Long Island, Metro NY - East End Fishing Reports

Captain Dan from Double D Charters in Montauk reported that blackfish and sea bass fishing has been red hot, with both species continuing to provide excellent action on the bottom fishing grounds. Anglers targeting tog have been finding plenty of cooperative fish, while sea bass are also contributing to some impressive mixed-bag catches. There are still striped bass around Montauk for those continuing to pursue them, particularly when another body of fish moves through the area. Captain Dan noted that he is nearly fully booked for the remainder of the 2026 season but has already started taking reservations for 2027.

From the Ebb Tide, the Halloween squid fishing was nothing short of spectacular, with the crew describing the bite as if someone had cast a spell over the squid. The action remained strong throughout the trip, with anglers regularly bringing up doubles, triples, and even quadruple hookups. Buckets and bushels were filling quickly, and some exceptionally large squid were coming over the rails. Kev led the way, filling an entire bushel before moving on to another pail. Wei and Oh also filled bushels, while Angelina finished with approximately six gallons of squid. The crew noted that the squid were particularly large, making it a memorable Halloween outing. On the blackfish side, the October 31 Thundertog trip proved more challenging. A strong morning tide produced plenty of short blackfish, but unlike previous trips, the larger fish did not turn on when the current finally eased. Al took the pool with a 4.74-pound tog. Despite the slower day, the reports indicate that there are still plenty of blackfish around, with the better fish requiring some patience and favorable conditions.

Captain Keith from the Fin Chaser reported excellent bottom fishing around the Block Island grounds despite some less-than-ideal weather conditions. On Friday, October 30, anglers stuck it out through the nautical conditions and were rewarded with limits of jumbo sea bass and plenty of quality porgies. Walter Hynson earned top honors for the day with an impressive jumbo sea bass. The action continued into Saturday, October 31, when another group of anglers worked through rough conditions to put together limits of jumbo sea bass and a strong catch of large porgies. Bonnie McGuire stole the spotlight on Saturday, landing a super-sized sea bass that earned her the day's bragging rights. Captain Keith noted that the fish have been cooperating well, and the Block Island grounds continue to offer some excellent opportunities for anglers looking to fill the cooler with quality bottom fish. For reservations or more information, visit myfinchaser.com or call (516) 643-0940.

Captain John from Fishemlite Charters reported an excellent outing on Sunday when he took a group from Steiger Craft Boats out for some bottom fishing southeast of Montauk Point. The group managed a full limit of blackfish, with the largest tog weighing an impressive 10 pounds. Green crabs presented on jigs were the ticket for the blackfish, which were holding tight to the bottom structure. In addition to the tog, the group put together a nice catch of keeper sea bass, which were taken on soft plastics. It was an excellent example of the variety of fishing opportunities still available off Montauk, with both bait and artificials producing quality fish on the same trip.

Mike from the Lazy Bones checked in from Montauk. Anglers looking to get aboard for some fall fishing should call ahead to check trip availability and make reservations. The boat can be reached at (631) 500-0580.

Over at Marlena’s Yacht Club, they reported that striped bass are still being caught around the Elbow, with some decent action continuing as we move into November. On the bottom fishing side, blackfish have been cooperating around Block Island, Fishers Island, and right in front of the Montauk Lighthouse. Green crabs fished on either jigs or traditional bottom rigs have been producing, with anglers finding a mix of keeper-sized tog and smaller fish. Overall, there are still plenty of opportunities for anglers looking to get in on some late-season action.

Will from the Montauk Anglers Club reported that another wave of striped bass moved through the area this past week, providing some solid action in the rips around Montauk Point. Bluefish have also been mixed in with the bass, adding some variety to the fishing. Blackfishing remains steady, with anglers continuing to pick away at tog on the local structure. Sea bass fishing has also been productive south of the point, where anglers are finding some quality fish. Offshore, giant bluefin tuna are still being spotted south of Montauk, providing opportunities for anglers targeting these powerful fish. Inside Montauk Harbor, squid have been showing up in good numbers, giving anglers another option as the fall season progresses.

Jill from the November Rain checked in from Montauk. Anglers interested in getting out aboard the November Rain for some late-season fishing can give them a call at (646) 335-7315 to inquire about available trips and reservations.

Captain Tom from the Sea Wife IV reported another productive week of bottom fishing, with blackfish continuing to be the main attraction. On Wednesday, Tom, Bert, Phil, Brian, Matt, Steve, Phil, and Paul enjoyed an excellent trip on the east side of Fishers Island, putting together a full limit of blackfish. Thursday brought Don, Gayle, and Gary Thompson aboard for a trip that produced 11 keeper blackfish, a few sea bass, and plenty of short tog that were released. Conditions were challenging with wind against the tide, and the crew dealt with an unusually high number of snags throughout the trip. Despite the difficult fishing, Gayle stole the show by outfishing everyone aboard, including Captain Tom! On Sunday, Anthony and Lisa joined the boat for a half-day morning trip and managed two striped bass and 10 keeper blackfish, along with numerous shorts that were released. Captain Tom still has some open dates available for the remainder of the fall season. Give him a call at (631) 680-1025 to book a trip.

Captain Jim from Tailwrapped Sportfishing reported that sea bass and blackfish fishing has been outstanding, with both species providing excellent action on the local bottom fishing grounds. Green bonito have also been mixed in, adding some excitement to the catches. Striped bass continue to show up in tight schools off Montauk Point, offering anglers some opportunities when the fish move through. Captain Jim noted that Tailwrapped will be wrapping up its 2026 season this weekend. He, Carolyn, and the entire Tailwrapped crew would like to thank all their clients who joined them throughout the season and look forward to another great year of fishing in 2027.

From the Viking Fleet of Montauk, the reports continued to highlight some productive bottom fishing around Block Island and Coxes Ledge. On the Viking Starship, Captain Dave reported good fishing despite challenging conditions that kept the boat working offshore. The action consisted of a slow but steady pick, with plenty of quality sea bass reaching 5 pounds and some impressive porgies mixed in. While the porgies were not quite as numerous as the previous trip, the fish that came over the rail were generally good-sized. One deepwater spot produced particularly well before dogfish moved in and disrupted the bite. Several cod were also caught and released unharmed. David Alridge of Brooklyn took first place in the porgy pool with a 3-pound fish, while Ryan Piper of Huntington won the edible pool with a 4-pound sea bass. On another trip aboard the Viking Star, Captain JR reported a breezy but successful outing to Coxes Ledge. Despite the wind, anglers enjoyed excellent sea bass fishing, along with large porgies, cunners, and a few ling. Da Chen took the pool with a 4.8-pound sea bass. With the fall bottom fishing season in full swing, the Viking Fleet continues to find a good variety of fish on the offshore grounds. Give them a call at (631) 668-5700 or visit vikingfleet.com to reserve a spot.

Bryce from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported that striped bass are still roaming around inside Shinnecock Inlet, giving anglers opportunities to connect with fish as they move through the area. While the action has not been consistent everywhere, there are still bass around for anglers willing to put in the effort and fish the more productive stages of the tide. Blackfish are also being caught on the local reef structure, providing another option for those looking to get in on some bottom fishing. Bluefish have been showing up inside the inlet as well, with some fish mixed in among the stripers. Overall, the inlet continues to offer a mix of late-fall fishing opportunities, and another push of bait or migrating bass could help improve the action as November progresses.

Kenny from Tight Lines Tackle in Southampton reported that striped bass fishing has been a bit inconsistent over the past week, although there have still been some good opportunities for anglers putting in the time. He heard of one particularly productive night of bass fishing along the east side of Shinnecock Inlet, but aside from that, the local surf action has been on the slower side. Farther east, diamond jigging for striped bass in the rips off Montauk Point was productive last week, with anglers finding fish moving through the area. Blackfishing has been producing plenty of action, although much of the catch has consisted of smaller fish, with some keepers mixed in. The good news for tog anglers is that the supply of green crabs has improved, making it easier to stock up on bait before heading out. Bluefish reports have been fairly limited, with Kenny only hearing of a couple of fish caught over the past week. With November underway, anglers will be watching closely for another push of striped bass along the South Fork beaches.

Capt. Phil Kess of the Fishy Business in Orient reports good fishing with chunky blackfish and a good amount of black sea bass. Most days see charters fill the box with full boat limits to 12-1/2 pounds. There are still some dates open for the third week of 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 very good fishing all week despite the hard full moon tides. Each trip saw boat limits of tog to 8 pounds along with a sprinkling of black sea bass. Please note that the boat is booked for the remainder of the 2026 season, however 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 have 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 an excellent week of fishing with easy boat limits of tautog to 8-1/2 pounds and plenty of big black sea bass to 3-1/2 pounds. The Tide Hustle is the newest addition to 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 plenty of blackfish of assorted sizes coming from the north side of Plum Island all the way to Fishers Island anywhere from 35 to 60 feet of water. Green crabs has been working best with clams a close second. There are still porgies stacked up just north of Orient Point which is their stomping grounds before departing for the season. There are black sea bass inside the Plum Gut and at Pidgeon’s Rip with clams on hi/low rigs producing best on slack tide. Squid fishing has been decent at night from the Railroad Dock in Greenport.