Im doing my Homework

[calitransplant]

Hi all,
This seems like a great resource and I thank you all in advance for any help. I have two questions:

First
I am planning on moving to NY in July. In all likelyhood Ill be around west 73rd. Im just wondering about where in this area I can do day trips. Im not going to have a car or my kayak with me, at least at first. I currently do all types of fishing in California and am starting to really prefer the fly. I will have 6,7,8wts. with me. Any info would be very helpfull. Im interested in what species, where to go, what times of year, and what tackle. I would also be able to bring a float tube if this is something that is appropriate.

Second
I will also be spending some weekend time upstate in North Salem. What are my options in this area. Same questions as before. If I do have my kayak it will be stored here in North Salem and I will have a car here (or one I can borow).

Thanks for taking the time if your still reading this long first time noob post. Any info would again be helpfull.

Daniel



PS Info on flies and links to maps that may help my orientation would also be helpfull. THANKS

[flyaddict]

Welcome aboard.
This is a great website and you'll learn a ton.
THere are a number of fishing opportunities. Get a hold of the last issue of Saltwater Fly Fishing to see wading Hotspots in NYC.

Also you can contact flyshops in the area for guided trips.
Striper fishing in NYC is an awesome experience.

I live in the burbs and have a kayak too.
There is a kayak club in Brooklyn where you can store your kayak. Sebago Canoe club I believe its called.

You can probably use your 6 wt for panfish in Central Park. and other freshwater opportunities in upstate New York.

the 8wt will be your goto rod in the northeast. If you can get a 9wt you'll be in even better shape.

[calitransplant]

Flyaddict,
Thanks for the tip. Is the Saltwater Fly Fishing article the feb/march issue?

Also, I will be in the City from 3/22 to 3/28. I may bring a rod and see if I get a day to fish. Any hints or tips on places to go, flies to use, etc... Would be appreciated. In other words, if you are in the City and had a day to fish on a budget (no guides), where would you fish and what flies produce this time of year (and what species). Thanks for all the help. Ive been fishing my whole life in California, Ive got this place dialed in, but Im clueless about anywhere else.

Daniel

[KayakerStan]

In other words, if you are in the City and had a day to fish on a budget (no guides), where would you fish and what flies produce this time of year (and what species).

A great place I used to fish many years ago is Astoria Park. It's under the Triboro Bridge in Queens. You would need to wear korkers there due to lot's of slimy rocks. Stripers will be around at that time. Bring a few Chart/white half & half clousers. You want to fish between the Triboro and the Hellgate Bridge.

[scruffy_fish]

Wow, fishing in the Big Apple is tuff, good luck.
Try the the Urban Angler Fly Shop for any info., they are in Manhattan.

If you're taking the train to North Salem stop buy the Beford Sportsmen in Bedford, NY. They are right across the street from the station. There you'll be within 10 miles in any direction of some blue ribbon water.

When I was in LA, I found out about the fishing by asking in the local shops and hooked up with some great guys to wet a line.

[wittich]

I will also be moving to NYC in June. I am thinking about bringing my kayak with me. previously, it was mentioned that there is a kayak club and where you can store your yak. How much do they charge? thanks. JW

[calitransplant]

Ive been reading archived posts for the last few daysand have a few questions about montauk.
How does one get there on public transit and what is the cost and transit time?

What are the species/seasons that it is effective?

Is there any good action fishing from shore (with the rent I doubt ill have much dinero for guide or boat fees)?

Is my following gear list sufficent?
Breathable weiders with appropriate thermal wear
teva sandals for walking on sand and jetties
stripping basket
wading jacket and vest
8wt rod and reel with med sink shooting head and running line

Last question
I have been experimenting with some fly patterns and have a pretty slick looking striper frey pattern. Is that a potentially effective bait?
(Ill post pics in a week or so because im on vacation now, Im actually in the City)

Thank you all for the great info already given and for your time considering my questions.
Daniel

[JGH]

Fishing Montauk is about as broad a topic as there is, can take a lifetime to learn, and many of its secrets are closely guarded. There's a lot of solid info in earlier posts on this site which you should mine.

I don't pretend to know this awesome fisherly well, but here are some general answers to your questions:

Montauk is roughly 120 miles from Manhattan. The Long Island Railroad can take you there in 2.5-3 hours.

Species: Montauk is primarily a striped bass fishery, especially from shore, along with bluefish. Starts in May, slows down in July-August, and picks up in late Sept through Nov. Late Sept-early Oct sees false albacore in recent years.

Montauk is very busy in peak times. Shoulder to shoulder during blitzes. Shore fishing in those conditions is a challenge with a fly rod, to say the least, and a good way to pi$$ off the surfcasters (which is something you do not want to do). You can walk to either side of the lighthouse (usually south) and have a shot. The further away from the light you walk, the less crowded (and more fly-friendly) it will be.

Leave the tevas at home. Bring korkers or don't bother. Without spikes you will get hurt.

An 8wt is too light. 9 wt minimum from shore. I prefer a 10 wt. If I had an 11 I might use it here.

Flies: Lots of flies work. I like epoxy flies, like surf candies. Mushmouths are good.

Good luck.