Executive Summary
The offshore pelagic fishery has transitioned into its winter phase, with the primary action shifting from tuna to structure oriented bottom species. While the bluefin tuna season remains open, the majority of pelagic activity has moved south into New Jersey and Maryland waters. The Long Island offshore scene is currently dominated by exceptional sea bass fishing on the deep wrecks, with supplemental opportunities for cod, pollock, and ling. Weather conditions over the next 72 hours will be challenging, with gale force winds Friday into Friday night, followed by improving conditions Saturday afternoon through Monday.
Bottom Line: If you can handle the weather and sea conditions, the offshore wreck fishing for sea bass is as good as it gets right now. Tuna opportunities exist but require running south into New Jersey waters.
Biologist's Perspective: Winter Transition Dynamics
We're in the midst of the classic December offshore transition, where water temperatures, bait movements, and species migrations all converge to reshape the fishery. Let me break down the environmental drivers behind what we're seeing out there.
Water Temperature Structure: Sea surface temperatures in our local waters have dropped into the upper 40s to low 50s range, which represents a critical threshold for pelagic species. Bluefin tuna can tolerate these temperatures due to their endothermic capabilities, but yellowfin, bigeye, and mahi have largely vacated the area. The thermocline has essentially collapsed for the winter, creating a more homogeneous water column that favors bottom oriented species over pelagics.
Bait Migration Patterns: The massive schools of bunker, sand eels, butterfish, and squid that fueled the fall pelagic bite have largely moved south, following the warming waters. What remains are scattered pockets of bait concentrated around structure, which is why the wreck fishing has been so productive. The structure holds baitfish, which attracts predators, creating concentrated feeding opportunities.
Current Activity: The Gulf Stream has retreated to its winter position, sitting roughly 100 to 150 miles offshore. This eliminates the warm water eddies and fingers that brought yellowfin and bigeye into our canyons during summer and fall. The nearshore waters are now dominated by the cold Labrador Current influence, which favors cold water species like cod and pollock.
Moon Phase Impact: We just came off a full moon on December 15th, which brought strong tidal currents throughout the water column. These strong currents made fishing more challenging, particularly for bottom species, but they also concentrated baitfish and triggered feeding activity. As we move toward the new moon on December 30th, currents will moderate, potentially improving the bite.
Barometric Pressure: The weather pattern over the next few days features a strong cold front passage Friday, followed by brief high pressure Saturday, and another frontal system Tuesday. These rapid pressure changes can impact fish behavior, with feeding activity often increasing in the 24 hours before a front and shutting down during the passage.
Hudson Canyon - December 19, 2024
Position: 38°30'N to 39°30'N, 72°30'W to 73°30'W
Depth Range: 600 to 5,000+ feet
Water Temp: 48 to 52°F surface, 42 to 45°F at depth
The Hudson Canyon, our closest major submarine canyon system, has seen a dramatic shift from its fall pelagic productivity. The yellowfin and bigeye tuna that were stacked up here in October and November have moved south, following the bait and warmer water. Bluefin tuna opportunities still exist, but they're sporadic and require significant effort.
Current Conditions: The canyon is fishable when weather permits, but the pelagic action is minimal. A few boats have reported marking fish on the sounder, but getting them to bite has been challenging. The water is clean but cold, and the bait concentrations are sparse.
Species Activity: Bluefin tuna are present in small numbers, primarily in the 50 to 70 inch range. These are likely fish staging before their southern migration. Trolling rigged ballyhoo on Wolfpack heads way back has produced a few fish, but it's a grind. Chunking at night might be more productive, but few boats are making the overnight run in December.
Tactical Recommendation: Unless you're specifically targeting bluefin and willing to put in long hours for limited shots, the Hudson Canyon isn't the best use of your time right now. The wreck fishing closer to shore is far more productive.
Atlantis Canyon - December 19, 2024
Position: 38°50'N to 39°15'N, 72°00'W to 72°30'W
Depth Range: 600 to 3,000 feet
Water Temp: 49 to 53°F surface
Atlantis Canyon sits between Hudson and Block, and like its neighbors, it's seen the pelagic bite shut down for the winter. This canyon was productive for yellowfin and mahi during the fall, but those fish have long since departed.
Current Conditions: The canyon is holding some bait, primarily squid and butterfish, but the predator activity is minimal. Water clarity is good, but the cold temperatures have pushed most pelagic species out of the area.
Species Activity: Occasional bluefin tuna marks, but very limited feeding activity. A few boats have tried working this area without much success.
Tactical Recommendation: Skip Atlantis for now unless you're specifically running a tuna spread between canyons. Focus your efforts on the wreck fishing or run south to the New Jersey canyons where the bite is better.
Block Canyon - December 19, 2024
Position: 39°45'N to 40°15'N, 71°00'W to 71°30'W
Depth Range: 300 to 2,500 feet
Water Temp: 48 to 51°F surface
Block Canyon, sitting off the Rhode Island and eastern Long Island coast, is the northernmost of our major canyon systems. It's also the coldest, which means it was the first to see the pelagic species depart.
Current Conditions: The canyon is cold and relatively lifeless in terms of pelagic activity. Some boats have worked the edges looking for late season tuna without success.
Species Activity: Minimal. Any bluefin tuna in the area are transient fish moving through, not resident feeders.
Tactical Recommendation: Block Canyon is not worth the run right now for pelagic species. If you're in the area, focus on the inshore wrecks and structure for sea bass and cod.
Toms Canyon - December 19, 2024
Position: 38°50'N to 39°20'N, 72°30'W to 73°00'W
Depth Range: 600 to 3,500 feet
Water Temp: 49 to 52°F surface
Toms Canyon, sitting in the middle of our canyon complex, mirrors the conditions seen in Hudson and Atlantis. The fall pelagic bite has ended, and winter conditions prevail.
Current Conditions: Cold water, limited bait, minimal pelagic activity. The canyon is fishable when weather permits, but there's little reason to make the run specifically for this area.
Species Activity: Occasional bluefin marks, but feeding activity is sporadic at best.
Tactical Recommendation: Pass on Toms Canyon for now. The productive fishing is elsewhere.
Fishtails/Bacardi Grounds - December 19, 2024
Position: 40°00'N to 40°20'N, 72°00'W to 72°30'W
Depth Range: 120 to 250 feet
Water Temp: 46 to 49°F
The Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds, sitting on the continental shelf between the canyons and the coast, have historically been productive for a mix of species. In winter, these areas can hold cod, pollock, and sea bass on the scattered wrecks and hard bottom.
Current Conditions: Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 40s, which is ideal for cod and pollock. The structure in this area holds baitfish, which attracts predators.
Species Activity: Sea bass are present on any structure in this depth range. Cod and pollock opportunities exist but are hit or miss. The key is finding the structure and working it thoroughly.
Tactical Recommendation: If you're looking for variety beyond just sea bass, the Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds are worth exploring. Jig the structure with heavy metals or work bait rigs on the bottom. The fish are there, but you need to find the right piece of structure.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - December 19, 2024
Position: 40°45'N to 41°15'N, 71°00'W to 72°00'W
Depth Range: 60 to 200 feet
Water Temp: 45 to 48°F
The Montauk offshore grounds, encompassing the waters from Montauk Point out to the 200 foot line, are currently the most productive area for Long Island offshore anglers. This is where the action is happening right now.
Current Conditions: Water temperatures are cold but stable in the mid 40s. The numerous wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural structure in this area are holding massive concentrations of sea bass, with supplemental cod, pollock, and ling.
Species Activity:
Sea Bass: This is the star of the show right now. The wrecks are loaded with jumbo sea bass in the 4 to 6.5 pound range. These are true "knot head" fish with big shoulders and thick bodies. The fishing has been so good that boats are hitting their limits quickly and spending the rest of the trip high grading for the biggest fish.
Cod: Atlantic cod are present on the deeper wrecks in the 150 to 200 foot range. These aren't the massive cod of decades past, but there are keeper fish in the 5 to 15 pound range available. Cod fishing requires patience and the right conditions, but when you find them, the action can be excellent.
Pollock: Pollock are mixed in with the cod on the deeper wrecks. These hard fighting fish are excellent on light tackle and provide great action when the cod bite is slow.
Ling: Ling (red hake) are available on the wrecks, particularly at night. These aren't a targeted species for most anglers, but they're excellent eating and provide bonus action.
Blackfish (Tautog): The tog season closes December 22nd, but until then, there are quality fish available on the wrecks and rocky structure. Fish up to 11 pounds have been reported this week, with good numbers in the 5 to 9 pound range. The full moon currents made fishing challenging, but the fish are there.
Tactical Recommendations:
For Sea Bass: Work the wrecks in the 80 to 150 foot range. Use high low rigs with 6/0 to 8/0 hooks baited with clam, squid, or cut bait. Add a teaser fly above your rig for bonus fish. Jigs also work well, particularly butterfly jigs in the 4 to 8 ounce range worked vertically. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly in the current and keeping it there. Use enough weight to hold bottom, which might be 12 to 16 ounces in strong current.
For Cod and Pollock: Target the deeper wrecks in the 150 to 200 foot range. Cod prefer cut bait (clam, squid, mackerel) on the bottom, while pollock will hit both bait and jigs. Diamond jigs in white or green worked with a slow yo yo retrieve can be deadly on pollock. Fish the up current side of the wreck and let your offering drift back into the structure.
For Blackfish (until December 22nd): Work the rocky structure and wrecks with green or white crabs. Use a simple rig with a bank sinker and a single 4/0 to 6/0 hook. The key is feeling the bottom and detecting the subtle bites. When you feel the tap tap tap, wait for the steady pull before setting the hook.
Technology Tips: Your fishfinder is critical for this type of fishing. Mark the wrecks on your GPS and approach them slowly, watching your sounder for fish marks. The fish will often be suspended just off the structure, not sitting on the bottom. If you're not marking fish, move to another piece of structure.
Species Specific Analysis
Sea Bass (Black Sea Bass)
Current Status: Abundant and actively feeding on the offshore wrecks. This is peak season for trophy sea bass, with fish in the 4 to 6.5 pound range common.
Behavioral Patterns: Sea bass are structure oriented fish that rarely venture far from their home wreck or reef. In winter, they're less active than in summer, but they still need to feed. They're opportunistic predators that will eat anything that fits in their mouth, including crabs, shrimp, small fish, squid, and clams.
Optimal Techniques: Bottom fishing with bait is the most productive approach. High low rigs allow you to fish two hooks and cover more of the water column. Jigs work well for active fish and allow you to cover water more quickly. The key is getting your offering to the bottom and keeping it there despite the current.
Timing: Sea bass feed throughout the day, but the bite often picks up during the tide changes when current slows. Early morning and late afternoon can be particularly productive.
Atlantic Cod
Current Status: Present in limited numbers on the deeper wrecks. Not as abundant as sea bass, but quality fish are available for those who target them specifically.
Behavioral Patterns: Cod are cold water fish that prefer temperatures in the 40s. They're bottom feeders that use their barbels to locate food on the seafloor. In winter, they're relatively inactive and won't chase down fast moving lures.
Optimal Techniques: Bottom fishing with cut bait is the classic approach. Cod have excellent senses of smell and taste, so fresh bait is important. Slow jigging with diamond jigs or butterfish jigs can also be effective. The key is working your offering slowly and keeping it near the bottom.
Timing: Cod can be caught throughout the day, but many anglers believe the bite is best during low light periods (dawn, dusk, and overcast days).
Pollock
Current Status: Mixed in with cod on the deeper wrecks. These hard fighting fish provide excellent action when you find them.
Behavioral Patterns: Pollock are more active than cod and will chase down moving lures. They often suspend off the structure rather than sitting on the bottom. They're aggressive feeders that will hit a variety of offerings.
Optimal Techniques: Jigging is the most effective approach for pollock. Diamond jigs, butterfish jigs, and soft plastic swimbaits all work well. Use a yo yo retrieve, dropping the jig to the bottom and then working it up through the water column with sharp upward jerks. Pollock often hit on the drop, so be ready.
Timing: Pollock feed actively throughout the day, with no particular peak period.
Environmental Conditions Summary
Water Temperature: 45 to 52°F depending on location. Coldest inshore, warmest in the canyons.
Water Clarity: Good to excellent throughout the region. The winter water is typically very clear.
Current Activity: Strong currents this past week due to the full moon. Currents will moderate over the next two weeks as we approach the new moon.
Bait Concentrations: Scattered and sparse compared to fall. What bait remains is concentrated around structure.
Weather Impacts: Major weather system Friday into Friday night with gale force winds. Improving conditions Saturday afternoon through Monday. Another system possible Tuesday.
72 Hour Oceanographic Outlook
Friday December 19: Gale warnings in effect. South winds 30 to 40 knots becoming west 25 to 35 knots. Seas 10 to 16 feet, occasionally to 20 feet offshore. This is a day to stay at the dock. Dangerous conditions for any vessel.
Saturday December 20: Conditions improve through the day. West winds 20 to 25 knots diminishing to 10 to 15 knots by afternoon. Seas 8 to 11 feet subsiding to 5 to 7 feet by afternoon. Fishable conditions by afternoon for larger vessels (35+ feet) targeting the closer wrecks. Still rough for smaller boats.
Sunday December 21: West winds 20 to 25 knots increasing to 25 to 30 knots in afternoon. Seas 7 to 10 feet, occasionally to 13 feet. Marginal conditions. Fishable for experienced crews in larger vessels, but it won't be comfortable.
Monday December 22: Best day of the extended forecast. Northwest winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet, occasionally to 8 feet. Good fishing conditions for all vessels. This is the day to go if you can only pick one day.
Tuesday December 23: Another weather system approaches. Southwest winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet building to 5 to 7 feet. Rain likely with reduced visibility. Fishable early, deteriorating through the day.
Recommendation: Monday December 22nd offers the best weather window for offshore fishing. Saturday afternoon is also fishable for experienced crews in larger vessels. Avoid Friday and be cautious on Sunday and Tuesday.
Regulatory Update
Bluefin Tuna: The recreational bluefin tuna fishery remains open in all categories. However, with limited fish in our local waters, this is more of a theoretical opportunity than a practical one right now.
Sea Bass: Open season with a 3 fish bag limit and 16 inch minimum size. The fishing is so good that hitting your limit is easy. Focus on selecting the largest fish and releasing the smaller ones.
Cod: Open season with a 1 fish bag limit and 22 inch minimum size. This restrictive limit reflects the depleted state of the Atlantic cod stock.
Pollock: Open season with a 10 fish bag limit and 19 inch minimum size. Liberal limits reflect the healthier state of the pollock stock.
Blackfish (Tautog): Season closes December 22nd at midnight. 4 fish bag limit, 16 inch minimum size. This is your last weekend for tog.
Final Tactical Summary
The Long Island offshore scene in mid December is all about the wreck fishing for sea bass, with supplemental opportunities for cod, pollock, ling, and blackfish (until December 22nd). The pelagic bite has moved south, and while bluefin tuna opportunities exist, they require running into New Jersey waters and putting in long hours for limited shots.
If you're looking for action and willing to handle the weather and sea conditions, the Montauk offshore grounds are producing excellent fishing right now. The sea bass are big, abundant, and actively feeding. The key is picking your weather window carefully and being prepared for the conditions.
Monday December 22nd offers the best weather window of the next five days. Saturday afternoon is also fishable for larger vessels. Avoid Friday at all costs, as the conditions will be dangerous.
For those who can't get offshore, the inshore options are limited but still exist. Catch and release striped bass fishing is available for those willing to work for them. Blackfish are available until December 22nd. And the freshwater trout and white perch fishing can provide action for those who want to stay out of the wind.
Winter offshore fishing isn't for everyone, but for those who embrace it, it can provide some of the best fishing of the year. The crowds are gone, the fish are concentrated, and when you connect, it's often with a trophy. Bundle up, watch the weather, and get out there when the windows open up.
Captain Jack
*Fisheries Biologist & Offshore Specialist*
The offshore pelagic fishery has transitioned into its winter phase, with the primary action shifting from tuna to structure oriented bottom species. While the bluefin tuna season remains open, the majority of pelagic activity has moved south into New Jersey and Maryland waters. The Long Island offshore scene is currently dominated by exceptional sea bass fishing on the deep wrecks, with supplemental opportunities for cod, pollock, and ling. Weather conditions over the next 72 hours will be challenging, with gale force winds Friday into Friday night, followed by improving conditions Saturday afternoon through Monday.
Bottom Line: If you can handle the weather and sea conditions, the offshore wreck fishing for sea bass is as good as it gets right now. Tuna opportunities exist but require running south into New Jersey waters.
Biologist's Perspective: Winter Transition Dynamics
We're in the midst of the classic December offshore transition, where water temperatures, bait movements, and species migrations all converge to reshape the fishery. Let me break down the environmental drivers behind what we're seeing out there.
Water Temperature Structure: Sea surface temperatures in our local waters have dropped into the upper 40s to low 50s range, which represents a critical threshold for pelagic species. Bluefin tuna can tolerate these temperatures due to their endothermic capabilities, but yellowfin, bigeye, and mahi have largely vacated the area. The thermocline has essentially collapsed for the winter, creating a more homogeneous water column that favors bottom oriented species over pelagics.
Bait Migration Patterns: The massive schools of bunker, sand eels, butterfish, and squid that fueled the fall pelagic bite have largely moved south, following the warming waters. What remains are scattered pockets of bait concentrated around structure, which is why the wreck fishing has been so productive. The structure holds baitfish, which attracts predators, creating concentrated feeding opportunities.
Current Activity: The Gulf Stream has retreated to its winter position, sitting roughly 100 to 150 miles offshore. This eliminates the warm water eddies and fingers that brought yellowfin and bigeye into our canyons during summer and fall. The nearshore waters are now dominated by the cold Labrador Current influence, which favors cold water species like cod and pollock.
Moon Phase Impact: We just came off a full moon on December 15th, which brought strong tidal currents throughout the water column. These strong currents made fishing more challenging, particularly for bottom species, but they also concentrated baitfish and triggered feeding activity. As we move toward the new moon on December 30th, currents will moderate, potentially improving the bite.
Barometric Pressure: The weather pattern over the next few days features a strong cold front passage Friday, followed by brief high pressure Saturday, and another frontal system Tuesday. These rapid pressure changes can impact fish behavior, with feeding activity often increasing in the 24 hours before a front and shutting down during the passage.
Hudson Canyon - December 19, 2024Position: 38°30'N to 39°30'N, 72°30'W to 73°30'W
Depth Range: 600 to 5,000+ feet
Water Temp: 48 to 52°F surface, 42 to 45°F at depth
The Hudson Canyon, our closest major submarine canyon system, has seen a dramatic shift from its fall pelagic productivity. The yellowfin and bigeye tuna that were stacked up here in October and November have moved south, following the bait and warmer water. Bluefin tuna opportunities still exist, but they're sporadic and require significant effort.
Current Conditions: The canyon is fishable when weather permits, but the pelagic action is minimal. A few boats have reported marking fish on the sounder, but getting them to bite has been challenging. The water is clean but cold, and the bait concentrations are sparse.
Species Activity: Bluefin tuna are present in small numbers, primarily in the 50 to 70 inch range. These are likely fish staging before their southern migration. Trolling rigged ballyhoo on Wolfpack heads way back has produced a few fish, but it's a grind. Chunking at night might be more productive, but few boats are making the overnight run in December.
Tactical Recommendation: Unless you're specifically targeting bluefin and willing to put in long hours for limited shots, the Hudson Canyon isn't the best use of your time right now. The wreck fishing closer to shore is far more productive.
Atlantis Canyon - December 19, 2024Position: 38°50'N to 39°15'N, 72°00'W to 72°30'W
Depth Range: 600 to 3,000 feet
Water Temp: 49 to 53°F surface
Atlantis Canyon sits between Hudson and Block, and like its neighbors, it's seen the pelagic bite shut down for the winter. This canyon was productive for yellowfin and mahi during the fall, but those fish have long since departed.
Current Conditions: The canyon is holding some bait, primarily squid and butterfish, but the predator activity is minimal. Water clarity is good, but the cold temperatures have pushed most pelagic species out of the area.
Species Activity: Occasional bluefin tuna marks, but very limited feeding activity. A few boats have tried working this area without much success.
Tactical Recommendation: Skip Atlantis for now unless you're specifically running a tuna spread between canyons. Focus your efforts on the wreck fishing or run south to the New Jersey canyons where the bite is better.
Block Canyon - December 19, 2024Position: 39°45'N to 40°15'N, 71°00'W to 71°30'W
Depth Range: 300 to 2,500 feet
Water Temp: 48 to 51°F surface
Block Canyon, sitting off the Rhode Island and eastern Long Island coast, is the northernmost of our major canyon systems. It's also the coldest, which means it was the first to see the pelagic species depart.
Current Conditions: The canyon is cold and relatively lifeless in terms of pelagic activity. Some boats have worked the edges looking for late season tuna without success.
Species Activity: Minimal. Any bluefin tuna in the area are transient fish moving through, not resident feeders.
Tactical Recommendation: Block Canyon is not worth the run right now for pelagic species. If you're in the area, focus on the inshore wrecks and structure for sea bass and cod.
Toms Canyon - December 19, 2024Position: 38°50'N to 39°20'N, 72°30'W to 73°00'W
Depth Range: 600 to 3,500 feet
Water Temp: 49 to 52°F surface
Toms Canyon, sitting in the middle of our canyon complex, mirrors the conditions seen in Hudson and Atlantis. The fall pelagic bite has ended, and winter conditions prevail.
Current Conditions: Cold water, limited bait, minimal pelagic activity. The canyon is fishable when weather permits, but there's little reason to make the run specifically for this area.
Species Activity: Occasional bluefin marks, but feeding activity is sporadic at best.
Tactical Recommendation: Pass on Toms Canyon for now. The productive fishing is elsewhere.
Fishtails/Bacardi Grounds - December 19, 2024Position: 40°00'N to 40°20'N, 72°00'W to 72°30'W
Depth Range: 120 to 250 feet
Water Temp: 46 to 49°F
The Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds, sitting on the continental shelf between the canyons and the coast, have historically been productive for a mix of species. In winter, these areas can hold cod, pollock, and sea bass on the scattered wrecks and hard bottom.
Current Conditions: Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 40s, which is ideal for cod and pollock. The structure in this area holds baitfish, which attracts predators.
Species Activity: Sea bass are present on any structure in this depth range. Cod and pollock opportunities exist but are hit or miss. The key is finding the structure and working it thoroughly.
Tactical Recommendation: If you're looking for variety beyond just sea bass, the Fishtails and Bacardi Grounds are worth exploring. Jig the structure with heavy metals or work bait rigs on the bottom. The fish are there, but you need to find the right piece of structure.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - December 19, 2024Position: 40°45'N to 41°15'N, 71°00'W to 72°00'W
Depth Range: 60 to 200 feet
Water Temp: 45 to 48°F
The Montauk offshore grounds, encompassing the waters from Montauk Point out to the 200 foot line, are currently the most productive area for Long Island offshore anglers. This is where the action is happening right now.
Current Conditions: Water temperatures are cold but stable in the mid 40s. The numerous wrecks, artificial reefs, and natural structure in this area are holding massive concentrations of sea bass, with supplemental cod, pollock, and ling.
Species Activity:
Sea Bass: This is the star of the show right now. The wrecks are loaded with jumbo sea bass in the 4 to 6.5 pound range. These are true "knot head" fish with big shoulders and thick bodies. The fishing has been so good that boats are hitting their limits quickly and spending the rest of the trip high grading for the biggest fish.
Cod: Atlantic cod are present on the deeper wrecks in the 150 to 200 foot range. These aren't the massive cod of decades past, but there are keeper fish in the 5 to 15 pound range available. Cod fishing requires patience and the right conditions, but when you find them, the action can be excellent.
Pollock: Pollock are mixed in with the cod on the deeper wrecks. These hard fighting fish are excellent on light tackle and provide great action when the cod bite is slow.
Ling: Ling (red hake) are available on the wrecks, particularly at night. These aren't a targeted species for most anglers, but they're excellent eating and provide bonus action.
Blackfish (Tautog): The tog season closes December 22nd, but until then, there are quality fish available on the wrecks and rocky structure. Fish up to 11 pounds have been reported this week, with good numbers in the 5 to 9 pound range. The full moon currents made fishing challenging, but the fish are there.
Tactical Recommendations:
For Sea Bass: Work the wrecks in the 80 to 150 foot range. Use high low rigs with 6/0 to 8/0 hooks baited with clam, squid, or cut bait. Add a teaser fly above your rig for bonus fish. Jigs also work well, particularly butterfly jigs in the 4 to 8 ounce range worked vertically. The key is getting your bait to the bottom quickly in the current and keeping it there. Use enough weight to hold bottom, which might be 12 to 16 ounces in strong current.
For Cod and Pollock: Target the deeper wrecks in the 150 to 200 foot range. Cod prefer cut bait (clam, squid, mackerel) on the bottom, while pollock will hit both bait and jigs. Diamond jigs in white or green worked with a slow yo yo retrieve can be deadly on pollock. Fish the up current side of the wreck and let your offering drift back into the structure.
For Blackfish (until December 22nd): Work the rocky structure and wrecks with green or white crabs. Use a simple rig with a bank sinker and a single 4/0 to 6/0 hook. The key is feeling the bottom and detecting the subtle bites. When you feel the tap tap tap, wait for the steady pull before setting the hook.
Technology Tips: Your fishfinder is critical for this type of fishing. Mark the wrecks on your GPS and approach them slowly, watching your sounder for fish marks. The fish will often be suspended just off the structure, not sitting on the bottom. If you're not marking fish, move to another piece of structure.
Species Specific Analysis
Sea Bass (Black Sea Bass)
Current Status: Abundant and actively feeding on the offshore wrecks. This is peak season for trophy sea bass, with fish in the 4 to 6.5 pound range common.
Behavioral Patterns: Sea bass are structure oriented fish that rarely venture far from their home wreck or reef. In winter, they're less active than in summer, but they still need to feed. They're opportunistic predators that will eat anything that fits in their mouth, including crabs, shrimp, small fish, squid, and clams.
Optimal Techniques: Bottom fishing with bait is the most productive approach. High low rigs allow you to fish two hooks and cover more of the water column. Jigs work well for active fish and allow you to cover water more quickly. The key is getting your offering to the bottom and keeping it there despite the current.
Timing: Sea bass feed throughout the day, but the bite often picks up during the tide changes when current slows. Early morning and late afternoon can be particularly productive.
Atlantic Cod
Current Status: Present in limited numbers on the deeper wrecks. Not as abundant as sea bass, but quality fish are available for those who target them specifically.
Behavioral Patterns: Cod are cold water fish that prefer temperatures in the 40s. They're bottom feeders that use their barbels to locate food on the seafloor. In winter, they're relatively inactive and won't chase down fast moving lures.
Optimal Techniques: Bottom fishing with cut bait is the classic approach. Cod have excellent senses of smell and taste, so fresh bait is important. Slow jigging with diamond jigs or butterfish jigs can also be effective. The key is working your offering slowly and keeping it near the bottom.
Timing: Cod can be caught throughout the day, but many anglers believe the bite is best during low light periods (dawn, dusk, and overcast days).
Pollock
Current Status: Mixed in with cod on the deeper wrecks. These hard fighting fish provide excellent action when you find them.
Behavioral Patterns: Pollock are more active than cod and will chase down moving lures. They often suspend off the structure rather than sitting on the bottom. They're aggressive feeders that will hit a variety of offerings.
Optimal Techniques: Jigging is the most effective approach for pollock. Diamond jigs, butterfish jigs, and soft plastic swimbaits all work well. Use a yo yo retrieve, dropping the jig to the bottom and then working it up through the water column with sharp upward jerks. Pollock often hit on the drop, so be ready.
Timing: Pollock feed actively throughout the day, with no particular peak period.
Environmental Conditions Summary
Water Temperature: 45 to 52°F depending on location. Coldest inshore, warmest in the canyons.
Water Clarity: Good to excellent throughout the region. The winter water is typically very clear.
Current Activity: Strong currents this past week due to the full moon. Currents will moderate over the next two weeks as we approach the new moon.
Bait Concentrations: Scattered and sparse compared to fall. What bait remains is concentrated around structure.
Weather Impacts: Major weather system Friday into Friday night with gale force winds. Improving conditions Saturday afternoon through Monday. Another system possible Tuesday.
72 Hour Oceanographic Outlook
Friday December 19: Gale warnings in effect. South winds 30 to 40 knots becoming west 25 to 35 knots. Seas 10 to 16 feet, occasionally to 20 feet offshore. This is a day to stay at the dock. Dangerous conditions for any vessel.
Saturday December 20: Conditions improve through the day. West winds 20 to 25 knots diminishing to 10 to 15 knots by afternoon. Seas 8 to 11 feet subsiding to 5 to 7 feet by afternoon. Fishable conditions by afternoon for larger vessels (35+ feet) targeting the closer wrecks. Still rough for smaller boats.
Sunday December 21: West winds 20 to 25 knots increasing to 25 to 30 knots in afternoon. Seas 7 to 10 feet, occasionally to 13 feet. Marginal conditions. Fishable for experienced crews in larger vessels, but it won't be comfortable.
Monday December 22: Best day of the extended forecast. Northwest winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet, occasionally to 8 feet. Good fishing conditions for all vessels. This is the day to go if you can only pick one day.
Tuesday December 23: Another weather system approaches. Southwest winds 20 to 25 knots with gusts to 30 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet building to 5 to 7 feet. Rain likely with reduced visibility. Fishable early, deteriorating through the day.
Recommendation: Monday December 22nd offers the best weather window for offshore fishing. Saturday afternoon is also fishable for experienced crews in larger vessels. Avoid Friday and be cautious on Sunday and Tuesday.
Regulatory Update
Bluefin Tuna: The recreational bluefin tuna fishery remains open in all categories. However, with limited fish in our local waters, this is more of a theoretical opportunity than a practical one right now.
Sea Bass: Open season with a 3 fish bag limit and 16 inch minimum size. The fishing is so good that hitting your limit is easy. Focus on selecting the largest fish and releasing the smaller ones.
Cod: Open season with a 1 fish bag limit and 22 inch minimum size. This restrictive limit reflects the depleted state of the Atlantic cod stock.
Pollock: Open season with a 10 fish bag limit and 19 inch minimum size. Liberal limits reflect the healthier state of the pollock stock.
Blackfish (Tautog): Season closes December 22nd at midnight. 4 fish bag limit, 16 inch minimum size. This is your last weekend for tog.
Final Tactical Summary
The Long Island offshore scene in mid December is all about the wreck fishing for sea bass, with supplemental opportunities for cod, pollock, ling, and blackfish (until December 22nd). The pelagic bite has moved south, and while bluefin tuna opportunities exist, they require running into New Jersey waters and putting in long hours for limited shots.
If you're looking for action and willing to handle the weather and sea conditions, the Montauk offshore grounds are producing excellent fishing right now. The sea bass are big, abundant, and actively feeding. The key is picking your weather window carefully and being prepared for the conditions.
Monday December 22nd offers the best weather window of the next five days. Saturday afternoon is also fishable for larger vessels. Avoid Friday at all costs, as the conditions will be dangerous.
For those who can't get offshore, the inshore options are limited but still exist. Catch and release striped bass fishing is available for those willing to work for them. Blackfish are available until December 22nd. And the freshwater trout and white perch fishing can provide action for those who want to stay out of the wind.
Winter offshore fishing isn't for everyone, but for those who embrace it, it can provide some of the best fishing of the year. The crowds are gone, the fish are concentrated, and when you connect, it's often with a trophy. Bundle up, watch the weather, and get out there when the windows open up.
Captain Jack
*Fisheries Biologist & Offshore Specialist*
