Long Island, Metro NY - East End Fishing Reports

From the Ebb Tide, the crew reported wrapping up their season with solid togging and squid fishing right through the final trips. They would like to thank everyone who sailed with them this year and are already looking ahead to the upcoming season. Visit ebbtidefishing.com for future sailing information.

From the Viking Fleet of Montauk, Capt. JR reports a decent day aboard the Viking Star, with plenty of life showing just about everywhere they fished. The catch was a true mixed bag, featuring sea bass of all sizes, along with porgies, ling, mackerel, some very nice blackfish, pollock, and cunners. Everyone managed fish for the buckets, and as always, some anglers did better than others, but the overall variety kept rods bending throughout the day. The blackfish pool winner was Alex Crudello of Ridgefield, NJ, with a 4-pound tog, while the sea bass pool was won by Rob Mooring of Sound Beach, NY, with a 3.8-pound fish. From an earlier trip in the week, Capt. JR also reported a solid day aboard the Viking Star. The crew spent much of the morning bouncing around deeper drops and found sea bass, porgies, ling, and blackfish at nearly every stop. Everyone went home with a nice catch of quality sea bass, and a few of the drops showed heavier blackfish life, allowing several anglers to limit out early. Before heading home, the boat slid into some shallower water and added a few more blackfish to round out the day. Not a bad trip by any measure. The winner of both pools on that trip was Jeffery Su, who took top honors with a 7-pound blackfish and a 4-pound sea bass. The 2026 offshore schedule for the Viking Starship, Viking Star, and Viking Fivestar is now available for booking. Anglers can reserve trips online or by calling 631-668-5700. With several new trips added for the upcoming season, now is a great time to lock in dates while space is still available. Full schedules and trip descriptions can be found at vikingfleet.com.

Capt. John of the Shinnecock Star reported that the boat has wrapped up its season after finishing strong with blackfish trips. He would like to thank everyone who sailed with them this year and noted that he will be attending several upcoming winter fishing shows and events. To book trips for the 2026 season, call 631-728-4563.

Jeff from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays noted that the shop will remain open throughout the month, with the exception of Christmas Day. While local saltwater fishing has slowed considerably, anglers still looking to bend a rod can find action in the east-end ponds for yellow perch, largemouth bass, and panfish using nightcrawlers or small grub-style baits on jigheads. The store is also running several holiday sales. I had the chance to stop by and check out some great stocking stuffers, including face buffs for $5, select Gulp baits for $5 per pack, pliers, and gift cards. Gift cards are redeemable both in-store and online and make an excellent last-minute option. More information is available at whitewateroutfitters.com.

Kenny at Tight Lines Tackle in Southampton reported that the shop’s holiday sale is now underway, offering 10 percent off storewide and 15 percent off combination rod-and-reel outfits, including tuna setups. The shop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Wednesdays.

Capt. Phil Kess of the Fishy Business in Orient reports tog fishing finished off well with the exception being forced to cancel the last trip of the season due to the weather. Capt. Phil is now taking reservations for the 2026 season including some prime dates for blackfish season. To book your trips you can call Capt. Phil at (516) 316-6967.

Capt. Rich of the Nancy Ann in Orient, reports excellent fishing whenever the boat was able to get off the dock. There are still openings available for the 2026 season, especially August and September dates. I would like to add as a former mate of the charter boat the Coyote, August and September are very productive months, especially aboard the Nancy Ann IV as Capt. Rich will put his charters over some great sea bass pieces that will produce some true jumbos. To book a great trip no matter what month, give Capt. Rich and his lovely bride Nancy a call at (631) 477-2337