Well folks, it's getting to that time of year. The air is frigid, the water is cold, and the striper and blackfish seasons have officially closed as of yesterday, December 15th. It was a great season, but now it's time to switch gears. For those still looking to get a line wet, the squid are in, and they are providing some great action in the western Sound.
Western Sound
The squid have invaded the local piers and harbors in big numbers. Manhasset Bay, Hempstead Harbor, and Oyster Bay are all holding good amounts of squid. Anglers are having success during the day using pink and blue squid jigs, but the bite is definitely better at night. If you can get some lights on the water, you'll have a big advantage. At night, pink and yellow jigs are the ticket. The squid are a good size, ranging from 5 to 7 inches. They make for some great table fare, but they are even better as fluke bait for next season. If you're stocking up for next year, freeze them in a plastic bag with some saltwater to keep them from getting too soft.
Blackfish and Striped Bass
While the season is over, it's worth noting that the blackfish bite was strong right up to the end. Gypsea Charters out of Brooklyn was on the fish, boating two double-digit tog weighing 10.12 and 14.4 pounds. As the water temperatures continue to drop, the bigger fish have been moving into deeper water. It takes patience to get them, but the rewards are there. The striped bass have also been on the move, and while the season is closed, it's a good time to reflect on the fall run and start planning for next year.
Weather and Tides
The weather for the next few days looks like a mixed bag. Today and tomorrow look like good days to be on the water, with light and variable winds. Seas in the Sound will be 1 foot or less. Things start to change on Wednesday, with a small craft advisory in effect from the morning through the afternoon. The wind will pick up from the southwest, with gusts to 23 knots. Thursday looks like a wash, with strong south winds gusting to 30 knots and seas building to 4 feet. Conditions should start to improve by Friday.
That's the report for this week. It's a great time to get out and get some squid, or start getting your gear ready for next season. Stay warm and fish safe.
Salty Sal
Western Sound
The squid have invaded the local piers and harbors in big numbers. Manhasset Bay, Hempstead Harbor, and Oyster Bay are all holding good amounts of squid. Anglers are having success during the day using pink and blue squid jigs, but the bite is definitely better at night. If you can get some lights on the water, you'll have a big advantage. At night, pink and yellow jigs are the ticket. The squid are a good size, ranging from 5 to 7 inches. They make for some great table fare, but they are even better as fluke bait for next season. If you're stocking up for next year, freeze them in a plastic bag with some saltwater to keep them from getting too soft.
Blackfish and Striped Bass
While the season is over, it's worth noting that the blackfish bite was strong right up to the end. Gypsea Charters out of Brooklyn was on the fish, boating two double-digit tog weighing 10.12 and 14.4 pounds. As the water temperatures continue to drop, the bigger fish have been moving into deeper water. It takes patience to get them, but the rewards are there. The striped bass have also been on the move, and while the season is closed, it's a good time to reflect on the fall run and start planning for next year.
Weather and Tides
The weather for the next few days looks like a mixed bag. Today and tomorrow look like good days to be on the water, with light and variable winds. Seas in the Sound will be 1 foot or less. Things start to change on Wednesday, with a small craft advisory in effect from the morning through the afternoon. The wind will pick up from the southwest, with gusts to 23 knots. Thursday looks like a wash, with strong south winds gusting to 30 knots and seas building to 4 feet. Conditions should start to improve by Friday.
That's the report for this week. It's a great time to get out and get some squid, or start getting your gear ready for next season. Stay warm and fish safe.
Salty Sal
