March 2025 — Montauk: Spring flounder beginning, early stripers arriving. March is a late winter month with water in the 38-44°F range — cod and haddock seasons; some early herring on the Cape. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — March 2025
Primary targets this month: Tautog, Cod, Sea Bass, Striped Bass.
Tautog
Tautog (blackfish) on the rocky bottom around Montauk Point, the offshore wrecks, and the jetties. Green crab is the gold standard bait; whole or half on a 4/0 octopus hook with minimal weight. Bites are subtle, sets must be sharp. Cold-water specialist — best Nov-May.
Cod
Cod on the offshore wrecks in season — verify NOAA dates. Jigging diamond jigs (Norwegian-style 8-16 oz) or baited rigs (clams, squid) over wrecks and rocky bottom. Verify NOAA seasons/limits — strictly regulated.
Sea Bass
Black sea bass on the offshore wrecks and reefs, the rocky bottom 5-15 miles out. Drop squid strips, clams, or Gulp! on a high-low rig over wrecks and reefs. The deeper wrecks (80-150 ft) hold the bigger humpbacks.
Striped Bass
Winter striper — limited fishery; some inshore wintering populations and offshore migratory schools. Verify state-by-state regulations.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 38-44°F. Cod and haddock seasons; some early herring on the cape. Montauk Point is ALL about tide — the rips form on outgoing as Long Island Sound water flushes around the point and meets the ocean. Peak striper bite is typically the last two hours of outgoing into the first of incoming.
Check the NOAA marine forecast and tide charts before launching. Wind direction often matters more than wind speed for inshore fishing — clean water beats churned water nine times out of ten.
Tactics & Tackle for This Month
- Offshore wrecks only. Cod and haddock when seasons open; otherwise wait for spring.
- Use the down time to organize gear, plan trips, and pre-tie leader spools.
March Outlook
Spring transitions accelerate — water warming, fish moving onto flats, migrations intensifying.
Regulations Reminder
Striped Bass: Federal slot typically 28-31″ with state variations; verify ASMFC and state rules annually. Tautog: 15-16″ minimum, 1-4 per day depending on state and season — strictly regulated. Black Sea Bass: 12.5-13″ minimum, 10-15 per day depending on state and season. Always verify current state regulations before each trip — slots, bag limits, and seasons change.
Local Resources
Bait & Tackle: Paulie’s Tackle (Montauk, 631-668-2231); Star Island Yacht Club tackle shop; Captain Bob’s Tackle; West Lake Marina Bait.
Public Boat Ramps: Lake Montauk public ramp, West Lake Marina, Star Island Yacht Club (private), Montauk Marine Basin (private).
Charter Fishing: $700-$1,000 inshore; $1,200-$1,800 nearshore wrecks; $1,800-$3,500 offshore tuna/shark.
More Montauk Resources
Montauk Fishing Guide · Montauk Seasonal Calendar · All Montauk reports →
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Where to focus this month
March at the East End is a quiet, cold-water month with the first hints of spring. Winter flounder begin to show in the back of the harbors and Fort Pond Bay as the water creeps up — a classic, old-school fishery on sandworms and clam over the soft bottom, fished slow and light. Tautog hold on the rocks and structure in the cold water for anglers willing to soak green crab, though the spring closure window applies, so verify the current New York tog season.
The first stripers
The event everyone waits for is the first striped bass. Late in March, holdover and early bass turn up in the warmest water available — the back of the harbors, the estuaries, and the creek mouths that warm fastest in the afternoon sun. Small soft plastics and flies worked through those warm pockets at the top of the day produce the first fish of the year. It is light-tackle, low-numbers fishing, but the first striper of the season is a milestone for every Montauk angler.
The month ahead
April accelerates the striper run and brings the bigger spring fishery to life, and the bottom fishing for fluke and sea bass follows as the seasons open. March is the month to ready the gear, scout the warm-water spots, and check the spring regulations before the crowds arrive.