The Local docks are experiencing some great fishing opportunities.  Snappers at the dock have been growing by the day. Right now they are a fun size to catch fishing with small shiners on a #4 or #5 long shank snapper hook under a float will do the trick. Small tins like Kastmasters or Johnson Sprites and Snapper Poppers have also worked well. The trick is to be patient eventually they will bite. Try Patchogue's Mascot Dock, Or any of theBrookhaven Fishing Piers like Blue point or Pine neck docks.Also in the mix are plenty of Kingfish and Blowfish. Use a hi low rigs with tiny hooks baited with pieces of clam on the bottom. Wait for a tiny nibble and set the hook. They have been plentiful and make a good meal.

“Take a Vet Fishing”
Recently I came upon a report that spoke about issues facing the veteran community. One issue of interest was that of “food insecurity.” Living on Long Island we have a bounty of fresh food at our door steps, including fish, crabs and clams . I believe that by taking advantage of this we can help combat these concerns by teaching veterans how to utilize these resources, with “rod & reel” loaner programs which will let veterans borrow the necessary equipment needed to go out on the water. Other options can include having lessons or bringing veterans out on party boats or charter boats. This is something that we can do as a community to help those who served.

New York State has thousands of miles of shoreline that provide abundant crabbing opportunities (including the Hudson River). Catching crabs can be accomplished by using baited crab pots that are set and checked frequently. Be sure to review the Crab Pot Regulations before setting your crab pots. 

TACKLE TIP: The best way to catch fluke is a hi-li bucktail rig with gulp on both the teaser and the bucktail. When fishing these locations a bucktail no larger then 2oz will do the trick. When fishing this kind of rig it is always good to keep the bucktail moving in the water by simply jigging. Bait such as squid, spearing and fluke belly are all great alternatives to gulp. All of these baits can also be used on a bucktail rig

Tip of the week: Take care of you and your catch.
With the hot humid weather of summer upon us its important to take care of yourself as well as your catch. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, use sun screen, and to wear proper clothing: hat and sunglasses. If you intend on harvesting your catch bring a cooler with plenty of ice to keep your fish out of the sun and keep cold. Its also a good idea to bleed your fish, this will also help preserve your catch and make for a better eating experience. Crabs while hardy, should be kept in a bucket without water out of the sun and covered with a wet (saltwater) rag. While fishing or crabbing bait should also be kept out of the sun and either covered with a wet rag or in a cooler with ice.