Fishing in And Around Port Washington

Fishing season 2011 is here! The first and biggest item is the suspension of the saltwater fishing license! You can now fish again in the waters of New York without paying the $10 they were requiring to help "track" the number of anglers. Freshwater fishing still requires a license that can be purchased at box stores like Dicks Sporting Goods or Walmart. You can also purchase freshwater licenses at the in Manhasset. Again for saltwater you do not need a license... thank goodness that sillyness is over. Okay, so down to business.

Winter flounder season is open until May 30. The water has been a little cold but there have been reports of good numbers of flounder being caught in Manhasset Bay and Hempstead Harbor on sandy bottoms in the shallow. Bait of choice at this time of year is sandworms. Also take some clams as an alternative bait and to chum with. Limits on winter flounder is two fish at 12 inches.

Striped bass season opened April 15. There have been reports of good size fish being caught off beaches all around the Bay. Mid-morning and dusk have been the killer times to be out there. Swimming plugs and rubber shad have been doing the trick for guys casting lures. Bait-wise sandworms have been the ticket. Fresh bunker have been working okay but sandworms are the better bait. Bunker are difficult to come by right now because the schools are spread out making snagging and castnetting very difficult. If you don't have time to pickup or keep fresh sandworms try Gulp Sandworms. They don't go bad and a lot of guys swear by them. Fly fishing, clousers and decievers in charteuse and white have been working well. Pink and charteuse clousers have been ticket when the sun in bright. Again late in the day into dusk has been the best time to fish.

All other species of fish in our area are open except Fluke. Fluke season opens May 15 and runs until September 6 with a keeper size of 21 inches for two fish. Tautog (Blackfish) season is still open but ends April 30. Bluefish is also open but there haven't been any reports of choppers in the Sound yet.

Weather for the weekend looks marginal with reports of rain, gusts to 25, and thunderstorms for Saturday. Rain isn't a problem but look out for thunderstorms.  If you see lightning or hear thunder it is always a better bet to head in off the water.  A lighting strike will ruin your season... forever. It is not worth the risk. But again if it is just rain, head out. Some of the best fishing is on rainy days.

Weather on Sunday looks to be better of the two days for the weekend. If you can sneak away from the family a quick trip out on the boat or a couple of casts from the beach; it always makes for a great day. Bring your rain gear because there are reports of possible showers on Sunday. Never let a chances of rain or a little rain ruin your day. Fishing is an outdoor sport, be prepared and get out there.

Weather tip: In our area look to the West for approaching weather. A majority of our weather comes from a westerly direction and tends to accelerate as it passes into the metro area. If you see really dark clouds to the west, get ready. If you see ugly black or greenish clouds and the wind picks up get your ass to the dock ASAP, thunderstorms and high winds are coming. Don't know which way is West?  Manhattan/ New York City are to our West. If you are in the Sound and facing Long Island, west is to your right.  South Shore, its your left side.

For live reports, tips, etc. call Atlantic Outfitters at 516-767-2215 or check the website, www.atlanticoutfitters.us.  You can also find us on Facebook, just search for Atlantic Outfitters.

Tight lines,

John

405 Main Street, #2
Port Washington, NY 11050
(516)767-2215