Fishing
on Long Island can be fantastic. There are many good areas to fish right off the
beach, and of course from a boat. Species found in and around Long Island include
weakfish, blackfish, bluefish,
porgies, summer and winter flounder,
striped bass, cod and large pelagic
fish like tuna, marlins and sharks.
Long
Island South Shore (Jamaica Bay to Great South Bay) While heavily populated,
the south shore of Long Island contains the most extensive acreage of tidal wetlands
and the greatest diversity of habitat in New York. The makes for some great inshore
fishing. Look for weakfish, fluke, winter flounder and blackfish in the bays and
estuaries. False albacore, striped bass and bluefish migrate along the coast and
even enter the inlets at peak season.
Fire
Island Inshore (Islip to Hampton Bays) Only 32 miles long, this well-known
barrier island is home to 17 small summer communities and is accessible only by
ferry. These fabled waters are world famous for top-notch fishing with fluke,
striped bass and weakfish just a few of the wide assortment of species available.
Long Island Sound East (Montauk, New York to Madison,
CT) In addition to the vast expanse of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean and Long Island
Sound, the numerous inlets, bays and harbors surrounding Long Island are well
known for exceptional fishing. Fluke, striped bass and bluefish are but a few
of the fish available in this popular area.
Long Island Sound
Central (Mattituck, New York to Norwalk, CT) Welcome to the Gold Coast,
where turn-of-the-century tycoons spent their summers in huge mansions, many of
which are open to the public. Saltwater anglers will find striped bass, bluefish
and flounder across the seasons.
Long Island Sound West
(East River to Stony Brook) Fishing traditionally runs from April through October
along this 110-mile stretch. Despite being located within the most densely populated
area in the U.S., the bite is almost always hot for striped bass, bluefish, weakfish,
scup, black sea bass, tautog, fluke and winter flounder.
Block
Island Sound (Montauk to Block Island) From May to November, the surrounding
waters are often referred to as the “Bermuda of the North” because of
the numbers of striped bass, bluefish, fluke and other species migrating into
the area. Whether fishing the various island’s inshore inlets, offshore banks,
wrecks or reefs, you’ll find more than enough to test your skill.
Please remember that you may need a license for saltwater fishing,
and you should contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation(1-800-REGS-DEC) for up-to-date information on the marine regulations. You will
need a license to fish in freshwater if you are 16 years of age or older. Fishing
licenses are available at many fishing / sporting goods stores, local town halls,
or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation office in Stony
Brook (call (631) 444-0273). Also, we encourage you to only take fish that you
need, and don’t release unused live bait into our waters.
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
http://www.dec.ny.gov/
