Long Island, Metro NY - Long Island Surf Fishing Reports

Bob from Bob’s Bait and Tackle in Amityville reported that striped bass are still being caught along the open beaches at Robert Moses, with diamond jigs producing fish around sunrise. Cedar Beach is also seeing a steady pick of bass, particularly during the early morning hours. Farther west, Jones Beach is experiencing similar action, with a mix of slot-sized and oversized stripers being caught. Sand eels continue to play a major role in the daytime bite, making diamond jigs and other slim-profile offerings good choices for anglers looking to connect with late-season fish.

Rich from Dick’s Bait and Tackle said Smith Point continues to produce striped bass, with most anglers putting in the time managing to connect with fish. Diamond jigs have been the top producers during daylight hours, particularly when bass are feeding on sand eels. Other slim-profile sand eel imitations have also been effective. Once darkness settles in, anglers are switching over to SP Minnows, bottle plugs, and darters, all of which have been drawing strikes. With bass still moving along the beachfront, Rich expects anglers willing to work different stretches of shoreline to continue finding opportunities as the late-fall migration progresses.

Pablo from J&J Sports in Patchogue reported that the Smith Point stretch continues to see a decent pick of striped bass, especially during the daylight hours when diamond jigs have been producing. The stretch from Fire Island National Seashore to Davis Park is also experiencing solid shots of fish, giving surfcasters plenty of shoreline to explore. Pablo is still hearing reports of quality bass farther east in the Hamptons, including some sizable fish that have yet to make their way west. This suggests there could still be another push of stripers moving through the area. Meanwhile, Moriches Inlet continues to offer some blackfish action from the rocks along the west jetty, with anglers picking away at fish on crab baits.

Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip let me know that striped bass remain active during the early morning hours and after dark. Diamond jigs are producing around sunrise, while swimming plugs have been the better choice once the sun goes down. The Robert Moses fields continue to offer opportunities for surfcasters, with fish moving through at various times of the tide. On the blackfish front, the rocks behind Democrat Point are still holding plenty of short tog, along with an occasional keeper. Green crabs remain the bait of choice for those looking to connect with a legal fish before the season winds down.

Phil from Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport reported that shorebound anglers are continuing to catch plenty of blackfish, although keepers have been mixed in with a good number of shorts. A few porgies are also still hanging around. Striped bass fishing has been best before sunrise and again during the evening hours, with soft-plastic shads, bucktails, and smaller poppers producing fish. Squid are another highlight, with anglers continuing to find them around the docks inside the harbor. Phil noted that both Oyster Bay and Huntington have been seeing good shots of large squid, providing another worthwhile option for anglers looking to get out after dark.

Blaise from Duffy’s Bait and Tackle in Glenwood Landing reported a solid striped bass bite along the western North Shore, with fish reaching 40 inches. Crescent Beach, Bar Beach, and the waters around the viaduct have all been producing bass. Fresh bunker has been accounting for some of the catches, while anglers casting artificial lures are having success with white swim shads. The JoeBaggs Miracle Minnow has also been a productive option. With some quality fish still holding in the western Sound, anglers have opportunities to connect with both schoolies and larger bass along the shoreline.

Jim at Miller Place Bait and Tackle reported that striped bass are still being caught along the North Shore beaches, particularly in the Wading River area. The better action has been taking place after dark, with bucktails accounting for the majority of the fish. Anglers working the shoreline slowly and keeping their offerings near the bottom have been finding success. With the late-season bass migration continuing, nighttime fishing remains a good option for North Shore surfcasters looking to connect with a few more stripers.

The crew at WeGo Bait and Tackle on the North Fork reported that the last of the shorebound striped bass are beginning to move out along the Long Island Sound side. While the action has slowed, there are still a few fish around for anglers putting in the time. Blackfish remain active along the rocky Sound shoreline, although the catch consists primarily of shorts with an occasional keeper mixed in. A few sea bass and porgies are also still being caught, along with scattered bluefish. Inside Peconic Bay, shorebound anglers are continuing to find some blowfish, offering another option for those looking to get in some late-season fishing before colder weather settles in.

Ken from Tight Lines Tackle in Southampton reported that friends who fished with Bill Wetzel in Montauk last week experienced outstanding striped bass action, with fish reaching 30 pounds. The group encountered tremendous numbers of bass, making for an excellent outing along the East End shoreline. Closer to Southampton, Ken said most of the striped bass reports he's receiving involve fish being caught after dark. The nighttime bite continues to be the more consistent option along that stretch of beach, with some quality fish still moving through. With Montauk producing good numbers and the Southampton beaches remaining active, the South Fork continues to offer plenty of late-season potential.

Bryce from White Water Outfitters in Hampton Bays reported that striped bass are still being caught along the sandy beaches east of Shinnecock Inlet. There have been some good shots of fish, although the overall numbers appear to be thinning out as the migration progresses. Anglers are still finding opportunities by covering water and concentrating on areas where bait remains present. While the fishing isn't quite as consistent as it was earlier in the fall, there are still bass moving through, and a well-timed outing can produce some worthwhile action.