Long Island, Metro NY - East End Fishing Reports

Captain Dan from Double D Charters in Montauk reported that striped bass of all sizes have become available around the Point, providing anglers with opportunities to connect with fish throughout the fall run. With blackfish season now open, anglers are also finding a mix of shorts and keepers on the local structure. Dan noted that fishing has been good whenever boats can get out, but persistent winds have made conditions challenging lately. A break in the weather should allow anglers to take advantage of the action.

From the Ebb Tide, the crew reported another productive squid outing aboard the Squidinator on October 15. The squid harvest continues, with the high hook landing more than 150 squid and some colossal specimens still mixed into the catch. The bow of the boat was particularly productive, with steady action throughout the evening. Angler Georgia Peach finished with approximately two-thirds of a bushel basket, while the average catch was around 50 to 60 squid per person. Although the fishing wasn't equally productive for everyone, there were plenty of squid around to keep rods bending.

Captain Keith from the Fin Chaser reported productive bottom fishing on the Block Island grounds this past week. On Thursday, October 15, anglers enjoyed a solid haul of jumbo sea bass and extra-large porgies. Uncle Danne took top honors with an impressive jumbo sea bass that earned him bragging rights for the day. The boat returned to the Block Island grounds on Sunday, October 18, where anglers once again put in the work and were rewarded with a nice catch of quality sea bass and XL porgies. The bottom fishing continues to provide good opportunities when weather conditions allow. To reserve a trip or learn more, visit myfinchaser.com or call (516) 643-0940.

Captain John from Fishemlite Charters let me know he plans to continue fishing well into November, targeting blackfish, sea bass and striped bass. With several productive fisheries available during the late fall, anglers have plenty of options depending on conditions. Give him a call at (516) 312-0372 to book a trip.

Captain Savio from Fishooker Charters reported good numbers of squid, mackerel and false albacore around Montauk this past week. The variety of bait and pelagic activity has kept things interesting, although he is still waiting for a stronger push of migrating striped bass to arrive around the Point. Hopefully, the coming weeks will bring an improvement in the bass fishing as the fall run develops.

Mike from the Lazy Bones let me know they have officially wrapped up the fluke season and are now turning their attention toward fall striped bass and bluefish around Montauk Point. With the migration progressing, the crew is looking forward to getting in on the seasonal action. Anglers interested in sailing should call ahead for reservations at (631) 500-0580.

Over at Marlena’s Yacht Club, they let me know that the tough weather conditions kept most boats tied to the docks this past week, leaving them without any fresh fishing reports. Hopefully, a break in the wind will allow anglers to get back out and take advantage of the fall fishing opportunities around the Point.

Will from the Montauk Anglers Club reported a decent striped bass bite in the surf, with fish reaching into the 40-inch class. The south side rocks and sandy beaches stretching west from town have been producing some quality fish. Opening week of blackfish season was also solid for anglers who managed to get out, while the sea bass bite continues to hold up well. False albacore are still making their presence known around the Point, with epoxy jigs proving effective when the fish pop up on the surface.

Jill from the November Rain checked in and reminded anglers that the boat is available for fall fishing trips. Those interested in getting out on the water can call (646) 335-7315 for availability and reservations.

Captain Tom from the Sea Wife IV reported that rough weather kept the boat at the dock this past week. He is looking forward to getting back out as conditions improve and still has open dates available for anglers interested in some fall fishing. Give him a call at (631) 680-1025 to book a trip.

Mike from Star Island Yacht Club let me know they are geared up and ready for the fall run in Montauk. Striped bass, blackfish and sea bass will all be on the radar in the coming weeks as anglers look to make the most of the remaining season. With some cooperative weather, there should be plenty of opportunities to target all three species.

Captain Jim from Tailwrapped Sportfishing reported that poor weather conditions prevented the boat from running any trips this past week. Hopefully, calmer conditions will provide an opportunity to get back on the water and take advantage of the fall bite around Montauk.

Captain Mike from Trophy Hunter Montauk Charters reported spending the past several days fishing a surf tournament around Montauk. He managed to find some solid striped bass during the event, showing that quality fish are still available along the local shoreline. Mike also has open dates remaining for anglers looking to get out and enjoy the fall fishing season.

From the Viking Fleet of Montauk, Captain Carl reported an excellent squid trip on Friday, October 16. The evening started with a steady pick before a quick move put the boat on a much more aggressive bite. Squid were attacking the jigs throughout the water column, with double and tripleheaders becoming common. At times, anglers couldn't even reach the bottom before hooking up, and squid were jumping on the second jig as others were being reeled toward the surface. The result was a very productive evening, with many anglers filling their pails and some beginning to fill a second. On Sunday, October 18, Captain Dave reported a decent mixed bag aboard the Block Island Fall Jumbo Porgies and Knothead Sea Bass trip. The boat started closer to the island, where anglers steadily picked away at porgies before moving offshore around midday. Once on the deeper grounds, they found quality sea bass mixed in with additional porgies. Although the bite was slower than hoped, the crew put together a respectable catch. Oscar Diaz of Honduras took the porgy pool with a 3-pound fish, while Axel Mena of Queens won the edible pool with a 4-pound sea bass. Give the Viking Fleet a call at (631) 668-5700 or visit vikingfleet.com to reserve a spot.

Captain John from the Shinnecock Star let me know there are currently no regularly scheduled trips on the calendar, but the boat is available to sail if an opportunity comes together. Anglers interested in getting out should give him a call at (631) 728-4563 to discuss possible trips and availability.

Bryce from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported that striped bass are still being picked away at inside Shinnecock Inlet, with live eels producing fish for anglers working the moving water. Some pods of bait have also been holding striped bass along the nearby ocean beaches, offering additional opportunities when the fish become active. Meanwhile, the Shinnecock Reef is starting to see a pick of blackfish, with green crabs doing the trick. As the season progresses and water temperatures continue to fall, the local bottom structure should remain worth checking.

Kenny from Tight Lines Tackle in Southampton reported that striped bass are still being caught inside Shinnecock Inlet, particularly when anglers time their efforts around the right tides. False albacore continue to provide opportunities farther east around Montauk, while blackfish have begun showing on the Shinnecock Reef following the season opener. Kenny also mentioned that the shop is running a buy-one-get-one special on most frozen baits, with additional December specials coming soon. Be sure to keep an eye out for those deals.

Capt. Phil Kess of the Fishy Business in Orient reports good action with blackfish to 6-1/2 pounds along with plenty of shorts and some quality black sea bass and jumbo scup. Each trip this week saw boat limits or boat limits. 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 good start with blackfish with boat limits on every trip this week to 8-1/2 pounds along with some keeper sea bass and a few jumbo porgies. 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 reports a blackfish bonanza this week with most trips seeing fares nailing two to 4 quality keepers apiece to 7-1/2 pounds with plenty of quality black sea bass also in the mix. Unless specified, the boat will be fishing for blackfish for the remainder of the season. 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 p.m. 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 that the blackfish season is off to a good start, especially in shallow water. The north side of Plum Island has been hot using jigs baited with green crab. Porgy fishing remains good out in Long Island Sound while black sea bass has been very good at the natural reefs in Block Island Sound. There is also good sea bass fishing east of Gardiners Island and at Pidgeon’s Rip on slack tide. Clams and jigs work on the sea bass, while worms and clams slam the porgies. Inside the bays the scup and weakfish are beginning their departure until next May. Striped bass fishing remains consistent from the Plum Gut to the Race with bucktails and skirts producing fish to 40 inches on 3x3 rigs. Bluefishing has also been good with some choppers in the mid-teens being taken on diamond jigs. False albacore and a few green bonito have been showing up around Gardiners Bay, especially at the long rip line off the Ruins. Snappers are gone for the year.