“Expect the unexpected” when you fish the docks and piers.
Summer fishing is tailor-made for spending quality time with the family. Whether from a boat, a park or a marina, a day with a picnic basket and a cooler of cold soft beverages and some fishing gear is the ideal way of spending a summer vacation together. And while most townships allow their town residents to access the local parks and marinas it is often off limits to non-residents from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Although most towns keep their parks and marinas well maintained throughout the season, not all are catered for fishing and the locations that are may be off limits to non-residents. Should that be the case where you live, fret not, as with the passing of Labor Day, most townships do not enforce parking restrictions which spells hassle free parking and fishing at just about in any park or marina around Long Island. With that said, below you will find a list of all the docks and marinas that offers good autumn to early fall fishing and still provides warm weather for a family to enjoy during a weekend or Federal Holiday. For night fishing some locations require night permits otherwise get out there and enjoy. You’d be surprised how productive dock fishing can be in September and October. In fact my good friend the late Fred Golofaro used to say “Expect the unexpected” when you fish the docks and piers.
Canarsie Pier
Located just off the Belt Parkway in the Township of Brooklyn in New York City part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Aside from a fishing pier, there is a well maintained and safe playground for the kiddies should they become bored during those hours the fish may be going through a case of lockjaw. In addition, there is a large picnic area, restrooms, a kayak launch site and ample parking. September and October is a sinker bouncers delight as porgies, kingfish, blowfish and summer weakfish will all be happy to attack, blood and sandworms, fresh clams and squid strips. And let’s not forget snappers with small jigs and snapper poppers doing the job. The Canarsie Pier is open daily year round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cars are allowed to park in the field from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round as well. Getting to the Canarsie Pier is made simple by getting off exit 13 off the Belt Parkway.
Steeplechase Pier
Located at the footsteps of Coney Island Amusement Park; the Steeplechase Pier is surrounded with guarded railing extending several hundred feet into the Atlantic Ocean ranging in depths from 5 to 30 feet of water. Bass and bluefish make frequent visits, however snappers, porgies, kingfish and spot stick around well into October and then by the end of November, herring takes over the show and can sometime stick around most of the winter. Directions to the pier is quite simple by getting off the Belt Parkway exit 6S toward Cropsey Ave and following the signs.
Magnolia Fishing Pier
Located at the north end of Magnolia Blvd. in Long Beach, the Magnolia Pier is an L-shaped pier approximately 300 feet in total length that juts out into Reynolds Channel. Here you will find anglers fishing around the clock casting and jigging their favorite baits rigs in hope of hot action. The pier as well as the spacious parking lot is well lit for nighttime fishing, which is open to the public free of charge 24/7 year round. The Magnolia Pier has recently gone through some needed renovations, which included a fish cleaning station as well as cutting boards making for a delightful experience among anglers fishing the pier. By mid-September into the end of October, it’s anyone’s guess at what might be on the hook as most of these species of fish will migrate in and out of the bay through Reynolds Channel and in all likelihood go past the pier. Quality winter herring fishing is the real crowd pleaser from the pier as the winter blue backs begin to show by the end of November and will often last until March.
Conservation and Waterway Pier
Located just west of the Loop Parkway off Lido Blvd., the Conservation & Waterway pier is approximately 100 feet long and juts out on the western end of Reynolds Channel, just before Point Lookout and Jones Inlet. September and October just as the Magnolia Pier is a crap shoot as snappers, porgies, kingfish, blowfish, blues and stripers will all migrate past the pier. In addition, the herring action is quite consistent during December to mid-January but usually trails off after that with catches becoming sporadic the rest of the season. There is ample free parking here during the winter months, the only restriction is night fishing is not allowed due to the lack of lighting on the pier.
Jones Beach Fishing Piers
Located at Field 10 at Jones Beach State Park, there is a series of four piers reaching out into Sloop Channel. September and October also sees a series of species migrating through the channels which include fluke, snapper, spot, porgies, kingfish, blowfish, stripers and bluefish. Herring action is consistent here through December and January during both the day and night tides; however, nighttime fishing in the park is restricted to night fishing permits which can be obtained at the park office at Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses and State Park headquarters in Belmont State Park. Parking is free during the week until Memorial
Green Island Access Area
Located in the southwest corner of the Third Wantagh Bridge at the southern tip of Green Island, the area features a state of the art fishing pier that runs under and perpendicular to the bridge. Access is from the extreme right lane of the toll booths just south of the Second Wantagh Bridge. Framed by the Wantagh and Meadowbrook bridges, this maze of marshes and channels has long been a haven for most of the inshore species that frequent the Island’s South Shore waters. You will need a State Sportfishing or Beach Vehicle Permit in order to park at the Green Island Access Area. The permits are available at the Jones Beach and Robert Moses administration offices, as well as the permit office located at State Park Headquarters in Belmont Lake State Park.
Oak Beach Park Fishing Piers
Thank you, Town of Babylon, for the great gift to pier fishermen. The pier replaces the former Oak Beach Inn and juts out into Oak Beach Channel which sea water funnels towards the Robert Moses Bridge on incoming tide and bay water funnels out to where the old Sore Thumb used to be and right out Fire Island Inlet. With the exception of the Shinnecock Canal, by far this is my favorite pier on the South Shore, especially during September and October as I always had great results with quality fluke, blackfish, porgies, stripers, and blues including great snapper fishing. In addition the plays host to several bottom dwellers passing through. The current can move swiftly so plan accordingly. There is also a rock jetty along the east side of the park that can produce good blackfish action if you can find some bottom free of snags. Casting live eels at night from the front of the jetty produces some monster bass from September through November during the outgoing tide. There is ample free parking and free use of the park 365 24/7.
Robert Moses State Park
Down the road from Oak Beach are the Robert Moses Piers that are a stone thrown away from the Robert Moses Bridge along the west side. Here also just about any species is possible during September and October, especially fluke, blackfish, stripers and bluefish. In addition there are a wide variety of bottom dwellers along with big snappers all keeping rods bent at these piers. In October if you come across a quart of Asian crabs you can find some decent tog fishing if you cast around and drag the bottom until you feel some obstruction which is mainly the mussel beds that are located around the piers. Parking is ample and free during the week until Memorial Day. The park is closed at night.
Captree State Park Overlook Pier
Located along the south end of the park, the Overlook Pier gives way to strong ebb and incoming tides that shares its duties with the water of the State Channel to the north east, and the waters that flow from the Robert Moses B ridge and the waters that flow past the Fire Island Lighthouse. What does it all equate to; fish, and lots of them. Each fall all the baitfish that have been resorting in the bay must pass through this piece of water and with it brings stripers, blues, weakfish and fluke. There are many bottom dwellers that are also possibilities in the fall. This location has plenty of free parking during the week until Memorial Day.
Captree State Park Fisherman Walk Pier
For the past 51 years that I have been fishing this pier, the only thing that has change is the calendar. As a young teenager I learned this pier, the boat basin and the gas dock real well, In fact several of the open boat captains considered me as the best dock fisherman they ever seen. Whether it was buckets of big flounder, big fluke, eels, porgies, blackfish and just about anything else that swims in the Great South Bay, I found them. Whether it was beside a party boat or a piling with a no wake sign nailed on, you can bet your bottom dollar I took advantage of just about every species swimming those waters during September and October. Wind the clock over 50 years later, and I’m still catching a slew of groundfish and gamesters during the fall run from this dock. Sadly, the only species missing is the winter flounder. Perhaps someday they’ll be back. Free parking until Memorial Day.
Bergen Dock
This West Babylon dock is located at the end of Bergen Ave. and sits right by Bergen Bay Docks tackle shop which provides fuel, bait, tackle, ice and even a deli if you get hungry. So weather you want to go fishing off the dock at the end of the road for a mix of fall species or you need to visit the tackle shop for fishing or boating necessities or ask the owner Scott a question, this is a great location to keep in mind. Parking restrictions are in place for non-residents at the fishing pier.
Bayshore Marina
Located at the end of Clinton Ave in Islip Township, at one time the Bayshore Marina catered primarily to Islip Residents that kept their boats docked at the marina with fishermen a distant second. After all, why not as the boat owners paid the revenue to keep the marina maintained while us fishermen were more of a burden than welcome. That was many moons ago as today, the marina was redesign to welcome fishermen with fillet tables and fish cutting boards as well as replace all the walk boards along their entire bulkhead. While the best fishing here is during the spring and summer, the fall does offer some groundfish and snapper opportunities. Kingfish and blowfish are spread out quite liberally with an occasion fluke, porgy and weakfish. Public fishing allowed until Memorial Day.
East Islip Marina
Located at the end of Bayview Ave. in Eat Islip this marina sits opposite Hecksher State Park where each fall sees a good run of summer weakfish, kingfish and blowfish. I usually do well fishing the bulkhead facing the marshes of Hecksher. This spot is loaded with grass shrimp which draw in the weakfish. I never attempted fishing this spot for the bottom dwellers, but I know they are in good supply along the dock facing Fire Island. If you would like to give the weakies a try, immediately after entering the marina, take a left and you can park at the end of the parking lot and fish right from the bulkhead facing the west end of Hecksher Park. Quarter ounce leadhead jigs and 3-inch Fin-S-Fish will get a few weakfish interested during September into October. Nothing big but a lot of fun. Hassle free entering until Memorial Day.
Sayville Dock
Located at the end of West Ave. in West Sayville across from Charlie Hart Marina, is a dock with cutting boards and rod holders and a fishing pier at the end of the road with the pier extending out into the bay. Truthfully, this spot used to provide exception bass and bluefish in May along with good shots at big spring weakfish. However the spot has been vacant of gamesters for the past few seasons. On a bright note you can enjoy a good pick of kingfish and blowfish from September through October from both the dock and from the pier. Hassle free parking and fishing year round, 24/7.
Blue Point Dock
Located at 58 Blue Point Ave, Blue Point, this dock provides some of the best blue claw crabbing found anywhere along the South Shore usually starting up at the beginning of July, lasting until the end of October. In addition, kingfish, summer weakfish and blowfish provide good action along with snappers right into October. The dock and limited parking is open to the public and closes at dark.
Mascot Dock
Located at the end of South Ocean Avenue in Patchogue Village, Mascot Dock provides decent action with snappers, kingfish, blowfish an occasional summer weakfish of gator bluefish. The dock has been renovated with cutting boards, rod holders, safety ladders all included with relatively new decking. Wooden benches, a gazebo and a small playground for the kiddies completes Mascot. Blue claw crabbing can be exceptional at times right into November. Mascot Dock is open to anyone looking to enjoy its amenities from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. After 6 p.m. the dock is only open to village residents with village passes.
Cranberry Dock
Located at the end of Cranberry Rd. in Mastic Beach this dock sits in the heart of Narrows Bay, directly across from the Smiths Point State Park Campsite. The dock has been renovated a few years back and provides some wild bluefish and fluke action during May and June. As for September and November, snappers, spot, blowfish, kingfish and an occasional session or two with big bluefish and school stripers. The dock is open to the public year round 24/7 however parking is limited, especially during the spring run.
John J. Fritz Memorial Park Pier
Located in Narrows Bay along the northwest corner of Smiths Point State Park, the pier measures 12 feet in width, and 150 feet in length. It also offers a 27-foot long gazebo in case the weather turns ugly, or if you just want a break. The pier reaches out into Narrow Bay 95 feet, bringing you within an easy cast to deeper waters. The pier is situated close to the buoy 2 and 4 area which is prime turf for fluke, stripers, blues, and weakfish and a true fall mix bag consisting of kingfish, blowfish, sea robins, and even some sea bass and porgies in the deeper holes. Memorial Day through Labor Day there is a fee to park. However, if you get to the park before 7 a.m. or after 6 p.m., anglers have the pleasure of using the pier and parking, free of charge.
Union Ave. Dock
Located at the end of Union Ave in Center Moriches, this dock produces some good fluking during September. However with the overabundance of blowfish for the past several fall seasons, it has become nearly impossible to catch anything else on the bottom. Snapper fishing can be good during the early morning hours using snapper poppers or small tins. Open to the public year round 24/7. There is plenty of free parking.
Ponquogue Pier Hampton Bays
Extending out in the fertile waters of Shinnecock Bay, this pier was part of the old bridge that took cars back and forth from the mainland to and from the barrier beach. This pier produces anything from small tropical fish to 50-pound stripers or most likely even larger. In September and even for a good portion of October fluke fishing can be exceptional in the right hands. In addition, the change in water temperatures during the fall invites a variety of other species to put on the feed bag which include porgies, blowfish, blackfish, bluefish and excellent striped bass fishing. Parking on the north side is free in the designated parking area and no permit is required. However, once the spaces are filled, you cannot park there. A permit is required for parking on the more expansive south side, where Town Parks and Recreation Full-Season Resident, Non-Resident or Senior Citizen permit will suffice. Non-residents can purchase a Boat Launch/Parking Permit from Southampton Town at 6 Newtown Road in Hampton Bays (631-728-8585).
Shinnecock Canal Holzman Drive, Hampton Bays
I doubt the Canal needs any kind of introduction, especially for its exceptional run of weakfish and fluke during late April into May. However September and October in the Shinnecock Canal would be like fishing in an aquarium as just about every species swimming in the Peconic and Shinnecock Bay’s will pass through this water funnel. There is plenty of parking, however, to park legally after dark you will need a Suffolk County night fishing permit.
Rye Playland Pier
Located in the city of Rye NY is the infamous Rye Playland, where inside the park is the Rye Playland Fishing Pier. As expected, there is an admission price to enter the park, however fishing at the pier is free with a few rules and regulations that must be followed in order to have a fun time at the pier. October is a busy month at the pier as the rocky lairs that surround the pier offers up some exceptional tog fishing. Asian, green and fiddler crabs are all primo choices for the tautog. Early November still sees a few blackfish taken but the cause for excitement are the fall blitzes with bluefish and striped bass. As for rules and regulations, the pier is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. during the season the park is open which is from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. After Labor Day and before Memorial Day parking is free and fishing on the pier is open round the clock. As for the best tides, the last three hours of the incoming and the first two hours of the outgoing will provide the best fishing all round. Remember only two rods per person is allowed, it is paramount to have your Saltwater Marine Registry and do not keep any under or oversize fish or keep anything out of season. Law enforcement is strict and anglers are checked often.
Port Washington Town Dock
Located at 347 Main St. in Port Washington, this pier is open to sightseers and fishermen alike. Fishing here should be done during high tide as low tide may leave some of Manhasett Bay exposed. For the most part during September and October, incoming tide brings in the baitfish and by the start of outgoing tide stripers and blues are often in the area to intercept the freebies. Fishing here is hit or miss, however if you bring the family, there are plenty of fun things to do with stopping at the nearby ice cream shop. The dock closes at 10 p.m. and opens at 10 a.m. therefore calculate your tides accordingly. There is plenty of free parking.
Halesite Dock New York Ave Huntington Fire House
This dock is pretty well hidden behind the Halesite Fire Department and really doesn’t see a whole lot of play. Not family friendly even though September and October produces solid porgy and spot fishing along the bottom while snappers rule the surface. When the peanut bunker are around, so are bass and blues. What many anglers don’t know is that between Columbus Day through Veterans Day night time squid fishing is often excellent under the lights. Herring may make an appearance during November, but don’t hold it against me if they don’t show up since the past several season saw poor fishing.
Mill Dam Bridge – Mill Dam Road, Centerport
During incoming tide here the gate opens at the mill dam allowing millions of gallons of water filled with baitfish into the mill pond with bluefish, fluke, stripers and several other predators following the bait into the pond, often setting up a grand fiesta for anglers tossing tins, small plastic jigs and small bucktails. Not family friendly but the fish can be good. Be sure to be there two hours before high tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide. Parking is street side and limited. Fish here year round 24/7.
Cedar Beach Pier
Located at the end of Harbor Beach Rd. in Mt. Sinai, the Cedar Beach Pier offers anglers excellent opportunities to fish recently dredged entrance to Mt. Sinai Harbor. Throughout the fishing season fluke, sea robins, bluefish, stripers, porgies and dogfish are just a few of the species that frequents the pier, however September and October sees plenty of large snappers smacking snapper poppers while sinker bouncers can enjoy catching porgies, spot, sea robins and sand sharks. Porgy rigs baited with clams and worms will get the job done. The pier can offer good fishing during high tide and will certainly keep the rods bending for the children in your life. A town of Brookhaven parking sticker will allow you to park here or you can pay a parking fee if you are a non-resident to access this area.
Kings Park Bluff
This pier is well hidden behind the Kings Park Boat Ramp and provides plenty of lee from wind. The pier sits in a funnel of water that spills out into the Nissequogue River which calls on stripers, blues and snappers. Parking and fishing here is free after Labor Day.
Stony Brook Pier
Located in the hamlet of Stony Brook Village is none other than the Stony Brook Fishing Pier. In actuality this pier is a true “Diamond in the Rough.” The pier is located along the east side of Stony Brook Harbor with water flowing into the harbor and out of the harbor via Smithtown Bay via Porpoise Channel. The autumn moon can inspire the stripers to eat as baitfish are consistently passing through this funnel if fertile water. In addition snapper fishing is excellent during the two months with some small porgies and spot feeding along the bottom. Free parking with night permits required for night fishing.
Greenport Railroad Dock
Located behind the Greenport Train Station this dock carries a chock full of life most of the season, however September sees porgies, snappers, blackfish striped bass and bluefish. The current is strong and the fish are big so beef up the tackle. Not family friendly. Parking is ample at the train station parking lot and hassle free 24/7 year round.
