"Think Spring" • FLOUNDER & BLACKFISH OPENS APRIL 1st • STRIPED BASS SEASON OPENS APRIL 15th • TROUT Stocking Update And More....
Posted by Pablo Salinas on
the spring Blackfish season opens on April 1st The shop will be fully stocked with Blackfish Jigs, Rigs, Hooks and Clam.......
As the spring season advances, many anglers on Long Island are gearing up for the highly anticipated blackfish season. Blackfish, also known as tautog, are a popular target for recreational fishermen due to their challenging fight and delicious taste. If you're planning to go fishing for blackfish in Long Island waters, here's what you need to know to have a successful and enjoyable experience.
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The forecast looks better for the next week. This should give us a good chance at having some small resident schoolies around in the next 2 weeks. With striped Bass opening on April 15th, here are a few tips for going after them. First of all go light on the tackle. No need to be overkill with it. A light 7-8 foot rod paired with a balanced spinning reel filled with 15lb braid is perfect for these smaller fish. Try to use a leader of about 20lbs too. This time of the year I like to use small swimming plugs or soft plastics rigged on a jig head. Any size from 3/8oz to 3/4 oz should cover all back bay situations coming up. Normally ill be putting bass assassins on these jig heads. They seem to get a reaction from slow fish. Tiny storm shads are another option with soft plastics. They can be extremely effective when the bass are keyed in on them.
BREAKING NEWS: The lakes are finally stocked! Just up the block brown trout were placed in at the end of March. Many anglers have already reported catching several large healthy brown trout from West Lake and Canaan Lake. The days following the stocking is when these fish will be most aggressive. Several lures will work excellent in catching these fish. A few of them are Kastmasters in gold and silver, Blue Fox Lures and Thomas lures. Gold lures have been producing most. Most other colors so far. If you do not feel like throwing lures, then you can try using a nightcrawlers or small shiner under a float.
Click Here: To see the complete Suffolk County stocking List. (PDF)
Click Here: Guide to New York and Long Islands Freshwater Fishing Areas.
Click Here: Hot off the Press: 2026 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide
Connetquot River State Park offers 2 sessions , morning 8am-12pm , afternoon 12pm-4pm . The park stocks rainbow trout , brook trout , as well have some "hold over" brown trout , however the main locations on the river that get stocked often are spots 8-16 , as well the main lake and spill way .
“It’s a Great place to learn the ropes on fly fishing” If you ever need any advice or any gear to start your fly fishing adventure, Pablo and all the employees at the shop will be more than willing to help you out with tips , tricks and even a little lesson . “Coming from amateur fly angler, don’t be afraid to ask questions while at the park to other anglers , they will always give you A+ information and the more you know the more you’ll be prepared to get on your first fish on the fly rod “
Yellow Perch are keeping anglers busy over at Great Patchogue Lake . Nightcrawlers are a great bait to go with. Fish them under a small float. The southern shoreline is a good place to focus around. You can even try some of the live shiners that the shop carries for largemouth bass action.(Catch and Release Only) Fish them with a light hook under a float also for best results.
White perch are still being caught in the local tidal creeks like Carmans River. I like fishing nightcrawlers on a jig-head around drop offs. 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. Using a kayak or small boat is best for access.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced the annual Spring Family Fishing Festival on Saturday, April 18th, at Belmont Lake State Park. In addition to DEC and State Parks, additional sponsors for the fishing festival include, The Fisherman Magazine.
“The Belmont Lake Spring Family Fishing Festival April 18th 2026 " is a wonderful way to kick off the spring freshwater fishing season on Long Island,” DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas said. “This annual festival is fun for the whole family, and we hope anglers of all ages and abilities join us for another fantastic event.”
“This fishing festival has become a family tradition enjoyed by thousands of Long Islanders and our visitors,” State Parks Long Island Regional Director George Gorman Jr. said. “The joy of fishing within Belmont Lake, in such a beautiful surrounding cannot be understated. People of all ages will have an amazing time.”
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Just a reminder. All anglers 16yrs and older are required to register for saltwater fishing or purchase a license for freshwater fishing in New York State.
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:
It's a good idea to "snap a shot" of your license so it's always with you in case of loss or its destroyed.
Get Your Sporting Licenses or Register for Marine Fishing
Buy your sporting license online or
By Phone: 1-866-933-2257
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
JJSPORTSFISHING.COM for: Fishing Reports • Seafood Recipes • Fishing Licenses • Current Fishing Regulations • Rod & Reel Services and More....
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