# Captain Tony's Complete NYC Waters Report
**September 25, 2025 - Tony's Comprehensive Harbor Analysis**
Ahoy there, fellow urban anglers! Captain Tony here with your complete NYC waters fishing report. Been working these city waters for 38 years now, and let me tell you something - the fishing in our harbor system has never been better. From the Battery Park waterfront to the far reaches of Jamaica Bay, there are fish to be caught right here in the greatest city in the world.
You know what I love about fishing NYC waters? The diversity. Where else can you catch stripers with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop, then head to Queens for some back bay action? This is urban fishing at its finest, and right now, it's absolutely on fire.
## Opening & Overall NYC Waters Conditions
The harbor cleanup efforts of the past decades are really showing their results. Water quality is the best I've seen in my nearly four decades of fishing these waters. Dissolved oxygen levels are up, bait populations are thriving, and the fish are responding.
Water temps are sitting at a perfect 68-70 degrees throughout the system. The recent weather patterns have been ideal - enough wind to keep the water oxygenated but not so much that it makes fishing difficult. Tidal flow has been strong and consistent, which always helps the bite.
The fall migration is definitely underway in the harbor. I'm seeing more quality stripers moving through, and the bait - man, the bait is everywhere. Bunker schools in the main channels, silversides along the shorelines, and even some late-season herring showing up.
## **Manhattan Waters**
### **Battery Park Waterfront** (Position 1)
*Lower Manhattan, harbor views, urban fishing*
Battery Park has been my go-to spot for introducing people to urban fishing, and it's been producing like crazy lately. There's something magical about catching fish with the Statue of Liberty in the background and the Manhattan skyline towering above you.
Been fishing the seawall early mornings and evenings with great success. The structure provides perfect ambush points for stripers, and the current flow brings bait right to them. I've been using bucktails and soft plastics, working them along the wall.
Had an incredible morning there Tuesday. Got there at 5:30 AM, just as the sun was coming up over Brooklyn. The water was calm, and I could see bait dimpling the surface. Threw a white bucktail and connected with a beautiful 29-inch striper on the third cast. That fish fought like hell in the current!
What makes Battery Park special is the accessibility. You can get there by subway, there's parking available, and you're fishing some of the most productive water in the harbor. I've caught everything from schoolie stripers to keeper fluke here. The key is timing the tides and being there when the water is moving.
The tourists love watching you fish, and I've converted more than a few visitors into anglers by letting them hold the rod when a fish hits. There's nothing like seeing someone's face light up when they feel that first fish pull.
## **Brooklyn Waters**
### **Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1** (Position 2)
*DUMBO area, East River fishing, bridge structure*
Brooklyn Bridge Park has become one of my favorite spots in recent years. The park renovation created excellent fishing access, and the structure of the old piers provides perfect habitat for fish. Plus, the views of Manhattan are absolutely spectacular.
The East River current here can be strong, so I use heavier tackle than I would in other areas. 1-2 ounce bucktails are standard, and I often need to go heavier when the tide is really moving. The fish here are used to strong current, so they fight extra hard.
Been having great success with stripers around the pier pilings. The fish use the structure to ambush bait getting swept by in the current. I position myself up-current and let my lure swing through the strike zone. It's technical fishing, but when you get it right, the results are incredible.
Caught a personal best 34-inch striper there last month. Was using a large bucktail with a paddle tail trailer, working it deep along the pier structure. The fish hit just as the lure swung into the current break behind a piling. Took 20 minutes to land in that current, but what a fish!
The park gets busy during the day, but early morning and evening are perfect for fishing. The locals are friendly, and many of them fish too. I've made some great friends at Brooklyn Bridge Park over the years.
## **Queens Waters**
### **Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge** (Position 3)
*Protected waters, wildlife refuge, back bay fishing*
Jamaica Bay is a hidden gem in the NYC fishing scene. Most people don't realize we have this incredible back bay system right here in Queens, complete with islands, channels, and abundant wildlife. The fishing has been absolutely phenomenal lately.
The refuge provides protected waters that are perfect for light tackle fishing. I've been using spinning gear with 10-15 pound test, working small jigs and soft plastics around the grass beds and channel edges. The variety of species here is incredible.
Been catching stripers, fluke, sea bass, and even some weakfish in the bay. The weakfish have been a real surprise - I haven't seen them in numbers like this in years. They're hitting small jigs worked slowly along the bottom.
Had an amazing day there last week. Launched my kayak from the boat ramp and spent six hours exploring the back channels. Caught 12 stripers between 18-26 inches, six keeper fluke, and a bunch of sea bass. All on light tackle in crystal clear water.
The wildlife viewing is incredible too. I've seen ospreys, herons, egrets, and even some seals while fishing. It's hard to believe you're still in New York City when you're back in those channels.
## **Hudson River**
### **Haverstraw Bay** (Position 4)
*Wide section of Hudson, deep water, scenic fishing*
Haverstraw Bay is where I go when I want to get away from the city hustle but still fish NYC waters. It's about 30 miles north of Manhattan, but it's still part of the harbor system, and the fishing has been outstanding.
The bay is wide and deep, with excellent structure and current flow. I've been trolling for stripers with great success, using umbrella rigs and large soft plastics. The fish here average bigger than in the lower harbor - I regularly catch fish in the 26-32 inch range.
The scenery is spectacular too. You're surrounded by the Hudson Highlands, with the Tappan Zee Bridge visible to the south. It's peaceful fishing with incredible views. Sometimes I just drift and enjoy being on the water.
Been having great success with live herring when I can get them. The stripers here love big baits, and a live herring drifted along the channel edges is deadly. I've caught some of my biggest Hudson River fish using this technique.
The boat launch facilities are excellent, and there's plenty of parking. It's a bit of a drive from the city, but worth it for the quality of fishing and the change of scenery.
## **Urban Fishing Techniques & Species**
**Striped Bass:** The bread and butter of NYC fishing. Found throughout the system, from schoolies to trophy fish. Best techniques are bucktails, soft plastics, and live bait. Fish the structure and moving water.
**Fluke:** Excellent in the back bays and deeper channels. Use bucktails with squid strips or Gulp trailers. Look for sandy bottom and moving water.
**Sea Bass:** Abundant around any structure. Small jigs tipped with clam or squid are deadly. Great eating and fun to catch.
**Bluefish:** Aggressive and plentiful when they're around. Use wire leaders and be ready for fast action.
**Weakfish:** Making a comeback in the back bay areas. Light tackle and small lures are key.
**Urban Considerations:**
- Respect other users of the waterfront
- Be aware of boat traffic in busy areas
- Follow all fishing regulations
- Keep what you'll eat, release the rest
- Help keep our waters clean
## **Equipment for Urban Fishing**
**Rods:** 7-8 foot medium to medium-heavy spinning rods. Need backbone for current and structure.
**Reels:** 3000-4000 size spinning reels with smooth drags. Saltwater rated for corrosion resistance.
**Line:** 15-20 lb braid with fluorocarbon leader. The clear water demands invisible presentation.
**Lures:** Bucktails (1/2 to 2 oz), soft plastics, small jigs for back bay fishing.
**Bait:** Squid, clams, sandworms, live eels when available.
**Urban Essentials:** Folding chair, cooler, first aid kit, cell phone, metro card for subway access.
## **Final Analysis & Predictions**
NYC waters are fishing better than they have in decades. The environmental improvements of recent years are paying dividends, and the fish populations are responding. We're seeing species return that haven't been common in years, and the overall health of the ecosystem is excellent.
The fall migration is just getting started, and I expect the fishing to get even better over the next few weeks. Water temperatures are perfect, bait is abundant, and the fish are aggressive. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, there's never been a better time to fish NYC waters.
What I love most about urban fishing is the accessibility. You don't need a boat or expensive gear to catch fish in our harbor. Some of my best days have been fishing from shore with simple tackle. The subway can get you to excellent fishing spots, and there's always something new to discover.
My advice to fellow urban anglers? Explore. Try new spots. Talk to other fishermen. Our harbor system is vast and diverse, with opportunities around every corner. From the iconic Manhattan waterfront to the hidden gems of Jamaica Bay, there's a lifetime of fishing to be discovered right here in the greatest city in the world.
The harbor is alive, the fish are biting, and the future of NYC fishing has never looked brighter. Get out there and experience it for yourself!
Tight lines and fair winds!
Captain Tony
---
*Posted via Fishing Reports System*
**September 25, 2025 - Tony's Comprehensive Harbor Analysis**
Ahoy there, fellow urban anglers! Captain Tony here with your complete NYC waters fishing report. Been working these city waters for 38 years now, and let me tell you something - the fishing in our harbor system has never been better. From the Battery Park waterfront to the far reaches of Jamaica Bay, there are fish to be caught right here in the greatest city in the world.
You know what I love about fishing NYC waters? The diversity. Where else can you catch stripers with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop, then head to Queens for some back bay action? This is urban fishing at its finest, and right now, it's absolutely on fire.
## Opening & Overall NYC Waters Conditions
The harbor cleanup efforts of the past decades are really showing their results. Water quality is the best I've seen in my nearly four decades of fishing these waters. Dissolved oxygen levels are up, bait populations are thriving, and the fish are responding.
Water temps are sitting at a perfect 68-70 degrees throughout the system. The recent weather patterns have been ideal - enough wind to keep the water oxygenated but not so much that it makes fishing difficult. Tidal flow has been strong and consistent, which always helps the bite.
The fall migration is definitely underway in the harbor. I'm seeing more quality stripers moving through, and the bait - man, the bait is everywhere. Bunker schools in the main channels, silversides along the shorelines, and even some late-season herring showing up.
## **Manhattan Waters**
### **Battery Park Waterfront** (Position 1)
*Lower Manhattan, harbor views, urban fishing*
Battery Park has been my go-to spot for introducing people to urban fishing, and it's been producing like crazy lately. There's something magical about catching fish with the Statue of Liberty in the background and the Manhattan skyline towering above you.
Been fishing the seawall early mornings and evenings with great success. The structure provides perfect ambush points for stripers, and the current flow brings bait right to them. I've been using bucktails and soft plastics, working them along the wall.
Had an incredible morning there Tuesday. Got there at 5:30 AM, just as the sun was coming up over Brooklyn. The water was calm, and I could see bait dimpling the surface. Threw a white bucktail and connected with a beautiful 29-inch striper on the third cast. That fish fought like hell in the current!
What makes Battery Park special is the accessibility. You can get there by subway, there's parking available, and you're fishing some of the most productive water in the harbor. I've caught everything from schoolie stripers to keeper fluke here. The key is timing the tides and being there when the water is moving.
The tourists love watching you fish, and I've converted more than a few visitors into anglers by letting them hold the rod when a fish hits. There's nothing like seeing someone's face light up when they feel that first fish pull.
## **Brooklyn Waters**
### **Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1** (Position 2)
*DUMBO area, East River fishing, bridge structure*
Brooklyn Bridge Park has become one of my favorite spots in recent years. The park renovation created excellent fishing access, and the structure of the old piers provides perfect habitat for fish. Plus, the views of Manhattan are absolutely spectacular.
The East River current here can be strong, so I use heavier tackle than I would in other areas. 1-2 ounce bucktails are standard, and I often need to go heavier when the tide is really moving. The fish here are used to strong current, so they fight extra hard.
Been having great success with stripers around the pier pilings. The fish use the structure to ambush bait getting swept by in the current. I position myself up-current and let my lure swing through the strike zone. It's technical fishing, but when you get it right, the results are incredible.
Caught a personal best 34-inch striper there last month. Was using a large bucktail with a paddle tail trailer, working it deep along the pier structure. The fish hit just as the lure swung into the current break behind a piling. Took 20 minutes to land in that current, but what a fish!
The park gets busy during the day, but early morning and evening are perfect for fishing. The locals are friendly, and many of them fish too. I've made some great friends at Brooklyn Bridge Park over the years.
## **Queens Waters**
### **Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge** (Position 3)
*Protected waters, wildlife refuge, back bay fishing*
Jamaica Bay is a hidden gem in the NYC fishing scene. Most people don't realize we have this incredible back bay system right here in Queens, complete with islands, channels, and abundant wildlife. The fishing has been absolutely phenomenal lately.
The refuge provides protected waters that are perfect for light tackle fishing. I've been using spinning gear with 10-15 pound test, working small jigs and soft plastics around the grass beds and channel edges. The variety of species here is incredible.
Been catching stripers, fluke, sea bass, and even some weakfish in the bay. The weakfish have been a real surprise - I haven't seen them in numbers like this in years. They're hitting small jigs worked slowly along the bottom.
Had an amazing day there last week. Launched my kayak from the boat ramp and spent six hours exploring the back channels. Caught 12 stripers between 18-26 inches, six keeper fluke, and a bunch of sea bass. All on light tackle in crystal clear water.
The wildlife viewing is incredible too. I've seen ospreys, herons, egrets, and even some seals while fishing. It's hard to believe you're still in New York City when you're back in those channels.
## **Hudson River**
### **Haverstraw Bay** (Position 4)
*Wide section of Hudson, deep water, scenic fishing*
Haverstraw Bay is where I go when I want to get away from the city hustle but still fish NYC waters. It's about 30 miles north of Manhattan, but it's still part of the harbor system, and the fishing has been outstanding.
The bay is wide and deep, with excellent structure and current flow. I've been trolling for stripers with great success, using umbrella rigs and large soft plastics. The fish here average bigger than in the lower harbor - I regularly catch fish in the 26-32 inch range.
The scenery is spectacular too. You're surrounded by the Hudson Highlands, with the Tappan Zee Bridge visible to the south. It's peaceful fishing with incredible views. Sometimes I just drift and enjoy being on the water.
Been having great success with live herring when I can get them. The stripers here love big baits, and a live herring drifted along the channel edges is deadly. I've caught some of my biggest Hudson River fish using this technique.
The boat launch facilities are excellent, and there's plenty of parking. It's a bit of a drive from the city, but worth it for the quality of fishing and the change of scenery.
## **Urban Fishing Techniques & Species**
**Striped Bass:** The bread and butter of NYC fishing. Found throughout the system, from schoolies to trophy fish. Best techniques are bucktails, soft plastics, and live bait. Fish the structure and moving water.
**Fluke:** Excellent in the back bays and deeper channels. Use bucktails with squid strips or Gulp trailers. Look for sandy bottom and moving water.
**Sea Bass:** Abundant around any structure. Small jigs tipped with clam or squid are deadly. Great eating and fun to catch.
**Bluefish:** Aggressive and plentiful when they're around. Use wire leaders and be ready for fast action.
**Weakfish:** Making a comeback in the back bay areas. Light tackle and small lures are key.
**Urban Considerations:**
- Respect other users of the waterfront
- Be aware of boat traffic in busy areas
- Follow all fishing regulations
- Keep what you'll eat, release the rest
- Help keep our waters clean
## **Equipment for Urban Fishing**
**Rods:** 7-8 foot medium to medium-heavy spinning rods. Need backbone for current and structure.
**Reels:** 3000-4000 size spinning reels with smooth drags. Saltwater rated for corrosion resistance.
**Line:** 15-20 lb braid with fluorocarbon leader. The clear water demands invisible presentation.
**Lures:** Bucktails (1/2 to 2 oz), soft plastics, small jigs for back bay fishing.
**Bait:** Squid, clams, sandworms, live eels when available.
**Urban Essentials:** Folding chair, cooler, first aid kit, cell phone, metro card for subway access.
## **Final Analysis & Predictions**
NYC waters are fishing better than they have in decades. The environmental improvements of recent years are paying dividends, and the fish populations are responding. We're seeing species return that haven't been common in years, and the overall health of the ecosystem is excellent.
The fall migration is just getting started, and I expect the fishing to get even better over the next few weeks. Water temperatures are perfect, bait is abundant, and the fish are aggressive. Whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, there's never been a better time to fish NYC waters.
What I love most about urban fishing is the accessibility. You don't need a boat or expensive gear to catch fish in our harbor. Some of my best days have been fishing from shore with simple tackle. The subway can get you to excellent fishing spots, and there's always something new to discover.
My advice to fellow urban anglers? Explore. Try new spots. Talk to other fishermen. Our harbor system is vast and diverse, with opportunities around every corner. From the iconic Manhattan waterfront to the hidden gems of Jamaica Bay, there's a lifetime of fishing to be discovered right here in the greatest city in the world.
The harbor is alive, the fish are biting, and the future of NYC fishing has never looked brighter. Get out there and experience it for yourself!
Tight lines and fair winds!
Captain Tony
---
*Posted via Fishing Reports System*
