Aloha, South Shore ohana. Sam here, coming to you one last time before we close the books on the 2025 season. As I sit here watching the December sun set over the Great South Bay, I'm filled with gratitude for another year on the water and for this community that makes it all meaningful.
THE SEASON'S FINAL CHAPTER
The South Shore is settling into her winter rhythm. Water temperatures have dropped into the low 40s, and the migration is complete—the bulk of our fish have moved on to their winter grounds. The bunker have pushed south and west, the stripers have followed, and the bays are growing quiet.
There are still a few blackfish available for those targeting deeper structures, and the occasional striper will show up around the inlets and warm-water areas, but the consistent action we enjoyed through November has passed. The ocean is telling us it's time to rest, and we should listen.
REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY
This season was special, brothers and sisters. From the first spring schoolies working the shorelines in April, through the summer fluke and sea bass bonanza, to the epic fall run that kept us busy well into November—2025 gave us everything we could ask for.
The late-season bluefin action was unprecedented. That 107-inch fish caught and released in early December? That's the kind of moment that reminds us why we do this. The blackfish bite was strong and consistent, with quality tog filling coolers right up until the season closed. And the striper fishing—both from the surf and from boats—provided memories that'll last a lifetime.
What stood out most this year was how long the season extended. Warmer water, lingering bait, and favorable conditions kept fish in our waters weeks longer than normal. We were blessed with extra time, and I hope you all made the most of it.
THE WISDOM OF PATIENCE
My grandfather used to say that fishing teaches you patience, but it's the off-season that teaches you gratitude. When you can't fish, you remember why you love it. When the water's too cold and the fish are gone, you appreciate every moment you had when they were here.
This winter, take time to reflect on your season. Think about the fish you caught, the ones that got away, and the lessons the ocean taught you. Every season makes us better anglers, but only if we're willing to learn.
Use this time to maintain your gear, study your charts, and plan for next year. Read about tides and bait movements. Learn new techniques. Connect with other anglers. The off-season is when we grow, so that when spring arrives, we're ready.
GRATITUDE FOR THE COMMUNITY
I want to thank every tackle shop, every charter captain, every party boat crew, and every fellow angler who shared information this season. This community thrives because we help each other. We share what we know, we celebrate each other's success, and we preserve the resource for future generations.
Special thanks to the shops that provided daily reports—Saltwaters, Bob's, J&J Sports, and all the others. Your dedication to keeping anglers informed is invaluable. To the charter operations like Gypsea, King Cod VII, and Corazon—you put people on fish and create memories. That's sacred work.
And to every angler reading this: thank you for respecting the water, practicing good conservation, and keeping the spirit of fishing alive. You're the reason this community is strong.
THE OCEAN'S LESSONS
Every year, the ocean teaches me something new. This year, it reminded me that timing is everything, that patience is rewarded, and that the best fishing happens when you're present in the moment. It taught me that conditions can change quickly, that adaptation is survival, and that respect for the resource is non-negotiable.
The ocean also reminded me that fishing is about more than catching fish. It's about the sunrise over the inlet, the sound of waves breaking on the beach, the feel of the rod bending, and the connection to something bigger than ourselves. It's about tradition, community, and the simple joy of being on the water.
LOOKING TOWARD SPRING
When we return in April, the cycle will begin again. The bait will move in, the predators will follow, and the South Shore will come alive with possibility. The fluke will be hungry, the stripers will be feeding, and we'll be ready.
Until then, rest. Recharge. Spend time with family. Fix what's broken, organize what's cluttered, and dream about that first trip of the new season. Winter is necessary—it's when the ocean rests and when we remember why we love this life.
HOLIDAY BLESSINGS
To you and your families, I wish peace, joy, and abundance this holiday season. May your tables be full, your hearts be light, and your spirits be high. Celebrate the year that was, and look forward to the year ahead.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a blessed New Year to all. May the ocean's wisdom guide you, and may the tides always bring you home safely.
SAM'S FINAL WORD
Three generations of my family have fished these waters. My grandfather taught my father, my father taught me, and I've tried to pass that knowledge on to anyone willing to learn. That's what this is all about—preserving something precious and sharing it with others.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for reading these reports, for sharing your knowledge, and for caring about the resource. You're what makes this community special.
The South Shore will be here waiting when we return. The fish will come back, the seasons will turn, and we'll be out there again, doing what we love.
Until then, mahalo and tight lines. Respect the water, honor the tradition, and I'll see you in the spring.
With gratitude and aloha,
South Shore Sam
---
These reports will resume in April 2026 when the spring fishing season begins. Wishing everyone a safe and happy off-season.
THE SEASON'S FINAL CHAPTER
The South Shore is settling into her winter rhythm. Water temperatures have dropped into the low 40s, and the migration is complete—the bulk of our fish have moved on to their winter grounds. The bunker have pushed south and west, the stripers have followed, and the bays are growing quiet.
There are still a few blackfish available for those targeting deeper structures, and the occasional striper will show up around the inlets and warm-water areas, but the consistent action we enjoyed through November has passed. The ocean is telling us it's time to rest, and we should listen.
REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY
This season was special, brothers and sisters. From the first spring schoolies working the shorelines in April, through the summer fluke and sea bass bonanza, to the epic fall run that kept us busy well into November—2025 gave us everything we could ask for.
The late-season bluefin action was unprecedented. That 107-inch fish caught and released in early December? That's the kind of moment that reminds us why we do this. The blackfish bite was strong and consistent, with quality tog filling coolers right up until the season closed. And the striper fishing—both from the surf and from boats—provided memories that'll last a lifetime.
What stood out most this year was how long the season extended. Warmer water, lingering bait, and favorable conditions kept fish in our waters weeks longer than normal. We were blessed with extra time, and I hope you all made the most of it.
THE WISDOM OF PATIENCE
My grandfather used to say that fishing teaches you patience, but it's the off-season that teaches you gratitude. When you can't fish, you remember why you love it. When the water's too cold and the fish are gone, you appreciate every moment you had when they were here.
This winter, take time to reflect on your season. Think about the fish you caught, the ones that got away, and the lessons the ocean taught you. Every season makes us better anglers, but only if we're willing to learn.
Use this time to maintain your gear, study your charts, and plan for next year. Read about tides and bait movements. Learn new techniques. Connect with other anglers. The off-season is when we grow, so that when spring arrives, we're ready.
GRATITUDE FOR THE COMMUNITY
I want to thank every tackle shop, every charter captain, every party boat crew, and every fellow angler who shared information this season. This community thrives because we help each other. We share what we know, we celebrate each other's success, and we preserve the resource for future generations.
Special thanks to the shops that provided daily reports—Saltwaters, Bob's, J&J Sports, and all the others. Your dedication to keeping anglers informed is invaluable. To the charter operations like Gypsea, King Cod VII, and Corazon—you put people on fish and create memories. That's sacred work.
And to every angler reading this: thank you for respecting the water, practicing good conservation, and keeping the spirit of fishing alive. You're the reason this community is strong.
THE OCEAN'S LESSONS
Every year, the ocean teaches me something new. This year, it reminded me that timing is everything, that patience is rewarded, and that the best fishing happens when you're present in the moment. It taught me that conditions can change quickly, that adaptation is survival, and that respect for the resource is non-negotiable.
The ocean also reminded me that fishing is about more than catching fish. It's about the sunrise over the inlet, the sound of waves breaking on the beach, the feel of the rod bending, and the connection to something bigger than ourselves. It's about tradition, community, and the simple joy of being on the water.
LOOKING TOWARD SPRING
When we return in April, the cycle will begin again. The bait will move in, the predators will follow, and the South Shore will come alive with possibility. The fluke will be hungry, the stripers will be feeding, and we'll be ready.
Until then, rest. Recharge. Spend time with family. Fix what's broken, organize what's cluttered, and dream about that first trip of the new season. Winter is necessary—it's when the ocean rests and when we remember why we love this life.
HOLIDAY BLESSINGS
To you and your families, I wish peace, joy, and abundance this holiday season. May your tables be full, your hearts be light, and your spirits be high. Celebrate the year that was, and look forward to the year ahead.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a blessed New Year to all. May the ocean's wisdom guide you, and may the tides always bring you home safely.
SAM'S FINAL WORD
Three generations of my family have fished these waters. My grandfather taught my father, my father taught me, and I've tried to pass that knowledge on to anyone willing to learn. That's what this is all about—preserving something precious and sharing it with others.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for reading these reports, for sharing your knowledge, and for caring about the resource. You're what makes this community special.
The South Shore will be here waiting when we return. The fish will come back, the seasons will turn, and we'll be out there again, doing what we love.
Until then, mahalo and tight lines. Respect the water, honor the tradition, and I'll see you in the spring.
With gratitude and aloha,
South Shore Sam
---
These reports will resume in April 2026 when the spring fishing season begins. Wishing everyone a safe and happy off-season.
