Fishing Reports

September marks the start of the highly anticipated fall run, which most anglers regard as the best part of the fishing season.  With large blues trophy sized striped bass, and albies flooding our local waters.  The bass and bluefish bite in the fall is unmatched because of the influx of bait fish causing these predator fish to come into our waters and feed before migrating down south.  During the fall, the inlets, bays and open beaches are all great places to catch bass and blues.

Clam and bunker have been doing well for Striped bass, as the bite continues at the inlets..

Sharks and Cownose Rays- Sharks and rays are still the way to go if you are looking to get the rod bent and see some serious "drag screams."

Bluefin and Yellowfin tuna have been caught in our waters from as close  as the combria all the way to the tip of the Hudson canyon. Trolling with spreader bars,daisy chains and wide trackers have been extremely effective for tuna. Jigging with streaker or slow pitch jigs as well has top water poppers are both fun and active ways to catch these fish. The current yellow fin regulations are 3 fish a man per day at 27 inches from the lower jaw  to the fork of the tail. While off shore looking for life such as dolphins and whales has proven to be a very effective way to catch tuna, because these fish will often  be under pods of dolphins feeding on bait. Tile fish can still be caught offshore with Patchogue locals reporting some off of the  "The Hudson Canyon" up to 20lbs.

The Local docks are experiencing some great fishing opportunities.  Snappers at the dock have been growing by the day. Right now they are a fun size to catch fishing with small shiners on a #4 or #5 long shank snapper hook under a float will do the trick. Small tins like Kastmasters or Johnson Sprites and Snapper Poppers have also worked well. The trick is to be patient eventually they will bite. Try Patchogue's Mascot Dock, Or any of theBrookhaven Fishing Piers like Blue point or Pine neck docks.Also in the mix are plenty of Kingfish and Blowfish. Use a hi low rigs with tiny hooks baited with pieces of clam on the bottom. Wait for a tiny nibble and set the hook. They have been plentiful and make a good meal.