OT: Local Fishing....

[cm11599ps]

The extent of my fishing was casting from the Cedar Beach dock in Mt Sinai a few times about 20-25 years ago when I was a kid. That's about it.

I'd like to get back into it but I honestly have no idea where to begin. I have one or two Walmart poles from way back when and a tackle box full of nothing. lol

At this point I'm probably planning catch and release as I don't want to deal with cleaning a fish right now. Not only that, but I'm clueless as to all the regulations and what not too.

Most of my fishing would be around Smith Point as I camp there very often. I also bought kayaks last year and they have rod holders built in.

Any advice?

 

[brett7768]

www.noreast.com great site for regs and reports

 

[DgenR8]

All I can really add is that if you drop a line in fresh water, you would be best off to have a fishing license. I don't think you need a license for salt water (you did for a year or so, but they backed off on it, last I know), but I could be wrong on that.

 

[TommyP]

Following for sure. I fish sometimes at the bluff down in kings park where I live but always catch and release nothing good lol.

 

[jpitch]

Noreast.com is awesome for saltwater info. You are required to pay for a freshwater license. Some rivers, such as carmen's river, are brackish water so you don't need a freshwater license for them. While you don't have to pay for a saltwater license, you must register online for one. I love fishing moriches inlet. They built a fishing pier on the bay side next to the parking lot. This time of year you can throw out a chunk of clam and have a chance at fluke and stripers. If you have a 4x4 you can get an outer beach permit drive on the 4x4 section of smith's point all the way to the inlet. I like the east side of the inlet which is cupsogue beach. I surf fish from the east jetty and landed a 40lb striper last year right about this time(my avatar). If you want to throw artificials try gibbs poppers, storm shads, bucktails tipped with pork rind. Fish them SLOW.

Above all else, HAVE FUN. Just like this hobby, if it feels like work it's not worth it! When I take my wife out fishing I make sure to point out things you won't see at home. The aquatic life is diverse and plentiful. Certain smells have interesting stories behind them. If you happen to catch a fish there's tons of cool info someone may not know.

Good luck and I hope you have fun. Fishing is not just catching fish. I've been doing it since I learned how to walk so if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

 

[cm11599ps]

Thanks guys. What I'm really in need of is some type of fishing 101 course. Any ideas?

 

[jpitch]

Hmm. I don't think you're going to find a "course". Your best bet is to hit that dock I was referring you to at Smith Point Beach that you frequent. Learn to tie a proper knot first and foremost. Since you'll be fishing the bay I'd stick with your basic pole and 20-30lb monofilament line or 20lb power pro. Tie at 3 way swivel on then tie a 3ft "leader"(regular monofilament line) on the end of the swivel. Tie a medium size hook to the end of your leader. Add a 1oz pyramid sinker to your swivel. Here's where you can do a couple things like a chunk of clam or squid + spearing or killies. Toss it out and have a beer. Strike up a conversation with others. One thing you'll quickly pick up is that fisherman love to brag about their skills. 1/2 of it is BS but you'll pick up some tips that are good. Let your bait sit several minutes. If your rig isn't in the water there's zero chance of catching fish. People love reeling in their line for no reason. You'll start off catching sea robins, crabs, and the occasional fluke. Once you get the hang of things you'll start targeting the blues and stripers. Better yet, take 2 poles. One for "chunking" like I explained above. And the other for throwing artificial lures. Storm shads, 007's, gibbs, spoons are good bets for some action. FISH THEM SLOW.

A 5g bucket, an assortment of pyramid sinkers of varying weight, hooks of varying sizes, extra swivels, a net, bait, some lures, and a cheapo bag to carry that stuff and you'll be well prepared for a day out. Download some regs off the net and keep them folded in a small ziploc bag for referrence. Some extras would be extra fishing line (no doubt you'll need it some time), tape measure (a sewer's ribbon works great), camera of some sort (my iphone has a water proof case), rags (you'd be surprised how often you'll need them), a cooler of your favorite snacks and drinks, and a chair.

Any other questions I'll be happy to answer. I have a passion for most types of fishing and love teaching others the ART. Have fun!

 

[jpitch]

VERY IMPORTANT: Wash your gear off after your fishing venture. If you don't your first trip could make your second trip a visit to your local walmart for new gear!

 

[jpitch]

By the way, Moriches Bay has some of the best fishing on the island!

 

[masgatigata]

Check out some of John Skinners videos. He's got some good tutorials on youtube.

 

[jpitch]

An excellent knot to learn is the uni-knot. Strong, easy to tie, and very versatile. You can youtube a lot of information such as this.

 

[quagmire]

If anyone has a 4x4 with any outer beach permit and wants to do a night time chunking trip let me know. I'd love to ride shotgun. I can supply the bait and tackle if needed. The further east the better.

 

[jpitch]

I have a lot going on at the moment but, as I mentioned earlier, I hit moriches inlet via cupsogue beach. If you don't mind the almost 1 mile walk from the camp ground parking to the inlet you're welcome to join me. Do you have surf gear? You'll be hard pressed to be successful in landing a fish from the jetty if you don't. I have 2 setups: 11ft St Croix legend with a Shimano baitrunner for chunking and an 11ft Lamiglass Ron Arra paired with a Van Staal. Both have 40lb power pro. Chunking from the jetty I use 5-6oz pyramid sinkers.

 

[DgenR8]

LIPA plant on Long Beach Rd Island Pk/Oceanside is supposed to have great fishing because of the warm water. I never seem to catch anything but Sea robins, and it seems like they always swallow the hook.

 

[quagmire]

Jon i've been trekking to the south shore jetties for years.
I'm too fat and too tired to make that trekk right now.
Looking to sit out front with some fresh bunker and a sand spike.
Anyone? Did i mention I've got fresh bunker?

 

[jpitch]

Wait til September to go out with me then. The road is closed for piping clovers to nest. Once the road opens up you can drive right to the jetty.

 

[cm11599ps]

Wait, people still WALK on the beach? Get one of these and you'll never walk on the beach again. I took this out to Smith Point on the first day of spring. I was about halfway to Moriches inlet when I decided to stop for lunch. So peaceful.

 

[jpitch]

My friend has one of those bikes. They're ok riding along the shore but impossible in the loose stuff with all the fishing gear you need to haul

 

[cm11599ps]

OK, so I finally got all of my fishing stuff together. I've basically got 3 setups I can use, all of them Wal-Mart specials and nothing to surfcast with I assume. The yellow/black rod has never seen water. Two of the other rods haven't touched water in at least 10-15 years but they still have line on them. I have no idea how thick the line is but I assume I should just replace it anyway. Should I use these poles or should I look into new setups?

Here's my sweet, sweet tackle box full of nothing.

Lastly, I was talking to a neighbor of mine last year who used to fish but is too old to do it these days. He ended up giving me all of this stuff but I'm clueless as to what to do with it.

Is anyone interested in helping a local reefer out? What else should I be looking at? I'd be looking at fishing at Smith Point since I camp there very often. Is anyone willing to hit the docks or beach with me to show me the ropes?

 

[jpitch]

Looks like you have a very nice setup to begin with. Replace the old fishing line. If you're targeting blues/stripers use a setup with 30lb test line. I'd suggest braided line because it'll be a smaller diameter so you can cast farther. With your smaller setups you'll be fine in on the bay side with cocktail blues and fluke. Good luck!