Where to go shipwreck fishing on Long Island

Anthony Balsamo fishes over a small, unnamed wreck on board... — Anthony Balsamo fishes over a small, unnamed wreck on board the Miss Montauk. Many skippers are protective of the wrecks and keep them secret. Credit: Tom Schlichter

By TOM SCHLICHTERSpecial to NewsdayJanuary 26, 2015

It's 28 degrees and there's ice on your rod as a gooey skimmer clam bait tempts the first codfish of the morning from the rusting hulk of an unnamed shipwreck. "Fish on!" you call out while setting the hook, and suddenly — frozen toes and all — there's nowhere you'd rather be than aboard a wreck fishing vessel.

FRIGID BUT FISHY

Late winter wreck fishing is vastly different from the short-sleeve variety with which many Long Island anglers are familiar. Such trips take place 30 to 80 miles offshore over the skeletal remains of sunken boats in depths of 80 to 200 feet or more. Many of these hot spots were casualties of vicious seas or boating accidents. A few were torpedoed during World War II by German U-boats, as was the Coimbra, which rests in 185 feet of water 64 miles southeast of Jones Inlet. Slowly disintegrating on the bottom, these once proud ships now provide haven for baitfish and ambush points for predators.

"There's a great mix of species on offshore wrecks this time of year," says Capt. John Capuano, 57, of Hampton Bays, skipper of the open-boat Shinnecock Star. "Right now we are mostly catching cod, pollock, hake and ling. The variety is interesting and most of what comes over the rail tastes great."

Still, it can be bitter on these trips, so let's be clear: This is no sport for the sheepish. You'll need to dress in layers — many layers — to stay warm and dry, and a knit hat, waterproof fishing gloves and insulated boots are absolute necessities.

'A DISTINCT BREED'

"It takes a distinct breed to come out here and do battle," says Joe Tangel, 36, of Medford and captain of the Center Moriches open-boat King Cod. "Still, you'd be surprised how many people show up when we get a break in the weather."

Anthony Caputo, a teacher from East Patchogue, is a regular aboard Tangel's boat, and he thrives on this cold weather game.

"I love the lore of cod fishing," explains Caputo, 46. "European explorers came to our waters in search of these fish; they were the backbone of a huge fishing industry that spanned generations and grew cities along our coast. I also like that they are challenging to hook, fight hard and taste great. We see whales, porpoise and sea birds on these trips, so it's really quite exciting, and you never know what might bite next."

CAPTAIN'S CHOICE

Several hundred shipwrecks are scattered across the ocean bottom within reach of local ports. Some — the Oregon, San Diego, Suffolk and Andrea Doria — are well-known and frequently fished. Many others, however, are of unknown origin. Generally smaller and difficult to pinpoint, these are the GPS coordinates experienced skippers hold close to their vests. Once anchored or drifting over a chosen hull, anglers can use a few tips to help put together a strong catch.

Choosing the right day to sail is a great starting point, Capuano says. "Calm winds and temperatures above 35 degrees can be more than tolerable if you dress appropriately."

Capt. Mike Wasserman, 40, of Westbury, is a skipper with the Capt. Lou Fleet in Freeport. He suggests anglers move around the boat to explore the entire wreck. "Different parts of a wreck sometimes hold different kinds, or different sizes, of fish," he says.

Capt. Steve Kearney, 47, of Massapequa and skipper of the Point Lookout open-boat Super Hawk, stresses the importance of having fresh skimmer clam for bait, while Caputo offers what may be the soundest advice of all:

"Just ask the mates: 'What's working best?' " he says. "They're on the water every trip and really track the trends."

GOOD TO KNOW

PRICES Expect to pay $90 to $160 for trips ranging 30 to 80 miles offshore.

GEAR Stiff rods that handle up to 20-ounce sinkers and 50-pound test braided lines are standard fare. All open boats rent appropriate setups for a nominal fee.

RESERVATIONS Generally required for open-boat wreck fishing.

UPCOMING TRIPS

Most skippers reschedule for strong winds, ice or temperatures that are too cold. Additional trips may be added. Always call and confirm departure times and dates.

Capt. Lou Fleet, Freeport

516-623-5823, captloufleet.com)

1 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 7 and 21. Deep-water tilefish and wreckfish specials. Cod wreck trips may be added to schedule.

Shinnecock Star, Hampton Bays

631-728-4563, shinnecockstar.com

7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily wreck trips.

Super Hawk, Point Lookout

516-607-3004, superhawkfishing.com

1 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 31. Codfish wreck trip.

King Cod, Center Moriches

631-475-1060, kingcodfishing.com

6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily wreck trips.