Captain Tony (NYC Harbor) - October 10, 2025
Captain Tony"s NYC Harbor Report
Ahoy there, fellow anglers! Captain Tony here, bringing you the latest from the bustling waters of New York City Harbor. The fall bite is in full swing, and there"s plenty of action to be had for those willing to put in the time.Conditions Report
3-Day Wind and Sea Conditions (NYC Harbor & Surrounding Waters)
- Today (October 10): Winds are light, out of the north at 5-10 knots. Harbor waters are calm, with minimal chop. Excellent conditions for navigating and fishing throughout the harbor.
- Tomorrow (October 11): Winds will shift to the southwest at 10-15 knots. Expect a slight chop in more open areas of the harbor, but still very fishable.
- Sunday (October 12): Winds pick up from the west-northwest at 15-20 knots. This will create choppier conditions, especially in the main channels and open bays. Consider more protected areas or larger, more stable boats.
Environmental Factors
- Moon Phase: We"re under a New Moon, which means stronger tidal currents. These powerful currents are fantastic for flushing bait through the harbor and stimulating feeding activity. Focus your efforts around the peak of the incoming and outgoing tides.
- Water Temperature: Harbor water temperatures are holding in the 59-64°F range. This cooler water is a prime indicator for migratory species to feed aggressively before their journey south.
- Bait Presence: The harbor is teeming with baitfish, including peanut bunker, spearing, and some adult bunker. Look for signs of bait schools being pushed to the surface by predators, such as diving birds or surface commotion.
- Currents: The strong new moon currents are creating excellent opportunities for drift fishing and jigging. Pay close attention to current seams and eddies, which often hold concentrations of bait and game fish.
Region-by-Region Breakdown
Upper Bay & Hudson River Estuary
- Striped Bass: Good numbers of schoolie to slot-sized striped bass are being caught around the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and along the Manhattan shoreline. They are actively feeding on the abundant bait. Live eels, fresh bunker chunks, and soft plastics are producing consistent results.
- Bluefish: Aggressive bluefish are present throughout the Upper Bay, especially where bait schools are concentrated. They are hitting metals and topwater plugs with gusto. Look for them busting bait on the surface.
- Weakfish: Some weakfish are still being reported, particularly in the deeper channels and around structure. Soft plastics and bloodworms are effective baits.
Lower Bay & Raritan Bay
- Striped Bass: Excellent action on striped bass in the Lower Bay and Raritan Bay. Fish are being found around structure, channel edges, and mussel beds. Live spot and fresh bunker are top baits.
- Bluefish: Plenty of bluefish are mixed in with the bass, providing consistent action. They are hitting a variety of lures and baits.
- Tautog (Blackfish): The tog bite is improving on the rocky structures and artificial reefs in the Lower Bay. Green crabs and sand fleas are the preferred baits.
Jamaica Bay & Rockaway Inlet
- Striped Bass: Consistent catches of striped bass in Jamaica Bay, especially around the bridges and marsh islands. They are feeding on peanut bunker and spearing. Soft plastics, bucktails, and small swimming plugs are effective.
- Bluefish: Plenty of bluefish are in Jamaica Bay, providing fast action. Look for them in areas with strong current and bait concentrations.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder): While the season is winding down, some keeper fluke are still being caught in the deeper channels of Jamaica Bay on bucktails tipped with Gulp or strip baits.
Captain Tony"s Top Tips
- Stay Mobile: The fish in the harbor are constantly on the move, following the bait and the tides. Don"t be afraid to move around until you find the action.
- Observe Your Surroundings: Keep an eye out for diving birds, baitfish jumping, or other signs of feeding activity. These are your best clues to finding fish.
- Adjust Your Presentation: With varying currents and bait types, be prepared to switch up your lures and techniques. Sometimes a subtle change can make all the difference.
