Long Island, Metro NY - South Shore Fishing Reports

In from Richie at Dick's B&T in Mastic Beach we learned of a lot of slot size bass in the mix this past week. Several anglers scored keepers using spot, while boaters are using Diamond Jigs. The inlet is still producing, but better action is west towards Fire Island. Anglers are also still finding bass near the Smith Point Bridge and back inside the creeks, using jigs and shads. Blackfish action has been good outside, with a lot of shorts, but quite a few larger keepers. Green crabs and either a jig or standard rig will account for good action

At Smith Point Beach Bait and Tackle, Terrence reported a lot of bass have been off the beach, with a lot of fish in the slot or just below. On the blackfish front, the action has been slower.

John at J&J Sports in Patchogue said November looks to be a great month as it was another week of great fishing in the ocean, bays and off the beaches and docks of Long Island. Bass action is in full swing as this was a fantastic week of action. Party, charter and private boats are getting in on the action between Moriches and Fire Island inlets from 20 to 60 feet of water. Either Diamond Jigs or Ava jigs are producing as bass are on the feed. Don't underestimate the bay for some exciting bass action too. The 18 to 29-inch fish are still deep inside the bay on the north sides. Blackfish has been productive for those trying with inshore ocean pieces and the local inlet rocks and bridges producing keepers and shorts. Fishing is hot all over the island especially when it comes to black sea bass and porgy. While most of these have moved in to deeper water it’s has made the wrecks hot spots for humped porgy and sea bass hot. Both Moriches and Shinnecock reefs are holding plenty of porgies and sea bass

Down the road at Chasing Tails Bait & Tackle in Oakdale, Billy reported blackfish season is going strong locally. Plenty of good fish left in the usual spots, the sharpies are pulling some solid fish in the 6 to 8-pound range. Lots of quality sea bass in the mix with them, crunching crabs and slurping clams. Striper reports are back on top this week! Plenty of nice striped bass ripping around the inlets, the ocean, and the wide-open beaches. Boat guys are doing great with poppers, NLBN paddle tails, umbrella rigs, and SP’s. Live bunker and eels will always bring ‘em up too.

At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip I heard of flat-out, rock-solid striper action this past week from Monday through Friday. Anglers had all out blitzes with fish from small to well over the slot. Diamond jigs were a key component as the fish were on sand eels and bunker. As for blackfish, the action is good, but if you want solid keepers you need to explore the ocean waters and pick away on some of the smaller pieces with green crabs and jigs. Back inside the bay, there are bass on the north side of the bay and blackfish at the bridges. The bass are from school to slot, but are very active. In spite of the ocean run on bass, the season is far from over with all these fish still hovering in the bay.

On the Capt. Gillen, we heard that there have been a couple of days where it was a blitz — bass everywhere with many overs and a decent number of slots coming over the rails.  And then there have been trips where it has been the opposite. There are way too many names for them to list, but there are plenty of pictures on their Facebook and Instagram pages.  They are sailing at 11 a.m. during the week and at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for striped bass.  Reservations are highly recommended for all trips as the bass trips are sailing with a limited capacity. Reduced fares for seniors, veterans, active military, first responders. No surcharge for using credit cards.  Gift certificates available all year ‘round for birthdays, holidays, and special events. For more information call 631-586-5511 or visit their website.

At Captree Bait and Tackle, I heard the striped bass action was phenomenal this past week with anglers fishing the surf and boats scoring well on keepers, schoolies and well over slot fish. Diamond Jigs and bunker have been the main options for a great day. The weekend did slow up a bit, but anglers still found bass.

Capt. Walter on the Fishfinder II said, “What a difference a week can make!” Anglers had a banner week virtually every day with striped bass east and west of the inlet, and right out front. Wednesday through Friday fares saw unbelievable jig action as the bass were feeding heavily on butterfish and sand eels. Saturday was slow, but the action bounced back Sunday. Anglers had fish almost every day to 40 pounds, with more and more slot fish showing as well. The nights are seeing good action using live eels on bass to 30 pounds.

On the King Cod VII out of Captree I heard from Capt. Joe who said that ocean blackfishing was up and down this week. Thursday saw the best trip of the season with multiple large blackfish between 7 and 8.4 pounds. Most anglers went home with a couple or three nice fish to go along with plenty of short life. Things slowed down some again towards the weekend when shorts again dominated the catch. The boat will be sailing every day weather and interest permitting at 6 a.m. until the end of the blackfish season. They are looking forward to a good month as waters finally start to cool below 60 degrees on the south shore grounds. Text Capt. Joe at 631-605-1404 with your name, day and number of spots needed to reserve.

On the Laura Lee out of Captree, Capt. Kenny reported the striper action was very good Monday through Friday but tapered off a bit on the weekend. There is still a ton of fish around.

Over at Bergen Bay Docks in West Babylon, Nick reported the big news is the local bass action in the ocean which bodes well for the Al Lorenzetti “One Last Drift” Striped Bass Tourney November 7. Come on out and have a great time, win some prizes and don’t miss the awards barbecue, raffles and more! For last minute info, attend the captain’s meeting the 6th, 7 p.m. at Bergen Bay Docks, 605 Bergen Avenue, West Babylon, or call Joe B. at 516-297-5656.

Bob Rose at Bob's Bait and Tackle in Amity Harbor reported the fall bass run is definitely on with soft plastics, Diamond Jigs and live bunker accounting for action. The bass are in the ocean, and spread out from east to west of the inlet. Keep your eyes peeled when you break the inlet as action could be in either direction. As for blackfish, the ocean is the best bet for keepers but you still have to weed through the shorts. Back inside the bay, bass and blackfish can be has as well. And, stripers are still being caught on the north side of the bay!