September 08, 2026 - 01:28:07
Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip reported a good mix of small pelagics showing up, including bonito, Spanish mackerel and false albacore. Bluefish are also set up around the mouth of the inlet near Demo and Sore Thumb. There are still plenty of fluke around for anglers bouncing bucktails tipped with Gulp or Fishbites, although finding a keeper has become a little tougher. Mike also heard of a good triggerfish bite around the rock piles on the backside of both Demo and Sore Thumb.
September 08, 2026 - 01:27:58
At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip I heard the action continues, but what is different this week is the amount of pelagics roaming the ocean. Anglers are finding football bluefin in as close as 60 feet. Mahimahi are on debris and buoys. Spanish macs, bonito and false albies are running wild. The action is good, so pick a day and hit the ocean. Back towards the bay, triggerfish remained active on the rocky pieces, buoy chains and OBI area. On the fluke front, nothing has really changed. There are still a ton of shorts, but anglers can definitely get a keeper in the mix. Snappers and crabs are on all the local docks.
August 31, 2026 - 10:59:41
Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip let me know bonito, false albacore and Spanish mackerel are all showing along the beaches in the Fire Island area right now, giving surf anglers an excellent shot at some of the season’s fastest-moving species. Small tins and epoxy jigs have been the top choices when the fish push within casting range. Another highlight over the past few days has been the arrival of some bigger bluefish along the local beaches, with surfcasters connecting on poppers and tins. Sore Thumb, Gilgo and Demo are all worthwhile places to try as the fall transition begins to take shape.
August 31, 2026 - 10:59:20
At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip I heard the fluke action is red hot, with anglers catching a ton of fish, but keepers are very hard to come by. There is Spanish macs on 007 jigs, bonito, albies and more chasing bait and small epoxy jigs and tins. For the tuna guys, small football size are in the 70 to 80 foot depths. Back to fluke, if you want flat out all-day action, just hit the bay with a light spinning rod, smaller bucktail and either Gulp or spearing. Chances are, you will have your rod bending the entire tide. For keepers, the best bet is probably off the beaten path in the bay and a lot of work, or in the ocean.
