The winds have subsided, the ocean has laid down after the passage of yet another offshore storm and the next few days should provide ideal conditions for closing out the 2020 fluke season. The last day of the season is Wednesday, but this is the final weekend for many anglers to put away some fluke fillets. Despite the windy conditions through the first half of this week, we were hearing of good fluke fishing inside the inlets and bays of Fire Island, Moriches and Shinnecock, with a good percentage of keepers. Calmer seas will also allow anglers to hit ocean reefs and wrecks for porgies and sea bass, in addition to working ocean areas for fluke.
While fluke will off the table next week, blackfish season is just around the corner. The Long Island Sound fishery opens October 11 and runs through December 9 with a three fish bag limit. The rest of the Island opens on October 15 and runs through December 22 with a four fish bag limit. The minimum size in all waters is 16 inches.
If the ocean is still churning a bit from all the wind, stay inside the bay and have a blast on porgies, kingfish and blowfish in an of the deeper holes or near the buoys. Clams and clam chum is all you need for a great fun-filled day. With the waters cooling down, mullet and other baits are beginning to move towards the inlets, with small bass and blues on their tails. With fluke season closing the 30th, this week may be your last shot a doormat, or just a few fillets for the table. If you want solid bay action head to Moriches and fish near Bird Island on the flats. In Great South Bay the best action has been from the Moses Bridge to inlet. Back to the ocean, if the seas calm a bit, I am sure the sea bass bite at the reefs and wrecks will be super. There has always been the un-written rule that the bottomfish bite is best two to three days after a serious blow, which would put us from Tuesday or Wednesday but another storm due in by the weekend could limit your opportunity. The last options are weakfish right before dark on soft plastics or peanut bunker, or school stripers at the Moses Bridge on Bass Assassins.
Jay at Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches said the bay is teeming with life. On the flats by 23 and Bird Island fluke are actively feeding on peanut bunker and other small baits. Try a live p...
Jay at Silly Lily Fishing Station in East Moriches said the bay is teeming with life. On the flats by 23 and Bird Island fluke are actively feeding on peanut bunker and other small baits. Try a live peanut, or strip of squid and spearing and you will have dinner. Keep in mind fluke season closes the 30th, so get on the action now. Over at buoys 14 and 15, the blowfish and kingfish bite is very good with clams accounting for the best action. As the waters and cool, stripers are beginning to show in the inlet and Elbow area. Last but not least, if you want triggerfish, fish the rocks near the East Cut with clams or squid. More
In from Capt. Tom Cornicelli of Back Bay Outfitter in East Moriches I heard there are plenty of bass in the inlet as Sean Bennet had a limit fishing Sunday morning in the inlet. Don Meyers and Keith h...
In from Capt. Tom Cornicelli of Back Bay Outfitter in East Moriches I heard there are plenty of bass in the inlet as Sean Bennet had a limit fishing Sunday morning in the inlet. Don Meyers and Keith had 12 fish to 18 pounds, fishing Saturday with live spot in the inlet. Troy had 5 to 6 in the same area. There appears to be more keepers showing daily. The waters are cooling and the bass action is heating up. More
James at Center Yacht Club in Center Moriches I heard the buoy 10 area is holding a ton of blue claws. In the bay, the fluke action is okay, with fish feeding near the flats. Bass are beginning to pic...
James at Center Yacht Club in Center Moriches I heard the buoy 10 area is holding a ton of blue claws. In the bay, the fluke action is okay, with fish feeding near the flats. Bass are beginning to pick up steam in the inlet. More
At Hampton Watercraft in Eastport, Mike reported the bay and inlet guys have been picking away at fluke before the season ends. Theres a good amount of striped bass in the inlet and the best way to ...
At Hampton Watercraft in Eastport, Mike reported the bay and inlet guys have been picking away at fluke before the season ends. Theres a good amount of striped bass in the inlet and the best way to catch them is live bait spot, bunker etc. Alongside the bass there are plenty of bluefish. The tuna bite has slowed a bit but some guys have brought back yellowfin and bluefin as close as the Coimbra and Ranger. Hopefully the seas cooperate this coming week in the ocean. More
In from Dick at Dick's B&T in Mastic Beach we learned it was a good week of fluke action with a lot of shorts and keepers Davis Whaley had a good day Friday catching 20 in the East and West cuts. Back...
In from Dick at Dick's B&T in Mastic Beach we learned it was a good week of fluke action with a lot of shorts and keepers Davis Whaley had a good day Friday catching 20 in the East and West cuts. Back up in the bay, Mike Bullock fished on Wednesday and had 24 blowfish for the table, a dozen kingfish and one short fluke using clam baits. He fished the west side of the Smith Point Bridge near buoy 9. On Sunday more keepers were reported on the fluke front. The action seems to be at the East and West cuts, and near the inlet. On the reef, there is a ton of fish, with a lot of smaller fish in the mix sea bass, porgies, bluefish, sea robins and more. Snappers are still strong on the docks, with crabbing fair as well. More
From Capt. David Vlacich of Arrest Spot Charters out of Mastic Beach I learned that it was another good week of fishing. Kaitlyn, Emma and Maddie teamed up and had steady action in the bay on fluke, s...
From Capt. David Vlacich of Arrest Spot Charters out of Mastic Beach I learned that it was another good week of fishing. Kaitlyn, Emma and Maddie teamed up and had steady action in the bay on fluke, sea bass, blowfish and snappers. There has been a ton of bait in the bay so hopefully the fish will hang around a few more weeks. Give Dave a call and get in on the action. More
I heard from Terrance of Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle in Shirley who reported off the docks, the snapper bite is real good with some short fluke coming up at Osprey Dock. At the inlet, there are ...
I heard from Terrance of Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle in Shirley who reported off the docks, the snapper bite is real good with some short fluke coming up at Osprey Dock. At the inlet, there are sea bass and porgies. After dark, there are some blues running the open beach and inlet area. More
John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said striped bass fishing around the local south shore inlets has picked up in the last week with reports of fish being caught in the surrounding cuts also. Most of the...
John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said striped bass fishing around the local south shore inlets has picked up in the last week with reports of fish being caught in the surrounding cuts also. Most of the fish being caught are schoolies but there are keepers in the mix. The start and end of both tides are more productive with the night bite being better than during the day. Fresh clam and live baits have worked well. The shop had reports of fluke being caught inside the inlets around Shinnecock and Moriches as well as by the breach west of Smith Point County Park. While most of the fish have been shorts there have been some keepers mixed in. Spearing/squid combos or Gulp fished on a Spro Jig with a white or green teaser have been productive. With the heavy surf and tides there haven't been many reports from outside the inlets. Outside of Shinnecock Inlet had been producing bigger fish with a better keeper to short ratio and less sea robins. Weather permitting the fish had been caught in 70-80 feet of water using larger spearing with squid or fluke belly strips, whole small squid or live snappers. Porgies have been fairly active on the wrecks. Pieces of clam fished on a hi-lo rig on the reefs off Moriches or Shinnecock can give you good results. Sea bass fishing has remained good though there is a ton of smaller fish to cull through to get to your keepers. The fish have been aggressive with spearing, squid strips and clam all catching fish. Keep in mind that, on the south shore, blackfish will reopen on October 15th with a four fish, 16-inch limit. On the local docks, crabbing has stayed hot with plenty of large male blue claws being caught. Snappers are chasing bait in all the local creeks and are being caught off all the docks. The snappers have gotten larger and have been hitting shiners fished under a float, Snapper Poppers, and small tins. Moving to the sweetwater side, cooling weather has all lakes on the feed. Expect all kinds of action from bass to pickerel as well as all kinds of panfish. Although there is still an immense amount of grass it is still fishable. If you want to go for the variety of fish in these lakes then nightcrawlers are an idea bait. Anything and everything will eat them. The best setup for a nightcrawler is a small float, a foot to two-foot leader and a small number 8 or 10 hook. This is sure to get bites from perch, bluegill, pumpkinseeds, crappie, bass, pickerel and maybe even a carp. If you want to target largemouths, then you cant go wrong with a Senko worm rigged Texas style. Another method is to use large swimbaits fished very slow. This will get hits from some very impressive bucketmouths this time of year. More
From Billy at Chasing Tails Bait and Tackle in Oakdale we heard that weakfish have taken over the bay, in large numbers. Held up in all the usual spots, plus a few unusual ones as well. There are a lo...
From Billy at Chasing Tails Bait and Tackle in Oakdale we heard that weakfish have taken over the bay, in large numbers. Held up in all the usual spots, plus a few unusual ones as well. There are a lot of smaller fish, but plenty of keepers and solid fish in the 4 to 6-pound range. Finesse presentations - small soft plastics on lightweight jig heads on light tackle is the most effective, and most fun. You'll catch them with bait too, of course. Some solid fluke are in the mix, but remember, fluke season closes the 30th. Shop owner, Frank, had a fluke of almost 24 inches on Thursday while bouncing soft plastics for weakfish. Bigger fluke are still being caught on the outside wrecks and reefs on bait and big bucktails. Sea bass are still out there as well, hitting jigs and clam bellies, with some fish to 5 pounds a common sight. Stripers are showing up here and there, with kayakers and fly guys on the flats doing the best with them on topwater presentations. The cold weather should have them moving well any day now, probably by the time you read this. Snappers, kingfish, and blowfish are still hanging out at the local docks eating as much bait as you can throw at them. Crabbing will still be good for another couple of weeks. The offshore bite is okay with tuna and a solid shark bite. More
Greg from Burnett's Marina in Bay Shore we heard a lot of anglers are heading to Montauk as the action broke open on bass and blues, with large fluke too. Back in the bay, the weakfish action is good....
Greg from Burnett's Marina in Bay Shore we heard a lot of anglers are heading to Montauk as the action broke open on bass and blues, with large fluke too. Back in the bay, the weakfish action is good. On the docks, kingfish action is super using squid fished on the bottom. For fluke, the bite is okay in the bay, and larger fish are in the ocean near the reef area. The shop will have local caught live eels any day for the fall striper run. More
From Kurt at Willie K Bait and Tackle in Bay Shore I heard Mark Worker had the largest porgy he ever saw in Great South Bay near the Lighthouse. Snappers are thinning out at the docks, but the top of ...
From Kurt at Willie K Bait and Tackle in Bay Shore I heard Mark Worker had the largest porgy he ever saw in Great South Bay near the Lighthouse. Snappers are thinning out at the docks, but the top of the tide has been best. Fluke action is almost over (season closes the 30th) so get on the action now. More
At Saltwaters Tackle in West Islip I heard there are weakfish in the back of the bay with mostly smaller fish taking Gulp baits. A few larger fish have mixed in for anglers using live peanut bunker. G...
At Saltwaters Tackle in West Islip I heard there are weakfish in the back of the bay with mostly smaller fish taking Gulp baits. A few larger fish have mixed in for anglers using live peanut bunker. Grab that cast net, then hit the water. Albies came in, but disappeared and were replaced by Spanish Macs in the inlet. Tins fished in the clean water near or just outside the inlet is the ticket. Fluke action is good from the inlet to bridge, and on the outside. Blues are all over the bay find the birds, catch the blues. More
Brenden at Captree Bait and Tackle Shop on Captree Island reported kingfish, blowfish and small sea bass are at the local docks and holes in the bay. Clams and squid with clam chum will surely put a b...
Brenden at Captree Bait and Tackle Shop on Captree Island reported kingfish, blowfish and small sea bass are at the local docks and holes in the bay. Clams and squid with clam chum will surely put a bucketful on the boat or dock. Fluke to 6 pounds were reported near the inlet with squid and spearing, or bucktails working best. A few weakfish, blues and bass have come from under the Moses Bridge. Alex had a 23-inch fluke on Friday near the Captree Pier. More
Capt. Neil of the Captree based Laura Lee Fleet reported the ocean was a bit rough this week and the boat only made a few trips. Those that did get offshore this past week saw a mix of bluefin tuna, a...
Capt. Neil of the Captree based Laura Lee Fleet reported the ocean was a bit rough this week and the boat only made a few trips. Those that did get offshore this past week saw a mix of bluefin tuna, albacore, big red hake, bonito, giant sea bass, bluefish, porgies, triggerfish, mackerel, and more! Fish are being caught on both bait and jigs. The half-day trips all fished in the bay this past week and the fluke fishing got hot! On Thursday mornings 7 a.m. trip, 12 fares caught 196 fluke up to 5.8 pounds. Ron Boeing had three keepers to 5 plus pounds and 15 shorts! All the night trips this past week fished in the bay and produced a mix of sea bass, porgies, weakfish, bluefish, and stripers. Saturday nights 6 p.m. trip on the Express saw fares catch 58 bluefish to 8.54 pounds, two weakfish, one striper and one fluke. Visit the website, Captree.com for the full calendar and to purchase tickets. All trips are limited load. Face coverings, social distancing, and prepaid tickets are required. More
Capt. George from the Capt. Rod reported the fluke action was good all week with a lot of action and pool fish to 5 pounds. The fluke season closes the 30th, so come on down for one last shot at catch...
Capt. George from the Capt. Rod reported the fluke action was good all week with a lot of action and pool fish to 5 pounds. The fluke season closes the 30th, so come on down for one last shot at catching your own dinner! More
Capt. Walter on the Fish Finder II reported fluke action was good in the bay due to ground swells in the ocean. The action improved with keepers and shorts and pool fish 4 to 5 pounds. The boat will t...
Capt. Walter on the Fish Finder II reported fluke action was good in the bay due to ground swells in the ocean. The action improved with keepers and shorts and pool fish 4 to 5 pounds. The boat will try the ocean if the seas calm. Weakfish have mixed in along with blowfish and weakfish. The afternoon trips are seeing weakfish to 8 pounds with plenty of shorts. After dark, the school bass action has been the target, with Entenmanns Joe landing a 30-inch keeper during the week. On Saturday the 2 to 5 pound blues were rock solid. More
Stephan of Ocean Vue Charters reported the yellowfin seem to have spread out a bit more, but are still around if you know where to find them. The boat is currently in Provincetown, MA, fishing for gia...
Stephan of Ocean Vue Charters reported the yellowfin seem to have spread out a bit more, but are still around if you know where to find them. The boat is currently in Provincetown, MA, fishing for giant bluefin. In the two days they have been there, anglers released a 500-pound thresher, and several other sharks, while also losing a bluefin boat side. The boat will return to Captree to begin bass fishing and continue offshore charters in about a week or so. More
On the Captain Gillen we heard there has been a lot of action with some nice keepers in the mix including a 5-pound, 5-ounce fish for Margaret The Fish Whisperer on Tuesday. The Captain Gillen i...
On the Captain Gillen we heard there has been a lot of action with some nice keepers in the mix including a 5-pound, 5-ounce fish for Margaret The Fish Whisperer on Tuesday. The Captain Gillen is shifting to their fall schedule after Labor Day; they will be sailing at 11 a.m. every day, seven days a week, with added 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. trips on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. There are a lot of pictures on their website, Facebook page, and Instagram page. Trips are limited to 25 fares due to a strict observance of COVID guidelines. All tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 631-586-5511 with any questions. More
At Babylon Fishing Station I heard Steve Hanrahan fished Monday and his son, Steve and buddy Bobby on their Patty T. The trio caught 30 fish at the Bacardi, with yellowfin between 40 and 50 pounds...
At Babylon Fishing Station I heard Steve Hanrahan fished Monday and his son, Steve and buddy Bobby on their Patty T. The trio caught 30 fish at the Bacardi, with yellowfin between 40 and 50 pounds. A day the 4-year old will never forget! Ocean Beach is producing weakfish to 6 pounds, with kingfish in the mix. Ken Farve had a limit of sea bass Shimano on jigs tipped with squid along with porgies and triggerfish on the reef outside. Jason, with his kids had good weakfish action, keeping a few to 5 pounds. More
From Capt. Scott Leonard of Top Gun Sportfishing Charters out of Babylon I heard the wind really kicked Montauk around this week. The good news is however, there is a ton of bait moving along the nort...
From Capt. Scott Leonard of Top Gun Sportfishing Charters out of Babylon I heard the wind really kicked Montauk around this week. The good news is however, there is a ton of bait moving along the north side, with small bass and blues on it. At Block Island, reports of big bass have filtered in. It looks like a really good fall run is coming. Scott also wanted to let anglers know he will be heading back to Babylon on October 1. For info, or to book a trip, call 631-775-0945, email topgunfishing27@gmail.com or go to www.topgunsportfishcharters.com. More
At Bergen Bay Docks in Babylon, I heard from Scott who reported a windy week but the bay is loaded with all the kingfish and blowfish you want. Fish clams with clam chum for the best action. As for fl...
At Bergen Bay Docks in Babylon, I heard from Scott who reported a windy week but the bay is loaded with all the kingfish and blowfish you want. Fish clams with clam chum for the best action. As for fluke, it was a quiet week as the wind held anglers at off the water. The shop has live spot daily for the fall run of stripers. More
Bob Rose at Bob's Bait and Tackle in Amity Harbor reported the wind held anglers at bay literally! Porgies, blowfish and weakfish action was good with weakfish best in West Channel and near Ocean B...
Bob Rose at Bob's Bait and Tackle in Amity Harbor reported the wind held anglers at bay literally! Porgies, blowfish and weakfish action was good with weakfish best in West Channel and near Ocean Beach. Soft plastics have been the best bait, but I am sure sand worms will also account for some action. The deep holes in the bay are holding all the porgies and blowfish you want, with clams and clam chum all that is needed. A few small bass and blues came up from the bridges after dark on Bass Assassins. Off the pier at Tanner Park, blowfish, snappers and crabs are your best bet. More
