With temperatures forecasted to reach the low-80s in parts of the state today, many anglers are now eagerly awaiting opening day of trout and winter flounder season on April 1. It appears the unseasonably-warm weather will continue for the time being, at least into the first part of spring. Long-term NOAA forecasts are suggesting this unseasonably warm weather pattern might not quit at all, and continuing through May into the beginning of summer. There’s already lots of life showing up around Long Island, and it seems like reports of bait are already coming in from almost everywhere. There’s definitely enough early-season movement to suggest it’s going to be a great spring, and hopefully the beginning of another great year for the state’s fisheries.
East End
It looks like the cod bite south of Block Island is starting to feel the effects of the recent warm weather. There’s been some signs the bite has been starting to slow down for a little while now, but there’s definitely still some quality fish hanging around in the area. If you’re anxious for one last chance at Montauk cod before next winter, the weather looks good for the upcoming weekend. Captain Carl from the Viking Fleet reported, “We did have quite the mixed bag today with cod, ling, lots of large cunners, some small pollock, and one monkfish, as well as some released species like scup, sea bass, and pout, but all in all it was very spread out amongst the large crowd onboard.” Hopefully, this type of mixed bag fishing will continue until some of the other bottom-fish seasons open this spring. There’s also still a chance one last group of codfish will move onto the grounds before the water temperatures move through the 50s, pushing most of the keeper-size fish into deeper water.
South Shore
Now that we’re just days away from April, there’s already a good amount of life stirring along the south shore. Ed from Jones Beach Fishing Station was busy getting the shop ready to open with full hours on Monday, and told me “there’s a lot of sand eels at the piers near the shop” and “herring at Magnolia Pier.” He also mentioned that the mackerel were now “just off the beach.” Ed will also be running the Captree tackle shop this season, and expanding the services to offer food and cold drinks. Ed’s will also be hosting a series of “shootout” events throughout the season, running the gauntlet from striped bass tournaments to a snapper and blue claw “shootout” for the kids at the end of the season. With so much life around already, it’s no longer much of a bold prediction to suggest the 2012 season is going to get off to a fast start on all fronts.
North Shore
It’s been a quite few months on the Long Island Sound, but with water temperatures now creeping into the 50-degree range, it won’t be long before the sound wakes up for another season. I’m sure there’s already some schoolies feeding on the killies and grass shrimp in the back-bays of some of the western north shore harbors, and it won’t be long before the bigger fish arrive. I’m sure there’ll be some nice keeper-size specimens in place in plenty of time for the opener on April 15.
Metro New York
It looks like the great wintertime ling season this year might continue right into spring. Captain Tony and his crew are still putting the anglers on the fish on a daily basis, despite water temperatures rising into the low-50s. The ling don’t seem to mind, as anglers are consistently filling buckets daily, and some are doing it with some really jumbo-size ling. Conditions will be great for the weekend, and you’re definitely come home with plenty of fish for dinner. Another option is making your way up to the north side of the George Washington bridge with a box of bloodworms, if you don’t mind donating a few to the local white perch and catfish populations, you just might hook a few small linesiders.
Upstate
With temperatures climbing into the mid-80s in some areas upstate today, it’s hard to imagine the ice fishing season wrapped-up only a few short weeks ago. Many anglers upstate are now awaiting the opening of the state-wide trout season on April 1, or for the striped bass to reach their section of the Hudson. Even though the bass probably haven’t reached your neck of the woods yet, they likely will sooner rather than later. Everything from the birds to the plants, to the fish seem to be sped up by several weeks up-and-down the east coast. From cherry blossoms in March down in D.C., to 80-degree weather in the Northern Adirondacks — the entire eco-system is running ahead of schedule this season. It’s a good idea to take a minute and work these changes into your angling schedule for the spring. Do some research on the areas you’ll be fishing, and re-schedule any big fishing trips for a week or two earlier if possible. If you can’t, just make sure to pack along any gear you’d be using for your target species in late April or May, or about two- to three-weeks ahead on the calendar of whenever you’ll actually be fishing. Some fisheries, especially those dependent on insect hatches, will be significantly impacted by this abnormally warm start to spring. It’s almost hard to believe that it’s still technically winter and will be downright hot in many areas upstate today, but it’s important to remember this unusual weather pattern has altered the fish’s plans just as much as yours and mine.
Best Bests
Despite a chance of showers and temperatures retreating into the low-50s around the state this weekend, there’s still several angling opportunities emerging that are worth checking out. Fishing for stripers in the lower Hudson River, in the first few miles upcurrent of the George Washington Bridge (the official marker for where the Hudson River striped bass fishery begins) isn’t a bad idea for this weekend. Just be sure you’re not fishing below, or downstream, of the bridge by accident. Anywhere south of the George Washington Bridge on the Hudson River doesn’t open for striped bass fishing on April 15, following the regulations of the rest of the state’s coastal striped bass fisheries of one fish over 28 inches and one fish over 40 inches per person, per day. The regulations north of the bridge are for one fish per angler per day at 18 inches from March 16 to November 30. It’s also important to make sure you’ve signed up for the recreational marine fishing registry at www.dec.ny.gov. This is a no-fee program, but it is mandatory now in 2012. Signing up for this registry allows anglers to take saltwater species, but it’s important to remember that this does not include freshwater species like white perch and catfish. If an angler is also planning on harvesting those species, even when striped bass fishing, they also need to purchase a freshwater fishing license. Although the initial reports from the area are on the slow side, there are some stripers being caught in the area and more showing up every day – tight lines.