Long Island, Metro NY - Long Island Surf Fishing Reports

Bob from Bob’s Bait and Tackle reported a strong run of striped bass along the Robert Moses beaches, with fish reaching up to 45 inches. Democrat Point has been producing particularly well after dark, while Cedar Beach is also seeing some good shots of migrating bass. Darters, bucktails and Mag Darters have been among the most productive offerings, especially when worked around the right tides. With plenty of quality fish moving along the beachfront, surfcasters have a good opportunity to connect with some impressive stripers.

Rich from Dick’s Bait and Tackle reported excellent striped bass fishing from Moriches Inlet west toward Long Cove, with nearly everyone putting in the time connecting with fish. During daylight hours, diamond jigs and Savage jigs have been producing well, while poppers are also drawing strikes when fish are feeding near the surface. After dark, swimming plugs, SP Minnows, Mag Darters and Super Strike bottle plugs have been getting the job done. Rich noted that the inlet itself has been a little slower recently due to strong moon-driven currents and some troublesome weed in the water. Despite those challenges, the surrounding beaches continue to offer excellent opportunities for surfcasters looking to get in on the fall run.

Pablo from J&J Sports in Patchogue reported excellent striped bass action along several local ocean beaches. Cupsogue, Fire Island National Seashore and Davis Park have all been producing quality fish, with some stripers reaching the 30-pound mark. Diamond jigs, darters, SP Minnows, bottle plugs and bucktails have all been effective. Anglers are finding productive fishing after dark, as well as around sunrise and sunset. Farther east, the bridges are also holding some impressive striped bass, with reports of fish reaching 40 pounds. Rubber shads and bucktails have been the go-to presentations for anglers working these areas. On the blackfish front, Pablo reported solid shore-based action along the rocky North Fork beaches, where green crabs fished on jigs have been especially productive.

Mike from Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip reported that striped bass fishing has been excellent when the bite turns on along the Robert Moses beaches, Democrat Point and Cedar Beach. Anglers are connecting with fish using a variety of presentations, including diamond jigs, bucktails, SP Minnows, Mag Darters, bottle plugs and traditional darters. Both daytime and nighttime fishing have been producing, depending on conditions and bait movements. Mike also mentioned that blackfish are being caught from the rocks around Democrat Point, providing another option for anglers looking to take advantage of the fall season.

Phil from Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle reported good numbers of schoolie striped bass along the Long Island Sound beaches, from Asharoken to Sunken Meadow. Small poppers and swimming plugs have been effective for anglers working the shoreline. Larger striped bass have also been reported inside Northport Harbor after dark, with some fish reaching the 20-pound class. On the blackfish front, plenty of shorts are being caught along the Sound beaches, particularly around the rockiest stretches of shoreline. Anglers putting in the time around suitable structure are finding steady action, even if many of the fish are falling below the keeper size.

Up on the western North Shore, Blaise from Duffy’s Bait and Tackle in Glenwood Landing reported that striped bass are still actively feeding along the local beaches, providing steady opportunities for shorebound anglers. Porgy fishing also remains strong, with plenty of fish still available in the area. Blaise mentioned hearing reports of blackfish being caught from some of the same rocky areas producing porgies, giving anglers an additional species to target as the fall season progresses.

Jim from Miller Place Bait and Tackle reported that blackfish are being picked along the beaches at Cedar Beach and Rocky Point. Green crabs fished on either jigs or traditional rigs have been producing around the rocky bottom and shoreline structure. Anglers willing to move around and locate concentrations of fish have been finding some action. Jim also mentioned that striped bass are still holding in the back of Mount Sinai Harbor, offering an opportunity for anglers who want to continue targeting bass in more protected waters.

The crew at WeGo Bait and Tackle reported good striped bass action along several North Fork shorelines, including the Orient area, Rocky Point Road and Truman’s Beach. Eels have been particularly effective after dark, while bucktails, poppers and tins are producing during daylight hours. Bluefish are also mixed in with the stripers, adding to the variety of action available along the shoreline. Blackfish season is off to a solid start across the North Fork, with anglers finding a good shore-based bite around rocky areas. Both jigs and traditional rigs tipped with green crabs have been producing, and some keeper sea bass are also being caught alongside the tog. False albacore are beginning to settle back into the area as well, with reports of fish showing from Truman’s Beach eastward. With bass, blues, tog, sea bass and albies all in the mix, there are plenty of options for anglers fishing the North Fork this week.

Ken from Tight Lines Tackle on the South Fork reported excellent striped bass fishing along the ocean beaches from East Hampton west toward the eastern side of Shinnecock Inlet. SP Minnows, Super Strike bottle plugs and darters have been among the most productive nighttime offerings, with reports of some truly impressive stripers reaching the 55-inch mark. During daylight hours, anglers are finding success with Bar Breaker lures, which provide the casting distance needed to reach fish feeding farther off the beach. Ken also reported consistent blackfish action from the rocks on the eastern side of Shinnecock Inlet, where anglers are finding fish around the local structure. Farther east in Montauk, false albacore have been reported around the shoreline beneath the lighthouse, with tins and epoxy jigs producing when the fish come within range. Between the strong striper bite, blackfish action and continued appearances of albies, the South Fork is offering some of the most diverse surf and shoreline fishing opportunities of the fall season.

Bryce from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported a solid striped bass bite along the ocean beaches stretching east from Shinnecock Inlet. Darters, bottle plugs and SP Minnows have been producing quality fish, particularly when anglers locate feeding bass along the shoreline. Some striped bass are also still holding inside Shinnecock Inlet, giving anglers additional opportunities around the moving water. The blackfish bite has been solid from the rocks on both sides of the inlet, with green crabs proving effective. False albacore are also continuing to make appearances around Shinnecock Inlet, providing some fast-paced action when schools move within casting range.