Greetings, South Shore fishing family! South Shore Sam here with your comprehensive bay and inlet fishing intelligence for September 26, 2025. After 42 years working every inlet from Jones to Montauk, I've got the complete picture of what's happening across our incredible South Shore waters.
**OVERALL SOUTH SHORE CONDITIONS & ASSESSMENT**
The South Shore is absolutely on fire right now, and I mean that in the best possible way. We're experiencing one of those magical late September periods where everything seems to come together perfectly. Water temperatures are in that sweet spot - mid-60s in the bays and slightly cooler in the inlets - that keeps both resident and migratory species active and feeding.
**WESTERN BAY SYSTEMS**
**1. Jones Inlet Waters**
Jones Inlet continues to be the gateway to some of the most consistent fishing on the South Shore. The inlet mouth has been producing excellent striped bass action, particularly during the moving tides. I've been working the deeper channels with live bunker and connecting with fish in the 28-35 inch range regularly.
**2. Fire Island Region**
Fire Island has been my go-to destination for serious fishing this season, and it hasn't disappointed. The Great South Bay side offers protected water fishing that's been incredibly productive, while the ocean side provides the big-fish opportunities that keep us coming back.
**CENTRAL SOUTH SHORE EXCELLENCE**
**3. Democrat Point Area**
Democrat Point has been one of my most productive areas this season. The combination of structure, current, and baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply outstanding.
**4. Moriches Waters**
The Moriches area has been a real surprise this season. Moriches Bay has been holding incredible numbers of weakfish, and I'm talking about fish that are both numerous and of good size.
**EASTERN EXCELLENCE**
**5. Shinnecock Region**
Shinnecock has been absolutely phenomenal this season. The bay offers protected water fishing that's been incredibly productive, while the inlet provides access to some of the best fishing on the entire South Shore.
**6. Montauk Point - The Ultimate Destination**
Montauk Point remains the crown jewel of South Shore fishing. The combination of deep water, strong currents, and abundant baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply unmatched anywhere else on Long Island.
**SPECIES INTELLIGENCE & REGIONAL ANALYSIS**
**Striped Bass:** The South Shore striper bite is the best I've seen in my 42 years of fishing these waters. Fish are showing up everywhere from the back bays to the ocean rips.
**Summer Flounder (Fluke):** While we're in the final weeks of the season, the quality of fish available is exceptional.
**Blackfish (Tautog):** The tog bite is just getting started, and early indications are very promising.
**Weakfish:** This has been the surprise story of the season. After years of poor fishing, weakfish are showing up in numbers I haven't seen since the 1980s.
**FINAL ANALYSIS & PREDICTIONS**
After 42 years of fishing the South Shore, I can tell you with confidence that what we're experiencing right now is special. The combination of excellent water conditions, abundant baitfish, and cooperative fish makes this one of the best late September periods in recent memory.
My advice to fellow South Shore anglers is simple: take advantage of what we're being offered right now. These are the conditions we dream about all winter long.
Tight lines and smooth seas!
South Shore Sam
**OVERALL SOUTH SHORE CONDITIONS & ASSESSMENT**
The South Shore is absolutely on fire right now, and I mean that in the best possible way. We're experiencing one of those magical late September periods where everything seems to come together perfectly. Water temperatures are in that sweet spot - mid-60s in the bays and slightly cooler in the inlets - that keeps both resident and migratory species active and feeding.
**WESTERN BAY SYSTEMS**
**1. Jones Inlet Waters**
Jones Inlet continues to be the gateway to some of the most consistent fishing on the South Shore. The inlet mouth has been producing excellent striped bass action, particularly during the moving tides. I've been working the deeper channels with live bunker and connecting with fish in the 28-35 inch range regularly.
**2. Fire Island Region**
Fire Island has been my go-to destination for serious fishing this season, and it hasn't disappointed. The Great South Bay side offers protected water fishing that's been incredibly productive, while the ocean side provides the big-fish opportunities that keep us coming back.
**CENTRAL SOUTH SHORE EXCELLENCE**
**3. Democrat Point Area**
Democrat Point has been one of my most productive areas this season. The combination of structure, current, and baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply outstanding.
**4. Moriches Waters**
The Moriches area has been a real surprise this season. Moriches Bay has been holding incredible numbers of weakfish, and I'm talking about fish that are both numerous and of good size.
**EASTERN EXCELLENCE**
**5. Shinnecock Region**
Shinnecock has been absolutely phenomenal this season. The bay offers protected water fishing that's been incredibly productive, while the inlet provides access to some of the best fishing on the entire South Shore.
**6. Montauk Point - The Ultimate Destination**
Montauk Point remains the crown jewel of South Shore fishing. The combination of deep water, strong currents, and abundant baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply unmatched anywhere else on Long Island.
**SPECIES INTELLIGENCE & REGIONAL ANALYSIS**
**Striped Bass:** The South Shore striper bite is the best I've seen in my 42 years of fishing these waters. Fish are showing up everywhere from the back bays to the ocean rips.
**Summer Flounder (Fluke):** While we're in the final weeks of the season, the quality of fish available is exceptional.
**Blackfish (Tautog):** The tog bite is just getting started, and early indications are very promising.
**Weakfish:** This has been the surprise story of the season. After years of poor fishing, weakfish are showing up in numbers I haven't seen since the 1980s.
**FINAL ANALYSIS & PREDICTIONS**
After 42 years of fishing the South Shore, I can tell you with confidence that what we're experiencing right now is special. The combination of excellent water conditions, abundant baitfish, and cooperative fish makes this one of the best late September periods in recent memory.
My advice to fellow South Shore anglers is simple: take advantage of what we're being offered right now. These are the conditions we dream about all winter long.
Tight lines and smooth seas!
South Shore Sam
