October 26, 2026 - 10:15:46
Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip reported large concentrations of sand eels along the local Robert Moses beaches, with striped bass feeding on them. The action has been a pick, but anglers matching the smaller bait with diamond jigs and other slim-profile offerings have been connecting with fish. Some bluefish have also been mixed into the action. Interestingly, anglers fishing teasers have been hooking shad as well, adding another species to the fall surf mix. For those looking to switch gears, the rocks along the backside of Democrat Point continue to provide solid blackfish action. Green crabs have been the bait of choice, with anglers finding plenty of tog willing to cooperate.
October 26, 2026 - 10:15:36
At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip I heard bass action remained rock solid in the bay and ocean with Saturday the only exception. Blackfish action has been good in the ocean, with the bay seeing a lot of smaller fish. Sea bass action on the deeper pieces has been good as well. Anglers clam chumming stripers have scored well in the bay on keeper size fish and over the slot.
October 19, 2026 - 10:03:06
Mike from Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip reported that striped bass fishing has been excellent when the bite turns on along the Robert Moses beaches, Democrat Point and Cedar Beach. Anglers are connecting with fish using a variety of presentations, including diamond jigs, bucktails, SP Minnows, Mag Darters, bottle plugs and traditional darters. Both daytime and nighttime fishing have been producing, depending on conditions and bait movements. Mike also mentioned that blackfish are being caught from the rocks around Democrat Point, providing another option for anglers looking to take advantage of the fall season.
October 19, 2026 - 10:02:59
At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip I heard of plenty of blackfish for the opener with anglers finding keeper blackfish on any rock pile, bridge abutment, hard bottom or smaller wreck and ruble on the bay floor. In fact, one angler had a 15 plus pounder that was released (he brought the video to the shop). On the bass front, there are loads of stripers running the bay and outside. Again, please be reminded that when using live or dead bait, you must use a circle hook. After snagging, reel it in and do the right thing. And, if you stop by the shop, they are carrying a great rig made specifically for bunker and bass fishing. Stop by and check it out. There are also false albies running, but you really can’t target them, but carry some tins and epoxy jigs when they show up. Green crabs are in stock daily for blackfish.
