The sand is my office, and business has been good. The fall run is a special time for us surf rats, and it's not over yet. The crowds are thinning out, but the fish are still here. If you're willing to brave the cold, there are rewards to be had.
Striped Bass
The surf has been alive with bass, especially on those windy days. When the wind is howling and the waves are crashing, that's when the big girls come in to feed. Atlantic Beach has been the hot spot, with guys lined up and pulling in some quality fish. It's been a mix of schoolies and keepers, with some real slobs in the mix. You gotta be out there, putting in the time, but the fish are there.
Blackfish
Don't forget about the tog. The inlets are holding some nice blackfish, and you can get to them from the shore. It's a different game than fishing for them on the boat, but it can be just as rewarding. A simple rig with a green crab is all you need. Find a rocky spot, hold on tight, and you might be surprised at what you pull in.
The Vibe
It's a different scene out here now. The summer crowds are gone, and it's just the hardcore guys left. There's a sense of camaraderie, of shared passion for the sport. We're all out here for the same reason: to feel that tug, to see that flash of silver in the surf, and to connect with the ocean in a way that only a surfcaster can understand.
The Gear
This is the time of year when your gear gets put to the test. You need a good wetsuit, a sturdy rod and reel, and a plug bag full of your confidence baits. Darters, bottle plugs, and bucktails are all good choices. It's not about having a ton of gear; it's about having the right gear and knowing how to use it.
The Final Word
The fall run is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about putting in the hours, grinding it out, and being there when the bite turns on. The fish are here, the opportunities are there. So get out there, make a few casts, and enjoy the ride. It's a special time of year to be a surfcaster on Long Island.
Striped Bass
The surf has been alive with bass, especially on those windy days. When the wind is howling and the waves are crashing, that's when the big girls come in to feed. Atlantic Beach has been the hot spot, with guys lined up and pulling in some quality fish. It's been a mix of schoolies and keepers, with some real slobs in the mix. You gotta be out there, putting in the time, but the fish are there.
Blackfish
Don't forget about the tog. The inlets are holding some nice blackfish, and you can get to them from the shore. It's a different game than fishing for them on the boat, but it can be just as rewarding. A simple rig with a green crab is all you need. Find a rocky spot, hold on tight, and you might be surprised at what you pull in.
The Vibe
It's a different scene out here now. The summer crowds are gone, and it's just the hardcore guys left. There's a sense of camaraderie, of shared passion for the sport. We're all out here for the same reason: to feel that tug, to see that flash of silver in the surf, and to connect with the ocean in a way that only a surfcaster can understand.
The Gear
This is the time of year when your gear gets put to the test. You need a good wetsuit, a sturdy rod and reel, and a plug bag full of your confidence baits. Darters, bottle plugs, and bucktails are all good choices. It's not about having a ton of gear; it's about having the right gear and knowing how to use it.
The Final Word
The fall run is a marathon, not a sprint. It's about putting in the hours, grinding it out, and being there when the bite turns on. The fish are here, the opportunities are there. So get out there, make a few casts, and enjoy the ride. It's a special time of year to be a surfcaster on Long Island.
