# Salty Sal's Complete Long Island Sound Report
**September 25, 2025 - Sal's Comprehensive Sound Analysis**
Hey there, fellow Sound fishermen! Salty Sal here with your complete Long Island Sound fishing report. Been working these waters for 47 years now, and I've got to tell you - the Sound is looking real good right now. From the western reaches near Throgs Neck all the way out to Orient Point, there's fish to be caught if you know where to look.
## Opening & Overall Sound Conditions
Water temps are sitting pretty at 68-70 degrees, which is perfect for this time of year. Had a nice northeast blow earlier this week that stirred things up and pushed a lot of bait around. The clarity has improved dramatically since then, and I'm seeing good moving water on the tides. Barometric pressure has been stable, which always helps the bite.
The fall migration is definitely starting to show itself. I'm seeing more quality stripers moving through, and the bait - man, the bait is everywhere. Peanut bunker, silversides, bay anchovies - it's like a buffet out there for the fish.
## **Western Sound** (Throgs Neck to Oyster Bay)
### **Throgs Neck Bridge** (Position 1)
*Bridge fishing, current breaks, urban sound fishing*
Started my week at Throgs Neck at 5:30 AM Tuesday morning. You know how it is with bridge fishing - timing is everything. The current was moving nice, and I could see bait getting pushed around the pilings. Threw a 1-ounce bucktail with a white Gulp trailer and connected with a nice 26-inch striper on the third cast.
What I love about Throgs Neck is the accessibility. You can fish it from shore, and there's always something happening around those bridge pilings. The current breaks create perfect ambush points for stripers. Best times are the hour before and after tide changes. I've been doing well with bucktails, but live eels at night are absolutely deadly here.
Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends, but if you get there early, you'll find a spot. The key is fishing the up-current side of the pilings and letting your lure swing through the current break. I've caught everything from schoolie stripers to keeper fluke here.
### **City Island** (Position 2)
*Harbor fishing, marina access, protected waters*
City Island has been my go-to spot when the weather gets nasty. It's protected, there's good parking, and the fishing has been surprisingly consistent. The harbor holds a lot of bait, and the stripers know it.
Been launching my kayak from the public ramp and working the deeper sections near the channel. Water depth ranges from 15-30 feet, perfect for jigging. I've been using 3/4-ounce jigs with paddle tails, working them slow along the bottom. The porgies have been thick - I mean really thick. Caught my limit in under two hours last Saturday.
The marina area holds fish too. Don't overlook the docks and pilings. I've seen guys catch nice stripers right from the bulkhead using live eels. The key is being quiet and not spooking the fish. Early morning and evening are prime times, but I've caught fish here in the middle of the day too.
### **Oyster Bay Harbor** (Position 3)
*Bay fishing, oyster beds, shallow water techniques*
Oyster Bay has been producing some beautiful fluke lately. The oyster beds create perfect habitat, and the fish are fattening up for winter. I've been anchoring in 12-18 feet of water and using a high-low rig with squid and spearing.
The key to Oyster Bay is understanding the bottom structure. Those oyster beds are fish magnets, but you need to fish them carefully to avoid getting hung up. I use a lighter sinker and let the current do the work. The fluke here average 18-20 inches, with plenty of keepers mixed in.
Had a great day last Thursday - caught six keeper fluke and a bunch of sea bass. The sea bass have been aggressive lately, hitting anything that moves. I've been using small jigs tipped with clam or squid. The bite has been best on the incoming tide when the water is moving over the beds.
## **Central Sound** (Oyster Bay to Rocky Point)
### **Port Jefferson Harbor** (Position 4)
*Ferry terminal area, deep water access, structure fishing*
Port Jeff has been my secret weapon lately. The ferry terminal creates a lot of structure and current, and the fish love it. I've been fishing the deeper water near the channel, usually 25-35 feet.
The ferry schedule actually helps the fishing. When the ferry comes and goes, it stirs up the bottom and gets the bait moving. I time my fishing around the ferry runs and have had great success. Been using live eels at night for stripers and bucktails during the day.
Caught a beautiful 32-inch striper there Monday night. Was using a live eel on a fish finder rig, fishing near the ferry slip. The fish hit just as the ferry was pulling out - I think the prop wash triggered the bite. That's the kind of local knowledge that comes from 47 years on these waters.
The parking situation is good, and there's a nice tackle shop nearby if you need bait or gear. The locals are friendly and usually willing to share information. I've made some good friends fishing Port Jeff over the years.
## **Eastern Sound** (Rocky Point to Orient Point)
### **Mattituck Inlet** (Position 5)
*Inlet fishing, north fork access, wine country waters*
Mattituck has been producing some nice weakfish lately - something you don't see everywhere these days. The inlet creates a perfect funnel for bait, and the weakfish have been taking advantage. I've been using small jigs and soft plastics, working them slow in the current.
The north fork is beautiful country, and the fishing reflects that. The water is cleaner out here, and you can see the fish sometimes. I've been wading the inlet mouth at dawn and dusk, casting small lures to feeding fish. The action has been steady, not spectacular, but consistent.
What I love about Mattituck is the variety. You might catch stripers, weakfish, fluke, or even a doormat flounder. I always bring a variety of tackle because you never know what's going to hit. The local bait shop has good intel, and the guys there have been fishing these waters their whole lives.
### **Orient Point** (Position 6)
*Eastern terminus, ferry area, deep water fishing*
Orient Point is where the Sound meets the ocean, and you can feel the difference. The water is deeper, the current is stronger, and the fish are bigger. This is trophy striper water, especially in the fall.
Been fishing the rips near the ferry terminal with great success. The current creates perfect feeding zones, and the stripers stack up there. I use heavy jigs - 2-3 ounces - to get down in the current. The fish here average bigger than anywhere else in the Sound.
Had an epic morning there last week. Got there before dawn and worked the rips as the sun came up. Caught four stripers between 28-34 inches, all on bucktails. The key is reading the water and finding where the current breaks. The fish position themselves in the slack water and ambush bait getting swept by.
The ferry schedule can affect the fishing, but I've learned to work around it. Sometimes the ferry actually helps by moving bait around. It's all about adapting to the conditions and using your experience.
## **Species Intelligence Across All Areas**
**Striped Bass:** The fall migration is definitely underway. I'm seeing more quality fish - 26 inches and up - throughout the Sound. Best baits are live eels at night, bucktails and soft plastics during the day. The fish are feeding aggressively as they prepare for winter.
**Fluke:** Still catching good numbers, especially in the western and central Sound. The fish are fattening up and fighting hard. Squid and spearing on high-low rigs are producing best. Look for structure and moving water.
**Porgies:** Absolutely thick right now. You can catch your limit quickly if you find a good school. Small hooks, light tackle, and pieces of clam or squid. They're great eating and fun to catch.
**Sea Bass:** Aggressive and plentiful around any structure. Small jigs tipped with clam or squid are deadly. The size has been good - lots of keepers mixed in with the shorts.
**Weakfish:** Making a comeback in the eastern Sound. Small jigs and soft plastics worked slowly are best. These fish are spooky, so light tackle and quiet presentation are key.
## **Equipment & Technique Recommendations**
**Rods:** 7-8 foot medium action spinning rods for most Sound fishing. Go heavier (medium-heavy) for the eastern areas where current is stronger.
**Reels:** 3000-4000 size spinning reels with smooth drags. You'll be fighting fish in current, so a good drag is essential.
**Line:** 15-20 lb braid main line with 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader. The clear water demands invisible presentation.
**Lures:** Bucktails (1/2 to 2 oz depending on current), soft plastics (paddle tails and shads), small jigs for porgies and sea bass.
**Bait:** Live eels for night striper fishing, squid and spearing for fluke, clams for porgies and sea bass.
## **Final Analysis & Predictions**
The Long Island Sound is fishing as well as I've seen it in years. The combination of good water conditions, abundant bait, and migrating fish is creating excellent opportunities. The fall migration is just getting started, and I expect the fishing to get even better over the next few weeks.
Water temperatures are perfect, bait is everywhere, and the fish are aggressive. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone in the Sound right now. From the urban fishing near Throgs Neck to the trophy potential at Orient Point, every area is producing.
My advice? Get out there and fish. Don't wait for perfect conditions - they're here now. The Sound is loaded with fish, and they're ready to bite. Just remember to respect the resource, follow the regulations, and help keep our waters clean for future generations.
Tight lines and smooth sailing!
Salty Sal
---
*Posted via Fishing Reports System*
**September 25, 2025 - Sal's Comprehensive Sound Analysis**
Hey there, fellow Sound fishermen! Salty Sal here with your complete Long Island Sound fishing report. Been working these waters for 47 years now, and I've got to tell you - the Sound is looking real good right now. From the western reaches near Throgs Neck all the way out to Orient Point, there's fish to be caught if you know where to look.
## Opening & Overall Sound Conditions
Water temps are sitting pretty at 68-70 degrees, which is perfect for this time of year. Had a nice northeast blow earlier this week that stirred things up and pushed a lot of bait around. The clarity has improved dramatically since then, and I'm seeing good moving water on the tides. Barometric pressure has been stable, which always helps the bite.
The fall migration is definitely starting to show itself. I'm seeing more quality stripers moving through, and the bait - man, the bait is everywhere. Peanut bunker, silversides, bay anchovies - it's like a buffet out there for the fish.
## **Western Sound** (Throgs Neck to Oyster Bay)
### **Throgs Neck Bridge** (Position 1)
*Bridge fishing, current breaks, urban sound fishing*
Started my week at Throgs Neck at 5:30 AM Tuesday morning. You know how it is with bridge fishing - timing is everything. The current was moving nice, and I could see bait getting pushed around the pilings. Threw a 1-ounce bucktail with a white Gulp trailer and connected with a nice 26-inch striper on the third cast.
What I love about Throgs Neck is the accessibility. You can fish it from shore, and there's always something happening around those bridge pilings. The current breaks create perfect ambush points for stripers. Best times are the hour before and after tide changes. I've been doing well with bucktails, but live eels at night are absolutely deadly here.
Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends, but if you get there early, you'll find a spot. The key is fishing the up-current side of the pilings and letting your lure swing through the current break. I've caught everything from schoolie stripers to keeper fluke here.
### **City Island** (Position 2)
*Harbor fishing, marina access, protected waters*
City Island has been my go-to spot when the weather gets nasty. It's protected, there's good parking, and the fishing has been surprisingly consistent. The harbor holds a lot of bait, and the stripers know it.
Been launching my kayak from the public ramp and working the deeper sections near the channel. Water depth ranges from 15-30 feet, perfect for jigging. I've been using 3/4-ounce jigs with paddle tails, working them slow along the bottom. The porgies have been thick - I mean really thick. Caught my limit in under two hours last Saturday.
The marina area holds fish too. Don't overlook the docks and pilings. I've seen guys catch nice stripers right from the bulkhead using live eels. The key is being quiet and not spooking the fish. Early morning and evening are prime times, but I've caught fish here in the middle of the day too.
### **Oyster Bay Harbor** (Position 3)
*Bay fishing, oyster beds, shallow water techniques*
Oyster Bay has been producing some beautiful fluke lately. The oyster beds create perfect habitat, and the fish are fattening up for winter. I've been anchoring in 12-18 feet of water and using a high-low rig with squid and spearing.
The key to Oyster Bay is understanding the bottom structure. Those oyster beds are fish magnets, but you need to fish them carefully to avoid getting hung up. I use a lighter sinker and let the current do the work. The fluke here average 18-20 inches, with plenty of keepers mixed in.
Had a great day last Thursday - caught six keeper fluke and a bunch of sea bass. The sea bass have been aggressive lately, hitting anything that moves. I've been using small jigs tipped with clam or squid. The bite has been best on the incoming tide when the water is moving over the beds.
## **Central Sound** (Oyster Bay to Rocky Point)
### **Port Jefferson Harbor** (Position 4)
*Ferry terminal area, deep water access, structure fishing*
Port Jeff has been my secret weapon lately. The ferry terminal creates a lot of structure and current, and the fish love it. I've been fishing the deeper water near the channel, usually 25-35 feet.
The ferry schedule actually helps the fishing. When the ferry comes and goes, it stirs up the bottom and gets the bait moving. I time my fishing around the ferry runs and have had great success. Been using live eels at night for stripers and bucktails during the day.
Caught a beautiful 32-inch striper there Monday night. Was using a live eel on a fish finder rig, fishing near the ferry slip. The fish hit just as the ferry was pulling out - I think the prop wash triggered the bite. That's the kind of local knowledge that comes from 47 years on these waters.
The parking situation is good, and there's a nice tackle shop nearby if you need bait or gear. The locals are friendly and usually willing to share information. I've made some good friends fishing Port Jeff over the years.
## **Eastern Sound** (Rocky Point to Orient Point)
### **Mattituck Inlet** (Position 5)
*Inlet fishing, north fork access, wine country waters*
Mattituck has been producing some nice weakfish lately - something you don't see everywhere these days. The inlet creates a perfect funnel for bait, and the weakfish have been taking advantage. I've been using small jigs and soft plastics, working them slow in the current.
The north fork is beautiful country, and the fishing reflects that. The water is cleaner out here, and you can see the fish sometimes. I've been wading the inlet mouth at dawn and dusk, casting small lures to feeding fish. The action has been steady, not spectacular, but consistent.
What I love about Mattituck is the variety. You might catch stripers, weakfish, fluke, or even a doormat flounder. I always bring a variety of tackle because you never know what's going to hit. The local bait shop has good intel, and the guys there have been fishing these waters their whole lives.
### **Orient Point** (Position 6)
*Eastern terminus, ferry area, deep water fishing*
Orient Point is where the Sound meets the ocean, and you can feel the difference. The water is deeper, the current is stronger, and the fish are bigger. This is trophy striper water, especially in the fall.
Been fishing the rips near the ferry terminal with great success. The current creates perfect feeding zones, and the stripers stack up there. I use heavy jigs - 2-3 ounces - to get down in the current. The fish here average bigger than anywhere else in the Sound.
Had an epic morning there last week. Got there before dawn and worked the rips as the sun came up. Caught four stripers between 28-34 inches, all on bucktails. The key is reading the water and finding where the current breaks. The fish position themselves in the slack water and ambush bait getting swept by.
The ferry schedule can affect the fishing, but I've learned to work around it. Sometimes the ferry actually helps by moving bait around. It's all about adapting to the conditions and using your experience.
## **Species Intelligence Across All Areas**
**Striped Bass:** The fall migration is definitely underway. I'm seeing more quality fish - 26 inches and up - throughout the Sound. Best baits are live eels at night, bucktails and soft plastics during the day. The fish are feeding aggressively as they prepare for winter.
**Fluke:** Still catching good numbers, especially in the western and central Sound. The fish are fattening up and fighting hard. Squid and spearing on high-low rigs are producing best. Look for structure and moving water.
**Porgies:** Absolutely thick right now. You can catch your limit quickly if you find a good school. Small hooks, light tackle, and pieces of clam or squid. They're great eating and fun to catch.
**Sea Bass:** Aggressive and plentiful around any structure. Small jigs tipped with clam or squid are deadly. The size has been good - lots of keepers mixed in with the shorts.
**Weakfish:** Making a comeback in the eastern Sound. Small jigs and soft plastics worked slowly are best. These fish are spooky, so light tackle and quiet presentation are key.
## **Equipment & Technique Recommendations**
**Rods:** 7-8 foot medium action spinning rods for most Sound fishing. Go heavier (medium-heavy) for the eastern areas where current is stronger.
**Reels:** 3000-4000 size spinning reels with smooth drags. You'll be fighting fish in current, so a good drag is essential.
**Line:** 15-20 lb braid main line with 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader. The clear water demands invisible presentation.
**Lures:** Bucktails (1/2 to 2 oz depending on current), soft plastics (paddle tails and shads), small jigs for porgies and sea bass.
**Bait:** Live eels for night striper fishing, squid and spearing for fluke, clams for porgies and sea bass.
## **Final Analysis & Predictions**
The Long Island Sound is fishing as well as I've seen it in years. The combination of good water conditions, abundant bait, and migrating fish is creating excellent opportunities. The fall migration is just getting started, and I expect the fishing to get even better over the next few weeks.
Water temperatures are perfect, bait is everywhere, and the fish are aggressive. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's something for everyone in the Sound right now. From the urban fishing near Throgs Neck to the trophy potential at Orient Point, every area is producing.
My advice? Get out there and fish. Don't wait for perfect conditions - they're here now. The Sound is loaded with fish, and they're ready to bite. Just remember to respect the resource, follow the regulations, and help keep our waters clean for future generations.
Tight lines and smooth sailing!
Salty Sal
---
*Posted via Fishing Reports System*
