Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Montauk fishing report for the week of November 12 builds on On The Water’s November 5 Long Island report and the current forecast. Captains and shops described an inconsistent striped bass bite, with fish hugging the shore on sand eels, anchovies and peanut bunker, surf stripers to 37 inches on paddle tails and tins, false albacore back inshore, and good tautog and sea bass fishing east and north of Montauk. A coastal storm late this week may reshape that pattern.
What’s Hitting
Striped bass remain the main surf target, but the bite has been inconsistent, with fish close to the beach feeding on small bait. False albacore returned inshore chasing halfbeaks and peanut bunker, a late-season bonus. Tautog and black sea bass fishing was described as good east and north of town. Squid, mackerel and some tuna were also reported. Expect the storm to cool the water and push some bass west or south. Shore anglers have the edge when bass push bait tight to the rocks, while boats have done better on structure species than on stripers.
Where to Find Them
Surfcasters should work the north side and south side beaches near the Montauk Point Lighthouse, along with the rocks near Camp Hero and Ditch Plains, where bass feed close to shore. False albacore may be found near the point and along the beaches. Tautog and sea bass are on rocks and structure east and north of Montauk. Montauk Harbor and Lake Montauk provide shelter during wind. The rocky stretch from Turtle Cove to the Lighthouse is a traditional late-fall spot when the wind turns northwest after a storm. Gin Beach and the north side bay beaches are more sheltered alternatives.
Tides & Conditions
The coastal storm is expected to bring wind and rain Thursday night into Friday, followed by chilly weather. Rough surf may limit fishing for a day or two. Strong currents follow the November 9 new moon. Look for calmer conditions by early next week. A northwest wind behind the storm often flattens the north side and creates fishable surf there first. Cooling water will likely shorten the remaining bass season.
Tackle & Tactics
For stripers, On The Water noted paddle tails, sand-eel tins and bucktails during the day and darters at night. For false albacore, use small metals or epoxy jigs. Tautog take green crabs on short, strong leaders. Black sea bass respond to clam or squid on bottom rigs. Bring heavier lures for rough surf. A nine- to ten-foot surf rod with twenty- to thirty-pound braid handles the rocks, and a lighter outfit helps with albies.
Local Intel This Week
Montauk Point State Park provides access to the surf around the lighthouse. Camp Hero State Park offers access to the cliffs and beaches. Ditch Plains is a popular surf spot. Montauk Harbor has public ramps and charter boats. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Be cautious on the rocks during rough surf. Parking at Montauk Point State Park requires a fee in some seasons, so check current rules before arriving.
This Week’s Tip
After the storm, fish the first calm morning around the lighthouse with a sand-eel tin, which mimics the bait stripers have been eating.
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