Huntington Bay, nestled along the scenic shores of Long Island, New York, offers a premier saltwater fishing experience renowned for its diverse and abundant marine life. This fertile estuary, spanning Suffolk and Nassau Counties, supports a thriving ecosystem where anglers target striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder (fluke), black sea bass, scup, and tautog. Recent surges in porgy populations add to the bay’s rich fisheries, making every trip a potential trophy catch. The fishing season peaks from May through December, aligning with migrations of key species—spring and fall bring explosive striped bass runs, while summer yields bottom-dwelling fluke, sea bass, and scup.
Popular techniques here include baitcasting, bottom fishing, drift fishing, and surf casting, adaptable to the bay’s varied habitats like Huntington Harbor, Lloyd Harbor, and the Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge. Shore anglers find prime access at Target Rock, where historical bluffs and dunes create ideal fishing conditions. The refuge’s shoreline, open during visitor hours, is a hotspot for bottom fishing porgies and encountering striped bass or bluefish as bycatch. For broader exploration, nearby spots like Crescent Beach and Wincoma Point offer additional opportunities, especially during dawn, dusk, and night tides when fish are most active.
Huntington Bay’s temperate climate—with water averaging 13°C (55°F)—extends comfortable fishing windows, while its structure of coves, necks, and open waters accommodates all skill levels. Chartering here unlocks the bay’s full potential: experienced captains navigate productive drifts and hidden honey holes, ensuring an unforgettable day tracking Long Island’s prized species against a backdrop of stunning coastal vistas.