August in the Northeast is a paradox. On one hand, it’s a peak time to be on the water—warm sun, calm seas, and all the species we wait months to target in full swing. On the other, it can be a grind. Scorching midday heat, crowded ramps and marinas, and fish that don’t always cooperate on our schedule. But if there’s one constant among Long Island anglers this time of year, it’s that we keep showing up, pushing off, and putting in the time.
By now, the striped bass crowd has largely shifted its focus. The big June fish that hugged the South Shore beaches and inlet rips have slipped east or gone deep, and those who remain in the surf scene are mostly doing the graveyard shift—focusing efforts after dark or around the moon. August is not typically kind to the surfcaster who fishes only daylight. Still, Montauk and the South Fork beaches offer opportunity for those willing to work the tides and commit to night tides, especially when paired with some swell or a stretch of overcast days. The occasional cow still shows up when you least expect it.
Fluke fishing is at a critical point. Some local grounds are starting to slow, especially in the back bays and channels where water temps are creeping into the mid-70s or higher. But the offshore bite—wrecks, reefs, and the deeper fluke haunts off Montauk, Fire Island, and Moriches—is holding strong. Bucktailing with Gulp, strip baits, or teasers over hard structure is still the go-to. If you’re looking for that true 10-pounder, August might be your best window to swing for the fences, particularly in 80 to 120 feet of water. As always, watch that drift speed, and don’t be afraid to upsize your bucktail when the current calls for it.
Sea bass and scup continue to provide action, with party boats and private crews alike working wrecks and rock piles with excellent results. The shallower reefs inside 90 feet have been producing mixed-size fish, but the deeper pieces continue to yield bigger knuckleheads. Dropping a jig, teaser rig, or baited hi-lo rig on a calm August morning is a surefire way to put meat in the box and smiles on the crew’s faces. These species are the perfect targets for family trips too—accessible, cooperative, and plentiful.
Sharking is alive and well, with threshers and makos showing outside 20 fathoms, but more and more anglers are turning their sights on tuna. Whether you’re running midshore for schoolie bluefin or pushing all the way to the edge for yellowfin and bigeyes, August is prime time. The canyon scene has already shown signs of life with billfish, mahi, and tilefish all in the mix. And for those new to the offshore game, budget-minded options—open boat trips, gear-sharing among friends, and buying used tackle—can make it more accessible than ever. (Check out this month’s feature on tuna fishing without going broke.)
Freshwater fans aren’t left out either. Largemouth bass in our island ponds and reservoirs are still feeding at first and last light, and the fly rod crowd continues to chase carp, pickerel, and panfish throughout the island’s overlooked sweetwater systems. Kayakers and shoreline anglers alike can beat the heat by focusing efforts in low-light windows or under shaded cover.
One note I’ll always repeat in this editorial: keep safety top of mind. August often brings flat seas and long runs, but it only takes one storm or an overlooked piece of gear to turn a good day bad. Make sure your VHF is charged, your flares are in date, and someone back on land knows your float plan. With technology like Starlink and inReach now more available, there’s no excuse for heading offshore completely out of touch.
As we move through the dog days, remember this: some of the most memorable fish of the year are caught in August. That surprise doormat on your last drift. The big bluefin that crushes your spreader bar in 100 feet of water. The striper that hits under a full moon when you thought the bite was done. It’s a month where magic can happen—if you’re willing to chase it.
