Long Island is home to a diverse and varied fishery, but there’s one species that has really stood the test of time here. That the east coast favourite, the Striped Bass! Thanks to its incredible eating properties, ability to reach seriously huge sizes, and the fight it gives at the end of a line, it ticks all the boxes when it comes to every angler’s dream catch.
Which trip is right for me?
This all depends on your previous angling experience, how much time you want to spend on the water, and whether or not you want to hook a huge Cow Striper!
This fish loves to dwell in shallow, rocky waters, which means you’ll generally be exploring Long Island’s bays, shorelines, and inshore fishing grounds. You can use pretty much any technique to hook Striped Bass, so your trip can be as simple or as challenging as you’d like it to be!
New to fishing?
If you’re just discovering your sea legs, or are looking for a family-friendly Striper adventure, your best bet is to explore the charters on offer around Long Island’s most famous fishing village, Montauk. Tourist-friendly and bragging direct access to the Atlantic, Gardeners Bay, and Long Island Sound, this is one of the best spots to chase Striper on the entire east coast.
As Striper fishing takes place close to the shore, you’ll find that a half day trip allows for plenty of time to enjoy chasing and hooking this fish. The techniques you’ll be using to land your Striped Bass depend on water conditions and your captain’s personal preference, but trolling with sandworms is a traditional technique that’s fun, and allows for plenty of relaxation, too.
More experienced angler?
If you’ve done your fair share of casting off, and are determined to hook yourself a trophy-sized Cow Striper, a full day trip will allow you plenty of time to explore a variety of fishing grounds. You’ll still be cruising inshore waters, but will be able to navigate to smaller, less-fished spots, where you’ll be rewarded with some supersized Striped Bass!
Head to the island’s south shore, where the waters are rockier and wilder than up north, and you’ll find charter captains willing to take you out to the area’s secret hotspots, generally known as “South of the Point.” Further to the west, Shinnecock Bay and Fire Island Inlet offer up plenty of angling action.
Trolling is the most popular method of hooking Striper, and for experienced anglers, it allows for plenty of hands-on action. If you’re a fan of fly fishing, you can also test your skills against this fish. Landing a Cow on the fly is an experience that you won’t soon forget!
Need to know
Striped Bass are subject to open and closed seasons in the state of New York. The exact dates tend to change on an annual basis but, generally, you’ll be able to hook this fish between April to December, with late Autumn offering up the hottest action.
Your charter will usually cover your fishing license, as well as your fishing gear. If you want to fly fish, check with your captain if the equipment is included.
No matter your age or skill level, Long Island is the perfect place to discover why this fish has stood the test of time on the east coast. Get ready for the Striper chase of a lifetime!
