Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2026 · Next update: Thursday, November 19, 2026
This Long Island NY fishing report for the week of November 12 draws on On The Water’s November 5 report and the current forecast. That report placed the best striped bass action from the central and western South Shore to the western Sound, with strong harbor and boat fishing but a spotty surf bite, solid tautog moving deeper as water cools, and bluefin tuna showing around bunker pods off Queens and Freeport. A coastal storm late this week is the variable to watch.
What’s Hitting
Striped bass remain the main target, with the strongest action reported in harbors and from boats along the western Sound and South Shore. Tautog fishing has been solid, with larger fish moving deeper as water cools. Bluefin tuna, both rec-size and giant fish, have been reported around bunker pods near shore. Black sea bass and porgies remain on wrecks and rock piles. Expect the storm to cool the water and move fish. Squid, mackerel and peanut bunker are still part of the bait mix, and dogfish have been a nuisance on some boats.
Where to Find Them
The western Sound harbors near Port Washington and Northport hold stripers. The South Shore beaches near Freeport and Oakdale provide surf access. Tautog are found on rocks and wrecks across the region, including the North Fork near Southold. Bluefin tuna have been reported around bunker pods off Queens and Freeport. Along the South Shore, the inlets at Jones, Fire Island and Shinnecock concentrate bass and tog around their jetties when the tide moves. Inside the western Sound, harbor mouths at Manhasset Bay and Huntington Harbor are sheltered options.
Tides & Conditions
The coastal storm is expected to bring wind and rain Thursday night into Friday. Rough surf may limit fishing for a day or two, followed by chilly weather. Strong currents follow the November 9 new moon. Look for calmer conditions early next week. Water temperatures are falling with each front, which typically pushes bass west along the South Shore and into the western end of the Sound.
Tackle & Tactics
For stripers, use live bunker, live eels, swimming plugs or soft plastics. Tautog respond to green crabs or clams on short leaders. For bluefin tuna, follow regulations and use appropriate heavy tackle. Black sea bass take clam or squid on bottom rigs. For surfcasters, carry poppers, metal-lip swimmers, darters and bucktails, since the report noted a wide range of lures working. Green crabs and white-legger crabs are standard tog baits.
Local Intel This Week
Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park provide surf access on the South Shore. Sunken Meadow State Park offers access to the Sound. Captree State Park has fishing piers and charter boats. Check current state and federal regulations and seasons before keeping fish. Bluefin tuna require federal permits and specific regulations. Captree’s fleet sails for tog and sea bass, and the Field 6 area at Robert Moses offers access near Fire Island Inlet. Expect parking restrictions in some state parks.
This Week’s Tip
After the storm, look for bunker pods near the western Sound harbors, where stripers often gather. Fish the falling tide near harbor mouths at first light with a swimming plug.
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