Montauk sits at the very tip of Long Island where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound — a unique geography that creates some of the most productive fishing in the Northeast. The convergence of currents concentrates baitfish, and predators follow. Striped bass over 60 pounds are caught regularly from the surf at The Lighthouse. Bluefin tuna exceeding 1,000 pounds have been weighed at the Montauk marina. The legendary fall run is one of the most anticipated events in East Coast fishing.
Top Species in Montauk
Inshore / Nearshore: Striped bass (the signature species), fluke (summer flounder), bluefish, tautog, black sea bass, scup (porgy), weakfish, and false albacore in the fall run.
Offshore: Bluefin tuna (school fish June–August, giants September–November), yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, albacore, mako shark, thresher shark, blue shark, mahi-mahi, and swordfish at the canyons.
The Legendary Fall Striped Bass Run
September through November is Montauk’s peak season. The striped bass migration along the East Coast concentrates massive schools at Montauk Point, where the rips create perfect ambush points for fish chasing bunker, sand eels, and squid. During the height of the fall run, the rips at “The Elbow” near Montauk Point produce trophy stripers — 40–60-pound fish are common, and the New York state record territory is possible. The surf fishing at The Lighthouse is among the best on the East Coast during a strong run. Fish after midnight during prime conditions for the largest fish.
Top Fishing Spots in Montauk
- Montauk Point / The Lighthouse: The most famous surf fishing spot on the East Coast. The rips at The Elbow concentrate baitfish and stripers, especially during the fall run.
- Shagwong Reef: Inshore structure holding fluke, black sea bass, and tautog throughout the season. Drift fishing with Gulp and bucktails.
- Cox’s Ledge: Offshore structure producing bluefin tuna, mako sharks, and large pelagics. Standard tuna chunking grounds for Montauk charters.
- The Fingers: Underwater ridges south of Montauk Point creating upwellings that concentrate baitfish. Excellent for trolling and chunking tuna.
- Block Canyon (The Fishtails): Deep-water canyon 70+ miles offshore — trophy bluefin, bigeye tuna, swordfish, and sharks.
- Shagwong Beach / Ditch Plains: Shore access for surf casting stripers and false albacore during the fall run.
Seasonal Fishing Calendar
May: Striped bass season opens — fish begin arriving at Montauk. Fluke season starts. Memorial Day weekend brings crowds but also fish.
June: First bluefin tuna arrive offshore. Shark season begins. Inshore stripers and bluefish active around Point rips. Full offshore season underway.
July: Peak offshore month — all four tuna species present (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye, albacore). Mako shark action intensifies. Inshore fluke and sea bass fishing excellent.
August–September: Peak season — maximum species diversity offshore. False albacore (albies) arrive inshore in late August, triggering the most exciting nearshore action of the year. Canyon trips for giant bluefin and swordfish begin.
October–November: The legendary fall run. Massive striped bass concentrations at Montauk Point. Bluefish blitzing on bunker. False albacore heading south. Giant bluefin make a second appearance offshore.
December: Tautog season peaks around the Point rockpiles as other species depart.
Bluefin Tuna at Montauk
Montauk is one of the most accessible ports for nearshore bluefin tuna on the East Coast. School bluefin (under 73″) arrive in June and provide spectacular sport on light tackle — fish up to 200 pounds are regularly caught casting poppers and jigs into surface-feeding schools. Giant bluefin (over 73″) make Montauk a legitimate trophy fishery from September through November, with some fish approaching 1,000 pounds weighed at the marina.
NOAA bluefin regulations are complex and change annually — always verify the current allocation before fishing. The general category (recreational) permits one fish per vessel per day in the large medium and giant categories.
Montauk Shark Fishing
The “Montauk Big Three” sharks are the mako, thresher, and blue shark. Mako sharks are among the most acrobatic and powerful gamefish in the ocean — 500-pound makos have been caught out of Montauk. Note: Shortfin mako sharks are now prohibited from harvest in US Atlantic waters due to their endangered status. Mako sharks must be released. Thresher sharks and blue sharks remain target species. The Annual Star Island Mako/Thresher Tournament continues as a release event.
Fishing Licenses and Regulations
New York State fishing license required for all anglers. Federal HMS (Highly Migratory Species) permit required on any vessel that fishes for or retains billfish, swordfish, or tunas. Striped bass: 28″ minimum, 1 fish per day in New York state waters. Fluke: 19.5″ minimum, 3 fish per day. Check current NYDEC regulations at dec.ny.gov.
Charter Rates in Montauk
Inshore and striper charters: $600–$1,000 half day, $1,000–$1,500 full day. Offshore tuna/shark trips: $1,500–$2,500 per day. Canyon trips (70+ miles): $2,500–$4,500 extended day, $4,500+ for two-day trips. Book well in advance — peak fall run dates fill months ahead.