**Bottom Line Up Front:** The concrete jungle is still producing fish for those who know where to look. With the striper season closed, the urban angler's attention turns to the arrival of herring and the consistent bottom fishing on the local party boats. It's a different kind of fishing in December, but the action is there for the taking.
**Herring Run:** The herring have made their way into the harbor, with reports from Coney Island and other shore-based locations. The fish are on the smaller side this year, but they are still a fun catch on a sabiki rig. The bite has been best at night, and the fish seem to be holding higher in the water column. This is a great opportunity for shore-bound anglers to get in on some winter action.
**Party Boat Bottom Fishing:** The local party boats are still sailing and finding good success on the offshore wrecks. The sea bass fishing has been excellent, with big fish being reported. There have also been some cod and porgies mixed in, which is a nice bonus. This is a great option for those looking to fill the freezer with some fresh fish for the holidays.
**Holdover Stripers:** While the season is closed, there are still some holdover stripers to be found in the harbor. The fish have been holding in the deeper holes and around the bridge structures. Small jigs and soft plastics have been the most effective, but you'll need to be patient as the bite can be slow. Remember, all striped bass must be released immediately.
**Looking Ahead:** The weather is going to be a major factor over the next few days, with a strong cold front and gale-force winds expected on Wednesday. This will likely shut down the fishing for a few days, so be sure to get out there while you can. The good news is that the herring are here, and the party boats are still sailing, so there are still plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.
**Herring Run:** The herring have made their way into the harbor, with reports from Coney Island and other shore-based locations. The fish are on the smaller side this year, but they are still a fun catch on a sabiki rig. The bite has been best at night, and the fish seem to be holding higher in the water column. This is a great opportunity for shore-bound anglers to get in on some winter action.
**Party Boat Bottom Fishing:** The local party boats are still sailing and finding good success on the offshore wrecks. The sea bass fishing has been excellent, with big fish being reported. There have also been some cod and porgies mixed in, which is a nice bonus. This is a great option for those looking to fill the freezer with some fresh fish for the holidays.
**Holdover Stripers:** While the season is closed, there are still some holdover stripers to be found in the harbor. The fish have been holding in the deeper holes and around the bridge structures. Small jigs and soft plastics have been the most effective, but you'll need to be patient as the bite can be slow. Remember, all striped bass must be released immediately.
**Looking Ahead:** The weather is going to be a major factor over the next few days, with a strong cold front and gale-force winds expected on Wednesday. This will likely shut down the fishing for a few days, so be sure to get out there while you can. The good news is that the herring are here, and the party boats are still sailing, so there are still plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.
