Susie Angler
Administrator
New York Saltwater Fishing Report - July 17, 2025
Comprehensive Daily Analysis
Report Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Report Time: 6:09 AM EDT
Author: Manus AI
Coverage Area: New York Saltwater - Hudson River to Montauk Point
Executive Summary
Today presents excellent fishing opportunities across New York's saltwater venues, with a convergence of favorable conditions creating prime windows for both recreational and charter fishing activities. The combination of optimal solunar periods coinciding with productive tide phases, coupled with stable marine weather conditions and active baitfish populations, establishes July 17th as a standout day for targeting multiple species.
Current marine conditions feature light to moderate winds with manageable sea states, though a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for offshore waters from Moriches Inlet to Montauk Point due to sustained winds of 15-20 knots and seas building to 3-4 feet.
The astronomical factors align favorably today, with a Waning Gibbous moon at 56.2% illumination creating moderate light conditions. The solunar calendar indicates two major feeding periods - 6:09-8:09 AM and 6:33-8:33 PM - both strategically positioned to coincide with optimal tidal phases.
Marine Conditions and Tidal Analysis
Current Weather and Sea State
Western Long Island Sound (ANZ335) experiences the most favorable conditions, with winds from the southwest at 10-15 knots creating gentle chop. Water temperatures have stabilized in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit.
New York Harbor (ANZ338) benefits from natural wind protection, with current conditions showing light variable winds and minimal wave action.
Offshore Waters (ANZ350) present more challenging but potentially rewarding conditions with sustained southwest winds of 15-20 knots.
Tidal Dynamics
Morning Low Tide (7:47 AM - 0.20 feet) coincides perfectly with the primary solunar major period (6:09-8:09 AM), creating optimal conditions for structure fishing.
Afternoon High Tide (2:04 PM - 5.21 feet) represents the day's highest water level, flooding shallow flats and back-bay areas.
Evening Low Tide (8:41 PM - 0.83 feet) aligns closely with the second major solunar period (6:33-8:33 PM).
Regional Fishing Reports
Western Long Island Sound and New York Harbor
Port Washington and Manhasset Bay - The Angler Fleet reports sustained fluke activity with "plenty of action for anglers of all experience levels, with a solid showing of shorts and a steady pick of quality keepers hitting the deck." Porgy populations have increased significantly.
Northport and Centerport Areas - Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle reports "there are still bass around being caught on flies, topwaters, and live bait," with live spot producing "big fish."
Smithtown Bay and Central Sound - Captain Dave Flanagan of North Island Fly reports exceptional conditions with "bunker finally making their way into Long Island Sound in bigger numbers."
South Shore Ocean and Bay Systems
Jamaica Bay and Brooklyn Waters - Cortes Outfitters reports "bluefishing continues to be good, with blitzes occurring around Jamaica Bay everyday."
Freeport and South Shore Inlets - Gypsea Charters reports "very good" fluke fishing with "lots of action each trip" and averages of "anywhere between 20 and 40 keepers on most trips."
Offshore Waters and Montauk Point Region
Montauk Point and Eastern Offshore Zones - Recent offshore tuna activity demonstrates exceptional potential. Tom Truehart's successful nearshore tuna expedition resulted in encounters with "large schools of bluefin pushing water on the surface."
Corazon Fishing Charters reports that "tuna and sea bass are dominating the season to date."
Species-Specific Analysis
Striped Bass
- Large adults (28+ inches) established in deeper waters, requiring natural presentations
- Slot-size fish (28-35 inches) showing consistent activity across diverse environments
- School fish (under 28 inches) providing excellent action with artificial lures
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
- Exceptional abundance and size distribution across NY waters
- Recent 8-pound fish caught by Gypsea Charters demonstrates trophy potential
- Consistent keeper production from multiple charter operations
Sea Bass
- Strong abundance around appropriate habitat
- Reports of "nonstop action on the local wrecks and rock piles"
Tactical Recommendations
Optimal Timing
Primary Window (6:09-8:09 AM): Most productive period combining major solunar period with morning low tide
Secondary Window (6:33-8:33 PM): Evening opportunity with major solunar period and low tide
Species-Specific Strategies
Striped Bass:
- Live bait presentations using spot, eels, or bunker chunks for larger fish
- S&S Rock Hopper bucktails worked through entire water column
- Free fall to bottom technique with vertical jigging action
Fluke:
- Focus on "sticky bottom" areas with current flow
- Bucktail and soft plastic combinations
- Maintain bottom contact while creating natural movement
Sea Bass:
- Vertical jigging techniques around specific structure
- Precise positioning relative to structure
Three-Day Forecast
Friday, July 18: Excellent conditions - Southwest winds 10-15 knots, seas 2-3 feet. Small Craft Advisory likely lifted.
Saturday, July 19: Very good to excellent - Light variable winds, seas 1-2 feet. Calm conditions allow access to all areas.
Sunday, July 20: Good to very good - Southeast winds 5-15 knots, possible afternoon thunderstorms. Morning periods best.
Conservation Notes
Practice proper release techniques and use circle hooks when fishing with natural baits.
Conclusion
July 17, 2025, presents exceptional fishing opportunities across New York's saltwater fishing venues. The alignment of major solunar periods with productive tidal phases, combined with stable marine weather and active baitfish populations, establishes today as a standout fishing day.
Priority Recommendations:
- Target early morning period (6:09-8:09 AM) for most productive fishing
- Focus on structure fishing during low tide periods
- Take advantage of evening period (6:33-8:33 PM) for additional opportunities
The three-day forecast indicates continued favorable conditions with gradually improving weather.
Report compiled using data current as of 6:09 AM EDT, July 17, 2025
Next update scheduled for July 18, 2025
Comprehensive Daily Analysis
Report Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Report Time: 6:09 AM EDT
Author: Manus AI
Coverage Area: New York Saltwater - Hudson River to Montauk Point
Executive Summary
Today presents excellent fishing opportunities across New York's saltwater venues, with a convergence of favorable conditions creating prime windows for both recreational and charter fishing activities. The combination of optimal solunar periods coinciding with productive tide phases, coupled with stable marine weather conditions and active baitfish populations, establishes July 17th as a standout day for targeting multiple species.
Current marine conditions feature light to moderate winds with manageable sea states, though a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for offshore waters from Moriches Inlet to Montauk Point due to sustained winds of 15-20 knots and seas building to 3-4 feet.
The astronomical factors align favorably today, with a Waning Gibbous moon at 56.2% illumination creating moderate light conditions. The solunar calendar indicates two major feeding periods - 6:09-8:09 AM and 6:33-8:33 PM - both strategically positioned to coincide with optimal tidal phases.
Marine Conditions and Tidal Analysis
Current Weather and Sea State
Western Long Island Sound (ANZ335) experiences the most favorable conditions, with winds from the southwest at 10-15 knots creating gentle chop. Water temperatures have stabilized in the upper 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit.
New York Harbor (ANZ338) benefits from natural wind protection, with current conditions showing light variable winds and minimal wave action.
Offshore Waters (ANZ350) present more challenging but potentially rewarding conditions with sustained southwest winds of 15-20 knots.
Tidal Dynamics
Morning Low Tide (7:47 AM - 0.20 feet) coincides perfectly with the primary solunar major period (6:09-8:09 AM), creating optimal conditions for structure fishing.
Afternoon High Tide (2:04 PM - 5.21 feet) represents the day's highest water level, flooding shallow flats and back-bay areas.
Evening Low Tide (8:41 PM - 0.83 feet) aligns closely with the second major solunar period (6:33-8:33 PM).
Regional Fishing Reports
Western Long Island Sound and New York Harbor
Port Washington and Manhasset Bay - The Angler Fleet reports sustained fluke activity with "plenty of action for anglers of all experience levels, with a solid showing of shorts and a steady pick of quality keepers hitting the deck." Porgy populations have increased significantly.
Northport and Centerport Areas - Cow Harbor Bait and Tackle reports "there are still bass around being caught on flies, topwaters, and live bait," with live spot producing "big fish."
Smithtown Bay and Central Sound - Captain Dave Flanagan of North Island Fly reports exceptional conditions with "bunker finally making their way into Long Island Sound in bigger numbers."
South Shore Ocean and Bay Systems
Jamaica Bay and Brooklyn Waters - Cortes Outfitters reports "bluefishing continues to be good, with blitzes occurring around Jamaica Bay everyday."
Freeport and South Shore Inlets - Gypsea Charters reports "very good" fluke fishing with "lots of action each trip" and averages of "anywhere between 20 and 40 keepers on most trips."
Offshore Waters and Montauk Point Region
Montauk Point and Eastern Offshore Zones - Recent offshore tuna activity demonstrates exceptional potential. Tom Truehart's successful nearshore tuna expedition resulted in encounters with "large schools of bluefin pushing water on the surface."
Corazon Fishing Charters reports that "tuna and sea bass are dominating the season to date."
Species-Specific Analysis
Striped Bass
- Large adults (28+ inches) established in deeper waters, requiring natural presentations
- Slot-size fish (28-35 inches) showing consistent activity across diverse environments
- School fish (under 28 inches) providing excellent action with artificial lures
Fluke (Summer Flounder)
- Exceptional abundance and size distribution across NY waters
- Recent 8-pound fish caught by Gypsea Charters demonstrates trophy potential
- Consistent keeper production from multiple charter operations
Sea Bass
- Strong abundance around appropriate habitat
- Reports of "nonstop action on the local wrecks and rock piles"
Tactical Recommendations
Optimal Timing
Primary Window (6:09-8:09 AM): Most productive period combining major solunar period with morning low tide
Secondary Window (6:33-8:33 PM): Evening opportunity with major solunar period and low tide
Species-Specific Strategies
Striped Bass:
- Live bait presentations using spot, eels, or bunker chunks for larger fish
- S&S Rock Hopper bucktails worked through entire water column
- Free fall to bottom technique with vertical jigging action
Fluke:
- Focus on "sticky bottom" areas with current flow
- Bucktail and soft plastic combinations
- Maintain bottom contact while creating natural movement
Sea Bass:
- Vertical jigging techniques around specific structure
- Precise positioning relative to structure
Three-Day Forecast
Friday, July 18: Excellent conditions - Southwest winds 10-15 knots, seas 2-3 feet. Small Craft Advisory likely lifted.
Saturday, July 19: Very good to excellent - Light variable winds, seas 1-2 feet. Calm conditions allow access to all areas.
Sunday, July 20: Good to very good - Southeast winds 5-15 knots, possible afternoon thunderstorms. Morning periods best.
Conservation Notes
- Striped Bass: Slot limit - keep 28-35 inches, release under 28" and over 35"
- Fluke: 19-inch minimum, 4-fish bag limit
- Sea Bass: Check current regulations for seasonal closures and size limits
Practice proper release techniques and use circle hooks when fishing with natural baits.
Conclusion
July 17, 2025, presents exceptional fishing opportunities across New York's saltwater fishing venues. The alignment of major solunar periods with productive tidal phases, combined with stable marine weather and active baitfish populations, establishes today as a standout fishing day.
Priority Recommendations:
- Target early morning period (6:09-8:09 AM) for most productive fishing
- Focus on structure fishing during low tide periods
- Take advantage of evening period (6:33-8:33 PM) for additional opportunities
The three-day forecast indicates continued favorable conditions with gradually improving weather.
Report compiled using data current as of 6:09 AM EDT, July 17, 2025
Next update scheduled for July 18, 2025
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