What's up, beach warriors! Surf City Steve here with my final report of the 2025 season. It's been one incredible ride, and as I pack up my surf bag for the last time this year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what we've accomplished and thank every one of you for being part of this journey.
THE BEACH IN WINTER
The surf has gone quiet, brothers and sisters. Water temps have dropped into the low 40s, and the fall run is officially over. The bunker have moved on, the stripers have followed, and the beaches from Robert Moses to Southampton are entering their winter slumber.
There might be a few stragglers around the inlets and structured areas, but the consistent action we enjoyed through November is behind us. The ocean's telling us it's time to rest, and after the season we just had, I'm ready to listen.
LOOKING BACK ON 2025
What a year it was! From the first spring schoolies working the shorelines, through the summer bluefish blitzes, to that epic fall run that kept us busy well into November—2025 delivered everything a surf angler could ask for.
The fall run this year was special. We had fish, we had bait, and we had conditions that extended the season longer than normal. Those late October and early November blitzes? Those are the moments we live for. The feeling of a big bass crushing your plug in the wash, the sound of the drag screaming, the adrenaline rush of landing a quality fish from the beach—that's what it's all about.
We saw bass from schoolie size up to 30-plus pounds. We saw bunker pods so thick you could walk on them. We saw birds working, bait flipping, and fish feeding with abandon. And we were there for all of it, rods in hand, ready to capitalize on every opportunity.
THE WARRIOR SPIRIT
Surf fishing isn't easy. It requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to put in the miles. You gotta be mobile, you gotta be patient, and you gotta be ready when opportunity knocks. Because in surf fishing, the window of opportunity is often brief, and if you're not there when it opens, you miss it.
But that's what makes it special. That's what separates the warriors from the weekend anglers. We're the ones who show up before dawn, who walk miles of beach looking for fish, who cast until our arms are sore, and who never give up even when the bite is slow.
This community embodies that warrior spirit. Every one of you who gets out there, puts in the work, and chases fish with passion and dedication—you're a warrior. You're part of something bigger than yourself.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY
I want to thank every surf angler who shared information this season. When you report a blitz, when you help a newcomer learn how to read the water, when you practice catch-and-release and respect the resource—you're making this community stronger.
Thank you to the tackle shops that keep us supplied and informed. Thank you to the conservation organizations fighting to protect our fishery. Thank you to the captains and guides who share their knowledge. And thank you to every angler who picks up trash on the beach, respects private property, and represents our community with integrity.
Surf fishing has a reputation for being a tight-knit, passionate community, and that's because of people like you. You're what makes this special.
LESSONS FROM THE SURF
Every season teaches us something. This year reminded me that mobility is key—the fish aren't always where you expect them to be, so you gotta be willing to move. It taught me that patience pays off—sometimes you gotta grind through slow periods to find the bite. And it reinforced that respect for the resource is non-negotiable—we're stewards of this fishery, and we have a responsibility to protect it.
The surf also reminded me why I love this so much. It's not just about catching fish—it's about the connection to nature, the challenge of the hunt, the thrill of the chase, and the camaraderie of fellow warriors who understand why you do this.
WINTER PLANS
For most of us, the rods are going into storage for the winter. But that doesn't mean we stop being anglers. This is the time to maintain your gear, organize your tackle, and plan for next season.
Clean your reels and lubricate them properly. Check your rods for damage. Go through your plug bag and replace worn hooks. Organize your line and leaders. Study your maps and charts. Learn new techniques. Watch fishing videos. Read fishing reports from other regions.
And most importantly, spend time with your family. They support our obsession with chasing fish—make sure they know they're appreciated.
Winter is when we recharge. It's when we dream about that first warm day of spring when the bait moves in and the fish follow. It's when we remember why we love this life.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
To all of you and your families, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year. May your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and time with the people you love.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and take care of each other. Life's too short not to appreciate what we have.
STEVE'S FINAL WORD
This season was incredible, and I'm grateful for every moment of it. I'm grateful for the fish, for the conditions, for the community, and for the opportunity to share this journey with all of you.
Thank you for reading these reports. Thank you for being part of this warrior community. Thank you for respecting the resource and keeping the tradition of surf fishing alive.
The beach will be here waiting when we return in the spring. The fish will come back, the seasons will turn, and we'll be out there again, rods in hand, ready for whatever the ocean throws at us.
Until then, keep your plugs sharp, your leaders strong, and your spirit unbreakable. I'll see you on the beach when the water warms up and the stripers return.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Surf fishing is more than a hobby—it's a way of life. It's about the challenge, the adventure, the connection to something primal and real. It's about standing in the wash at dawn, casting into the unknown, and believing that the next cast could be the one.
Thank you for being part of this. Thank you for embodying the warrior spirit. And thank you for keeping the dream alive.
The beach is calling, warriors. But for now, it's calling us to rest. We'll answer again in the spring.
Surf's up and lines tight,
Surf City Steve
---
These reports will resume in April 2026 when the spring fishing season begins. Wishing everyone a safe and happy off-season.
THE BEACH IN WINTER
The surf has gone quiet, brothers and sisters. Water temps have dropped into the low 40s, and the fall run is officially over. The bunker have moved on, the stripers have followed, and the beaches from Robert Moses to Southampton are entering their winter slumber.
There might be a few stragglers around the inlets and structured areas, but the consistent action we enjoyed through November is behind us. The ocean's telling us it's time to rest, and after the season we just had, I'm ready to listen.
LOOKING BACK ON 2025
What a year it was! From the first spring schoolies working the shorelines, through the summer bluefish blitzes, to that epic fall run that kept us busy well into November—2025 delivered everything a surf angler could ask for.
The fall run this year was special. We had fish, we had bait, and we had conditions that extended the season longer than normal. Those late October and early November blitzes? Those are the moments we live for. The feeling of a big bass crushing your plug in the wash, the sound of the drag screaming, the adrenaline rush of landing a quality fish from the beach—that's what it's all about.
We saw bass from schoolie size up to 30-plus pounds. We saw bunker pods so thick you could walk on them. We saw birds working, bait flipping, and fish feeding with abandon. And we were there for all of it, rods in hand, ready to capitalize on every opportunity.
THE WARRIOR SPIRIT
Surf fishing isn't easy. It requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to put in the miles. You gotta be mobile, you gotta be patient, and you gotta be ready when opportunity knocks. Because in surf fishing, the window of opportunity is often brief, and if you're not there when it opens, you miss it.
But that's what makes it special. That's what separates the warriors from the weekend anglers. We're the ones who show up before dawn, who walk miles of beach looking for fish, who cast until our arms are sore, and who never give up even when the bite is slow.
This community embodies that warrior spirit. Every one of you who gets out there, puts in the work, and chases fish with passion and dedication—you're a warrior. You're part of something bigger than yourself.
THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY
I want to thank every surf angler who shared information this season. When you report a blitz, when you help a newcomer learn how to read the water, when you practice catch-and-release and respect the resource—you're making this community stronger.
Thank you to the tackle shops that keep us supplied and informed. Thank you to the conservation organizations fighting to protect our fishery. Thank you to the captains and guides who share their knowledge. And thank you to every angler who picks up trash on the beach, respects private property, and represents our community with integrity.
Surf fishing has a reputation for being a tight-knit, passionate community, and that's because of people like you. You're what makes this special.
LESSONS FROM THE SURF
Every season teaches us something. This year reminded me that mobility is key—the fish aren't always where you expect them to be, so you gotta be willing to move. It taught me that patience pays off—sometimes you gotta grind through slow periods to find the bite. And it reinforced that respect for the resource is non-negotiable—we're stewards of this fishery, and we have a responsibility to protect it.
The surf also reminded me why I love this so much. It's not just about catching fish—it's about the connection to nature, the challenge of the hunt, the thrill of the chase, and the camaraderie of fellow warriors who understand why you do this.
WINTER PLANS
For most of us, the rods are going into storage for the winter. But that doesn't mean we stop being anglers. This is the time to maintain your gear, organize your tackle, and plan for next season.
Clean your reels and lubricate them properly. Check your rods for damage. Go through your plug bag and replace worn hooks. Organize your line and leaders. Study your maps and charts. Learn new techniques. Watch fishing videos. Read fishing reports from other regions.
And most importantly, spend time with your family. They support our obsession with chasing fish—make sure they know they're appreciated.
Winter is when we recharge. It's when we dream about that first warm day of spring when the bait moves in and the fish follow. It's when we remember why we love this life.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
To all of you and your families, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Happy New Year. May your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and time with the people you love.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and take care of each other. Life's too short not to appreciate what we have.
STEVE'S FINAL WORD
This season was incredible, and I'm grateful for every moment of it. I'm grateful for the fish, for the conditions, for the community, and for the opportunity to share this journey with all of you.
Thank you for reading these reports. Thank you for being part of this warrior community. Thank you for respecting the resource and keeping the tradition of surf fishing alive.
The beach will be here waiting when we return in the spring. The fish will come back, the seasons will turn, and we'll be out there again, rods in hand, ready for whatever the ocean throws at us.
Until then, keep your plugs sharp, your leaders strong, and your spirit unbreakable. I'll see you on the beach when the water warms up and the stripers return.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Surf fishing is more than a hobby—it's a way of life. It's about the challenge, the adventure, the connection to something primal and real. It's about standing in the wash at dawn, casting into the unknown, and believing that the next cast could be the one.
Thank you for being part of this. Thank you for embodying the warrior spirit. And thank you for keeping the dream alive.
The beach is calling, warriors. But for now, it's calling us to rest. We'll answer again in the spring.
Surf's up and lines tight,
Surf City Steve
---
These reports will resume in April 2026 when the spring fishing season begins. Wishing everyone a safe and happy off-season.
