Fellow Anglers,
The offshore scene is in full late-season mode. While the tuna have largely moved on, the wreck fishing for jumbo sea bass and cod is providing excellent action for those willing to brave the cold. Here is a detailed breakdown of the current conditions, following our south-to-north geographical flow.
Hudson Canyon - December 16, 2025
The Hudson remains a primary destination for offshore anglers. The main event is the jumbo sea bass bite on the offshore wrecks in 150+ feet of water. The fish are there in numbers, and the quality is excellent. Cod are also in the mix, and clam baits on hi-low rigs are the top producer for both species. The water temperatures have dropped significantly, and the fish are holding tight to the structure. The key is to find the wrecks that are holding bait, and you will find the fish.
Atlantis Canyon - December 16, 2025
Moving north, the Atlantis Canyon is showing a similar pattern to the Hudson. The sea bass fishing is the main draw, with good numbers of jumbo fish being reported. The cod are also present, and the action has been consistent. The water is cold, and the fish are concentrated, so once you find them, you should be able to stay on them.
Block Canyon - December 16, 2025
The Block Canyon area is also producing some excellent bottom fishing. The fishing in 150 feet of water has been excellent, with jumbo porgies and knothead sea bass making up the bulk of the catch. The key here is to find the right piece of structure. The fish are not spread out, so you need to be on the right spot.
Toms Canyon & Fishtails/Bacardi Grounds - December 16, 2025
These areas are still holding fish, but the action has been a bit more sporadic than the canyons to the south. The sea bass are there, but you may have to do some searching to find the concentrations of fish. The focus now is on the bottom fish, and the same techniques that are working in the other canyons will work here.
Montauk Offshore Grounds - December 16, 2025
The Montauk offshore grounds are still producing some fish, but the weather has been a major factor. The sea bass and tog fishing has been productive when the weather allows. The sea bass season is open until the end of the month, so there is still time to get in on the action.
Technical Analysis
The water temperatures have dropped into the low 50s and even high 40s in some areas. This has caused the fish to school up on the deeper wrecks and rockpiles. The key to success is to find the structure that is holding bait. The fish will not be far away. The weather will be a major factor in the coming days, with a strong southerly blow expected on Thursday. This will likely shut down the offshore fishing for a few days. The best bet is to get out there today or tomorrow before the weather turns.
Species Intelligence
Predictive Forecasting
The next 72 hours will be a mixed bag. Today and tomorrow look like good days to get offshore, with light winds and calm seas. Wednesday, the wind will start to pick up, and Thursday is looking like a blowout. The fishing should improve again by the weekend as the weather settles down.
Tactical Recommendations
That's the report for this week. It's a great time to get out and get in on the jumbo sea bass action. Stay warm and fish safe.
Captain Jack
The offshore scene is in full late-season mode. While the tuna have largely moved on, the wreck fishing for jumbo sea bass and cod is providing excellent action for those willing to brave the cold. Here is a detailed breakdown of the current conditions, following our south-to-north geographical flow.
The Hudson remains a primary destination for offshore anglers. The main event is the jumbo sea bass bite on the offshore wrecks in 150+ feet of water. The fish are there in numbers, and the quality is excellent. Cod are also in the mix, and clam baits on hi-low rigs are the top producer for both species. The water temperatures have dropped significantly, and the fish are holding tight to the structure. The key is to find the wrecks that are holding bait, and you will find the fish.
Moving north, the Atlantis Canyon is showing a similar pattern to the Hudson. The sea bass fishing is the main draw, with good numbers of jumbo fish being reported. The cod are also present, and the action has been consistent. The water is cold, and the fish are concentrated, so once you find them, you should be able to stay on them.
The Block Canyon area is also producing some excellent bottom fishing. The fishing in 150 feet of water has been excellent, with jumbo porgies and knothead sea bass making up the bulk of the catch. The key here is to find the right piece of structure. The fish are not spread out, so you need to be on the right spot.
These areas are still holding fish, but the action has been a bit more sporadic than the canyons to the south. The sea bass are there, but you may have to do some searching to find the concentrations of fish. The focus now is on the bottom fish, and the same techniques that are working in the other canyons will work here.
The Montauk offshore grounds are still producing some fish, but the weather has been a major factor. The sea bass and tog fishing has been productive when the weather allows. The sea bass season is open until the end of the month, so there is still time to get in on the action.
Technical Analysis
The water temperatures have dropped into the low 50s and even high 40s in some areas. This has caused the fish to school up on the deeper wrecks and rockpiles. The key to success is to find the structure that is holding bait. The fish will not be far away. The weather will be a major factor in the coming days, with a strong southerly blow expected on Thursday. This will likely shut down the offshore fishing for a few days. The best bet is to get out there today or tomorrow before the weather turns.
Species Intelligence
- Sea Bass: The jumbo sea bass are the main event right now. They are being caught on the offshore wrecks in 150+ feet of water. Clam baits on hi-low rigs are the top producer.
- Cod: Cod are being caught in the same areas as the sea bass. They are also taking clam baits.
- Tuna: The tuna have moved on for the season. The yellowfin bite was epic this year, but it is now over.
Predictive Forecasting
The next 72 hours will be a mixed bag. Today and tomorrow look like good days to get offshore, with light winds and calm seas. Wednesday, the wind will start to pick up, and Thursday is looking like a blowout. The fishing should improve again by the weekend as the weather settles down.
Tactical Recommendations
- Go Deep: The bigger fish are in deeper water. Look for wrecks and rockpiles in 150+ feet of water.
- Use Fresh Bait: Fresh clams are the top producer for both sea bass and cod.
- Watch the Weather: The weather is going to be a major factor in the coming days. Pick your days wisely.
That's the report for this week. It's a great time to get out and get in on the jumbo sea bass action. Stay warm and fish safe.
Captain Jack