Long Island, Metro NY - Long Island Surf Fishing Reports

Bob from Bob’s Bait and Tackle reported plenty of striped bass and bluefish around. Most of the bass have been running oversized, but there are some keeper-sized fish mixed in. The backside of Democrat Point, Jones Inlet and several of the local bridges have all been holding bass, giving anglers a number of options depending on the tide and conditions.

Pablo from J&J Sports in Patchogue reported an incredible stretch of striped bass fishing from Shinnecock to Fire Island last week. He heard of fish exceeding 40 pounds caught by customers both from the sand beaches and inside Shinnecock and Moriches inlets. Rubber shads and bucktails were top choices in the inlets, while darters and SP Minnows produced well along the beaches. A good amount of action took place during the day, with some especially strong daytime bites developing as well. Pablo personally landed bass to 20 pounds during the week, while shop regular Joe connected with a 39-pound fish on a bucktail Thursday night.

Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip reported that striped bass moved into the local surf in a big way following the storm. Democrat Point, Cedar Beach and Robert Moses all produced solid action, with the best stretch beginning last Wednesday and carrying through much of the week. The bite has slowed somewhat since then, but there are still plenty of bass around, including some fish pushing the 50-inch mark. The better action has been after dark, although daytime anglers are still finding fish. Darters, bottle plugs and bucktails have been doing most of the work at night, while diamond jigs have been a productive daytime choice.

Up on the western North Shore, Blaise from Duffy’s Bait & Tackle in Glenwood Landing reported that porgies are still being caught from the local shorelines on sandworms, clams and green crabs. Striped bass are also being landed on bunker chunks, with poppers producing fish during the evening hours.

Jim at Miller Place Bait and Tackle on the North Shore reported big striped bass at Cedar throughout the nor’easter. One customer caught and released nine fish over 30 pounds during the storm, highlighting just how good the bite became under those conditions. Since then, porgy fishing has rebounded at Cedar. One younger customer has also been fishing inside the harbor and continues to catch a mixed bag of fluke, skates and snappers. The shop will have green crabs in stock for the upcoming tog season beginning on the 9th.

From WeGo Bait and Tackle on the North Fork, they reported that striped bass fishing came on strong during the nor’easter. Good action developed along the North Fork and continued all the way out toward Orient. Bucktails and tins were productive choices during the windy conditions, and a nice shot of weakfish was mixed in with the bass as well. The shop is also preparing for the upcoming blackfish season and will have green crabs available.

Ken over at Tight Lines Tackle on the South Fork reported incredible surf fishing from Monday through Saturday morning. The action initially developed in the inlet, where fish into the upper 40-inch range were caught. Bass to 51 inches were also reported around the Ponquogue Bridge. Both morning and evening periods produced action, with larger fish showing consistently through the week.

Bryce from White Water Outfitters reported excellent surf fishing around Shinnecock Inlet throughout last week, with bass over 40 pounds being landed. Bucktails and soft plastics were productive after dark, while poppers and bucktails worked well during the day. The bridge also held a good number of fish after dark, giving anglers another strong option when the surf bite slowed.