Montauk’s North Side Surf, NY
Few spots along the Striper Coast can claim the diversity of Montauk’s varied shoreline, but the Point’s north side seems to draw the most attention year after year. The area’s sweeping currents put fish-holding rips within range of casters, which at times surrender blitzes unlike anywhere else on the Striper Coast. Part of the north side’s appeal is that it is relatively easy to fish compared to other prime Montauk turf such as the light and the south side’s boulder strewn shore. The fact that much of it is also accessible to four wheel drive vehicles is also a plus for many casters.
Night tides are favored for stripers, but some wild blitzes will also occur under a mid day sun, especially during September when clouds of white bait fill the shoreline. Other times see lots of bluefish walloping poppers during the day, and stripers replacing them in the rips once the sun goes down. Unfortunately, the late fall runs of big bass that were a common occurrence along the north side beaches for decades have not developed in recent years. The last few years have seen the best action along this stretch take place through September and into about mid October.
However, every year is different and it is always worth giving this area some play at anytime during the fall. A stop at either Paulie’s Tackle shop or Johnny’s Tackle in town can bring you up to date on current patterns, as well as provide you with info on what lures are doing most of the damage. Both shops have a reputation for providing honest and accurate info.Generally, Montauk’s north side sees the best fishing take place on outgoing water. Gin Beach, Shagwong, Stepping Stones, North Bar and False Bar are popular ebb tide spots, but I have had good nights at all of these spots on the incoming at times, and often with very little company since most casters stick with the proven pattern of working these areas on the outgoing. Moving toward the lighthouse, Jones Reef and The Bluff area can be equally productive on both tides at times.
On of the most appealing aspects of fishing the Montauk surf for many casters is the ability to catch fish on artificials on a regular basis. Credit for this extends to an abundant and varied bait supply and increased competition come feeding time. Bucktails have become the mainstay of many Montauk surfmen over the past decade, regardless of whether they are fishing the north side, the sand beaches, the south side or up front. Be sure to have a couple of one to 1-1/2 ounce jigs in white and chartreuse in your bag and you’ll have most bases covered. There are times when the north side can really light up under a heavy easterly blow, and you may have to step up to bucktails in the three ounce range.
For daytime plugging, you don’t want to be caught without a couple of pencil poppers in your bag, along with a polaris style popper or two. White and yellow would be my colors of choice. Once the sun sets, darters and bottle plugs have been synonymous with Montauk for as long as I can remember. If you are fishing nights, you can not be without these plugs. The darter is the real workhorse, with the bottle having the edge in rough water conditions for its ability to dig in and work effectively in a big surf. The bottle/darter has gained a considerable number of fans in recent years and you might consider adding one or two of these to your plug bag as well. A couple of needlefish are a must also. Used primarily at night, there are times when they are effective in daylight, and particularly during the dawn or dusk hours.
When it comes to colors for nighttime work, yellow is a Montauk standby. After that it is pick your poison. Some casters swear by black or purple for dark nights, blue can be hot when herring or mullet show up in the wash, and white or chartreuse both have nights when it seems the bass want them more than anything else.
Metal cleats, such as those made by Korkers, are a necessity for wading much of the north side, especially the stretch from Stepping Stones to the Bluff. Felt soles do nut cut it here, so save yourself the frustration (and possible pain) and spring for a pair of Korkers.
Access to the north side within Montauk State Park is within walking distance of the parking lot, but four wheel drive access is also available via a state Beach Vehicle Permit, which also provides access to Hither Hills and Napeaugue State Parks. The resident fee is $65. The fee for non-residents is $110. A Sportfishing Permit, which allows nighttime parking in the lighthouse lot (also Hither Hills) costs residents $30 and non-residents $55. If you purchase the Beach Vehicle Permit, it also covers nighttime parking.
