# Surf City Steve's Ocean Beach Report - October 7, 2025
Yo, surfcasters and beach bums! Surf City Steve here, comin' at ya live from the sand and swell of Long Island's ocean beaches. The fall migration is in full swing, and the mullet run is still pushing bait right into our wheelhouse. It's that time of year when the air gets crisp, the water cools, and the fish get hungry. Let's talk about what's happening from Robert Moses all the way down to Southampton.
## The Vibe on the Tide: Conditions and What's Happening
The ocean's got a rhythm, and right now, it's a fast beat. The cooler water temperatures are signaling to the stripers and bluefish that it's time to feed up before they head south. The mullet run is still providing plenty of action, and those schools of bait are attracting some serious predators. We're seeing a mix of bluefish and stripers, with the occasional albie still zipping through. The key to success out here is staying mobile, reading the water, and being where the bait is. Don't be afraid to put some miles on your boots!
## Robert Moses to Fire Island Inlet
Starting west, around **Robert Moses** and heading towards **Fire Island Inlet**, the surf has been alive with activity. The mullet schools are still thick, and the **bluefish** are right on their tails, creating some explosive topwater action. There are also **striped bass** mixed in, especially during the low light hours of dawn and dusk. Look for those classic signs: diving birds, nervous water, and bait getting busted. The jetties and cuts around the inlet are always good spots to target, especially during a moving tide.
## Fire Island to Moriches Inlet
Along the stretches of **Fire Island** and moving east towards **Moriches Inlet**, the surf continues to produce. Anglers are reporting consistent catches of **bluefish** and **stripers** following the mullet. The deeper cuts and troughs created by the recent swells are holding fish. Don't overlook the early morning incoming tide; it often brings the bait closer to shore and the fish right behind them. Keep an eye out for any lingering **false albacore**; they're fast, but if you can get a metal jig in front of them, it's a blast.
## Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet
Further east, from **Moriches Inlet** to **Shinnecock Inlet**, the surf fishing remains strong. The beaches here are seeing similar action with **bluefish** and **stripers** keying in on the mullet. The inlets themselves are always productive, acting as funnels for bait and fish. For those targeting **blackfish**, the rocky areas and jetties around the inlets are starting to heat up, especially with the cooler water temps. Green crabs and sand fleas are your best bet there.
## Shinnecock to Southampton
Finally, heading towards **Southampton**, the surf continues to offer opportunities. While specific reports for this exact stretch might be less frequent, the overall trend of the fall run means that **bluefish** and **stripers** are present. The beaches here can be a bit quieter, offering a more serene surfcasting experience. Focus on finding those subtle rips and depressions in the sand where bait might be holding. The deeper water close to shore can also hold some surprises.
## Species Breakdown: What's Biting and How to Catch 'Em
* **Striped Bass:** They're here for the mullet! Topwater plugs, swimming plugs, and bucktails are all effective. Live eels at night can also be deadly, especially around the inlets and jetties. Look for them in the wash and around structure.
* **Bluefish:** Aggressive and plentiful. Metal lures, poppers, and chunks of bait will get their attention. They're often found right in the thick of the mullet schools.
* **False Albacore:** Fast and furious! If you spot them, cast small metal jigs or epoxy resin lures and retrieve quickly. They're a blast on light tackle.
* **Blackfish (Tautog):** Starting to become more active around rocky structure and jetties. Green crabs and sand fleas are the go-to baits. Be patient and feel for that subtle tap.
## Steve's Surf Tactics
My advice? Walk the beach, observe the water, and look for any signs of life. Birds diving, bait jumping, or even just a subtle change in the wave pattern can indicate where the fish are. Fish the moving water, especially the incoming tide, as it often pushes bait closer to shore. And always be prepared for anything – a mixed bag is common this time of year. Most importantly, enjoy the solitude and the thrill of the surf. Tight lines, and I'll see ya on the sand!
Yo, surfcasters and beach bums! Surf City Steve here, comin' at ya live from the sand and swell of Long Island's ocean beaches. The fall migration is in full swing, and the mullet run is still pushing bait right into our wheelhouse. It's that time of year when the air gets crisp, the water cools, and the fish get hungry. Let's talk about what's happening from Robert Moses all the way down to Southampton.
## The Vibe on the Tide: Conditions and What's Happening
The ocean's got a rhythm, and right now, it's a fast beat. The cooler water temperatures are signaling to the stripers and bluefish that it's time to feed up before they head south. The mullet run is still providing plenty of action, and those schools of bait are attracting some serious predators. We're seeing a mix of bluefish and stripers, with the occasional albie still zipping through. The key to success out here is staying mobile, reading the water, and being where the bait is. Don't be afraid to put some miles on your boots!
## Robert Moses to Fire Island Inlet
Starting west, around **Robert Moses** and heading towards **Fire Island Inlet**, the surf has been alive with activity. The mullet schools are still thick, and the **bluefish** are right on their tails, creating some explosive topwater action. There are also **striped bass** mixed in, especially during the low light hours of dawn and dusk. Look for those classic signs: diving birds, nervous water, and bait getting busted. The jetties and cuts around the inlet are always good spots to target, especially during a moving tide.
## Fire Island to Moriches Inlet
Along the stretches of **Fire Island** and moving east towards **Moriches Inlet**, the surf continues to produce. Anglers are reporting consistent catches of **bluefish** and **stripers** following the mullet. The deeper cuts and troughs created by the recent swells are holding fish. Don't overlook the early morning incoming tide; it often brings the bait closer to shore and the fish right behind them. Keep an eye out for any lingering **false albacore**; they're fast, but if you can get a metal jig in front of them, it's a blast.
## Moriches Inlet to Shinnecock Inlet
Further east, from **Moriches Inlet** to **Shinnecock Inlet**, the surf fishing remains strong. The beaches here are seeing similar action with **bluefish** and **stripers** keying in on the mullet. The inlets themselves are always productive, acting as funnels for bait and fish. For those targeting **blackfish**, the rocky areas and jetties around the inlets are starting to heat up, especially with the cooler water temps. Green crabs and sand fleas are your best bet there.
## Shinnecock to Southampton
Finally, heading towards **Southampton**, the surf continues to offer opportunities. While specific reports for this exact stretch might be less frequent, the overall trend of the fall run means that **bluefish** and **stripers** are present. The beaches here can be a bit quieter, offering a more serene surfcasting experience. Focus on finding those subtle rips and depressions in the sand where bait might be holding. The deeper water close to shore can also hold some surprises.
## Species Breakdown: What's Biting and How to Catch 'Em
* **Striped Bass:** They're here for the mullet! Topwater plugs, swimming plugs, and bucktails are all effective. Live eels at night can also be deadly, especially around the inlets and jetties. Look for them in the wash and around structure.
* **Bluefish:** Aggressive and plentiful. Metal lures, poppers, and chunks of bait will get their attention. They're often found right in the thick of the mullet schools.
* **False Albacore:** Fast and furious! If you spot them, cast small metal jigs or epoxy resin lures and retrieve quickly. They're a blast on light tackle.
* **Blackfish (Tautog):** Starting to become more active around rocky structure and jetties. Green crabs and sand fleas are the go-to baits. Be patient and feel for that subtle tap.
## Steve's Surf Tactics
My advice? Walk the beach, observe the water, and look for any signs of life. Birds diving, bait jumping, or even just a subtle change in the wave pattern can indicate where the fish are. Fish the moving water, especially the incoming tide, as it often pushes bait closer to shore. And always be prepared for anything – a mixed bag is common this time of year. Most importantly, enjoy the solitude and the thrill of the surf. Tight lines, and I'll see ya on the sand!
