# South Shore Sam's Bay & Inlet Report - October 7, 2025
Well, howdy folks, South Shore Sam here, comin' at ya from the heart of Long Island. Another week, another turn of the tide, and the ocean's been tellin' us a few stories. My grandpappy always said, "The ocean's a book, and if you listen close, she'll read you her secrets." And right now, she's whisperin' about a solid fall bite.
## The Lay of the Land: Conditions and Outlook
The cooler air has finally settled in, and you can feel that crispness in the morning. This shift, combined with the lingering effects of those recent blows, has really stirred things up. We're seeing some good weakfish action from the Sound right down to our South Shore, and the fall fluking, while winding down, is still holding steady for those who know where to look. The sea bass are active, and with the blackfish opener just around the corner, there's a good buzz in the air. Keep an eye on those tides and the wind direction; they're the ocean's breath, and they dictate where the fish will be.
## Western Zone: Fire Island Inlet to Democrat Point
**Fire Island Inlet** and the surrounding waters are showing good signs. Captain Al Lorenzetti's forecasts for the **Fire Island and Great South Bay area** have been pointing to consistent action. We're hearing about a decent weakfish presence, and the striped bass are starting to make their move. The Great South Bay itself is still holding bait, which means the predators aren't far behind. Look for those early morning and late evening tides around the inlets for the best shot at a striper or a bluefish.
## Central Zone: Democrat Point to Moriches Inlet
Moving east, the **Moriches Inlet** has been a productive spot. Captain Paul Nilsson reported some **excellent bass fishing** in the inlet, with anglers landing stripers up to 43 inches using live spot. That's a testament to the bait still holding strong in the back bays. The **Moriches Bay** system is also seeing good activity, particularly for those targeting sea bass and some of the lingering weakfish. The key here is patience and understanding the current flow through the inlet.
## Eastern Zone: Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet
Down towards **Shinnecock**, the reports are still coming in strong. The **Shinnecock Bay** continues to offer opportunities for a mixed bag. While specific details for this immediate area are a bit sparse in the latest reports, the general trend of active sea bass and a decent weakfish presence extends here. Offshore of Shinnecock, the Montauk Offshore Grounds are still producing tuna, which means the bait migration is still active along the South Shore.
## Bay Systems: Great South Bay, Moriches Bay, Shinnecock Bay
Our bay systems are the nurseries and the feeding grounds, and they're alive right now. The **Great South Bay** and **Moriches Bay** are holding good numbers of baitfish, which is keeping the resident stripers and bluefish active. **Weakfish** are particularly abundant in these bays, making for some fun light tackle action. For those looking for a meal, the **sea bass** action remains good, and we're even seeing some **blackfish** by-catches, which is a promising sign for the opener on October 11th. Focus on structure, like bridges, docks, and mussel beds, especially during tide changes.
## Ocean Beach: Surf Fishing from Robert Moses to Southampton
For the surfcasters, the **mullet run** is still providing some excitement along the beaches. From **Robert Moses** all the way to **Southampton**, anglers are finding **bluefish** chasing the mullet, with an occasional **striper** mixed in. The key is to find the schools of bait. Look for diving birds and nervous water. Early mornings and late evenings, especially around high tide, are your best bets. Keep those sand crabs handy for some potential blackfish action around the jetties.
## Species Intelligence
* **Striped Bass:** Good numbers, especially in the inlets and bay systems, with some larger fish up to 43 inches reported. Live spot and eels are effective.
* **Weakfish:** An exceptional run this year, found throughout the South Shore bays and inlets. Squid baits are working well.
* **Bluefish:** Active along the surf, chasing mullet, and also present in the inlets. Topwater lures and metal jigs are good choices.
* **Sea Bass:** Consistent action in the bays and offshore. Good numbers, with the season opener for blackfish potentially increasing by-catch.
* **Blackfish (Tautog):** Promising by-catches indicate good numbers for the upcoming season. Focus on rocky structure.
## Final Thoughts
The fall transition is a special time on the South Shore. The fish are hungry, and the air is crisp. Get out there, read the water, and enjoy what our beautiful coast has to offer. And remember, a little patience goes a long way. Tight lines, everyone!
Well, howdy folks, South Shore Sam here, comin' at ya from the heart of Long Island. Another week, another turn of the tide, and the ocean's been tellin' us a few stories. My grandpappy always said, "The ocean's a book, and if you listen close, she'll read you her secrets." And right now, she's whisperin' about a solid fall bite.
## The Lay of the Land: Conditions and Outlook
The cooler air has finally settled in, and you can feel that crispness in the morning. This shift, combined with the lingering effects of those recent blows, has really stirred things up. We're seeing some good weakfish action from the Sound right down to our South Shore, and the fall fluking, while winding down, is still holding steady for those who know where to look. The sea bass are active, and with the blackfish opener just around the corner, there's a good buzz in the air. Keep an eye on those tides and the wind direction; they're the ocean's breath, and they dictate where the fish will be.
## Western Zone: Fire Island Inlet to Democrat Point
**Fire Island Inlet** and the surrounding waters are showing good signs. Captain Al Lorenzetti's forecasts for the **Fire Island and Great South Bay area** have been pointing to consistent action. We're hearing about a decent weakfish presence, and the striped bass are starting to make their move. The Great South Bay itself is still holding bait, which means the predators aren't far behind. Look for those early morning and late evening tides around the inlets for the best shot at a striper or a bluefish.
## Central Zone: Democrat Point to Moriches Inlet
Moving east, the **Moriches Inlet** has been a productive spot. Captain Paul Nilsson reported some **excellent bass fishing** in the inlet, with anglers landing stripers up to 43 inches using live spot. That's a testament to the bait still holding strong in the back bays. The **Moriches Bay** system is also seeing good activity, particularly for those targeting sea bass and some of the lingering weakfish. The key here is patience and understanding the current flow through the inlet.
## Eastern Zone: Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet
Down towards **Shinnecock**, the reports are still coming in strong. The **Shinnecock Bay** continues to offer opportunities for a mixed bag. While specific details for this immediate area are a bit sparse in the latest reports, the general trend of active sea bass and a decent weakfish presence extends here. Offshore of Shinnecock, the Montauk Offshore Grounds are still producing tuna, which means the bait migration is still active along the South Shore.
## Bay Systems: Great South Bay, Moriches Bay, Shinnecock Bay
Our bay systems are the nurseries and the feeding grounds, and they're alive right now. The **Great South Bay** and **Moriches Bay** are holding good numbers of baitfish, which is keeping the resident stripers and bluefish active. **Weakfish** are particularly abundant in these bays, making for some fun light tackle action. For those looking for a meal, the **sea bass** action remains good, and we're even seeing some **blackfish** by-catches, which is a promising sign for the opener on October 11th. Focus on structure, like bridges, docks, and mussel beds, especially during tide changes.
## Ocean Beach: Surf Fishing from Robert Moses to Southampton
For the surfcasters, the **mullet run** is still providing some excitement along the beaches. From **Robert Moses** all the way to **Southampton**, anglers are finding **bluefish** chasing the mullet, with an occasional **striper** mixed in. The key is to find the schools of bait. Look for diving birds and nervous water. Early mornings and late evenings, especially around high tide, are your best bets. Keep those sand crabs handy for some potential blackfish action around the jetties.
## Species Intelligence
* **Striped Bass:** Good numbers, especially in the inlets and bay systems, with some larger fish up to 43 inches reported. Live spot and eels are effective.
* **Weakfish:** An exceptional run this year, found throughout the South Shore bays and inlets. Squid baits are working well.
* **Bluefish:** Active along the surf, chasing mullet, and also present in the inlets. Topwater lures and metal jigs are good choices.
* **Sea Bass:** Consistent action in the bays and offshore. Good numbers, with the season opener for blackfish potentially increasing by-catch.
* **Blackfish (Tautog):** Promising by-catches indicate good numbers for the upcoming season. Focus on rocky structure.
## Final Thoughts
The fall transition is a special time on the South Shore. The fish are hungry, and the air is crisp. Get out there, read the water, and enjoy what our beautiful coast has to offer. And remember, a little patience goes a long way. Tight lines, everyone!
