# South Shore Sam's Complete South Shore Report
**September 25, 2025 - Sam's Comprehensive South Shore Analysis**
Hey everyone, Sam here with your complete south shore update. Been fishing these waters for over 42 years, and I'm telling you - this is shaping up to be one hell of a fall season. From Jones Inlet all the way out to Montauk Point, the fishing is firing on all cylinders.
Got up at 4:30 this morning, grabbed my coffee, and headed to Fire Island Inlet. The parking lot was already half full - word's getting out that the fishing's turned on. And let me tell you, it has.
## Opening & Overall South Shore Conditions
Water temps have dropped to that magic 67-69 degree range that gets everything moving. The recent northeast blow cleared the water beautifully, and the bait - man, the bait is everywhere. Peanut bunker schools so thick you could walk on them, silversides getting pushed around by bluefish, and the bass are starting to show up in numbers.
The fall migration pattern is textbook this year. I can feel it in my bones - this is going to be special. The combination of cooling water, abundant bait, and stable weather is creating the perfect storm for fishing. Every inlet is holding fish, the surf is producing, and even the back bays are alive.
## **Western Inlets** (Jones to Fire Island)
### **Jones Inlet** (Position 1)
*Western inlet, Jones Beach access, surf and inlet combo*
Started my week at Jones Monday morning, and what a way to start. Got there at 5:30 AM because that's when the magic happens. The jetty was already lined with guys, but there's always room for one more if you're respectful.
Threw a bucktail with a white Gulp trailer on my first cast and BANG - 22-inch fluke. That's when you know it's going to be a good day. The current was moving nice, pushing bait through the inlet, and the fish were waiting.
What I love about Jones is the variety. You've got the inlet for fluke and stripers, the jetty for structure fishing, and the beach for surf action. I spent three hours there and caught fluke, sea bass, and a nice 28-inch striper. The striper hit a live eel I was drifting near the jetty.
The key to Jones is timing the tides. Two hours before and after the tide change is prime time. The moving water concentrates the bait, and the fish know it. I've been using bucktails during the day and live eels at night. Both have been producing.
### **Fire Island Inlet** (Position 2)
*Major inlet, Coast Guard station, deep water access*
Fire Island has been my go-to spot lately. It's got everything - deep water, structure, current, and most importantly, fish. The Coast Guard station creates a lot of structure, and the fish use it.
Been launching my boat from the marina and working the inlet mouth. The water depth ranges from 15-40 feet, giving you options depending on what you're targeting. I've been jigging for fluke in the deeper water and casting to the structure for stripers.
Had an incredible day there Wednesday. Caught my limit of fluke by 10 AM, then switched to striper fishing. Ended up with three keepers between 26-30 inches. All the fluke came on bucktails with Gulp trailers, and the stripers hit live eels.
The inlet can get crowded, especially on weekends, but there's room for everyone if you're courteous. I've made some great friends fishing Fire Island over the years. The camaraderie is part of what makes this sport special.
## **Central Shore** (Democrat Point to Moriches)
### **Democrat Point** (Position 3)
*Fire Island western tip, surf fishing paradise*
Democrat Point is surf fishing heaven. It's the western tip of Fire Island, and the structure and current create perfect conditions for surf fishing. I've been wading out at dawn and working the deeper water with plugs and metals.
The surf has been consistent - not huge, but fishable. The key is reading the water and finding the cuts and holes where fish hold. I look for darker water, which usually indicates deeper sections. That's where the fish are.
Caught a beautiful 32-inch striper there Saturday morning. Was using a white bucktail, working it slow through a cut about 50 yards out. The fish hit on the drop, and I knew immediately it was a good one. Took about 10 minutes to land in the surf, but what a fight!
The walk to the point can be long, especially if you're carrying gear, but it's worth it. The fishing pressure is lighter than the more accessible spots, and the fish are less spooky. I always bring plenty of water and snacks because once you start catching, you don't want to leave.
### **Moriches Inlet** (Position 4)
*Central inlet, Moriches Bay access, back bay fishing*
Moriches has been producing some beautiful weakfish lately - something you don't see everywhere these days. The inlet connects to a huge back bay system, and the variety of structure and habitat is incredible.
I've been fishing both the inlet and the back bays with great success. The inlet produces fluke and stripers, while the back bays have been loaded with weakfish and sea bass. It's like having two different fisheries in one spot.
The weakfish have been hitting small jigs and soft plastics. I use light tackle - 10-pound test - because these fish are spooky. The key is a quiet presentation and working the lure slowly. When you find them, you can catch a bunch.
Had a great day in the back bay last Thursday. Caught eight weakfish between 14-18 inches, all on small paddle tail jigs. The fish were in 8-12 feet of water, relating to structure. It reminded me of the old days when weakfish were more common.
## **Eastern Shore** (Shinnecock to Montauk)
### **Shinnecock Inlet** (Position 5)
*Premier inlet, charter fleet hub, offshore access*
Shinnecock is the big leagues. This is where the charter fleet operates, and for good reason - the fishing is world-class. The inlet provides access to both inshore and offshore fishing, and right now, both are producing.
I've been fishing the inlet mouth for fluke and stripers with great success. The current is strong here, so you need heavier tackle. I use 1-2 ounce bucktails to get down in the flow. The fluke here are bigger than anywhere else - I've been catching fish in the 3-5 pound range regularly.
The charter fleet provides great intel too. I talk to the captains when they come in, and they're usually willing to share information about what's working. Last week, Captain Mike from the "Fish On" told me the fluke were hitting white bucktails with squid strips. I tried it and limited out.
The inlet can be challenging for small boats when the wind picks up, but when conditions are right, it's incredible. I've caught everything from fluke to sea bass to stripers here. It's a place where you can catch a fish of a lifetime.
### **Montauk Point** (Position 6)
*Eastern terminus, lighthouse, world-class fishing*
Montauk is the crown jewel of Long Island fishing. This is where the Sound meets the ocean, and the fishing reflects that. The water is deeper, the current is stronger, and the fish are bigger.
Been fishing the lighthouse area with incredible results. The rips and current breaks create perfect feeding zones, and the fish stack up there. I use heavy tackle here - you never know when you might hook into something big.
Had an epic morning there last Sunday. Got there before dawn and worked the rips as the sun came up. Caught five stripers between 28-36 inches, all on large bucktails. The 36-incher was the fish of a lifetime - took 15 minutes to land and fought like a freight train.
The key to Montauk is understanding the current and structure. The fish position themselves in the slack water behind rocks and structure, then ambush bait getting swept by in the current. It's all about reading the water and putting your lure in the right place.
## **Species Intelligence Across All Areas**
**Striped Bass:** The fall migration is in full swing. I'm seeing fish from 20 inches to over 35 inches throughout the south shore. Best baits are live eels at night, bucktails and soft plastics during the day. The fish are feeding aggressively.
**Fluke:** Still excellent fishing, especially in the inlets. The fish are fattening up for winter and fighting hard. Bucktails with Gulp trailers and squid strips are producing best. Look for moving water and structure.
**Sea Bass:** Thick around any structure. Small jigs tipped with clam or squid are deadly. The size has been good - lots of keepers in the 2-4 pound range.
**Weakfish:** Making a comeback in the central areas. Light tackle and small lures are key. These fish are spooky but worth the effort.
**Bluefish:** Aggressive and plentiful. They're chopping up bait schools and creating opportunities for other species. Use wire leaders when they're around.
## **Surf vs Inlet Techniques**
**Surf Fishing:** Focus on structure - cuts, holes, and drop-offs. Use heavier tackle to handle the surf and current. Best times are dawn, dusk, and night. Plugs, metals, and bait all work.
**Inlet Fishing:** Fish the moving water. Two hours before and after tide changes are prime. Use bucktails and jigs to cover water quickly. Live bait is deadly for big fish.
**Back Bay Fishing:** Light tackle and quiet presentation. Look for structure and bait schools. Small lures and live bait work best.
## **Final Analysis & Predictions**
The south shore is fishing as well as I've seen it in decades. The fall migration is just getting started, and all the signs point to an exceptional season. Water temperatures are perfect, bait is abundant, and the fish are aggressive.
Every area is producing right now. Whether you prefer surf fishing, inlet fishing, or back bay action, there's something for everyone. The variety of species and fishing opportunities is incredible.
My advice? Get out there now. Don't wait for perfect conditions - they're here. The south shore is loaded with fish, and they're ready to bite. This is what we wait for all year - the fall run is here, and it's going to be special.
The next few weeks are going to be incredible. The fish are moving, the bait is thick, and the conditions are perfect. This is why I fish the south shore - for moments like these when everything comes together.
Tight lines and bent rods!
Sam
---
*Posted via Fishing Reports System*
**September 25, 2025 - Sam's Comprehensive South Shore Analysis**
Hey everyone, Sam here with your complete south shore update. Been fishing these waters for over 42 years, and I'm telling you - this is shaping up to be one hell of a fall season. From Jones Inlet all the way out to Montauk Point, the fishing is firing on all cylinders.
Got up at 4:30 this morning, grabbed my coffee, and headed to Fire Island Inlet. The parking lot was already half full - word's getting out that the fishing's turned on. And let me tell you, it has.
## Opening & Overall South Shore Conditions
Water temps have dropped to that magic 67-69 degree range that gets everything moving. The recent northeast blow cleared the water beautifully, and the bait - man, the bait is everywhere. Peanut bunker schools so thick you could walk on them, silversides getting pushed around by bluefish, and the bass are starting to show up in numbers.
The fall migration pattern is textbook this year. I can feel it in my bones - this is going to be special. The combination of cooling water, abundant bait, and stable weather is creating the perfect storm for fishing. Every inlet is holding fish, the surf is producing, and even the back bays are alive.
## **Western Inlets** (Jones to Fire Island)
### **Jones Inlet** (Position 1)
*Western inlet, Jones Beach access, surf and inlet combo*
Started my week at Jones Monday morning, and what a way to start. Got there at 5:30 AM because that's when the magic happens. The jetty was already lined with guys, but there's always room for one more if you're respectful.
Threw a bucktail with a white Gulp trailer on my first cast and BANG - 22-inch fluke. That's when you know it's going to be a good day. The current was moving nice, pushing bait through the inlet, and the fish were waiting.
What I love about Jones is the variety. You've got the inlet for fluke and stripers, the jetty for structure fishing, and the beach for surf action. I spent three hours there and caught fluke, sea bass, and a nice 28-inch striper. The striper hit a live eel I was drifting near the jetty.
The key to Jones is timing the tides. Two hours before and after the tide change is prime time. The moving water concentrates the bait, and the fish know it. I've been using bucktails during the day and live eels at night. Both have been producing.
### **Fire Island Inlet** (Position 2)
*Major inlet, Coast Guard station, deep water access*
Fire Island has been my go-to spot lately. It's got everything - deep water, structure, current, and most importantly, fish. The Coast Guard station creates a lot of structure, and the fish use it.
Been launching my boat from the marina and working the inlet mouth. The water depth ranges from 15-40 feet, giving you options depending on what you're targeting. I've been jigging for fluke in the deeper water and casting to the structure for stripers.
Had an incredible day there Wednesday. Caught my limit of fluke by 10 AM, then switched to striper fishing. Ended up with three keepers between 26-30 inches. All the fluke came on bucktails with Gulp trailers, and the stripers hit live eels.
The inlet can get crowded, especially on weekends, but there's room for everyone if you're courteous. I've made some great friends fishing Fire Island over the years. The camaraderie is part of what makes this sport special.
## **Central Shore** (Democrat Point to Moriches)
### **Democrat Point** (Position 3)
*Fire Island western tip, surf fishing paradise*
Democrat Point is surf fishing heaven. It's the western tip of Fire Island, and the structure and current create perfect conditions for surf fishing. I've been wading out at dawn and working the deeper water with plugs and metals.
The surf has been consistent - not huge, but fishable. The key is reading the water and finding the cuts and holes where fish hold. I look for darker water, which usually indicates deeper sections. That's where the fish are.
Caught a beautiful 32-inch striper there Saturday morning. Was using a white bucktail, working it slow through a cut about 50 yards out. The fish hit on the drop, and I knew immediately it was a good one. Took about 10 minutes to land in the surf, but what a fight!
The walk to the point can be long, especially if you're carrying gear, but it's worth it. The fishing pressure is lighter than the more accessible spots, and the fish are less spooky. I always bring plenty of water and snacks because once you start catching, you don't want to leave.
### **Moriches Inlet** (Position 4)
*Central inlet, Moriches Bay access, back bay fishing*
Moriches has been producing some beautiful weakfish lately - something you don't see everywhere these days. The inlet connects to a huge back bay system, and the variety of structure and habitat is incredible.
I've been fishing both the inlet and the back bays with great success. The inlet produces fluke and stripers, while the back bays have been loaded with weakfish and sea bass. It's like having two different fisheries in one spot.
The weakfish have been hitting small jigs and soft plastics. I use light tackle - 10-pound test - because these fish are spooky. The key is a quiet presentation and working the lure slowly. When you find them, you can catch a bunch.
Had a great day in the back bay last Thursday. Caught eight weakfish between 14-18 inches, all on small paddle tail jigs. The fish were in 8-12 feet of water, relating to structure. It reminded me of the old days when weakfish were more common.
## **Eastern Shore** (Shinnecock to Montauk)
### **Shinnecock Inlet** (Position 5)
*Premier inlet, charter fleet hub, offshore access*
Shinnecock is the big leagues. This is where the charter fleet operates, and for good reason - the fishing is world-class. The inlet provides access to both inshore and offshore fishing, and right now, both are producing.
I've been fishing the inlet mouth for fluke and stripers with great success. The current is strong here, so you need heavier tackle. I use 1-2 ounce bucktails to get down in the flow. The fluke here are bigger than anywhere else - I've been catching fish in the 3-5 pound range regularly.
The charter fleet provides great intel too. I talk to the captains when they come in, and they're usually willing to share information about what's working. Last week, Captain Mike from the "Fish On" told me the fluke were hitting white bucktails with squid strips. I tried it and limited out.
The inlet can be challenging for small boats when the wind picks up, but when conditions are right, it's incredible. I've caught everything from fluke to sea bass to stripers here. It's a place where you can catch a fish of a lifetime.
### **Montauk Point** (Position 6)
*Eastern terminus, lighthouse, world-class fishing*
Montauk is the crown jewel of Long Island fishing. This is where the Sound meets the ocean, and the fishing reflects that. The water is deeper, the current is stronger, and the fish are bigger.
Been fishing the lighthouse area with incredible results. The rips and current breaks create perfect feeding zones, and the fish stack up there. I use heavy tackle here - you never know when you might hook into something big.
Had an epic morning there last Sunday. Got there before dawn and worked the rips as the sun came up. Caught five stripers between 28-36 inches, all on large bucktails. The 36-incher was the fish of a lifetime - took 15 minutes to land and fought like a freight train.
The key to Montauk is understanding the current and structure. The fish position themselves in the slack water behind rocks and structure, then ambush bait getting swept by in the current. It's all about reading the water and putting your lure in the right place.
## **Species Intelligence Across All Areas**
**Striped Bass:** The fall migration is in full swing. I'm seeing fish from 20 inches to over 35 inches throughout the south shore. Best baits are live eels at night, bucktails and soft plastics during the day. The fish are feeding aggressively.
**Fluke:** Still excellent fishing, especially in the inlets. The fish are fattening up for winter and fighting hard. Bucktails with Gulp trailers and squid strips are producing best. Look for moving water and structure.
**Sea Bass:** Thick around any structure. Small jigs tipped with clam or squid are deadly. The size has been good - lots of keepers in the 2-4 pound range.
**Weakfish:** Making a comeback in the central areas. Light tackle and small lures are key. These fish are spooky but worth the effort.
**Bluefish:** Aggressive and plentiful. They're chopping up bait schools and creating opportunities for other species. Use wire leaders when they're around.
## **Surf vs Inlet Techniques**
**Surf Fishing:** Focus on structure - cuts, holes, and drop-offs. Use heavier tackle to handle the surf and current. Best times are dawn, dusk, and night. Plugs, metals, and bait all work.
**Inlet Fishing:** Fish the moving water. Two hours before and after tide changes are prime. Use bucktails and jigs to cover water quickly. Live bait is deadly for big fish.
**Back Bay Fishing:** Light tackle and quiet presentation. Look for structure and bait schools. Small lures and live bait work best.
## **Final Analysis & Predictions**
The south shore is fishing as well as I've seen it in decades. The fall migration is just getting started, and all the signs point to an exceptional season. Water temperatures are perfect, bait is abundant, and the fish are aggressive.
Every area is producing right now. Whether you prefer surf fishing, inlet fishing, or back bay action, there's something for everyone. The variety of species and fishing opportunities is incredible.
My advice? Get out there now. Don't wait for perfect conditions - they're here. The south shore is loaded with fish, and they're ready to bite. This is what we wait for all year - the fall run is here, and it's going to be special.
The next few weeks are going to be incredible. The fish are moving, the bait is thick, and the conditions are perfect. This is why I fish the south shore - for moments like these when everything comes together.
Tight lines and bent rods!
Sam
---
*Posted via Fishing Reports System*
