Long Island, Metro NY - Long Island Surf Fishing Reports

Steve from Bob’s Bait and Tackle reported that striped bass fishing from the surf around the Robert Moses area has been on fire. Gilgo, Cedar, Demo, as well as the Babylon and Amityville docks, are all producing. Diamond jigs and bucktails have been the top producers along the sand beaches, while poppers are getting it done during daylight hours when fish are pushing bait. Fresh bunker chunks and clams are producing well around the docks, and soft plastics like Storm and Tsunami shads are also accounting for a steady pick of fish.

Rich from Dick’s Bait & Tackle said Pete Scourby reported a mix of slot and overslot stripers from the open beach on SP Minnows and diamond jigs. The most productive stretch has been from the pavilion down to Cut 2. In the back bays, a shot of bass is being taken on rubber shads, SP Minnows, and Yo-Zuri Hydro Minnows around the bridges and Narrows. Rich also expects bluefish to begin showing at the bridges and inlet sometime this week, which should add another dimension to the fishery.

Pablo from J&J Sports reported another productive week of surf action along the South Shore. The Patchogue, Blue Point, and Sayville dock scene continues to produce on bunker chunks and clams, while the Smith Point oceanfront is seeing steady action with stripers in the 28- to 35-inch class on diamond jigs and bucktails. He also noted reports of larger bass to 35 pounds coming from the Shinnecock Inlet area during the day on poppers and bucktails, particularly when bait is present.

Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle said the surf striper bite turned in another strong week, with all of the Robert Moses sand beaches producing consistently. Nighttime anglers are finding success with SP Minnows, darters, and bottle plugs, while daytime efforts are best focused on bunker and clams, along with tins and bucktails. Fish to over 40 inches have been reported, signaling a solid push of quality bass into the zone.

Phil from Cow Harbor Bait & Tackle reported a push of stripers in the 30- to 35-inch range inside Northport Harbor. A mix of plugs and bait has been effective, with SP Minnows and Yo-Zuri swimmers leading the way on artificials, while bunker chunks, clams, and sandworms are producing on the bait side. A strong presence of bunker in the harbor is helping to fuel the bite and keep fish active throughout the tide cycle.

Up on the western North Shore, Blaise from Duffy’s Bait & Tackle reported another week of good shoreline fishing throughout Hempstead and Manhasset Harbors. Sandworms and bloodworms remain top producers, though fresh bunker chunks are also drawing strikes. Fish are spread throughout the system, from the backs of the harbors out toward the mouths. Nighttime anglers are finding success working swimming plugs after dark.

Out at Fishing East Coast Bait and Tackle, reports from the western Sound remain steady. Areas like Little Neck, Manhasset, and Hempstead Harbor are producing stripers into the teen class. Sandworms and bloodworms fished along the bottom are working well, while swimming plugs fished during higher stages of the tide in the back harbor areas are producing consistent action.

Jim at Miller Place Bait and Tackle reported another week of consistent striper action in the back of Mt. Sinai Harbor. Small poppers and swim shads have been particularly effective, especially during calmer conditions and lighter winds.

From WeGo Bait and Tackle on the North Fork, reports indicate porgies are beginning to show at Cedar Beach in Southold. Bloodworms, sandworms, and clams are all producing. In addition, stripers to around 20 pounds have been reported from points and creek mouths along the north side of the bay on darters and minnow-style plugs.

Scott from East End Bait and Tackle reported excellent surf action in and around Shinnecock Inlet, with bass over 30 pounds landed during the past week. He recommends focusing on both the inlet itself and the adjacent sand beaches to the east and west. Bucktails and poppers have been effective inside the inlet, while diamond jigs and topwater offerings are producing from the open beach. He also noted catch-and-release fluke being reported inside the Shinnecock Canal, a positive sign heading into the opener.

Ken from Tight Lines Tackle reported outstanding surf fishing on the South Fork this past week, with stripers to 45 inches landed along the eastern beaches and relatively light crowds. Shinnecock Inlet produced well earlier in the week both day and night. He also noted a worm hatch occurring inside Shinnecock Bay, which has triggered some excellent fly rod action. Ken himself landed a 35-inch bass on the fly from shore, highlighting just how good the bite has been for those dialed into the conditions.

Jeff from White Water Outfitters said surf action remains strong around the Shinnecock area. Stripers from slot size to over 20 pounds are being taken on swimming plugs, bucktails, and diamond jigs. A key development is the presence of adult bunker in the back bays, drawing larger bass into shallow water and creating a solid daytime popper bite. Jeff also mentioned the first weakfish of the season have shown up in the back creeks of Shinnecock Bay, with small swimming plugs and soft plastics producing.