Hey there, fellow anglers! Salty Sal here with your comprehensive Long Island Sound fishing intelligence. After 47 years working these waters from the Throgs Neck all the way out to Orient Point, I've got the inside scoop on what's happening across our entire Sound.
**OVERALL SOUND CONDITIONS & ASSESSMENT**
The Sound is showing classic late September patterns right now, and I'm seeing some of the best mixed-bag fishing we've had all season. Water temps are holding steady in the mid-60s, which is keeping both the summer holdovers and early fall arrivals active. My buddy at Tight Lines Tackle tells me they're moving more variety of baits this week than they have since spring - always a good sign that the fish are cooperating.
Had a great conversation with Captain Mike from City Island yesterday, and he's seeing the same thing I am - the baitfish are thick, the water clarity is excellent, and we've got that perfect combination of cooling temps and active feeding that makes this time of year so special.
**WESTERN SOUND WATERS**
**1. Throgs Neck Bridge Area**
The western gateway to our Sound is fishing surprisingly well for this time of year. I've been working the deeper channels on both the Bronx and Queens sides, and the striped bass action has been consistent. Yesterday morning, I pulled three keeper stripers between 28 and 32 inches using live bunker in the 25-30 foot depths. The key is getting your baits down into that cooler water column where the fish are holding.
The fluke bite here is winding down but still producing. I'm finding the better fish on the edges of the shipping channel, particularly on the incoming tide. Bucktails with Gulp! trailers in white or chartreuse are getting the job done. Don't overlook the blackfish potential here either - the structure around the bridge supports is holding some nice tog, though you'll need to be patient and use green crabs.
**2. City Island Waters**
This has been my home base for decades, and I can tell you the fishing around City Island is as good as I've seen it in years. The harbor area is loaded with snapper blues - perfect for getting the kids excited about fishing. I'm seeing schools of them from the marina all the way out to the breakwater.
For the serious anglers, the striped bass fishing has been exceptional. I've been launching from Consolidated Yachts and working the deeper water off the eastern shore. Live eels fished on the bottom during the evening hours have been producing bass in the 30-40 inch range consistently. The guys at City Island Bait are telling me they can't keep live eels in stock - that should tell you something about how good this bite is.
The porgy fishing deserves special mention here. I found a school of jumbos yesterday in 35 feet of water using high-low rigs with clam baits. These weren't your typical 8-inch porgies - I'm talking about fish pushing 12-14 inches that put up a real fight.
**CENTRAL SOUND EXCELLENCE**
**3. Oyster Bay Region**
The protected waters of Oyster Bay continue to be one of my favorite spots for consistent action. The back bay areas are holding incredible numbers of weakfish right now - something we haven't seen in years. I'm using light tackle with small jigs and having a blast with these cooperative fish.
The fluke fishing in the bay mouth has been outstanding. I've been working the 15-20 foot depths with drift rigs, and the fish are responding well to fresh killies and squid strips. Had a memorable morning last week where I boated eight keeper fluke, including a beautiful 22-incher that made my day.
Don't sleep on the blackfish opportunities here either. The rocky areas and structure are holding some quality tog. I've been using green crabs on dropper rigs and finding fish in the 3-5 pound range. The bite is best during the slack tide periods when the fish can really examine your bait.
**4. Port Jefferson Harbor**
Port Jeff has been a real surprise this season. The harbor area is holding massive schools of snapper blues, and I mean massive. I watched a charter boat yesterday pull in over 100 snappers in just a couple hours using small metal jigs. It's that kind of action that reminds you why we love this sport.
The striped bass fishing outside the harbor has been world-class. I've been trolling umbrella rigs with surgical tubes in the 40-60 foot depths and connecting with fish regularly. The key is staying mobile and covering water until you find the active schools. When you find them, the action can be non-stop.
I've also been experimenting with live lining bunker in this area with excellent results. The bass seem to prefer the larger baits right now, and I'm seeing fish in the 35-45 inch range that are thick and healthy. These are the kind of fish that make all the early mornings worthwhile.
**EASTERN SOUND PARADISE**
**5. Mattituck Waters**
The North Fork area around Mattituck has been producing some of the most consistent fishing I've experienced all season. The combination of structure, current, and baitfish makes this area a real hotspot. I've been working the deeper channels and finding excellent mixed-bag action.
The fluke fishing here deserves special recognition. I'm finding fish in the 18-25 inch range using traditional drift techniques with bucktails and natural baits. The key is staying in that 20-30 foot depth range where the current creates the feeding opportunities these fish are looking for.
The striped bass action has been phenomenal as well. I've been using live eels during the evening hours and connecting with fish regularly. Last Tuesday, I had a session where I landed five bass between 32 and 38 inches - the kind of evening that reminds you why you've been doing this for nearly five decades.
**6. Orient Point - The Eastern Gateway**
Orient Point continues to be the crown jewel of Long Island Sound fishing. The combination of deep water, strong currents, and abundant baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply unmatched anywhere else in the Sound.
The striped bass fishing here has been absolutely incredible. I've been working the rips and drop-offs with live bunker and connecting with fish that are both large and numerous. Yesterday morning, I hooked into a bass that I'm confident was over 40 inches - unfortunately, she threw the hook at the boat, but that's fishing.
The fluke action at Orient Point has been equally impressive. I'm finding fish in the deeper water using heavy jigs and natural baits. The current here requires heavier tackle, but the payoff is worth it. I'm seeing fluke in the 20+ inch range with regularity, and the occasional doormat that makes your heart skip a beat.
**SPECIES INTELLIGENCE & REGIONAL ANALYSIS**
**Striped Bass:** The Sound-wide striper bite is the best I've seen in years. Fish are showing up in all size classes from schoolies to genuine trophies. Live bait is king right now - bunker, eels, and herring are all producing. The fish seem to be feeding heavily in preparation for their fall migration, which means they're less selective and more aggressive.
**Summer Flounder (Fluke):** While the season is winding down, the quality of fish available right now is exceptional. I'm seeing more keeper-sized fish than I have all summer. The key is fishing the deeper edges and drop-offs where the larger fish are holding. Drift fishing with bucktails and natural baits continues to be the most effective approach.
**Blackfish (Tautog):** The tog bite is just getting started, and early reports are very encouraging. The fish are moving into their fall feeding patterns, and the rocky structure throughout the Sound is holding good numbers. Green crabs remain the top bait, but don't overlook the effectiveness of Asian shore crabs in areas where they're abundant.
**Weakfish:** This has been the surprise species of the season. After years of poor fishing, the weakfish are showing up in numbers I haven't seen since the 1990s. They're responding well to light tackle and small jigs, providing some of the most fun fishing available right now.
**EQUIPMENT & TECHNIQUE RECOMMENDATIONS**
For the current conditions, I'm recommending medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle for most applications. A 7-foot rod with a quality spinning reel spooled with 20-30 pound braid provides the versatility needed for the mixed-bag fishing we're experiencing.
Live bait continues to be the most effective approach for striped bass. Bunker, eels, and herring are all producing, but presentation is critical. Make sure your baits are lively and your tackle is appropriate for the conditions you're fishing.
For fluke, traditional drift fishing techniques are proving most effective. Bucktails in the 1-3 ounce range tipped with natural baits are the go-to setup. Don't be afraid to experiment with colors - white, chartreuse, and pink have all been productive.
**FINAL ANALYSIS & PREDICTIONS**
After 47 years of fishing Long Island Sound, I can tell you that what we're experiencing right now is special. The combination of excellent water conditions, abundant baitfish, and cooperative fish makes this one of the best late September periods I can remember.
The cooling water temperatures are triggering the feeding responses we want to see, and the fish are responding predictably to traditional techniques. This is the time of year when experience pays dividends, and understanding the seasonal patterns becomes crucial.
Looking ahead, I expect the fishing to remain excellent through October. The striped bass will continue to feed heavily as they prepare for their southern migration, and the blackfish bite will only improve as we move deeper into fall. The key is staying flexible and being willing to adapt to changing conditions.
My advice to fellow anglers is simple: get out there and take advantage of what the Sound is offering right now. These are the conditions we wait for all season, and they won't last forever. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, there's never been a better time to experience the magic of Long Island Sound fishing.
Remember, fishing is about more than just catching fish - it's about the connections we make, the stories we share, and the memories we create. After nearly five decades on these waters, I can tell you that the best fishing is always ahead of us.
Tight lines and good fishing!
Salty Sal
**OVERALL SOUND CONDITIONS & ASSESSMENT**
The Sound is showing classic late September patterns right now, and I'm seeing some of the best mixed-bag fishing we've had all season. Water temps are holding steady in the mid-60s, which is keeping both the summer holdovers and early fall arrivals active. My buddy at Tight Lines Tackle tells me they're moving more variety of baits this week than they have since spring - always a good sign that the fish are cooperating.
Had a great conversation with Captain Mike from City Island yesterday, and he's seeing the same thing I am - the baitfish are thick, the water clarity is excellent, and we've got that perfect combination of cooling temps and active feeding that makes this time of year so special.
**WESTERN SOUND WATERS**
**1. Throgs Neck Bridge Area**
The western gateway to our Sound is fishing surprisingly well for this time of year. I've been working the deeper channels on both the Bronx and Queens sides, and the striped bass action has been consistent. Yesterday morning, I pulled three keeper stripers between 28 and 32 inches using live bunker in the 25-30 foot depths. The key is getting your baits down into that cooler water column where the fish are holding.
The fluke bite here is winding down but still producing. I'm finding the better fish on the edges of the shipping channel, particularly on the incoming tide. Bucktails with Gulp! trailers in white or chartreuse are getting the job done. Don't overlook the blackfish potential here either - the structure around the bridge supports is holding some nice tog, though you'll need to be patient and use green crabs.
**2. City Island Waters**
This has been my home base for decades, and I can tell you the fishing around City Island is as good as I've seen it in years. The harbor area is loaded with snapper blues - perfect for getting the kids excited about fishing. I'm seeing schools of them from the marina all the way out to the breakwater.
For the serious anglers, the striped bass fishing has been exceptional. I've been launching from Consolidated Yachts and working the deeper water off the eastern shore. Live eels fished on the bottom during the evening hours have been producing bass in the 30-40 inch range consistently. The guys at City Island Bait are telling me they can't keep live eels in stock - that should tell you something about how good this bite is.
The porgy fishing deserves special mention here. I found a school of jumbos yesterday in 35 feet of water using high-low rigs with clam baits. These weren't your typical 8-inch porgies - I'm talking about fish pushing 12-14 inches that put up a real fight.
**CENTRAL SOUND EXCELLENCE**
**3. Oyster Bay Region**
The protected waters of Oyster Bay continue to be one of my favorite spots for consistent action. The back bay areas are holding incredible numbers of weakfish right now - something we haven't seen in years. I'm using light tackle with small jigs and having a blast with these cooperative fish.
The fluke fishing in the bay mouth has been outstanding. I've been working the 15-20 foot depths with drift rigs, and the fish are responding well to fresh killies and squid strips. Had a memorable morning last week where I boated eight keeper fluke, including a beautiful 22-incher that made my day.
Don't sleep on the blackfish opportunities here either. The rocky areas and structure are holding some quality tog. I've been using green crabs on dropper rigs and finding fish in the 3-5 pound range. The bite is best during the slack tide periods when the fish can really examine your bait.
**4. Port Jefferson Harbor**
Port Jeff has been a real surprise this season. The harbor area is holding massive schools of snapper blues, and I mean massive. I watched a charter boat yesterday pull in over 100 snappers in just a couple hours using small metal jigs. It's that kind of action that reminds you why we love this sport.
The striped bass fishing outside the harbor has been world-class. I've been trolling umbrella rigs with surgical tubes in the 40-60 foot depths and connecting with fish regularly. The key is staying mobile and covering water until you find the active schools. When you find them, the action can be non-stop.
I've also been experimenting with live lining bunker in this area with excellent results. The bass seem to prefer the larger baits right now, and I'm seeing fish in the 35-45 inch range that are thick and healthy. These are the kind of fish that make all the early mornings worthwhile.
**EASTERN SOUND PARADISE**
**5. Mattituck Waters**
The North Fork area around Mattituck has been producing some of the most consistent fishing I've experienced all season. The combination of structure, current, and baitfish makes this area a real hotspot. I've been working the deeper channels and finding excellent mixed-bag action.
The fluke fishing here deserves special recognition. I'm finding fish in the 18-25 inch range using traditional drift techniques with bucktails and natural baits. The key is staying in that 20-30 foot depth range where the current creates the feeding opportunities these fish are looking for.
The striped bass action has been phenomenal as well. I've been using live eels during the evening hours and connecting with fish regularly. Last Tuesday, I had a session where I landed five bass between 32 and 38 inches - the kind of evening that reminds you why you've been doing this for nearly five decades.
**6. Orient Point - The Eastern Gateway**
Orient Point continues to be the crown jewel of Long Island Sound fishing. The combination of deep water, strong currents, and abundant baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply unmatched anywhere else in the Sound.
The striped bass fishing here has been absolutely incredible. I've been working the rips and drop-offs with live bunker and connecting with fish that are both large and numerous. Yesterday morning, I hooked into a bass that I'm confident was over 40 inches - unfortunately, she threw the hook at the boat, but that's fishing.
The fluke action at Orient Point has been equally impressive. I'm finding fish in the deeper water using heavy jigs and natural baits. The current here requires heavier tackle, but the payoff is worth it. I'm seeing fluke in the 20+ inch range with regularity, and the occasional doormat that makes your heart skip a beat.
**SPECIES INTELLIGENCE & REGIONAL ANALYSIS**
**Striped Bass:** The Sound-wide striper bite is the best I've seen in years. Fish are showing up in all size classes from schoolies to genuine trophies. Live bait is king right now - bunker, eels, and herring are all producing. The fish seem to be feeding heavily in preparation for their fall migration, which means they're less selective and more aggressive.
**Summer Flounder (Fluke):** While the season is winding down, the quality of fish available right now is exceptional. I'm seeing more keeper-sized fish than I have all summer. The key is fishing the deeper edges and drop-offs where the larger fish are holding. Drift fishing with bucktails and natural baits continues to be the most effective approach.
**Blackfish (Tautog):** The tog bite is just getting started, and early reports are very encouraging. The fish are moving into their fall feeding patterns, and the rocky structure throughout the Sound is holding good numbers. Green crabs remain the top bait, but don't overlook the effectiveness of Asian shore crabs in areas where they're abundant.
**Weakfish:** This has been the surprise species of the season. After years of poor fishing, the weakfish are showing up in numbers I haven't seen since the 1990s. They're responding well to light tackle and small jigs, providing some of the most fun fishing available right now.
**EQUIPMENT & TECHNIQUE RECOMMENDATIONS**
For the current conditions, I'm recommending medium to medium-heavy spinning tackle for most applications. A 7-foot rod with a quality spinning reel spooled with 20-30 pound braid provides the versatility needed for the mixed-bag fishing we're experiencing.
Live bait continues to be the most effective approach for striped bass. Bunker, eels, and herring are all producing, but presentation is critical. Make sure your baits are lively and your tackle is appropriate for the conditions you're fishing.
For fluke, traditional drift fishing techniques are proving most effective. Bucktails in the 1-3 ounce range tipped with natural baits are the go-to setup. Don't be afraid to experiment with colors - white, chartreuse, and pink have all been productive.
**FINAL ANALYSIS & PREDICTIONS**
After 47 years of fishing Long Island Sound, I can tell you that what we're experiencing right now is special. The combination of excellent water conditions, abundant baitfish, and cooperative fish makes this one of the best late September periods I can remember.
The cooling water temperatures are triggering the feeding responses we want to see, and the fish are responding predictably to traditional techniques. This is the time of year when experience pays dividends, and understanding the seasonal patterns becomes crucial.
Looking ahead, I expect the fishing to remain excellent through October. The striped bass will continue to feed heavily as they prepare for their southern migration, and the blackfish bite will only improve as we move deeper into fall. The key is staying flexible and being willing to adapt to changing conditions.
My advice to fellow anglers is simple: get out there and take advantage of what the Sound is offering right now. These are the conditions we wait for all season, and they won't last forever. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, there's never been a better time to experience the magic of Long Island Sound fishing.
Remember, fishing is about more than just catching fish - it's about the connections we make, the stories we share, and the memories we create. After nearly five decades on these waters, I can tell you that the best fishing is always ahead of us.
Tight lines and good fishing!
Salty Sal
