-foot gazebo.
  • Fishing: Popular spot for fluke, blues, stripers, and crabbing.
  • Parking: A fee is required for parking from late May to early September (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), but it is free for early/late anglers. 
• He was a champion of the delicate balance between public use and environmental protection, reads a plaque in his honor at the foot of the pier.  
• His guidance and leadership were invaluable to Suffolk County Parks, and his legacy will be that the Department always continues to enhance the outdoor experience for Suffolk's residents.
•  Fritz served as chairman of the Suffolk County Board of Trustees of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation and the Sporting Advisory Council. 
• “In appreciation of his commitment to public service, this pier, constructed largely by John's will and determination is hereby dedicated in his honor,” the tribute reads. Long a dream of the avid fisherman, the pier was open to the public in 2011. 

On the Blackfish front, fisherman have started to pick up the tackle needed and are preparing there rods and reels for the upcoming season.   Crabs and Clam seems to be the bait for this spring season are in stock. Keep in mind the spring season is a 2 fish 16" limit and closes on April 30th. 

On the Freshwater side of things Trout stockings are fully underway with nightcrawlers are working. Anglers have been successful using small
gold or silver tins like a Kastmaster fished with a slow retrieve. West Lake  is the place to be.  Recently stock with 320 12-15" Brown trout and 630 yearlings Rainbow trout in April.   Swan Lake (east lake) in April are scheduled to receive, over 500 8" Rainbow trout. 

The freshwater spot of the week is the Carmans River. The Carmen’s river is located in Shirley and provides excellent fishing for many species such as largemouth and striped bass, carp , crappie, panfish and trout. This river is stocked with brown trout twice a year and there is plenty of county and state access points to fish. The best bait for this river would be night crawlers and live shiners, both of these baits can catch all of the mentioned species. The river also provides great opportunities for kayaking and hiking.

Click Here: To see the complete Suffolk County stock List.

Click Here: Guide to New York and Long Islands Freshwater Fishing Areas.

Click Here: Hot off the Press: 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide

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White perch are still being caught in the local tidal creeks. fishing nightcrawlers on a jig-head around drop offs during outgoing tide has seen better results than the incoming. Don't be surprised if you catch a small striped bass mixed in with the perch. You can also try soft plastics on a jig-head. Jig them off the bottom with a steady retrieve.

Send your reports (or your favorite fish recipe's) 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. 631-654-231