October 05, 2026 - 10:48:58
Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip reported that striped bass moved into the local surf in a big way following the storm. Democrat Point, Cedar Beach and Robert Moses all produced solid action, with the best stretch beginning last Wednesday and carrying through much of the week. The bite has slowed somewhat since then, but there are still plenty of bass around, including some fish pushing the 50-inch mark. The better action has been after dark, although daytime anglers are still finding fish. Darters, bottle plugs and bucktails have been doing most of the work at night, while diamond jigs have been a productive daytime choice.
October 05, 2026 - 10:48:43
At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip I heard after the storm, bass really kicked off with anglers seeing fish on the pods, and mostly larger ones. Please, if you catch a larger fish, leave it in the water and get it released quickly. The fluke action was very good, with the shop weighing in several fish over 8 pounds. The best action has been heading towards the inlet as the fish have definitely pushed their way out. There are plenty of sea bass on the pieces, but keepers are few and far between. The tuna bite really slowed after the passing storm.
September 28, 2026 - 10:42:43
Mike at Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip reported that the nor’easter hit the area hard and unfortunately caused flooding in a number of spots. Before the storm, he heard of a solid number of bluefish around Democrat Point and the Sore Thumb, along with some stripers showing near the Robert Moses Bridge. Once the water clears up and conditions settle, he expects anglers to get a better read on how the storm affected the local bite.
September 28, 2026 - 10:42:32
At Saltwaters Bait and Tackle in West Islip I heard this was a good week to give your rods and reels a quick check. Guides and drags are the concern as you have been fishing all year! And, as we all know, a nor’easter in September just kicks off what could be two great months of fall fishing. Blackfish should bite well once the season opens, and stripers and blues will be on the prowl too. It’s not over, so don’t pack it in, there is still a lot of time left in this year’s run.
