After a weeklong nor’easter stirred up Long Island’s coastal waters, the local fishing picture is beginning to improve. The storm disrupted the albie bite, but striped bass have responded in a big way—and the fall migration appears to be gaining momentum at exactly the right time.
From nighttime surf action on the North Shore to bass pushing through the South Shore inlets, early signs point toward an exciting fall run.
That is especially good news with the 4th Annual South Shore Striper Cup coming to Oakdale Yacht on October 16–18, 2026.
Striped Bass Are Taking Over
Striped bass are currently the biggest story around Long Island.
Fish are feeding on everything from adult bunker to very small bait. Bass have been reported blitzing along the open water, staging near inlet mouths and moving into South Shore bays.
South Shore anglers are encountering a mix of school-sized bass and larger fish, with some catches approaching the 30-pound range. Nighttime surfcasters on the North Shore have also reported quality bass measuring approximately 40 to 45 inches.
The storm may have changed where the fish are holding, but it did not shut down the striped bass bite. As the water continues to clear and temperatures fall, more migrating fish should begin moving along the beaches and through the inlets.
The fall run is not over. It is just getting started.
Bait Is Driving the Action
A wide variety of bait appeared around the storm, including:
-
Peanut bunker
-
Bay anchovies
-
Spearing
-
Squid
-
Larger bunker
This abundance of bait is helping to fuel the improving striped bass bite. Anglers should be prepared for bass feeding on very different profiles—from tiny bay anchovies to large bunker.
When fish are on smaller bait, compact soft plastics, small swimming plugs and lighter presentations can be productive. Around larger bait, anglers can move toward larger-profile shads, topwater plugs, bucktails and bunker-style presentations.
Watch for diving birds, nervous water and bait showering across the surface. These are all strong signs that bass or bluefish are feeding below.
South Shore Inlets and Bays Are Heating Up
The South Shore inlets are among the most promising areas right now. Bass are moving through the inlets and flooding into the surrounding bays, creating opportunities for both boat and shore anglers.
Moving water remains important. Focus on current seams, inlet edges, bridge structure and areas where bait is being pushed into confined water.
Night tides have been particularly productive in some bays. Bucktails, soft-plastic shads and eel-style plastics are all worth carrying.
Good bluefish are still mixed into the action, so anglers should be prepared for cutoffs and damaged soft plastics when the blues arrive.
Albies Remain Uncertain
The false albacore bite has slowed considerably since the nor’easter.
Before the storm, albies were providing consistent action in portions of the eastern Sound and around Montauk. Since the extended northeast wind, they have been difficult to locate. Small bonito have appeared in some areas, but they have not replaced the earlier albie action.
There is still reason for optimism. Water temperatures remain suitable, and another wave of albies could arrive as the water clears and additional bait moves through.
For now, striped bass are more than making up for their absence.
Fluke Season Finishes Strong
As fluke season winds down, quality fish are leaving the South Shore bays.
Anglers have reported fluke in the 6- to 8-pound range, making this a good opportunity to target one more substantial fish before shifting completely into fall bass and blackfish mode.
Bucktails paired with scented soft baits or strip baits remain dependable choices. With many anglers already concentrating on striped bass, fluke fishermen may also find reduced competition in productive areas.
Blackfish Season Opens October 11
Blackfish season opens October 11, providing another excellent fall option.
Early-season tog often remain relatively shallow. Rocky bottom, bulkheads, bridge structure and dock pilings in approximately 6 to 10 feet of water can all produce fish.
A light blackfish setup makes this shallow-water fishing especially enjoyable. A practical starting point is:
-
Seven-foot medium-action rod
-
5000-size spinning reel
-
20-pound braided line
-
20-pound fluorocarbon leader
-
Blackfish jigs from ¼ ounce to 1 ounce
The correct jig weight will depend on depth and current. Green crabs remain one of the most dependable bait choices.
Freshwater Action Is Improving Too
Falling temperatures are also helping the freshwater bite.
Largemouth bass are feeding aggressively as they prepare for the colder months. Larger lures can be effective when fish are actively chasing substantial meals.
Walleye activity is also improving as water temperatures decline, giving freshwater anglers another productive option when coastal conditions are difficult.
The Timing Is Perfect for the South Shore Striper Cup
With bass entering the bays, bait becoming more abundant and the fall migration building, the stage is set for the 4th Annual South Shore Striper Cup.
The tournament will take place October 16–18, 2026, at Oakdale Yacht.
Tournament Schedule
Friday, October 16
-
5:00–7:30 PM — Captain’s Meeting
-
7:30 PM — Tournament lines in
Saturday, October 17
-
8:00 AM–8:00 PM — Scales open
Sunday, October 18
-
8:00 AM–1:00 PM — Scales open
-
1:00 PM — Final weigh-in deadline
-
3:00 PM — Awards dinner and raffle at The Spot at Oakdale Yacht
The tournament includes multiple divisions and prize categories, optional Calcuttas and live scoring through Reel Time Apps.
Whether you fish from a boat or from shore, this is your opportunity to compete during one of the most exciting periods of the Long Island striped bass season.
Register for the 2026 South Shore Striper Cup
The bass are here. The bait is here. The fall run is building.
Get your crew together and register now:
Register for the 2026 South Shore Striper Cup
For registration assistance or additional tournament information, contact:
Oakdale Yacht Resort & Marina
520 Shore Drive
Oakdale, NY 11769
631-589-1087