This week’s Long Island fishing report:

• Good variety in size of stripers to the west
• Lots of keepers reported
• Slot stripers in the surf in Suffolk
• Whispers of weakfish in the surf
• Solid bite offshore for cod, tog, porgies, etc.
• Big, chunky largemouths are on the feed on warmer days

Since fishing is not a hobby I have taken up, the above report doesn’t mean much to me. However, I know that recreational and commercial fishing enthusiasts in our region are blessed to practice their craft along Long Island’s estimated 1,600 miles of shoreline. Our homeland is intrinsically connected to its maritime environs, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Long Island Sound, and the Great South Bay, among numerous bays and endless harbors. Our beautiful waterways are a gift for anyone sporting a rod, reel, motor craft, swimsuit, or just an affinity for fresh local seafood.

Local anglers tell me that Atlantic cod, winter flounder, and mackerel are species likely to frequent our waters this time of year. The fall season will find more bluefish, summer flounder, and Spanish mackerel. Whatever may be swimming in our local waters, regardless of the time of year, the creatures will be susceptible to being hoisted from their natural setting, destined for their demise. Long Island boasts many special events in the coming months, including Captree’s Snapper & Crab Derby (August 20-21), the Fred Golofaro Memorial Montauk Surf Fishing Tournament (September 23-25),  the Fall Family Fishing Festival at Hempstead Lake (October 15), and the Fred Golofaro Memorial South Shore Surf Fishing Tournament at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Captree (October 28-30). Long Island seems to be an ideal place to fish for relaxation, entertainment, competition, or satiation.

This Sunday, in many Long Island churches, you will hear a fish story. At the beginning of Jesus Christ’s ministry, our Lord called fishers to drop their nets on the shoreline to follow him as his disciples. Many of those disciples return to their maritime trade after the resurrection – they go fishing. In the epilogue of St. John’s Gospel, this Sunday’s assigned lesson, these fishermen catch 153 large fish and experience a post-resurrection appearance of our Lord along the shoreline. We invite you to come ashore and join us this Sunday, May 1, for our 8:00 AM, 10:15 AM, and 6:00 PM worship services. Hear our Lord’s fishing report for this Eastertide.

Easter Blessings,
Pastor Marc
Rev. Marc Herbst, Interim Pastor