Long Island, Metro NY - Long Island Surf Fishing Reports

Bob from Bob’s Bait and Tackle let me know small bluefish are still hanging around Demo and Sore Thumb, providing some light-tackle action. A few fluke are also being picked from Cedar Beach on small bucktails tipped with Gulp. The rocks around Sore Thumb are still producing triggerfish for anglers fishing clam and squid. Sharks remain a steady option along the open beaches as well, with chunk baits continuing to account for most of the action.

Rich from Dick’s B&T said albies are beginning to pop up around the rocks at Moriches, so anglers should keep a small tin or epoxy jig ready in case they suddenly appear. Some striped bass are being caught down near the bottom on bucktails, along with bigger bluefish. Smaller blues have generally been feeding higher in the water column. The Smith Point stretch is still producing sharks and rays on chunk baits, while bucktails worked from the surf continue to pick away at fluke. Triggerfish are also still hanging around the rocks. Back in the creeks, snapper poppers are accounting for plenty of snappers along with some cocktail bluefish.

Pablo from J&J Sports in Patchogue reported plenty of snappers around Mascot Dock, along with many of the other local docks and creeks. Crabbing has remained solid in the same areas. He has also heard reports of a few weakfish moving into the dock lights after dark, where they are feeding on peanut bunker and hitting small swimbaits. To the east, Moriches has seen bluefish blitzing during the day, while albies have been moving in and out of the inlet on rainbait. Sharks are still being caught along the Smith Point stretch, and a few stripers continue to show around the bridges after dark.

Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip reported a good mix of small pelagics showing up, including bonito, Spanish mackerel and false albacore. Bluefish are also set up around the mouth of the inlet near Demo and Sore Thumb. There are still plenty of fluke around for anglers bouncing bucktails tipped with Gulp or Fishbites, although finding a keeper has become a little tougher. Mike also heard of a good triggerfish bite around the rock piles on the backside of both Demo and Sore Thumb.

Phil from Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle reported a good number of smaller striped bass, ranging from schoolies up into the slot range, showing along the beaches. The fish have been feeding on both spearing and peanut bunker, with mornings and evenings producing the best action. Cocktail bluefish remain active inside Northport Harbor. Plenty of short fluke are being caught from the beaches on Gulp rigged on a jighead, while porgies up to around 15 inches are also coming from shore. Phil also heard of Spanish mackerel being caught from beaches in the Smithtown area on tins and epoxy jigs.

Up on the western North Shore, Blaise from Duffy’s Bait & Tackle in Glenwood Landing reported striped bass after dark in his area, with chunk baits producing fish. Fluke are being caught from Prybil Beach, while porgies remain available from many of the Sound beaches. The occasional cocktail bluefish is also showing inside Hempstead Harbor.

Jim at Miller Place Bait and Tackle on the North Shore told me porgies continue to be caught from shore at Cedar Beach. Spanish mackerel have also been showing in the same general area, giving anglers another fast-moving target to look for. Schoolie stripers are being caught from the back of Mount Sinai Harbor, along with some cocktail bluefish moving through the harbor.

From WeGo Bait and Tackle on the North Fork, they reported that porgies remain a dependable option on both the Sound and Peconic Bay sides, with clams and worms producing well. Some nice Spanish mackerel have moved in along the North Fork beaches, while bluefish to around 4 pounds are being caught from the Sound beaches. Snappers remain plentiful throughout the creeks feeding into Peconic Bay.

Ken over at Tight Lines Tackle on the South Fork reported a shot of striped bass from the sand at Ditch Plains. A good number of bluefish have also shown up around Shinnecock, Montauk and Gin Beach, adding some solid early-fall action along the South Fork beaches.

Bryce from White Water Outfitters said small fluke and bluefish continue to be caught from the inlet rocks, with light tackle providing the best sport.