We have been in a run of seasonal temps. There is some morning frost, but most days it’s in the 40s. We have had some wind and rain, but there’s been a nice day here and there.
Locally, the fishing at this point is just memories, but for all it was a good inshore blackfish season. The season closed in the sound on December 9. I’m sure there are still fish on the deep-water spots, but they can grow for another year.
Now all the fishing has moved to the ocean waters. There has been good fishing for porgies, sea bass and blackfish. This is the time of year you will catch some of your biggest sea bass. The Viking Fleet has been sailing daily when the weather cooperates. The results have been great and limits are a common occurrence for the angler.
Although the sea bass are moving now, the best fishing is 20-plus miles from Montauk Point. The distant trips are seeing the cod numbers on the increase. Some anglers have been catching their daily cod limit.
Blackfish are still biting around Block Island. Blackfish season ends in New York on December 22; the sea bass season ends December 31. You still have time to fill the freezer or catch some fish for a Christmas holiday meal.
It seems the seafood shops are getting some bay scallops for their customers. It will be a grind through the winter if the weather cooperates. If we can get a good low tide, you can also get those holiday clams. Nothing compares to winter clams from that good saltwater.
There are several fishing shows and flea markets on tap for January and February. I will be reminding you as the time gets closer.
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and may 2024 be a good year for everyone. Tight lines and happiness to all!
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