The fall run is on, and the surf is alive! The past week has been a classic November Nor'easter, but the fish don't care. In fact, the snotty weather has only made the bite better. The water is churning, the bait is getting pushed in, and the bass are feeding with reckless abandon. If you're a surfcaster, this is the time of year we live for.
The Beaches:
From Robert Moses all the way to Southampton, the beaches have been producing fish. The bite has been inconsistent, but when it's on, it's on. The key has been to find the bait. The bass are keyed in on sand eels and bunker, so if you can find the bait, you'll find the fish. The birds have been a good indicator, but don't be afraid to do some blind casting. The fish are there, you just have to put in the time to find them.
The Lures:
With the amount of sand eels in the surf, it's no surprise that sand eel imitations have been the top producers. Diamond jigs, bucktails, and needlefish have all been effective. Don't be afraid to go heavy, especially in the rough surf. You need to get your offering down to the fish. When the bunker are around, it's a different story. Larger profile lures like metal lips, darters, and bottle plugs have been the ticket. And as always, don't forget the topwater plugs. There's nothing like watching a big bass explode on a popper in the white water.
The Tides:
The outgoing tide has been the most productive, but don't rule out the incoming. The fish will feed whenever the bait is present. The key is to be there when it happens. The bite can turn on and off in an instant, so you have to be ready.
3-Day Forecast:
The surf is going to be up for the next couple of days, so be careful out there. Friday is looking like the best day to hit the beach. Remember to wear your waders, bring your korkers, and always keep an eye on the ocean. Tight lines!
The Beaches:
From Robert Moses all the way to Southampton, the beaches have been producing fish. The bite has been inconsistent, but when it's on, it's on. The key has been to find the bait. The bass are keyed in on sand eels and bunker, so if you can find the bait, you'll find the fish. The birds have been a good indicator, but don't be afraid to do some blind casting. The fish are there, you just have to put in the time to find them.
The Lures:
With the amount of sand eels in the surf, it's no surprise that sand eel imitations have been the top producers. Diamond jigs, bucktails, and needlefish have all been effective. Don't be afraid to go heavy, especially in the rough surf. You need to get your offering down to the fish. When the bunker are around, it's a different story. Larger profile lures like metal lips, darters, and bottle plugs have been the ticket. And as always, don't forget the topwater plugs. There's nothing like watching a big bass explode on a popper in the white water.
The Tides:
The outgoing tide has been the most productive, but don't rule out the incoming. The fish will feed whenever the bait is present. The key is to be there when it happens. The bite can turn on and off in an instant, so you have to be ready.
3-Day Forecast:
- Wednesday: W winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 6 to 8 ft.
- Thursday: W winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt. Seas 5 to 7 ft.
- Friday: NW winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft.
The surf is going to be up for the next couple of days, so be careful out there. Friday is looking like the best day to hit the beach. Remember to wear your waders, bring your korkers, and always keep an eye on the ocean. Tight lines!
