The blackfish action has been very good toward the west in the bays and by the bridges. With the sea bass and porgy seasons closed, blackfishing is the only bottom fishing in town. Read the rest of the report to see where to catch blackfish on the South Shore of Long Island.

The bays are heating up with the keeper ration about 10:1. Most of the action has been reported near the bridges including The Big M, 3rd Wantagh Parkway Bridge, and Long Creek. We are also getting reports that the blackfishing is good in the deep banks (Black Banks, entrance to Haunts Creek) or any deep bank with a mussel bottom. The best time to seems to be on the tide changes, especially the outgoing. Our recommendation is to use a hook no larger than a #4 or #5.

If you are able to make it to western part of the Island, you should be in good shape. The further west, the better. Reports indicate that the Atlantic Beach Reef is producing good catches. The hot bait is fiddlers and green crabs. We have been weighing fish up to 7 pounds. Anthony O. hooked up an 8 lb., 3 oz. blackfish recently. He also mentioned that he reached his limit and threw back 30 fish. Way to go Anthony!