What's up, surf fishing family! Surf City Steve here with your comprehensive ocean beach fishing intelligence. After 35+ years working every mile of beach from Rockaway to Montauk Point, I've got the complete picture of what's happening across our incredible Atlantic coastline.
**OVERALL SURF CONDITIONS & ASSESSMENT**
The Atlantic surf is absolutely firing right now, and I mean that in every sense of the word. We're experiencing one of those magical late September periods where everything aligns perfectly - water temperature, baitfish, weather patterns, and fish behavior. This is what we wait for all season long.
Water temps are holding in the perfect zone - mid-60s close to shore with slightly cooler water just beyond the breakers. The baitfish are thick everywhere I look, from massive schools of bunker to clouds of spearing and sand eels. When you see this kind of forage activity, you know the predators aren't far behind.
I spent yesterday evening walking the beach at Jones with my buddy Mike, and we counted more working birds and surface activity than we've seen all season. The ocean is alive right now, and every beach from the western reaches to Montauk Point is offering opportunities that serious surf anglers dream about.
**WESTERN BEACHES**
**1. Rockaway Peninsula**
Rockaway has been my go-to spot for consistent surf action this season, and it continues to deliver day after day. The combination of accessible fishing and productive water makes this stretch of beach perfect for both serious anglers and those just getting into surf fishing.
The striped bass action here has been phenomenal. I've been working the early morning and evening hours with live eels and connecting with fish regularly. Yesterday morning, I landed four keeper stripers between 28 and 35 inches, including one beautiful fish that went 33 inches and fought like a fish twice its size.
The structure along Rockaway provides excellent holding areas for a variety of species. I've been finding good numbers of blackfish around the jetties and rocky areas using green crabs on high-low rigs. These fish are just starting to move into their fall feeding patterns, and the action should only improve as we move deeper into October.
What I love about Rockaway is the variety. In addition to the stripers and blackfish, I'm finding bluefish, weakfish, and even the occasional fluke in the deeper troughs. The beach offers something for every type of surf angler, from beginners to experts.
**2. Long Beach Waters**
Long Beach has been absolutely incredible this season. The wide, sandy beach provides excellent surf fishing opportunities, and the fish have been cooperating beautifully. I've been spending a lot of time here lately, and it's been paying dividends in both quantity and quality.
The bluefish action at Long Beach deserves special recognition. I'm finding schools of choppers from 3-8 pounds that are providing some of the most exciting surf fishing available anywhere on Long Island. These fish are aggressive, numerous, and absolutely brutal on tackle. I'm using wire leaders with metal lures and having a blast.
The striped bass fishing has been consistently good as well. I've been working the deeper water during the moving tides and finding fish regularly. Live bunker has been most effective, but I've also had success with large swimming plugs during the low-light periods.
The beach structure at Long Beach creates excellent fishing opportunities. The sandbars and troughs hold baitfish, which in turn attract the predators we're targeting. Reading the water and understanding how these features affect fish behavior is critical to consistent success here.
**CENTRAL BEACH EXCELLENCE**
**3. Jones Beach Region**
Jones Beach remains one of my all-time favorite surf fishing destinations, and this season has been exceptional. The combination of excellent access, diverse structure, and productive water makes this stretch of coastline a must-fish location for serious surf anglers.
The striped bass fishing at Jones Beach has been world-class. I've been working both the inlet areas and the open beach with excellent results. The inlet mouth provides structure and current that stripers love, while the open beach offers the classic surf fishing experience that defines our sport.
I've been particularly impressed with the size of fish available at Jones Beach this season. I'm seeing stripers in the 30-40 inch range with regularity, and these are thick, healthy fish that represent the best of what our Atlantic surf has to offer. Last week, I connected with a bass that I'm confident was over 36 inches - the kind of fish that makes your hands shake with excitement.
The variety at Jones Beach is outstanding. In addition to the stripers, I'm finding excellent bluefish action, good numbers of weakfish, and even some quality fluke in the deeper areas. The beach offers opportunities for every type of surf angler, regardless of experience level or preferred techniques.
**4. Fire Island Surf**
Fire Island has been producing some of the most consistent surf fishing I've experienced all season. The combination of protected bay access and open ocean surf fishing makes this area incredibly versatile and productive.
The ocean side of Fire Island has been holding excellent numbers of striped bass. I've been working the early morning hours with live eels and large swimming plugs and connecting with fish regularly. The key is understanding the structure and timing your fishing to the tides and baitfish movements.
The inlet areas provide some of the most exciting fishing available anywhere on the South Shore. The combination of current, structure, and baitfish creates feeding opportunities that attract fish in both quantity and quality. I've been using live bunker in the deeper water and finding fish that are both numerous and of excellent size.
What makes Fire Island special is its accessibility and variety. You can fish the protected bay waters when conditions are rough, or challenge the open ocean when you're looking for bigger fish and more excitement.
**5. Robert Moses Beach**
Robert Moses has been one of the most pleasant surprises of this fishing season. This stretch of beach offers excellent surf fishing opportunities that are often overlooked by anglers focused on more famous locations.
The striped bass action here has been consistently good. I've been working the deeper troughs and channels with live bait and artificial lures and finding fish regularly. The beach structure creates excellent holding areas for both baitfish and the predators that feed on them.
I've been particularly impressed with the bluefish action at Robert Moses. I'm finding schools of fish that are both aggressive and numerous. These choppers are providing some of the most exciting light tackle fishing available anywhere on Long Island.
The beach offers excellent access and parking, which makes it perfect for anglers who want to focus on fishing rather than logistics. The wide, sandy beach provides plenty of room to spread out and work different areas until you find the active fish.
**EASTERN BEACH PARADISE**
**6. Gilgo Beach Waters**
Gilgo Beach has been fishing exceptionally well this season. The combination of excellent structure and productive water makes this stretch of coastline a favorite among serious surf anglers who know what to look for.
The striped bass fishing at Gilgo has been outstanding. I've been working the early morning and evening hours with a variety of baits and lures and finding fish consistently. The key is understanding the beach structure and how it affects fish behavior and feeding patterns.
The blackfish potential at Gilgo is just starting to show itself as we move into fall. The rocky areas and structure are beginning to hold quality tog that are moving into their autumn feeding patterns. I've been using green crabs on dropper rigs and finding fish in the 3-5 pound range.
What I appreciate about Gilgo is the quality of fishing available for those willing to put in the effort. This isn't a spot for casual anglers - it requires skill, knowledge, and persistence. But for those who understand surf fishing, the rewards can be exceptional.
**7. Westhampton Beach**
Westhampton has been producing some of the most consistent surf fishing I've experienced all season. The beach offers excellent access to productive water and has been holding fish regularly throughout this exceptional period.
The variety available at Westhampton is impressive. I'm finding striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and even some quality fluke in the deeper areas. The beach structure creates diverse fishing opportunities that can satisfy any surf angler's preferences.
The striped bass action deserves special mention. I've been working the deeper water with live eels during the evening hours and connecting with fish that are both numerous and of excellent quality. These are the kind of sessions that remind you why surf fishing is such a special pursuit.
**8. Southampton Surf**
Southampton represents some of the finest surf fishing available anywhere on Long Island. The combination of excellent water quality, diverse structure, and abundant baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply outstanding.
The striped bass fishing here has been world-class. I've been working both live bait and artificial lures with excellent results. The fish are showing up in all size classes, from schoolies to genuine trophies that test your tackle and your skills.
The beach structure at Southampton creates excellent fishing opportunities. The sandbars, troughs, and deeper channels all hold different species at different times, which means there's always something to target regardless of conditions or time of day.
**9. Montauk Surf - The Ultimate Destination**
Montauk Point remains the crown jewel of East Coast surf fishing, and right now it's fishing better than I've seen in years. The combination of deep water, strong currents, and abundant baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply unmatched anywhere else.
The striped bass fishing at Montauk has been absolutely incredible. I've been working the famous surf spots with live eels and large swimming plugs and connecting with fish that are both large and numerous. This is where dreams come true and fishing legends are born.
The variety at Montauk is outstanding. In addition to the stripers, I'm finding excellent bluefish action, good numbers of weakfish, and even some quality blackfish around the rocky areas. The Point offers something for every type of surf angler.
What makes Montauk special is the combination of accessibility and world-class fishing. You can fish from shore and have legitimate shots at trophy fish that would be the highlight of any angler's career. This is surf fishing at its absolute finest.
**SPECIES INTELLIGENCE & REGIONAL ANALYSIS**
**Striped Bass:** The surf-wide striper bite is the best I've seen in my 35+ years of beach fishing. Fish are showing up everywhere from Rockaway to Montauk in all size classes. Live eels and bunker are most effective, but don't overlook the potential of large swimming plugs during active feeding periods.
**Bluefish:** The chopper bluefish action has been phenomenal. I'm finding schools of aggressive fish from 3-8 pounds that are providing some of the most exciting surf fishing available. Wire leaders are essential, and metal lures are most effective.
**Weakfish:** This has been the surprise species of the season. After years of poor fishing, weakfish are showing up in numbers I haven't seen since the 1980s. They're providing excellent light tackle opportunities for surf anglers willing to scale down their equipment.
**Blackfish (Tautog):** The fall tog bite is just getting started, and early reports are very encouraging. The rocky structure along our beaches is beginning to hold quality fish as they move into their autumn feeding patterns.
**SURF FISHING EQUIPMENT & TECHNIQUES**
For current surf conditions, I'm recommending heavy spinning or conventional tackle capable of handling the variety of species and conditions we're encountering. A 10-12 foot surf rod with a quality reel spooled with 30-50 pound braid provides the power and distance needed for effective surf fishing.
Live bait continues to be most effective for striped bass. Eels and bunker are both producing excellent results, but presentation is critical in the surf environment. Make sure your baits stay lively and your tackle is appropriate for the conditions you're fishing.
For bluefish, wire leaders are absolutely essential. These fish will cut through monofilament and fluorocarbon like it's not even there. Metal lures, particularly spoons and jigs, are most effective for these aggressive predators.
**SURF FISHING SAFETY & CONSIDERATIONS**
Surf fishing requires special attention to safety that doesn't apply to other types of fishing. Always be aware of wave conditions and never turn your back on the ocean. Rogue waves can appear without warning and create dangerous situations quickly.
Proper wading technique is essential for safe and effective surf fishing. Never wade deeper than your waist, and always maintain three points of contact when moving through the surf. The ocean is powerful and unpredictable, and respect for its power is essential.
Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast. Always check marine forecasts before heading out, and be prepared to leave if conditions deteriorate. No fish is worth risking your safety.
**FINAL ANALYSIS & PREDICTIONS**
After 35+ years of surf fishing Long Island beaches, I can tell you with absolute confidence that what we're experiencing right now is special. The combination of perfect water conditions, abundant baitfish, and cooperative fish makes this one of the best late September periods in recent memory.
The cooling water temperatures are triggering exactly the feeding responses we want to see, and the fish are responding to traditional surf fishing techniques and presentations. This is the time of year when experience and local knowledge really pay dividends.
Looking ahead, I expect the surf fishing to remain excellent well into October and November. The striped bass will continue their heavy feeding as they prepare for their southern migration, and the bluefish action should remain strong. The blackfish bite will only improve as we move deeper into fall.
My advice to fellow surf anglers is simple: take advantage of what the ocean is offering right now. These are the conditions we dream about during the long winter months, and they represent the payoff for all the cold mornings and tough conditions we've endured.
Remember, surf fishing is about more than just catching fish. It's about the connection to the ocean, the challenge of reading water and conditions, and the satisfaction that comes from mastering one of fishing's most demanding disciplines. After more than three decades on these beaches, I can tell you that the magic of surf fishing never gets old.
The ocean is calling, the fish are feeding, and the conditions are perfect. There's never been a better time to grab your surf rod and experience the best that Long Island surf fishing has to offer.
Tight lines and following seas!
Surf City Steve
**OVERALL SURF CONDITIONS & ASSESSMENT**
The Atlantic surf is absolutely firing right now, and I mean that in every sense of the word. We're experiencing one of those magical late September periods where everything aligns perfectly - water temperature, baitfish, weather patterns, and fish behavior. This is what we wait for all season long.
Water temps are holding in the perfect zone - mid-60s close to shore with slightly cooler water just beyond the breakers. The baitfish are thick everywhere I look, from massive schools of bunker to clouds of spearing and sand eels. When you see this kind of forage activity, you know the predators aren't far behind.
I spent yesterday evening walking the beach at Jones with my buddy Mike, and we counted more working birds and surface activity than we've seen all season. The ocean is alive right now, and every beach from the western reaches to Montauk Point is offering opportunities that serious surf anglers dream about.
**WESTERN BEACHES**
**1. Rockaway Peninsula**
Rockaway has been my go-to spot for consistent surf action this season, and it continues to deliver day after day. The combination of accessible fishing and productive water makes this stretch of beach perfect for both serious anglers and those just getting into surf fishing.
The striped bass action here has been phenomenal. I've been working the early morning and evening hours with live eels and connecting with fish regularly. Yesterday morning, I landed four keeper stripers between 28 and 35 inches, including one beautiful fish that went 33 inches and fought like a fish twice its size.
The structure along Rockaway provides excellent holding areas for a variety of species. I've been finding good numbers of blackfish around the jetties and rocky areas using green crabs on high-low rigs. These fish are just starting to move into their fall feeding patterns, and the action should only improve as we move deeper into October.
What I love about Rockaway is the variety. In addition to the stripers and blackfish, I'm finding bluefish, weakfish, and even the occasional fluke in the deeper troughs. The beach offers something for every type of surf angler, from beginners to experts.
**2. Long Beach Waters**
Long Beach has been absolutely incredible this season. The wide, sandy beach provides excellent surf fishing opportunities, and the fish have been cooperating beautifully. I've been spending a lot of time here lately, and it's been paying dividends in both quantity and quality.
The bluefish action at Long Beach deserves special recognition. I'm finding schools of choppers from 3-8 pounds that are providing some of the most exciting surf fishing available anywhere on Long Island. These fish are aggressive, numerous, and absolutely brutal on tackle. I'm using wire leaders with metal lures and having a blast.
The striped bass fishing has been consistently good as well. I've been working the deeper water during the moving tides and finding fish regularly. Live bunker has been most effective, but I've also had success with large swimming plugs during the low-light periods.
The beach structure at Long Beach creates excellent fishing opportunities. The sandbars and troughs hold baitfish, which in turn attract the predators we're targeting. Reading the water and understanding how these features affect fish behavior is critical to consistent success here.
**CENTRAL BEACH EXCELLENCE**
**3. Jones Beach Region**
Jones Beach remains one of my all-time favorite surf fishing destinations, and this season has been exceptional. The combination of excellent access, diverse structure, and productive water makes this stretch of coastline a must-fish location for serious surf anglers.
The striped bass fishing at Jones Beach has been world-class. I've been working both the inlet areas and the open beach with excellent results. The inlet mouth provides structure and current that stripers love, while the open beach offers the classic surf fishing experience that defines our sport.
I've been particularly impressed with the size of fish available at Jones Beach this season. I'm seeing stripers in the 30-40 inch range with regularity, and these are thick, healthy fish that represent the best of what our Atlantic surf has to offer. Last week, I connected with a bass that I'm confident was over 36 inches - the kind of fish that makes your hands shake with excitement.
The variety at Jones Beach is outstanding. In addition to the stripers, I'm finding excellent bluefish action, good numbers of weakfish, and even some quality fluke in the deeper areas. The beach offers opportunities for every type of surf angler, regardless of experience level or preferred techniques.
**4. Fire Island Surf**
Fire Island has been producing some of the most consistent surf fishing I've experienced all season. The combination of protected bay access and open ocean surf fishing makes this area incredibly versatile and productive.
The ocean side of Fire Island has been holding excellent numbers of striped bass. I've been working the early morning hours with live eels and large swimming plugs and connecting with fish regularly. The key is understanding the structure and timing your fishing to the tides and baitfish movements.
The inlet areas provide some of the most exciting fishing available anywhere on the South Shore. The combination of current, structure, and baitfish creates feeding opportunities that attract fish in both quantity and quality. I've been using live bunker in the deeper water and finding fish that are both numerous and of excellent size.
What makes Fire Island special is its accessibility and variety. You can fish the protected bay waters when conditions are rough, or challenge the open ocean when you're looking for bigger fish and more excitement.
**5. Robert Moses Beach**
Robert Moses has been one of the most pleasant surprises of this fishing season. This stretch of beach offers excellent surf fishing opportunities that are often overlooked by anglers focused on more famous locations.
The striped bass action here has been consistently good. I've been working the deeper troughs and channels with live bait and artificial lures and finding fish regularly. The beach structure creates excellent holding areas for both baitfish and the predators that feed on them.
I've been particularly impressed with the bluefish action at Robert Moses. I'm finding schools of fish that are both aggressive and numerous. These choppers are providing some of the most exciting light tackle fishing available anywhere on Long Island.
The beach offers excellent access and parking, which makes it perfect for anglers who want to focus on fishing rather than logistics. The wide, sandy beach provides plenty of room to spread out and work different areas until you find the active fish.
**EASTERN BEACH PARADISE**
**6. Gilgo Beach Waters**
Gilgo Beach has been fishing exceptionally well this season. The combination of excellent structure and productive water makes this stretch of coastline a favorite among serious surf anglers who know what to look for.
The striped bass fishing at Gilgo has been outstanding. I've been working the early morning and evening hours with a variety of baits and lures and finding fish consistently. The key is understanding the beach structure and how it affects fish behavior and feeding patterns.
The blackfish potential at Gilgo is just starting to show itself as we move into fall. The rocky areas and structure are beginning to hold quality tog that are moving into their autumn feeding patterns. I've been using green crabs on dropper rigs and finding fish in the 3-5 pound range.
What I appreciate about Gilgo is the quality of fishing available for those willing to put in the effort. This isn't a spot for casual anglers - it requires skill, knowledge, and persistence. But for those who understand surf fishing, the rewards can be exceptional.
**7. Westhampton Beach**
Westhampton has been producing some of the most consistent surf fishing I've experienced all season. The beach offers excellent access to productive water and has been holding fish regularly throughout this exceptional period.
The variety available at Westhampton is impressive. I'm finding striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and even some quality fluke in the deeper areas. The beach structure creates diverse fishing opportunities that can satisfy any surf angler's preferences.
The striped bass action deserves special mention. I've been working the deeper water with live eels during the evening hours and connecting with fish that are both numerous and of excellent quality. These are the kind of sessions that remind you why surf fishing is such a special pursuit.
**8. Southampton Surf**
Southampton represents some of the finest surf fishing available anywhere on Long Island. The combination of excellent water quality, diverse structure, and abundant baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply outstanding.
The striped bass fishing here has been world-class. I've been working both live bait and artificial lures with excellent results. The fish are showing up in all size classes, from schoolies to genuine trophies that test your tackle and your skills.
The beach structure at Southampton creates excellent fishing opportunities. The sandbars, troughs, and deeper channels all hold different species at different times, which means there's always something to target regardless of conditions or time of day.
**9. Montauk Surf - The Ultimate Destination**
Montauk Point remains the crown jewel of East Coast surf fishing, and right now it's fishing better than I've seen in years. The combination of deep water, strong currents, and abundant baitfish creates fishing opportunities that are simply unmatched anywhere else.
The striped bass fishing at Montauk has been absolutely incredible. I've been working the famous surf spots with live eels and large swimming plugs and connecting with fish that are both large and numerous. This is where dreams come true and fishing legends are born.
The variety at Montauk is outstanding. In addition to the stripers, I'm finding excellent bluefish action, good numbers of weakfish, and even some quality blackfish around the rocky areas. The Point offers something for every type of surf angler.
What makes Montauk special is the combination of accessibility and world-class fishing. You can fish from shore and have legitimate shots at trophy fish that would be the highlight of any angler's career. This is surf fishing at its absolute finest.
**SPECIES INTELLIGENCE & REGIONAL ANALYSIS**
**Striped Bass:** The surf-wide striper bite is the best I've seen in my 35+ years of beach fishing. Fish are showing up everywhere from Rockaway to Montauk in all size classes. Live eels and bunker are most effective, but don't overlook the potential of large swimming plugs during active feeding periods.
**Bluefish:** The chopper bluefish action has been phenomenal. I'm finding schools of aggressive fish from 3-8 pounds that are providing some of the most exciting surf fishing available. Wire leaders are essential, and metal lures are most effective.
**Weakfish:** This has been the surprise species of the season. After years of poor fishing, weakfish are showing up in numbers I haven't seen since the 1980s. They're providing excellent light tackle opportunities for surf anglers willing to scale down their equipment.
**Blackfish (Tautog):** The fall tog bite is just getting started, and early reports are very encouraging. The rocky structure along our beaches is beginning to hold quality fish as they move into their autumn feeding patterns.
**SURF FISHING EQUIPMENT & TECHNIQUES**
For current surf conditions, I'm recommending heavy spinning or conventional tackle capable of handling the variety of species and conditions we're encountering. A 10-12 foot surf rod with a quality reel spooled with 30-50 pound braid provides the power and distance needed for effective surf fishing.
Live bait continues to be most effective for striped bass. Eels and bunker are both producing excellent results, but presentation is critical in the surf environment. Make sure your baits stay lively and your tackle is appropriate for the conditions you're fishing.
For bluefish, wire leaders are absolutely essential. These fish will cut through monofilament and fluorocarbon like it's not even there. Metal lures, particularly spoons and jigs, are most effective for these aggressive predators.
**SURF FISHING SAFETY & CONSIDERATIONS**
Surf fishing requires special attention to safety that doesn't apply to other types of fishing. Always be aware of wave conditions and never turn your back on the ocean. Rogue waves can appear without warning and create dangerous situations quickly.
Proper wading technique is essential for safe and effective surf fishing. Never wade deeper than your waist, and always maintain three points of contact when moving through the surf. The ocean is powerful and unpredictable, and respect for its power is essential.
Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast. Always check marine forecasts before heading out, and be prepared to leave if conditions deteriorate. No fish is worth risking your safety.
**FINAL ANALYSIS & PREDICTIONS**
After 35+ years of surf fishing Long Island beaches, I can tell you with absolute confidence that what we're experiencing right now is special. The combination of perfect water conditions, abundant baitfish, and cooperative fish makes this one of the best late September periods in recent memory.
The cooling water temperatures are triggering exactly the feeding responses we want to see, and the fish are responding to traditional surf fishing techniques and presentations. This is the time of year when experience and local knowledge really pay dividends.
Looking ahead, I expect the surf fishing to remain excellent well into October and November. The striped bass will continue their heavy feeding as they prepare for their southern migration, and the bluefish action should remain strong. The blackfish bite will only improve as we move deeper into fall.
My advice to fellow surf anglers is simple: take advantage of what the ocean is offering right now. These are the conditions we dream about during the long winter months, and they represent the payoff for all the cold mornings and tough conditions we've endured.
Remember, surf fishing is about more than just catching fish. It's about the connection to the ocean, the challenge of reading water and conditions, and the satisfaction that comes from mastering one of fishing's most demanding disciplines. After more than three decades on these beaches, I can tell you that the magic of surf fishing never gets old.
The ocean is calling, the fish are feeding, and the conditions are perfect. There's never been a better time to grab your surf rod and experience the best that Long Island surf fishing has to offer.
Tight lines and following seas!
Surf City Steve
