Hey there, Sound rats. Salty Sal here with what's gonna be my last report of the 2025 season. It's been one hell of a year on the Sound, and before I pack up the rods and head inside for the winter, I wanted to take a minute to reflect on what we've seen and thank every one of you for following along.
THE FINAL WORD ON CONDITIONS
As we close out the first week of December, the Sound is finally starting to show her winter colors. Water temperatures have dropped into the low 40s, and the fish are making their final moves into deep water or out of the system entirely. The blackfish season wrapped up strong—right up until the end, we were seeing quality tog in the deeper structures. Those of you who got out there in November put some serious fish on the deck.
The striper bite has slowed considerably as the fish have pushed south and west, following the bait out of our waters. A few stragglers are still hanging around the bridges and deeper channels, but the consistent action we saw through November is behind us now. The squid have mostly moved on, and the peanut bunker have thinned out significantly. Winter is here, boys, and the Sound knows it.
LOOKING BACK ON 2025
What a season it was. We started strong in the spring with the first wave of schoolies moving in, and by June we were into some of the best striper fishing I've seen in years. The summer months brought consistent action on everything from fluke to blues to sea bass, and when fall rolled around, the Sound delivered in a big way.
The blackfish bite this year was exceptional—quality fish, good numbers, and it lasted longer than usual thanks to the mild weather. The late-season striper action on the bridges was some of the best I've witnessed in my four decades working these waters. Mid-20-pound fish after dark, aggressive feeds, and consistent patterns made for memorable nights on the water.
We saw bait stick around longer than normal, water temperatures stay warmer than average, and fishing opportunities extend well into what's usually the dead zone of early December. Mother Nature gave us a gift this year, and I hope you all took advantage of it.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY
I want to take a moment to thank every single one of you who've been reading these reports, sharing your own intelligence, and keeping the fishing community strong. Whether you're a grizzled veteran who's been working the Sound since before I was born, or a newcomer just learning the ropes, you're all part of what makes this special.
To the tackle shops that share their daily reports—Tyalure, Cow Harbor, Miller Place, and all the rest—thank you for being the eyes and ears on the water. To the party boats and charter captains who put anglers on fish day in and day out, your dedication doesn't go unnoticed. And to every angler who takes the time to practice good conservation, respect the resource, and help the next generation learn the craft—you're the backbone of this fishery.
This community is what it's all about. We share information, we help each other out, and we celebrate each other's success. That's what keeps me coming back year after year, even when my knees are screaming and the cold cuts right through me. It's not just about the fish—it's about the people.
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR WINTER
For those of you who fish year-round, there will still be opportunities through the winter months. Blackfish will be available in deeper water for those willing to make the run. A few hardy stripers will stick around the power plants and warm-water discharges. And if we get a mild spell, you might find some action in the deeper channels.
But for most of us, it's time to turn our attention to maintenance. Clean your reels, organize your tackle, sharpen your hooks, and start planning for spring. Read some fishing books, tie some rigs, and dream about that first warm day when the bait starts moving back in and the fish follow.
Winter is when we recharge. It's when we remember why we love this so much, and it's when we start counting down the days until we can get back out there.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND SEE YOU IN THE SPRING
To all of you and your families, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a joyous New Year. May your holidays be filled with warmth, good food, and time with the people you love. Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and remember what's important.
I'll be back in the spring when the water warms up, the bait moves in, and the Sound comes alive again. Until then, keep your drags tight and your lines untangled. It's been an honor sharing this season with you.
SAL'S FINAL SIGN-OFF
The Sound's been good to us this year, boys. Real good. We've caught fish, made memories, and lived the life we love. As I sit here writing this, looking out at the gray water and feeling that cold December wind, I'm already looking forward to April when it all starts again.
Thank you for everything. Thank you for reading, thank you for fishing responsibly, and thank you for being part of this community. You're what makes it all worthwhile.
Stay warm, stay safe, and I'll see you when the stripers come back.
Until spring,
Salty Sal
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These reports will resume in April 2026 when the spring fishing season begins. Wishing everyone a safe and happy off-season.
THE FINAL WORD ON CONDITIONS
As we close out the first week of December, the Sound is finally starting to show her winter colors. Water temperatures have dropped into the low 40s, and the fish are making their final moves into deep water or out of the system entirely. The blackfish season wrapped up strong—right up until the end, we were seeing quality tog in the deeper structures. Those of you who got out there in November put some serious fish on the deck.
The striper bite has slowed considerably as the fish have pushed south and west, following the bait out of our waters. A few stragglers are still hanging around the bridges and deeper channels, but the consistent action we saw through November is behind us now. The squid have mostly moved on, and the peanut bunker have thinned out significantly. Winter is here, boys, and the Sound knows it.
LOOKING BACK ON 2025
What a season it was. We started strong in the spring with the first wave of schoolies moving in, and by June we were into some of the best striper fishing I've seen in years. The summer months brought consistent action on everything from fluke to blues to sea bass, and when fall rolled around, the Sound delivered in a big way.
The blackfish bite this year was exceptional—quality fish, good numbers, and it lasted longer than usual thanks to the mild weather. The late-season striper action on the bridges was some of the best I've witnessed in my four decades working these waters. Mid-20-pound fish after dark, aggressive feeds, and consistent patterns made for memorable nights on the water.
We saw bait stick around longer than normal, water temperatures stay warmer than average, and fishing opportunities extend well into what's usually the dead zone of early December. Mother Nature gave us a gift this year, and I hope you all took advantage of it.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY
I want to take a moment to thank every single one of you who've been reading these reports, sharing your own intelligence, and keeping the fishing community strong. Whether you're a grizzled veteran who's been working the Sound since before I was born, or a newcomer just learning the ropes, you're all part of what makes this special.
To the tackle shops that share their daily reports—Tyalure, Cow Harbor, Miller Place, and all the rest—thank you for being the eyes and ears on the water. To the party boats and charter captains who put anglers on fish day in and day out, your dedication doesn't go unnoticed. And to every angler who takes the time to practice good conservation, respect the resource, and help the next generation learn the craft—you're the backbone of this fishery.
This community is what it's all about. We share information, we help each other out, and we celebrate each other's success. That's what keeps me coming back year after year, even when my knees are screaming and the cold cuts right through me. It's not just about the fish—it's about the people.
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR WINTER
For those of you who fish year-round, there will still be opportunities through the winter months. Blackfish will be available in deeper water for those willing to make the run. A few hardy stripers will stick around the power plants and warm-water discharges. And if we get a mild spell, you might find some action in the deeper channels.
But for most of us, it's time to turn our attention to maintenance. Clean your reels, organize your tackle, sharpen your hooks, and start planning for spring. Read some fishing books, tie some rigs, and dream about that first warm day when the bait starts moving back in and the fish follow.
Winter is when we recharge. It's when we remember why we love this so much, and it's when we start counting down the days until we can get back out there.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND SEE YOU IN THE SPRING
To all of you and your families, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a joyous New Year. May your holidays be filled with warmth, good food, and time with the people you love. Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and remember what's important.
I'll be back in the spring when the water warms up, the bait moves in, and the Sound comes alive again. Until then, keep your drags tight and your lines untangled. It's been an honor sharing this season with you.
SAL'S FINAL SIGN-OFF
The Sound's been good to us this year, boys. Real good. We've caught fish, made memories, and lived the life we love. As I sit here writing this, looking out at the gray water and feeling that cold December wind, I'm already looking forward to April when it all starts again.
Thank you for everything. Thank you for reading, thank you for fishing responsibly, and thank you for being part of this community. You're what makes it all worthwhile.
Stay warm, stay safe, and I'll see you when the stripers come back.
Until spring,
Salty Sal
---
These reports will resume in April 2026 when the spring fishing season begins. Wishing everyone a safe and happy off-season.
