February 2026 — Long Island NY: Late Winter — Tautog Peak Window, First Bay Scouts. February is a late winter month with water in the 38-48°F range — tautog and offshore wrecks; first signs of spring stirring late month; blue catfish. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — February 2026
Primary targets this month: Tautog, Sea Bass, Cod, Striped Bass.
Tautog
Tautog (blackfish) on the rocky north shore (Connecticut shoreline visible across the Sound), the inlet jetties, the offshore wrecks. 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.
Sea Bass
Black sea bass on the inshore wrecks and reefs, the offshore wrecks of Block Island Sound, and the artificial reefs (Smithtown, Moriches, Shinnecock). 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 38-48°F. Tautog and offshore wrecks; first signs of spring stirring late month; blue catfish. Long Island has moderate tides (3-8 ft depending on location) but the inlets (Jones, Fire Island, Moriches, Shinnecock) move enormous water — striper and bluefish action at the inlets peaks on outgoing tide. Plum Gut (between Plum Island and Orient Point) is one of the most current-driven striper spots on the East Coast.
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
- Limited inshore. Tautog on wrecks, offshore wrecks for sea bass and cod, and winter striper offshore where available.
- Green crab is gold for tautog — fresh halved crabs on 4/0 octopus hooks with minimal weight.
February Outlook
Winter patterns hold; cobia/spring migrations begin showing in southern waters by month-end.
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: J&H Tackle (Patchogue, 631-475-9818); Causeway Bait & Tackle (Wantagh); Eddies Bait & Tackle (Babylon); West Lake Marina (Montauk — adjacent); Camp-Site Sports (East Patchogue); Wego Fishing (Southhold).
Public Boat Ramps: Captree State Park (Great South Bay), Bay Shore Marina, Captree boat basin, Heckscher State Park, Sunken Meadow State Park (north shore), Port Jefferson ramp, Greenport (North Fork), Shinnecock public ramp.
Charter Fishing: $650–$900 inshore (Great South Bay, Sound); $1,000–$1,800 canyon tuna; $700–$1,100 nearshore wrecks; $450–$700 party-boat day trips.
More Long Island NY Resources
Long Island NY Fishing Guide · Long Island NY Seasonal Calendar · All Long Island NY reports →
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