September 2025 — Montauk: False albacore blitz nearshore, fall bass building. September is a early fall month with water in the 64-70°F range — false albacore PEAK; striper migration begins; fall blitzes. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — September 2025
Primary targets this month: False Albacore, Striped Bass, Bonito, Yellowfin Tuna.
False Albacore
False albacore (little tunny, albies) at Montauk Point, the rips, and the south side in late August through October — one of the best little tunny fisheries on the East Coast. Cast 1-2 oz epoxy jigs (Albie Snax, Hogy Epoxy Jig) and metals (Deadly Dick) ahead of breaking fish. Fast retrieve. Light tackle on a 4000-class reel with 20 lb braid and 20 lb fluoro leader.
Striped Bass
Striper around the Montauk Point rips (the famous “Point” — one of the top striper destinations on Earth), the south side beaches, North Bar, Shagwong Reef, the Block Island channel. Live and chunked bait; bucktails and soft plastics on lighter tackle.
Bonito
Bonito at the same waters as albies — peak July through September. Smaller relatives of tuna — same techniques as albies. Epoxy jigs and small metals on light spinning gear.
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna on the canyons in summer and fall. Chunking (cut sardine, butterfish) at anchor, live bait drifting, or trolled feathers and cedar plugs. Heavy stand-up tackle (50-80 lb class) for the bigger grades.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 64-70°F. False albacore peak; striper migration begins; fall blitzes. 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
- False albacore/bonito peak. Outer Cape and south side — the highlight of light-tackle saltwater fishing.
- Striper fall migration. Schools of bait push south — follow the birds.
September Outlook
Transition month — snook season reopens, false albacore arrive, bait migrations begin.
Regulations Reminder
Striped Bass: Federal slot typically 28-31″ with state variations; verify ASMFC and state rules annually. Tuna: NOAA HMS permit required. Strict size and bag limits — verify current NOAA rules. 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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