Salty Sal's Complete Long Island Sound Report - November 25, 2025
Well folks, we're in that sweet spot where the die-hards separate from the fair-weather crowd. The water's cold, the wind's been howling, and if you're still out here chasing fish, you've earned your stripes. Let me tell you what's happening on the Sound right now.
Current Conditions & What's Driving the Bite
The Western Sound is still holding plenty of striped bass, though I'll be straight with you—the fish are getting smaller as we push deeper into late November. We're seeing blitzes, sure, but the average size is trending down. The nighttime missions are downright frigid, but if you can handle the cold, the fish are still there. The key factor right now is the bait concentration. We've got bunker pods scattered along the shoreline, and where you find bunker tight to structure, you'll find bass.
Water temps are hovering in the upper 40s to low 50s depending on location, and that's pushing fish into predictable patterns. The moon phase just passed new, and we're building toward the full moon on December 4th. That means tidal flow is moderate right now, but it'll strengthen over the next week. Fish are using current breaks and structure to ambush bait, especially around bridges and rocky points.
The weather pattern has been dominated by persistent westerlies, and we've got a significant blow coming Wednesday night into Thanksgiving. Small Craft Advisory is already posted for Wednesday evening through late Wednesday night, with west winds hitting 20-25 knots gusting to 30. Thursday through Friday will see sustained winds of 25-30 knots. If you're planning to fish the holiday weekend, Tuesday and Wednesday morning are your windows. Saturday looks like the first real improvement.
The Blackfish Bite - Where the Real Action Is
Let's talk tautog, because this is where the consistent action is right now. The blackfish have moved deep—we're talking 40 to 60 feet of water. You can still try jigs in the shallows, but the heart of the action is on deep structure. Charter boats out of Port Washington are reporting excellent fishing with keepers up to 9-10 pounds mixed in with plenty of shorts. The Angler Fleet is saying the bite has been consistent with fish up to 6.5 pounds, though they're noting that bass are officially "not worth the squeeze" at this point.
The preferred setup is a single-hook bottom rig with green crabs. Both conventional rigs and jigs are producing, and interestingly, the bite is getting better as the water continues to cool. The fish are feeding aggressively before they become lethargic in the deeper cold of December. You've got maybe another week to ten days of prime togging before the fish slow down significantly.
Target rocky structure, wrecks, and mussel beds in that 40-60 foot range. The Execution Rocks area, Stepping Stones, and the deeper reefs off Westchester have all been productive. Tide doesn't seem to matter as much right now—fish are biting on slack and moving water alike. That tells me they're in feeding mode, not just opportunistically picking at baits.
Striped Bass - The Twilight of the Season
The striper bite in the Western Sound is still viable, but you need to adjust expectations. We're not seeing the 30-40 pound cows like we were three weeks ago. The fish are ranging from schoolies up to mid-20s, with the occasional better fish mixed in. The blitzes are happening, but they're smaller fish—rats and small keepers.
Weighted soft plastics are working well, especially in white, chartreuse, and bunker patterns. Live eels remain deadly, particularly on the bridges during nighttime outgoing tides. The Throgs Neck, Whitestone, and Triborough bridges are all producing. Fish the shadow lines and current breaks. The bass are staging on the down-current side of structure, waiting for bait to wash through.
Birds are still your best friend for locating active fish. When you see diving terns or gulls working, get there fast. The blitzes are short-lived right now—maybe 15-20 minutes of hot action before the fish sound. Have your rods ready and don't waste time.
Harbor Intelligence - Squid Are In
Here's something interesting: there are tons of squid in the harbor right now, and that means bass fishing should be solid for anyone willing to work the deeper harbor areas. Most folks are wrapping up their season, but if you've got squid jigs and the willingness to fish in the cold, there's opportunity here. The squid are concentrated around the deeper channels and near structure. Bass will be feeding on them, especially during low-light periods.
Regional Breakdown
Western Sound (Throgs Neck to Execution Rocks):
Striped bass action continues on bridges and rocky points. Nighttime is best. Blackfish on deep structure 40-60 feet. Green crabs essential.
Central Sound (Port Washington to Huntington):
Blackfish is the primary game. Angler Fleet reporting consistent action. Target wrecks and rocky bottom in 50+ feet. Stripers scattered but smaller fish.
Eastern Sound (Eaton's Neck to Orient Point):
Striper blitzes still occurring but fish size declining. Birds will show you the way. Blackfish on deeper reefs and structure. Water clarity good.
Connecticut Shore:
Similar pattern—blackfish deep, stripers scattered. The 28C area has been holding some big togs. Focus on 30-50 foot structure with good current flow.
Three-Day Forecast & Fishability
Tuesday, November 26:
South winds 5-10 knots, seas 1 foot or less. Rain likely in afternoon. This is a fishable day—get out if you can. Morning will be best before the rain moves in. Blackfish bite should be strong. Striper action possible on early outgoing tide.
Fishability: 7/10
Wednesday, November 27:
Southwest winds 5-10 knots in the morning, but building through the day. Rain likely. Small Craft Advisory takes effect in the evening with west winds ramping to 20-25 knots gusting 30 by nightfall. Fish the morning, be off the water by afternoon.
Fishability: 6/10 (morning only)
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving):
West winds 20-25 knots gusting to 30, seas 2-4 feet occasionally to 5 feet. This is a blow. Stay home, eat turkey, watch football. Not worth the risk.
Fishability: 2/10 (protected areas only for the desperate)
Salty Sal's Tactical Recommendations
1. Blackfish Priority: If you're going out, target tautog. This is the most consistent bite right now. Deep structure, green crabs, single-hook rigs. Don't overthink it.
2. Timing is Everything: Tuesday and Wednesday morning are your windows before the big blow. Don't wait—conditions deteriorate fast Wednesday afternoon.
3. Striper Strategy: Focus on nighttime bridge fishing with live eels or large soft plastics. The daytime blitzes are hit-or-miss and the fish are smaller. If you want a shot at a better fish, fish the dark.
4. Bait Matters: Green crabs for blackfish are non-negotiable. For stripers, match the hatch—if bunker are around, use bunker chunks or bunker-pattern lures. If sand eels are present, downsize your presentation.
5. Safety First: This wind event Wednesday night through Friday is serious. Seas will build to 3-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet. Even protected areas will be uncomfortable. Don't be a hero.
The Bottom Line
We're in the late season grind, and the fishing reflects that. The blackfish bite is excellent and will remain so for another week or two. The striper bite is fading but still viable if you're willing to work for it. The weather is about to get nasty for several days, so plan accordingly.
If you're reading this on Tuesday, get out and fish. If you're reading this Wednesday, fish the morning and get off the water by early afternoon. If you're reading this Thursday or Friday, stay home and be thankful you're not getting beaten up on the Sound.
The season's winding down, but there's still fish to be caught. Dress warm, fish smart, and make it count.
Tight lines and stay safe out there.
— Salty Sal
Well folks, we're in that sweet spot where the die-hards separate from the fair-weather crowd. The water's cold, the wind's been howling, and if you're still out here chasing fish, you've earned your stripes. Let me tell you what's happening on the Sound right now.
Current Conditions & What's Driving the Bite
The Western Sound is still holding plenty of striped bass, though I'll be straight with you—the fish are getting smaller as we push deeper into late November. We're seeing blitzes, sure, but the average size is trending down. The nighttime missions are downright frigid, but if you can handle the cold, the fish are still there. The key factor right now is the bait concentration. We've got bunker pods scattered along the shoreline, and where you find bunker tight to structure, you'll find bass.
Water temps are hovering in the upper 40s to low 50s depending on location, and that's pushing fish into predictable patterns. The moon phase just passed new, and we're building toward the full moon on December 4th. That means tidal flow is moderate right now, but it'll strengthen over the next week. Fish are using current breaks and structure to ambush bait, especially around bridges and rocky points.
The weather pattern has been dominated by persistent westerlies, and we've got a significant blow coming Wednesday night into Thanksgiving. Small Craft Advisory is already posted for Wednesday evening through late Wednesday night, with west winds hitting 20-25 knots gusting to 30. Thursday through Friday will see sustained winds of 25-30 knots. If you're planning to fish the holiday weekend, Tuesday and Wednesday morning are your windows. Saturday looks like the first real improvement.
The Blackfish Bite - Where the Real Action Is
Let's talk tautog, because this is where the consistent action is right now. The blackfish have moved deep—we're talking 40 to 60 feet of water. You can still try jigs in the shallows, but the heart of the action is on deep structure. Charter boats out of Port Washington are reporting excellent fishing with keepers up to 9-10 pounds mixed in with plenty of shorts. The Angler Fleet is saying the bite has been consistent with fish up to 6.5 pounds, though they're noting that bass are officially "not worth the squeeze" at this point.
The preferred setup is a single-hook bottom rig with green crabs. Both conventional rigs and jigs are producing, and interestingly, the bite is getting better as the water continues to cool. The fish are feeding aggressively before they become lethargic in the deeper cold of December. You've got maybe another week to ten days of prime togging before the fish slow down significantly.
Target rocky structure, wrecks, and mussel beds in that 40-60 foot range. The Execution Rocks area, Stepping Stones, and the deeper reefs off Westchester have all been productive. Tide doesn't seem to matter as much right now—fish are biting on slack and moving water alike. That tells me they're in feeding mode, not just opportunistically picking at baits.
Striped Bass - The Twilight of the Season
The striper bite in the Western Sound is still viable, but you need to adjust expectations. We're not seeing the 30-40 pound cows like we were three weeks ago. The fish are ranging from schoolies up to mid-20s, with the occasional better fish mixed in. The blitzes are happening, but they're smaller fish—rats and small keepers.
Weighted soft plastics are working well, especially in white, chartreuse, and bunker patterns. Live eels remain deadly, particularly on the bridges during nighttime outgoing tides. The Throgs Neck, Whitestone, and Triborough bridges are all producing. Fish the shadow lines and current breaks. The bass are staging on the down-current side of structure, waiting for bait to wash through.
Birds are still your best friend for locating active fish. When you see diving terns or gulls working, get there fast. The blitzes are short-lived right now—maybe 15-20 minutes of hot action before the fish sound. Have your rods ready and don't waste time.
Harbor Intelligence - Squid Are In
Here's something interesting: there are tons of squid in the harbor right now, and that means bass fishing should be solid for anyone willing to work the deeper harbor areas. Most folks are wrapping up their season, but if you've got squid jigs and the willingness to fish in the cold, there's opportunity here. The squid are concentrated around the deeper channels and near structure. Bass will be feeding on them, especially during low-light periods.
Regional Breakdown
Western Sound (Throgs Neck to Execution Rocks):
Striped bass action continues on bridges and rocky points. Nighttime is best. Blackfish on deep structure 40-60 feet. Green crabs essential.
Central Sound (Port Washington to Huntington):
Blackfish is the primary game. Angler Fleet reporting consistent action. Target wrecks and rocky bottom in 50+ feet. Stripers scattered but smaller fish.
Eastern Sound (Eaton's Neck to Orient Point):
Striper blitzes still occurring but fish size declining. Birds will show you the way. Blackfish on deeper reefs and structure. Water clarity good.
Connecticut Shore:
Similar pattern—blackfish deep, stripers scattered. The 28C area has been holding some big togs. Focus on 30-50 foot structure with good current flow.
Three-Day Forecast & Fishability
Tuesday, November 26:
South winds 5-10 knots, seas 1 foot or less. Rain likely in afternoon. This is a fishable day—get out if you can. Morning will be best before the rain moves in. Blackfish bite should be strong. Striper action possible on early outgoing tide.
Fishability: 7/10
Wednesday, November 27:
Southwest winds 5-10 knots in the morning, but building through the day. Rain likely. Small Craft Advisory takes effect in the evening with west winds ramping to 20-25 knots gusting 30 by nightfall. Fish the morning, be off the water by afternoon.
Fishability: 6/10 (morning only)
Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving):
West winds 20-25 knots gusting to 30, seas 2-4 feet occasionally to 5 feet. This is a blow. Stay home, eat turkey, watch football. Not worth the risk.
Fishability: 2/10 (protected areas only for the desperate)
Salty Sal's Tactical Recommendations
1. Blackfish Priority: If you're going out, target tautog. This is the most consistent bite right now. Deep structure, green crabs, single-hook rigs. Don't overthink it.
2. Timing is Everything: Tuesday and Wednesday morning are your windows before the big blow. Don't wait—conditions deteriorate fast Wednesday afternoon.
3. Striper Strategy: Focus on nighttime bridge fishing with live eels or large soft plastics. The daytime blitzes are hit-or-miss and the fish are smaller. If you want a shot at a better fish, fish the dark.
4. Bait Matters: Green crabs for blackfish are non-negotiable. For stripers, match the hatch—if bunker are around, use bunker chunks or bunker-pattern lures. If sand eels are present, downsize your presentation.
5. Safety First: This wind event Wednesday night through Friday is serious. Seas will build to 3-5 feet occasionally to 6 feet. Even protected areas will be uncomfortable. Don't be a hero.
The Bottom Line
We're in the late season grind, and the fishing reflects that. The blackfish bite is excellent and will remain so for another week or two. The striper bite is fading but still viable if you're willing to work for it. The weather is about to get nasty for several days, so plan accordingly.
If you're reading this on Tuesday, get out and fish. If you're reading this Wednesday, fish the morning and get off the water by early afternoon. If you're reading this Thursday or Friday, stay home and be thankful you're not getting beaten up on the Sound.
The season's winding down, but there's still fish to be caught. Dress warm, fish smart, and make it count.
Tight lines and stay safe out there.
— Salty Sal
