The Spring Run

As winter's chill gives way to the warmth of spring, Long Island emerges as a haven for anglers seeking the thrill of saltwater fly fishing. Picture yourself standing on the ocean shore or wading in the back bays, a fly rod in hand, ready to start the season.

The excitement of casting your fly into the waters, for a chance to feel the strike of a striped bass, or a strong bluefish is what makes us brave the early season conditions, which are often perfect for watching movies in the comfort of home.

Saltwater fly fishing on Long Island extends far beyond the thrill of the catch. On Long Island we're surrounded by beautiful coastal landscapes, with vibrant colors and often, soothing sounds.

The beauty of Long Island's spring fly fishing lies in its inclusivity. Whether you're a seasoned angler with years of experience or a novice just beginning your fishing journey—whether you have a boat or not—the island offers plenty of accessible locations with a promising chance at landing your next catch.

It's also an opportunity to share in the joy of discovery, learn from one another, and forge connections with fellow enthusiasts.

As spring unfolds, a 9wt fly rod proves effective for ocean-side fishing, while a slightly lighter 7-8wt rod suits the more sheltered back bays—except when the large bluefish, "gators" make an appearance. In the face of these powerful adversaries, a 9 or even 10wt rod becomes essential, providing the strength needed to subdue a 12-17lb blue.

For targeting striped bass, employing intermediate lines paired with 18-16lb tippet generally yields success. However, when the bluefish make their presence known, it's wise to switch to a more robust 17-25lb wire tippet to prevent losing numerous flies to their voracious bites. Adapting your gear to the specific conditions ensures a more fruitful and enjoyable fishing experience.

The next video was filmed in early spring, spanning from the scenic south shore of Long Island to the serene back bays, where we explored various fishing conditions, turning each excursion into a unique experience. We hope it provides valuable insights for your upcoming spring fishing season, offering new ideas and techniques.

Tight lines!

Sergio

When it comes to selecting flies, simplicity is key for me. All things being equal, I've found that clouser minnows in sizes 2-1/0 consistently elicit a strong fish bite.

Regarding colors, my preferences generally lean towards the classic olive/white, tan/white, and chartreuse/white combinations. However, an interesting twist emerged last spring when stripers showed a notable response to the yellow over white color scheme. It could be a coincidence, perhaps related to the prevalent bait at the time. The key takeaway is that in fly fishing, if something isn't yielding results, don't hesitate to experiment with different options until you find that elusive sweet spot.

Fly Fishing Gear Recommendation

The following products will help you to trigger strikes, play and land the fish.

Clouser minnow: https://alnk.to/bPcJmO5
Hatch Iconic fly reel: https://alnk.to/bissq1k
G. Loomis NRX fly rod: https://alnk.to/bPcJmBl
Cortland striped bass full intermediate line: https://alnk.to/gp0qS2m
Sci Angler Fluorocarbon leader: https://alnk.to/eDQR3JL
Rio power flex wire bite: https://alnk.to/hDpJJPU

Best of luck!