Weakfish

Chasing Weakfish near Howard Beach can be a rewarding experience, especially if you time it right. Jamaica Bay and the surrounding estuaries were once a Weakfish hotspot, and while their numbers aren't what they used to be, they're still around. The best time to target them is during the spring and early summer months (May-June), when they move into the bay to spawn. Look for them in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, near channels and grass beds. Small bucktails tipped with a soft plastic trailer, or live shrimp fished under a popping cork, can be highly effective. Weakfish are notoriously sensitive to changes in water conditions, so pay attention to the tide, temperature, and clarity. A helpful tip: the bridges and causeways that cross Jamaica Bay can be excellent places to intercept migrating Weakfish. Try fishing around the pilings or along the edges of the channels. Also, remember that Weakfish have delicate mouths, so avoid setting the hook too hard. They are also called 'tiderunners' for a reason, so be ready to move with the tide to find the fish.