Been a while since I've seen a fall run like this one, folks. The salt is in the air, the tides are right, and the fish are here. It's a good time to be on the water.
The Scene
The South Shore is alive right now. We've got droves of striped bass that have moved into our waters, chasing the sand eels that have finally shown up in force. The bunker schools are a little thin this year, which means the bass are moving through pretty quick, so you've got to be in the right place at the right time. But when you are, it's been something special.
The night owls have been rewarded with some real quality fish, with reports of bass in the 40-inch class. The new moon brought a fresh wave of fish, from slots up to 36 inches. It's not a bite for the impatient, but if you put in the time, you'll find them.
Bottom fishing is holding its own, too. The blackfish bite has been steady, with plenty of shorts to keep you busy and keepers up to 7 pounds in the mix. And if you're heading a little further out, the offshore boats are still finding porgies, bonito, and even a few false albacore.
Zone by Zone
Sam's Take
This is the time of year you want to be out there. The weather's turning, and the fish know it. Be patient, read the water, and you'll be rewarded. The sand eel bite is the key, so make sure you've got something in your bag that imitates them. Good luck out there.
The Scene
The South Shore is alive right now. We've got droves of striped bass that have moved into our waters, chasing the sand eels that have finally shown up in force. The bunker schools are a little thin this year, which means the bass are moving through pretty quick, so you've got to be in the right place at the right time. But when you are, it's been something special.
The night owls have been rewarded with some real quality fish, with reports of bass in the 40-inch class. The new moon brought a fresh wave of fish, from slots up to 36 inches. It's not a bite for the impatient, but if you put in the time, you'll find them.
Bottom fishing is holding its own, too. The blackfish bite has been steady, with plenty of shorts to keep you busy and keepers up to 7 pounds in the mix. And if you're heading a little further out, the offshore boats are still finding porgies, bonito, and even a few false albacore.
Zone by Zone
- Western Zone (Fire Island to Democrat Point): The sand eel bite is the main event here. Early mornings have been best, with diamond jigs and Joe Baggs Miracle Minnows getting the job done. The fish are on the move, so you have to be ready when they come through.
- Central Zone (Democrat Point to Moriches Inlet): The beaches have been the place to be, with waves of fish pushing through. The night tides have been producing the bigger fish. Needlefish and darters are the ticket after dark.
- Eastern Zone (Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet): The action has been solid here, with bass from slot-size up to 40 pounds being reported. The surf guys have been doing well, and the boaters are finding fish, too.
Sam's Take
This is the time of year you want to be out there. The weather's turning, and the fish know it. Be patient, read the water, and you'll be rewarded. The sand eel bite is the key, so make sure you've got something in your bag that imitates them. Good luck out there.
