Long Island, Metro NY - East End Fishing Reports

From the Ebb Tide, the crew reported some excellent squid fishing during their recent nighttime Squidinator trips. On the October 11 report, anglers enjoyed steady action during the first couple of hours, with impressive numbers of squid coming aboard before predators moved into the area and slowed the bite. After repositioning, the crew finished the evening with another productive flurry. The high hook landed approximately 200 squid, filling roughly three-quarters of a bushel basket. On the October 9 trip, conditions were calm and comfortable, and the first hour produced excellent squidding before the action began to taper off. A variety of predators, including Boston mackerel, bluefish, weakfish and even a Spanish mackerel, were present and appeared to have the squid on edge. A move during the final hour helped bring the bite back to life, with doubleheaders and some impressive jumbo squid coming over the rails. Jerry took the pool with an 18-inch squid, capping off another enjoyable night on the water.

Captain Keith from the Fin Chaser reported an excellent day of bottom fishing around Block Island on Saturday, October 10. His anglers enjoyed steady action with jumbo sea bass and some quality porgies mixed into the catch. Sea bass were clearly the main attraction, with plenty of good-sized fish keeping rods bent throughout the trip. Paul "Ninja" Turner had an especially impressive outing, putting together a standout catch of jumbo sea bass and taking top honors for the day. With Block Island continuing to produce quality bottom fishing, Captain Keith and his crew have been making the most of the fall season. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit www.myfinchaser.com or call (516) 643-0940.

Captain John from Fishemlite Charters reported that he has recently returned to Montauk and is preparing for the coming weeks of fall fishing. His focus will be on striped bass, blackfish and sea bass as the season progresses, giving anglers a variety of options depending on conditions and the bite. With bottom fishing improving and stripers moving through the area, there should be plenty of opportunities to put together productive trips throughout the remainder of October.

Captain Savio from Fishooker Charters reported that the false albacore bite came back strong following the recent storm, with some particularly good action taking place along the north side of Montauk Point. Anglers have been finding plenty of opportunities to connect with these hard-fighting speedsters as they feed on bait moving through the area. Striped bass fishing has been somewhat slower and less consistent, although there are still fish around for anglers willing to put in the time. Captain Savio also heard reports of giant bluefin tuna moving along the beaches on the south side of Montauk, providing another exciting development in the local fall fishery.

Mike from the Lazy Bones reported that the boat is still targeting fluke as the season heads into its final days. Anglers have been picking away at the remaining summer flounder, with some sea bass mixed into the catches as well. With the October 15 closing date approaching, there is only a short window left for anglers hoping to get in one final fluke trip before the season ends. Call ahead for reservations and sailing information at (631) 668-5671.

Over at Marlena’s Yacht Club, they reported that bluefin tuna made an appearance not far off the Montauk beaches this past week, giving anglers another exciting opportunity as the fall fishing season continues. Most of the better sea bass action has been taking place around Block Island, where anglers have been finding some quality bottom fishing. Striped bass have also returned to the waters around Montauk Point, with some larger fish showing up directly in front of the Point. With bass and bluefin moving through the area, there are plenty of reasons for anglers to keep an eye on the conditions and get out when the weather allows.

Will from the Montauk Anglers Club reported that the inshore false albacore fishing has been red hot, particularly along the north side of Montauk Point. Anglers have been enjoying outstanding sessions, with some boats landing 25 to 30 albies in a single outing. Bluefish have also been mixed into the action, adding to the excitement when schools of fish push bait to the surface. Striped bass fishing has been somewhat inconsistent since the recent nor'easter, with periods of good action followed by slower stretches. Block Island has been producing some decent fishing, while giant bluefin tuna have been spotted around the Ditch Plains area. Farther offshore, the Hydrographer Canyon and Veatch Canyon areas have also been holding tuna, giving offshore crews additional options when conditions allow for a run.

Jill from the November Rain checked in as the Montauk fall fishing season continues to develop. The crew is looking ahead to more opportunities to get on the water and take advantage of the variety of species available throughout the area. Anglers interested in booking an upcoming trip or learning more about availability can contact them at (646) 335-7315.

Captain Tom from the Sea Wife IV reported two excellent trips over the weekend, with plenty of action from several different species. On Friday, October 9, Wayne, Matt, Antoine, James, Bryan, Joe and Drolin enjoyed a productive outing that resulted in a limit of sea bass, a good number of porgies, 13 bluefish and 13 large striped bass that were safely released. The action continued on Saturday, October 10, when Bob Black, Jimmy, Andrew, George, Dan, Bob, Bill and the rest of the crew put together another impressive mixed-bag catch. The group released 11 large stripers, landed one slot-sized keeper bass, boated 19 bluefish and enjoyed another sea bass limit along with plenty of porgies. With striped bass, blues and bottom fishing all producing, Captain Tom has been putting his anglers on some excellent fall action. Give him a call at (631) 680-1025 to book a trip.

Mike from Star Island Yacht Club reported that Block Island has been producing a good mix of striped bass and sea bass. Bottom fishing remains a reliable option, while bass anglers have been finding fish around the island as well. With fall fishing continuing to develop, Block Island remains a worthwhile destination for anglers looking to target several species during the same trip.

Captain Jim from Tailwrapped Sportfishing reported that striped bass continue to provide action around Block Island, where anglers have been finding fish as the fall migration progresses. Sea bass fishing has also been improving steadily, with the bite getting better by the day. Captain Jim is particularly optimistic about the upcoming blackfish season and expects some excellent togging opportunities once the fishery gets underway. With several productive bottom-fishing options available, there should be plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Captain Mike from Trophy Hunter Montauk Charters reported that rough weather and the recent storm limited the boat to just two trips this past week. Both outings focused primarily on sea bass and false albacore, with the return of the albies following the nor'easter providing some welcome action. The sea bass fishing required a little extra effort, as smaller fish were plentiful closer to home and the crew had to travel farther to locate better numbers of keeper-sized jumbos. With blackfish season approaching, Captain Mike and his crew are already preparing their rigs and jigs while placing orders for green crabs. They are looking forward to shifting some attention toward tog as another productive fall fishery gets underway.

From the Viking Fleet in Montauk, Captain Carl reported another solid night of squid fishing on Saturday, October 10. Much like the previous evening, the first hour produced the fastest action, with quality longfin squid coming over the rails throughout the boat. Some truly colossal squid were landed during the early bite, while the remainder of the evening provided steady action, although some anglers were more successful than others. The catch consisted of fresh longfin squid, making for some excellent table fare. On the Saturday afternoon half-day trip aboard the Viking Starlite, Captain JR reported a productive mix of sea bass and porgies. Although plenty of smaller fish were encountered, anglers managed to put together a respectable catch of better-sized specimens throughout the afternoon. Heather Pederson of Farmingville, NY, took the pool with a 3.2-pound sea bass. To book an upcoming trip, call (631) 668-5700 or visit vikingfleet.com.

Bryce from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported that striped bass fishing has been the clear highlight around Shinnecock Inlet, with excellent numbers of fish being caught inside the inlet on live eels and spot. The moving water has been concentrating bait and drawing plenty of feeding bass into the area, making it one of the more productive locations for anglers targeting stripers. Bryce also heard reports of tuna activity around the Butterfish Hole, offering some encouraging news for anglers hoping to find bluefin within reach of the local fleet. In addition, boats working the oceanfront from Southampton toward Mecox have been connecting with striped bass on plugs, with fish moving through along the beaches. There was also an encouraging report of a good fluke bite farther west in the bay, giving anglers another option as the season approaches its final days. Despite the variety of species available, Bryce emphasized that the striped bass fishing has been the standout attraction, with the fall run providing plenty of opportunities both inside the inlet and along the nearby oceanfront.

Kenny from Tight Lines Tackle in Southampton reported that striped bass fishing around Montauk has been somewhat slow and inconsistent, although false albacore remain available for anglers targeting them. Block Island's Gut, on the other hand, has been loaded with striped bass, providing some excellent action for boats fishing the area. Kenny also mentioned that a friend of his recently won the Billy's on the Bay Bass Tournament with a 43-inch striped bass that was safely released. There was also a report of a giant bluefin tuna off Montauk, adding to the excitement surrounding the recent arrival of larger tuna close to the beaches. Closer to home, Jessup's Neck saw a shot of striped bass, giving anglers another location to keep an eye on. Kenny noted that green crabs remain in short supply, which could make bait availability a challenge for anglers preparing for the opening of blackfish season.

Capt. Phil Kess of the Fishy Business in Orient reports sea bass, porgies, bluefish and striped bass all ended on a high note but now it’s time to move over to blackfish and there are still some dates open for November. I strongly suggest calling soon not to be shut out from some of the best blackfish time of the year. To seal the deal give Capt. Phil a call at (516) 316-6967.

Capt. Rich of the Nancy Ann in Orient, reports a very good week of mixed bag fishing with very good striped bass and bluefishing as well as excellent porgy and black sea bass fishing. The Nancy Ann IV is now fishing for blackfish for the remainder of the season and the boat is totally booked for the remainder of the 2026 season. During this seven week span some unforeseen occurrences may result in an angler or two being forced to drop out of a particular charter. If you are able to fish at a moment’s notice and would like to fish aboard the Nancy Ann IV, Capt. Rich and Nancy has put together a list of people who would like to fill in for some blackfish charters that are an angler or two short of filling out a charter. You can give Rich and Nancy a call or text with the words “Fill In” with your contact info and you will be ready to rock and roll. To join the fill in list give a call or text (631) 477-2337.

Capt. Paul Ripperger and Captain Rachel Jannace Johnson of the Tide Hustle in Greenport has been slamming the socks off of jumbo porgies and black sea bass; however, the time has come to make the switch to blackfish on a daily basis for the remainder of the season. This Sunday saw patrons slugging it with the togs for an easy boat limit along with a sprinkling of jumbo scup and black sea bass. The Tide Hustle is sailing from Brick Cove Marina in Greenport every day, weather permitting starting at 7 a.m. and returning back to the dock between 2 and 2:30 pm unless they are on an extended trip which returns at 4 p.m. The Tide Hustle is the newest addition of the East End open boat operation and is owned and operated by both Capt. Rachel and her husband Todd Johnson. Open boat trips are limited to 15 anglers with a 100 feet of rail space to roam in. Although walk ons are welcome when the boat is not filled, a reservation is strongly suggested to guarantee your spot on the rail. The Tide Hustle is also available for charters, also limited to 15 passengers. For further information or to book your spot on the rail you can give Capt. Paul a call at (631) 522-2002 or Captain Rachel at (631) 384-6294.

Craig from WeGo Bait and Tackle in Southold reports excellent fishing inside and outside the bay. Porgies continue to hold the fort around Shelter Island with the Green Lawns producing porgies, blowfish, kingfish and some nice black sea bass for those anglers employing worms, clam and squid. There are still some small weakfish being taken by Roses Grove, east of Jessup Neck and in Noyack Bay with squid strips and sandworms catching the weakies on high/low rigs. Fishing in Gardiners Bay and Block Island Sound has been producing some good fishing for jumbo porgies and knot head black sea bass using jigs and baited high/low rigs with clams. False albacore and green bonito have also been popping up under the birds at times with olive Epoxy Jigs nabbing the duo. Striped bass and bluefish are being taken in the Plum Gut, Sluiceway and the Race on bucktails and diamond jigs. Blackfish should be off to a good start along the shallow waters north of Plum Island on green crabs.