Fall Fish Run

It's almost time! Launch your boat, rig your rods, and get ready to fish! 

by Grant Heiman '24

As summer slips away, the water cools down, and A new fishing season is upon us. The fall migration of Striped bass is the most awaited fishing season of the year for the local anglers of Long Island. 

Striped bass

The length of the fall run is limited, so choosing the right location is important. Most head east to the famous Montauk, New York. The whole nation recognizes Montauk as one of the best fishing locations in the region; nearly every drop of saltwater in Montauk is striped bass territory. 

 On the tip of the North Fork, Orient Point has access to three bodies of water, opening up north to Long Island Sound, east to Block Island Sound, and to the south, where Orient faces the mouth of Gardiner’s Bay. Orient is most recognized for the infamous Plum Gut, known for its fierce currents and rough seas, The Gut is a top fishing location of the northeast. The rip here is significant even on a calm day and not fit for small boats and inexperienced boaters. Beneath the water of the gut lies a sharp reef, which attracts and holds baitfish and predators, bluefish and striped bass swim near the bottom in the sheltered water near the reef. The Gut is commonly fished with diamond jigs, bucktails, or live eels. 

Bluefish

Stripers aren't the only fish running the waters this fall. Bluefish are one of the best fighting fish for their size. Bluefish usually feed on bait fish such as bunkers. As fall moves in we tend to see schools of bunker jumping through all the local harbors. Underneath the bunkers is the fierce predator: the bluefish.

Bluefish tend to be anywhere the bunker are. Using Bunker as bait fish is a common way to catch blue fish. The bucktail is also a frequent bait of the blues and shiny silver lures cast off the beach.

Hear From The Local fisherman

East Marion local John Agosta has been fishing the northeastern waters since he was a young boy. John has experience in all sorts of local fishing. Usually fishing offshore, this fall John Agosta has been fishing inshore instead. John says all summer he heard other fishermen talk of their excitement for this fall. 

As soon as the summer ended John decided to give it a try. Stocking up on inshore tackle from local bait and tackle “Wego” in Southold, John was ready. John found many spots he says are very active with all kinds of fish.  The inlet to Sterling Harbor is John’s favorite, with water flowing from the bay into the harbor. This spot is a hot spot for stripers, bluefish, and all other local fish species. 

John Agosta frequently takes his 21 ft Angler center console to some of his favorite spots on the bay such as right in front of the old shipyard in Greenport. However, John’s favorite spot is the plum gut. John’s luck is so good there he said, “When I go out to the gut it’s not fishing, it’s catching”. Every time John goes out to Tge Gut he comes back with multiple keeper striped bass and blues. John Agosta said, “ I recommend everyone try fishing this fall, most people think fishing is no good after summer, but that is simply not true- just look at me”.

So if you have never giving fishing a try, now might be the time to try it out in our local water.