Hey everyone, South Shore Sam here with your end-of-year wrap-up. The season has pretty much come to a close, but for those of us who can't quite hang up the rods yet, there are still a few things to do. The striped bass season is a memory, having closed on December 15th, and the blackfish season is also in the rearview mirror. But the ocean is still alive, and if you know where to look, you can find some action.
Western Zone (Fire Island to Democrat Point)
The inlets are quiet now. The massive schools of bass and bait that were here a few weeks ago have moved on. You might find a few resident schoolies in the back bays, but for the most part, this area is done for the season. It's time to start thinking about next year.
Central Zone (Democrat Point to Moriches Inlet)
Similar to the western zone, the central zone has quieted down significantly. The surf is empty, and the boat traffic has all but disappeared. The offshore wrecks are where the action is, with sea bass providing some excellent fishing for those who can make the run. The season is open until the 31st, so there's still a little time to get out there.
Eastern Zone (Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet)
The eastern zone is your best bet for saltwater action right now. The offshore wrecks are holding plenty of sea bass, and the fishing has been very good when the weather cooperates. It's a deep-water game, so be prepared for a long run and have the right gear. Cod are also a possibility on these same wrecks.
Bay Systems (Great South Bay, Moriches Bay, Shinnecock Bay)
The bays are cold and quiet. The water temperatures have dropped, and most of the fish have moved out. You might find some white perch in the tidal creeks, but it's a slow pick. This is the time of year to do your gear maintenance and get ready for the spring.
Ocean Beach (Surf fishing from Robert Moses to Southampton)
The surf is a lonely place right now. The fall run is a distant memory, and the beaches are empty. You might find a few dedicated anglers trying for some catch-and-release action, but for the most part, the surf is done for the year.
That's the report for this week. It's been a great season, and I want to thank everyone for reading. I'll be back in the spring with more reports. Until then, stay warm and dream of tight lines.
South Shore Sam
Western Zone (Fire Island to Democrat Point)
The inlets are quiet now. The massive schools of bass and bait that were here a few weeks ago have moved on. You might find a few resident schoolies in the back bays, but for the most part, this area is done for the season. It's time to start thinking about next year.
Central Zone (Democrat Point to Moriches Inlet)
Similar to the western zone, the central zone has quieted down significantly. The surf is empty, and the boat traffic has all but disappeared. The offshore wrecks are where the action is, with sea bass providing some excellent fishing for those who can make the run. The season is open until the 31st, so there's still a little time to get out there.
Eastern Zone (Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet)
The eastern zone is your best bet for saltwater action right now. The offshore wrecks are holding plenty of sea bass, and the fishing has been very good when the weather cooperates. It's a deep-water game, so be prepared for a long run and have the right gear. Cod are also a possibility on these same wrecks.
Bay Systems (Great South Bay, Moriches Bay, Shinnecock Bay)
The bays are cold and quiet. The water temperatures have dropped, and most of the fish have moved out. You might find some white perch in the tidal creeks, but it's a slow pick. This is the time of year to do your gear maintenance and get ready for the spring.
Ocean Beach (Surf fishing from Robert Moses to Southampton)
The surf is a lonely place right now. The fall run is a distant memory, and the beaches are empty. You might find a few dedicated anglers trying for some catch-and-release action, but for the most part, the surf is done for the year.
That's the report for this week. It's been a great season, and I want to thank everyone for reading. I'll be back in the spring with more reports. Until then, stay warm and dream of tight lines.
South Shore Sam
