October 12, 2026 - 10:37:54
Phil from Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle reported good numbers of schoolie striped bass throughout the harbor and along the nearby Long Island Sound beaches. These smaller fish have been providing steady light-tackle opportunities for anglers working the shoreline, particularly around areas holding bait. Looking ahead, Phil expects shore-based blackfishing to be one of the biggest draws now that the season has opened. Rock piles and other hard structure within casting distance of shore should have plenty of early-season potential, especially before cooling water temperatures begin pushing fish into deeper areas. Anglers should focus their efforts around rocky bottom and other structure where blackfish can find a steady supply of crabs and other food.
October 12, 2026 - 10:37:43
Luke of Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport reports the fall run is underway with good action inside the bay when the wind is blowing and outside in the Sound when the winds are at rest. Stripers, blues, porgies and black sea bass are all responding to natural and artificial baits depending on the species being pursued. There has also been some good shots with weakfish in Centerport Channel along with very good porgy fishing. Small striped bass and even smaller bluefish are ganging up on the massive amount of peanut bunker inside Northport and Huntington Bay’s Outside in the Sound there are tons of spearing out there which has the sea bass and porgies once again in the shallow waters. Eaton’s Neck buoy 13 has been red hot for the duo along with some keeper fluke. Fluke season closes on October 15; therefore, if you want a chance at a big fall fluke, the Triangle proves to be your best chance for an oversize flattie. Several anglers purchased crabs this week and gave preseason blackfish a try with outstanding results which bodes well for the blackfish season now underway. Please note that Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle is fully stocked with blackfish bait, rigs, jigs and essentials.
October 05, 2026 - 10:48:53
Phil of Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle in Northport reports a solid week of fishing after the storm. Striped bass are mainly schoolies to slot size with an occasional large over size fish to 45 inches. The bass continues to enjoy live bait such as spot, live eels and live porgies. The Triangle area has been best. Big porgies and even bigger black sea bass showed up this week and are slamming hi/low rigs baited with worms and clams and also Berkley Gulp Baits. Cable Reef and Green Ledge has been hot for the sea bass, while the Brush Pile has been the area for the large scup. Bluefish are showing up inside Huntington Bay and around Lloyd Harbor hitting metal jigs. Snappers continues to be good among the dock, piers and beaches.
