August 2025 — Montauk: Peak offshore — bluefin, sharks, false albacore arriving. August is a peak summer month with water in the 66-72°F range — bonito and albies arrive late month (south of Cape); striper peak; tuna on Stellwagen. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — August 2025
Primary targets this month: Bonito, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Yellowfin Tuna.
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.
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.
Bluefish
Bluefish at the same waters as stripers — the Point, North Bar, the rips, and the Block Island channel during summer and fall. Surface plugs (poppers, walking baits), metal lures (Hopkins, Kastmasters), or chunked bunker. Wire leader essential — bluefish teeth shred mono and fluoro instantly.
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 66-72°F. Bonito and albies arrive late month (south of cape); striper peak; tuna on stellwagen. 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
- Peak Cape Cod season. Stripers, blues, fluke, sea bass, tautog, tuna — every species available.
- Stellwagen tuna. Bluefin on the bank — chunking and live-baiting at the lumps.
August Outlook
Peak summer — offshore prime (canyon billfish, deepwater snapper); inshore challenging in heat.
Regulations Reminder
Striped Bass: Federal slot typically 28-31″ with state variations; verify ASMFC and state rules annually. Bluefish: 3 per day in federal waters (verify state rules). 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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