Yo, what's good Harbor rats! Captain Tony here, and this is it—my last report of the 2025 season. After 40-plus years of fishing these waters, I've learned when it's time to hang up the rods for winter, and that time is now. But before I do, I gotta say a few things.
THE HARBOR'S WINTER ARRIVAL
The Harbor's gone cold, boys. Water temps are in the low 40s, and the fish have either moved out or gone deep. The bridges that were producing mid-20-pound stripers just a few weeks ago are quiet now. The schools of small bass that filled the Harbor through November have pushed south. The squid are gone, the bait's thinned out, and winter has officially arrived.
There might be a few stragglers around the warm-water discharges and deep channels, but the consistent action we had through fall is over. The Harbor's telling us it's time to rest, and after the season we just had, I'm ready to listen.
WHAT A SEASON IT WAS
Let me tell you something—2025 was one for the books. From the first schoolies showing up in April, through the summer action on everything from blues to weakfish, to that incredible fall run that lasted well into December—this year delivered.
The bridge fishing this fall was some of the best I've seen in my four decades on these waters. Quality fish, consistent patterns, and aggressive feeds made for some unforgettable nights. The fact that we were still catching fish in early December? That's not normal, and we should all be grateful for it.
The Harbor proper held schools of bass longer than usual, giving anglers of all skill levels opportunities to get on the water and catch fish. The squid bite was a fun bonus that a lot of guys took advantage of. And the fact that we had fishable conditions well into what's usually the dead zone? That's a gift.
TO THE COMMUNITY
I've been doing this a long time, and I can tell you—it's the people that make it special. The fish are great, don't get me wrong, but it's the community that keeps me coming back year after year.
To every angler who shared information, helped a newcomer learn the ropes, or practiced good conservation—thank you. You're what makes this work. To the tackle shops, the charter captains, the party boat crews, and everyone else who keeps this fishery alive—you're appreciated more than you know.
Special shout-out to Cortes Outfitters and all the guides who put clients on fish day in and day out. You're not just catching fish—you're creating memories and building the next generation of anglers. That matters.
And to every one of you reading this: whether you're a grizzled veteran or a rookie just learning the game, you're part of this community. You belong here. Keep fishing, keep learning, and keep passing it on.
LESSONS FROM THE WATER
Forty-plus years of fishing has taught me a lot. It's taught me patience, persistence, and respect for the resource. It's taught me that the best anglers are the ones who share what they know. It's taught me that conditions change, fish move, and you gotta adapt or you'll get skunked.
But most importantly, it's taught me that fishing is about more than catching fish. It's about the sunrise over the East River, the sound of the city waking up around you, the feel of a big fish pulling drag, and the camaraderie of fellow anglers who understand why you do this.
The Harbor's been good to me. Real good. And I hope it's been good to you too.
WINTER PLANS
For those of you who fish year-round, there will still be opportunities. A few hardy stripers will stick around the warm-water areas. Some blackfish will be available in deeper water. But for most of us, it's time to shift gears.
Clean your reels. Organize your tackle. Fix what's broken. Plan your trips for next year. Read some fishing reports from other regions. Learn new techniques. And most importantly, spend time with your family. They put up with us disappearing at all hours to chase fish—make sure they know they're appreciated.
Winter is when we recharge. It's when we remember why we love this, and it's when we start counting down the days until spring.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
To all of you and your families, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year. May your holidays be filled with warmth, good food, and time with the people you love.
Stay safe out there. Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and remember what's important. Life's short—make it count.
TONY'S FINAL WORD
Look, I've been doing this for over 40 years, and I'm telling you—this community is special. You're special. Every one of you who gets out there, respects the resource, and keeps the tradition alive—you're doing something important.
Thank you for reading these reports. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for being part of this community. It's been an honor.
The Harbor will be here waiting when we come back in the spring. The fish will return, the seasons will turn, and we'll be out there again, doing what we love.
Until then, stay warm, stay safe, and keep your lines tight. I'll see you when the water warms up and the stripers come back.
FROM THE HEART
I'm a retired FDNY guy. I've seen a lot in my life—good and bad. But some of my best memories are on these waters, fishing with friends, teaching kids how to cast, and watching the sun come up over the city. This is what it's all about.
Thank you for letting me share my knowledge with you. Thank you for being part of this journey. And thank you for keeping the spirit of Harbor fishing alive.
Stay safe, fish hard, and remember—the best time to go fishing is whenever you can.
Until spring,
Captain Tony
Retired FDNY, Full-Time Harbor Rat
---
These reports will resume in April 2026 when the spring fishing season begins. Wishing everyone a safe and happy off-season.
THE HARBOR'S WINTER ARRIVAL
The Harbor's gone cold, boys. Water temps are in the low 40s, and the fish have either moved out or gone deep. The bridges that were producing mid-20-pound stripers just a few weeks ago are quiet now. The schools of small bass that filled the Harbor through November have pushed south. The squid are gone, the bait's thinned out, and winter has officially arrived.
There might be a few stragglers around the warm-water discharges and deep channels, but the consistent action we had through fall is over. The Harbor's telling us it's time to rest, and after the season we just had, I'm ready to listen.
WHAT A SEASON IT WAS
Let me tell you something—2025 was one for the books. From the first schoolies showing up in April, through the summer action on everything from blues to weakfish, to that incredible fall run that lasted well into December—this year delivered.
The bridge fishing this fall was some of the best I've seen in my four decades on these waters. Quality fish, consistent patterns, and aggressive feeds made for some unforgettable nights. The fact that we were still catching fish in early December? That's not normal, and we should all be grateful for it.
The Harbor proper held schools of bass longer than usual, giving anglers of all skill levels opportunities to get on the water and catch fish. The squid bite was a fun bonus that a lot of guys took advantage of. And the fact that we had fishable conditions well into what's usually the dead zone? That's a gift.
TO THE COMMUNITY
I've been doing this a long time, and I can tell you—it's the people that make it special. The fish are great, don't get me wrong, but it's the community that keeps me coming back year after year.
To every angler who shared information, helped a newcomer learn the ropes, or practiced good conservation—thank you. You're what makes this work. To the tackle shops, the charter captains, the party boat crews, and everyone else who keeps this fishery alive—you're appreciated more than you know.
Special shout-out to Cortes Outfitters and all the guides who put clients on fish day in and day out. You're not just catching fish—you're creating memories and building the next generation of anglers. That matters.
And to every one of you reading this: whether you're a grizzled veteran or a rookie just learning the game, you're part of this community. You belong here. Keep fishing, keep learning, and keep passing it on.
LESSONS FROM THE WATER
Forty-plus years of fishing has taught me a lot. It's taught me patience, persistence, and respect for the resource. It's taught me that the best anglers are the ones who share what they know. It's taught me that conditions change, fish move, and you gotta adapt or you'll get skunked.
But most importantly, it's taught me that fishing is about more than catching fish. It's about the sunrise over the East River, the sound of the city waking up around you, the feel of a big fish pulling drag, and the camaraderie of fellow anglers who understand why you do this.
The Harbor's been good to me. Real good. And I hope it's been good to you too.
WINTER PLANS
For those of you who fish year-round, there will still be opportunities. A few hardy stripers will stick around the warm-water areas. Some blackfish will be available in deeper water. But for most of us, it's time to shift gears.
Clean your reels. Organize your tackle. Fix what's broken. Plan your trips for next year. Read some fishing reports from other regions. Learn new techniques. And most importantly, spend time with your family. They put up with us disappearing at all hours to chase fish—make sure they know they're appreciated.
Winter is when we recharge. It's when we remember why we love this, and it's when we start counting down the days until spring.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
To all of you and your families, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year. May your holidays be filled with warmth, good food, and time with the people you love.
Stay safe out there. Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and remember what's important. Life's short—make it count.
TONY'S FINAL WORD
Look, I've been doing this for over 40 years, and I'm telling you—this community is special. You're special. Every one of you who gets out there, respects the resource, and keeps the tradition alive—you're doing something important.
Thank you for reading these reports. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for being part of this community. It's been an honor.
The Harbor will be here waiting when we come back in the spring. The fish will return, the seasons will turn, and we'll be out there again, doing what we love.
Until then, stay warm, stay safe, and keep your lines tight. I'll see you when the water warms up and the stripers come back.
FROM THE HEART
I'm a retired FDNY guy. I've seen a lot in my life—good and bad. But some of my best memories are on these waters, fishing with friends, teaching kids how to cast, and watching the sun come up over the city. This is what it's all about.
Thank you for letting me share my knowledge with you. Thank you for being part of this journey. And thank you for keeping the spirit of Harbor fishing alive.
Stay safe, fish hard, and remember—the best time to go fishing is whenever you can.
Until spring,
Captain Tony
Retired FDNY, Full-Time Harbor Rat
---
These reports will resume in April 2026 when the spring fishing season begins. Wishing everyone a safe and happy off-season.
