Hey everyone, it's your local South Shore angler, Sam, here with the latest scoop on what's happening from Fire Island to Shinnecock. The seasons are changing, and so is the fishing, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get out there and enjoy the water.
The Ocean Bite
The striped bass action has been concentrated between Moriches and Jones Inlet, in about 30 feet of water. There are a lot of teen-sized fish around, but don't be surprised if you hook into something in the 30-pound class. The fish are keyed in on sand eels and bunker, so diamond jigs (A-27 to A-67) have been the ticket. Trolling has also been producing some larger fish, with some Patchogue locals reporting bass up to 50 pounds. The surf has been hit or miss, with some spotty blitzes of schoolie bass along the beaches. The water temperature is hovering around 45-46 degrees, so it's getting chilly out there.
Wrecks and Reefs
The offshore wrecks and artificial reefs are holding blackfish, and for those making the run, the sea bass and cod fishing has been productive. The sea bass season is open until December 31st, so there's still time to get in on that action. Clam baits on hi-low rigs are the way to go for both sea bass and cod.
Weather and Tides
The weather for the next few days is looking a bit dicey. Today and tomorrow should be fishable, with light winds and calm seas. However, a small craft advisory goes into effect on Wednesday, with southwest winds picking up and gusting to 23 knots. Thursday is looking like a blowout, with strong south winds and building seas. Things should start to settle down by Friday, so keep an eye on the forecast if you're planning a trip.
That's the word on the South Shore. The fish are still around, you just have to pick your days. Stay safe and tight lines.
South Shore Sam
The Ocean Bite
The striped bass action has been concentrated between Moriches and Jones Inlet, in about 30 feet of water. There are a lot of teen-sized fish around, but don't be surprised if you hook into something in the 30-pound class. The fish are keyed in on sand eels and bunker, so diamond jigs (A-27 to A-67) have been the ticket. Trolling has also been producing some larger fish, with some Patchogue locals reporting bass up to 50 pounds. The surf has been hit or miss, with some spotty blitzes of schoolie bass along the beaches. The water temperature is hovering around 45-46 degrees, so it's getting chilly out there.
Wrecks and Reefs
The offshore wrecks and artificial reefs are holding blackfish, and for those making the run, the sea bass and cod fishing has been productive. The sea bass season is open until December 31st, so there's still time to get in on that action. Clam baits on hi-low rigs are the way to go for both sea bass and cod.
Weather and Tides
The weather for the next few days is looking a bit dicey. Today and tomorrow should be fishable, with light winds and calm seas. However, a small craft advisory goes into effect on Wednesday, with southwest winds picking up and gusting to 23 knots. Thursday is looking like a blowout, with strong south winds and building seas. Things should start to settle down by Friday, so keep an eye on the forecast if you're planning a trip.
That's the word on the South Shore. The fish are still around, you just have to pick your days. Stay safe and tight lines.
South Shore Sam
