April 2026 — Montauk: Striped bass returning, black sea bass season opens. April is a early spring month with water in the 42-50°F range — first stripers (NJ-side first, then Cape); winter flounder; mackerel arriving. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — April 2026
Primary targets this month: Striped Bass, Tautog, Fluke, Sea Bass.
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.
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.
Fluke
Fluke (summer flounder) on the bays (Lake Montauk, Napeague), the south side beach in 30-80 feet, Block Island Sound, and the offshore lumps. Drift over sandy bottom with a bucktail jig tipped with Berkley Gulp! 5-6″ or a strip of squid. Three-way rigs with a teaser and a large bucktail are deadly. Bigger fish hold in deeper water (60-120 ft).
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.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 42-50°F. First stripers (nj-side first, then cape); winter flounder; mackerel arriving. 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
- Striped bass arrival. First fish appear in Buzzards Bay, then Cape Canal, then through the Cape and Maine waters.
- Canal early. Pre-dawn west-tide for the legendary Cape Cod Canal striper bite.
April Outlook
Peak spring migrations — cobia (Gulf/SE), striped bass (mid-Atlantic), spawning movements everywhere.
Regulations Reminder
Striped Bass: Federal slot typically 28-31″ with state variations; verify ASMFC and state rules annually. Fluke (Summer Flounder): 17-19″ minimum (state-by-state), 3-4 per day. 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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