What to Fish for On Long Island
by Montauk Anglers Club & Marina
It’s no secret that some of the best fishing in the United States is found around the east end of Long Island. Warmer, summer waters bring in large groups of a variety of pelagic species. The docks at Montauk Anglers Club are less than five minutes away from the Montauk inlet, giving fishermen quick access to the waters of Peconic Bay, Napeague Bay, and Gardiners Bay.
Here are just a few of the species you can expect to catch off the shores of Montauk:
Fluke
The fluke fishing off of Long Island is globally recognized. These coastal waters are home to a variety of fluke, including the winter flounder, yellowtail flounder, and summer fluke. However, the DEC allows fluke fishing only during the months of May through early October.
East Coasters and Americans nationwide enjoy eating fluke. They’re an exciting catch because of their slow, sluggish movement through muddy bottoms, but you’ll need brute force more than finesse to reel one in as fluke are known for their fight. It’s fun for the whole family as long as you have sufficient bait and a lot of willpower.
Sea Bass
East Coast sea bass is also a popular cuisine across the world. Their meat is light, tender, and tasty. Like fluke, these fish prefer to consume shad and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Once you hook one, they’re determined to fight.
You can usually get a sea bass bite if you cast your line near any kind of underwater structure. They swim along the bottom and you are allowed to fish for them from June to December. Just be prepared for a fierce battle if you manage to hook one.
Striped Bass
Striped bass is unquestionably the most sought-after game fish around Long Island. Known locally as “stripers”, these monsters put up quite a fight and provide anglers with a bounty of tasty trophies to bring home.
Cast out your line wherever you are on the island since these fish are everywhere and eager to bite your bait! The striped bass season begins in April and ends in November. Be sure to check DEC guidelines before you bring one home, size restrictions on stripers have been notoriously tight the past two seasons.
Book a private fishing charter in Montauk
If you’re looking to fish the waters of Long Island’s east end this fishing season, Montauk Anglers Club has a handful of charters at our docks. Our experienced captains offer inshore fishing trips for both seasoned anglers and beginners to land one of the species mentioned above.
If you’re looking for a marina focused on sport fishing, Montauk Anglers Club & Marina is the place to go. We provide free Wi-Fi, a gorgeous beachfront restaurant, and much more.
Get in touch if you’re interested in learning more or book one of our charter boats here!
