It’s no surprise that the largest island on the US mainland offers incredible angling opportunities. But that it can all be explored just a stone’s throw from one of the world’s greatest metropolises adds another dimension to fishing on Long Island. Take a short ride out of New York City and you could find yourself a whole world away from the hustle and bustle. Kick back in stunning seaside towns, on beautiful beaches, or out on the water, and cast your line for rich rewards!
Wherever you are on “the island,” as New Yorkers like to call it, you’re not far from sterling fishing action. The bays and creeks towards the city are full of inshore favorites, with bights and sounds all around, too. And don’t forget that the Atlantic Ocean is also on your doorstep! From inshore trips learning the ropes to offshore adventures battling it out with monster fish, everything is possible! So let’s dive in and see what Long Island fishing is all about.
Best Fish to Catch on Long Island
Before choosing your next fishing destination, you want to know what’s biting where. Despite harsh winters, Long Island is a 365-day-a-year fishery, so there’s always something ready to take your bait when you visit. Whether looking to fill the coolers inshore or for that dream catch offshore, there’s something for you. Here’s our pick of the top species to target on Long Island.
Fluke
Long Island Fluke fishing is legendary. Winter Flounder, Summer Fluke, and Yellowtail Flounder all inhabit these shallow waters. Sound confusing, read our guide on the difference between them! As with most creatures here, Fluke are heavily regulated, and you’ll only be able to keep Summer Fluke them between May and early October. But that’s plenty of time to fill your freezer with fish fillets for the whole year!
You won’t want to miss out on the season. These delicious creatures are seafood favorites all along the East Coast – and the whole country! They’re fun to target, as they crawl along the muddy bottoms, requiring strength more than technique to hook ‘em aboard. The whole family can target them – just make sure to bring plenty of live or dead bait, and you’re sure to get your fill!
Seabass
While Fluke is a delicacy across the US, Seabass is a worldwide table fare fish. However, the East Coast variety is actually a member of the Grouper family. That just means more good news! They’re incredibly exciting to target and offer up plenty of delicious meat! These creatures love to feed along the bottoms, much like Flounder, but promise a real battle to get off the end of your line once hooked.
Hit any spot where there’s some structure and, chances are, there’ll be a Seabass biting. The season is open from June through the end of the year – although there are different bag limits depending on when you come. Try bottom fishing with live bait to attract their attention and, when you hook one, get ready for a real fight! Once you do get them aboard, make sure to snap a picture with your jet-black fish, before cooking up a delicious dinner.
Cod
Speaking of dinner, the most notorious fish dish – Fish and Chips – is usually made with one of Long Island’s most-coveted creatures. Cod is one of the most sought-after creatures in the Atlantic, and it comes close up to shore in the north of Long Island. The Long Island and Block Island Sounds are the most productive areas, so a trip out of Montauk promises the greatest prizes.
While not as fun to catch as Seabass, it’s definitely just as, if not more, rewarding. And the better news? You can catch it year-round! Well, in theory. There’s no seasonality restriction for Cod, however, you’ll most likely only be able to target them in winter and early spring. Troll the deeper spots or bottom fish where you know they’re biting and get your fill of tasty fish fillets!
Striped Bass
Without a doubt, the most coveted fish on Long Island, however, is the Striped Bass. Rockfish, as they’re commonly known here, grow to incredible sizes and promise a real fight along with plenty of delicious rewards to take home. In fact, Striped Bass fishing is so popular on Long Island that we’ve dedicated a whole blog post to it.
All around the island, you’ll find these creatures looking to gobble your bait, so put your line out there and get ready to do battle! They’re available to take home from April until mid December, so there’s no excuse to miss out on the action. Use any technique you like – trolling, bottom fishing, and even fly fishing can yield great results!
Tuna
So enough about inshore fishing on Long Island. Now it’s time to turn our attention to deep sea fishing. Tuna fishing in the Atlantic is not just a pastime for Long Island anglers, but rather a source of pride. And so it should be! Montauk was home to New York State’s record Bluefin Tuna catch back in 1977, weighing in at an incredible 1971 pounds!
But it’s not all about Bluefin. Yellowfin Tuna are just as much a part of the offshore fishing scene during the summer months. Chances are, if you head offshore during the season, you’ll be targeting both prized Tuna species. Not only do both grow to huge sizes, but their food qualities – well, they need no introduction. Get ready for a serious upper body workout, as you spend upwards of 10 hours on the water trying to get your name in the history books!
And More!
On top of the prized species we’ve mentioned above, there are plenty more to sink your hooks into. Inshore, Tautog (or Blackfish to the locals) and Scup make for equally-tasty table fare as Flounder and Seabass, while Bluefish and Weakfish are a worthy supporting cast to Stripers. You can also try crabbing most of the year, to set up at least a two-course meal.
Head to the deeper waters and the list of fish you can target is almost endless. Mahi Mahi often rub shoulders with Tuna, while Kingfish and Amberjack often come close to shore. Wherever you are, keep your eye out for Sharks, as Threshers nearshore and Makos offshore are sure to get your adrenaline levels racing!
How to Go Fishing on Long Island
So you know what you want to catch, now it’s about getting the biggest bang for your buck. Fortunately, Long Island really makes the most of its fishing potential. From wade fishing in the creeks, to casting off a designated pier, all the way up to large offshore sportfishing vessels – there’s something for all kinds of angler here.
Long Island Surf Fishing
While we know there’s more to fishing than just sitting by the water all day, sometimes it’s just what you need. What better way to get away from it all and focus on what’s important – fishing? Try the beaches, grassy flats, creeks, and even some structures sticking out into the water. Wherever you go, all the inshore favorites are on the menu!
The bays on the north side of the island make for excellent shore fishing action, allowing you to get right up close to the fish. Meanwhile, the south shore is where you’ll find the best shallow creeks. Don’t forget about Captree State Park and its dedicated fishing area, nor Fire Island with over 30 miles of beaches for you to cast from.
Long Island Pier Fishing
Any inshore fishing destination worth its salt makes the most of its surroundings. Long Island is no different. Wherever you are on the island, you won’t be far from a fishing pier to get you out on the water. These structures get you closer to the fish, provide you with a great view of your target species, and give you that extra bit of purchase when reeling ‘em in. And they also do a job in attracting the fish! Fish from any pier on Long Island, and we’re sure you’ll be successful.
Captree State Park is again a hotspot for pier fishing, with no fewer than four fishing piers. Long Beach, closer to NYC, has its own pier, while Babylon and Fire Island also have their own structures on the south shore. In the north, head to Cedar Beach, Stony Brook, or Port Washington and get in on the action. Meanwhile, Shinnecock Canal, Sag Harbor, and Navy Beach also boast piers further east.
Long Island Party Boat Fishing
If pier fishing is the “done thing” in inshore waters, then party boat fishing must give it a close run for its money. A favorite way of fishing all along the East Coast’s bays, this way of fishing has been seized upon by local captains and businessmen, turning large fishing vessels into party boats for recreational anglers.
The boats are slow, so you won’t go further than the bays, but that’s where some of the best action takes place! They’re a great option for solo anglers on a budget. However, companies can hire an entire vessel for team-building exercises, or you can hire them for private parties! Whoever you go with, you’re in for plenty of fun.
Long Island Charter Fishing
The only thing that can beat fishing on a boat with a load of other people is fishing on a boat with your nearest and dearest. In fact, it blows it out of the water – pun intended! Spend your time exploring a range of fishing grounds, going after the fish you want. And, of course, it’s the only way to get offshore!
Your professional captain will be happy to give a helping hand to beginners, while they’ll also provide the latest gear for those who want to catch ‘em all. Montauk is famous around the world for its fishing charters, while Captree and Babylon boast the largest fleets. But you can’t go wrong from Long Beach via Huntington and Fire Island to the sea.
Long Island Freshwater Fishing
With so much on offer in saltwater, you may think it’s no surprise that freshwater fishing on the island is often overlooked. However, we’re here to tell you that’s a mistake. If you’re a freshwater fanatic or just fancy mixing things up, Long Island has plenty of options. Fly anglers, in particular, will relish the chance to escape the crowds and get their fish on…
The island’s lakes and ponds are stocked with all the nation’s favorite freshwater fish. Largemouth Bass, Trout, Perch, Catfish, Carp, and a whole range of Panfish are sure to keep you entertained. There may even be the odd Walleye lurking about! Nassau County around Hampstead boasts some of the best spots, while Lake Rankonkonen – the largest on the island – is full of rewards, too.
Long Island Fishing Spots
So we’ve talked about the what and how. Now it’s down to the “where.” No matter if you’re on foot, looking for a pier, or wondering which body of water to hit, you deserve to know where the honey holes are. Here’s our pick of the best places to go fishing on Long Island.
- Fire Island: The 31-mile stretch of beach speaks for itself. It’s the ideal spot for surf fishing, with access to the bays, inlets, and Atlantic.
- Robert Moses State Park: Linking up to Fire Island, this is a prime surf fishing spot for Fluke and Bluefish, as well as crabbing. There’s a golf course, too, so you can take a break from fishing whenever you want!
- Shinnecock Bay: Possibly the best fishing spots in the Hamptons are along this rich body of water. Hit the canal that links the north and south shores or head out onto the bay itself. Pier fishing, surf fishing, and charters are all possible here.
- Montauk: We couldn’t talk about the best fishing spots on Long Island without mentioning this town. It’s the gateway to some of the island’s best fishing grounds, with the Block Island and Long Island Sounds, along with the Atlantic within reach.
- Atlantic Ocean: Speaking of the Atlantic, we couldn’t not mention it, either! You may think we’re cheating by including such a large body of water, but the offshore action in summer simply can’t be beaten.
- Lake Ronkonkoma: If you’re looking for freshwater action, then look no further than Long Island’s largest lake. Shore fishing, pier fishing, and boat ramps mean that you can tackle the lake whichever way you want, as you look to land a prized fish.
Long Island Fishing Seasons
The good news just keeps on coming! There really isn’t a bad time to fish on Long Island. Throughout the year, you’re guaranteed to find something biting. Even in the coldest months of the year, Cod bite with abandon, enticing you for a winter fishing adventure in search of some delicious meat.
The season gets going in earnest, though, come spring. Striped Bass start picking up already in April, with Pollock and Fluke following right behind them. As the waters (and weather) warm up, Tuna take center stage offshore, while the Seabass restrictions ease up just in time for summer. Fishing in fall is even better, with Mahi Mahi, Bluefish, and Porgy joining the party before Tautog and Striped Bass keep the waters hot even as the weather cools off as late as November!
Long Island Fishing Regulations
Fishing on Long Island – and, in fact, the whole of New York – is pretty straightforward. If you’re fishing on a registered boat, you won’t need a license at all. However, if you’re fishing from shore or aboard your own vessel, you’ll need to register with the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. Don’t worry though, it’s absolutely free!
If you’re thinking of hitting the freshwater fishing grounds, you will, however, require a license. Find out how to get yours with our handy guide.
When it comes to other regulations, we’ve already let you in on some of the species’ seasonalities. However, most fish are also subject to bag and size limits – and they can change depending on the season. Find out everything you need to know at the NY DEC website.
And You’re Good to Go!
You should now be all set to go fishing on Long Island. Whether on a short hop from the Big Apple or spending a whole vacation, the island has plenty to keep you entertained. Settle in for some thrilling angling action and reap the rewards over a delicious fish dinner at the end of the day. We’re sure that, once you come to Long Island once, you’ll come back time and time again!
Have you ever been fishing on Long Island? How was it? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
