I hope 2026 is off to a great start for everyone. While sunny days on the water seem like a lifetime away, there are ways to stay sane until the spring. On the fishing front locally, Connetquot State Park in Oakdale offers opportunities to fly fish for trout. You do have to call ahead and reserve a time and spot to fish Tuesday through Sundays. While the river is stocked from fish raised in the on-premise hatchery there are also native trout that move through the river. If you’re willing to bundle up there’s a few freshwater spots around the island as well. There are some stripers that stick around during the winter in brackish back bay waters. It can be frustrating, but if you’re willing to try, a super slow retrieve with a small paddle tail could just incite a holdover to expend their energy to take a bite.
A bit more comfortable and logical alternative to stave off cabin fever is prepping for the upcoming season. After a disappointing fall run of stripers, I did the mandatory season end rinsing and stowing of my gear. I wasn’t too precise with organizing and basically established two zones in my garage. One for gear that needs some tender loving care and possible retirement, and one for gear that’s battle ready for the spring. The biggest task at hand is with the myriad of plugs I have and the hooks on them. My first order of business the past few seasons is swapping out any rear treble hooks on plugs I have. I have a lot of plugs. Some that never got wet this year or made it off the wall rack in the garage. Release mortality has been an issue among a laundry list of reasons for pressure on the striped bass fishery. It’s just a fact that a single tail hook or flag reduces the chances of a bass not making it after being released. Also, a fact, a tail treble can often lodge in a striper’s gill plate and gives the fish leverage to break off. While I have less and less tail trebles I remove each year, the ones I do I repurpose in replacing rusted and dulled out trebles in the front of many plugs. I also try to right the hoarder instinct and thin the herd of plugs I have and don’t use or can’t use anymore because of their sorry condition.
Once the chores part of the offseason is taken care of, it’s show time. Literally show time.
January 21-25 the crown jewel of shows, The New York Boat show at the Javits Center in NYC takes place. Just about every brand you can imagine will be displaying everything from kayaks, to 40 plus foot beauties ready to head to the canyons. Get a peek at some of the jaw dropping new designs, mind boggling new tech, and eye-opening deals. Life is short, buy the boat. There are also some very interesting seminars from the top minds in the fishing and boating worlds.
There are several fishing shows going on across the island, and for the fly fishermen one of the best shows is happening but you have to drive to jersey and it’s worth it. These shows are a great opportunity to run into fellow anglers, take in a seminar on local tactics, and some really good deals on new and used equipment. A number of shows also have reps from local boat dealers offering some quite enticing deals and generous trade ins. A few brands to keep an eye out for if you are boat shopping are Pair Marine, Steiger, and Sportsman to name a few. The dream isn’t necessarily out of reach. The shows are a laid-back, low-pressure environment to take the next step in your fishing journey. Here are a few shows worth checking out.
January 2026
- Rocky Point Fishing Show: Jan 18, 9 am – 3 pm at Rocky Point Middle School (Free admission, supporting wrestling team).
- East Islip Fishing Show/Flea Market: Jan 24, 9 am – 2 pm at AMVETS Post 18 (Gear, clubs, local focus).
- Copiague Fire Dept. Marine Expo: Jan 31 (Check exact times, often a big event with vendors).
- The Fly Fishing Show: Jan 23-25 at NJ Convention Center, Edison, NJ (For fly anglers, a bit of a trip).
February 2026
- Rt. 110 Fishing Flea Market: Feb 7 (A classic LI show for gear).
- Freeport Fishing Flea Market: Feb 14 (Major event with captains, boats, gear)
March 2026
- Nassau Coliseum Boat Show: March 13-15 at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY (latest boats, gear, accessories & marine services all under one roof)
We’ll be reeling the fish in soon enough. Be ready!!