October 2025 — Montauk: Peak fall striper run at Montauk Point. October is a fall month with water in the 56-64°F range — PEAK FALL — striper blitzes, albies, sea bass strong; tuna season ends late. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s biting, where to fish, and the most productive tactics.
What’s Biting — October 2025
Primary targets this month: Striped Bass, False Albacore, Sea Bass, Tautog.
Striped Bass
Fall striper run. Target 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. Bunker chunks, live eels, paddle tails, and topwater during blitzes. Schools of breaking fish under bird activity.
False Albacore
False albacore (little tunny, albies) at Montauk Point, the rips, and the south side in late August through October — one of the best little tunny fisheries on the East Coast. Cast 1-2 oz epoxy jigs (Albie Snax, Hogy Epoxy Jig) and metals (Deadly Dick) ahead of breaking fish. Fast retrieve. Light tackle on a 4000-class reel with 20 lb braid and 20 lb fluoro leader.
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.
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.
Water Conditions & Patterns
Water temperatures are running 56-64°F. Peak fall — striper blitzes, albies, sea bass strong; tuna season ends late. 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
- False albacore/bonito peak. Outer Cape and south side — the highlight of light-tackle saltwater fishing.
- Striper fall migration. Schools of bait push south — follow the birds.
October Outlook
Peak fall fishing across the board — blitzes, schools, last good window before cold.
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: 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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