Saltwater Fishing
Perhaps the greatest sporting benefit of living on an island is the fishing, and Long Island is no exception. From the shadows of the massive bridges and cityscapes in the west to the serene lighthouses and open waters of the east, Long island offers a species for anglers of all ages, abilities and appetites. No fisherman worth his bucktail would ever give up a humdinger of a honey spot, but here are a few areas to try and, likely, succeed:
Montauk: Hands-down, the best fishing area on Long Island and probably the best on the East Coast. From one-pound porgies to 1,000-pound makos, anglers return to Montauk with a wide range of species and experiences. There's action year-round, but the highlight is the fall striped bass run when the migrating fish gorge themselves on bait in October and create bubbling blitzes that can last hours.
Manhasset Bay: Within sight of the hustle and bustle of New York City, Manhasset Bay offers the solitude of the outdoors. Striped bass fishing is at its best in the spring and fall when the fish leave and return their spawning grounds in the Hudson River. In the summer, some of Long Island's biggest bluefish make their home here. Fluke, blackfish and porgies are plentiful.
Orient Point: The Race. The Gut. The Sluiceway. Orient Point offers some of the most difficult waters to navigate but some of the most rewarding fishing spots because of its geological contoures under the ripping water. It's long been a secret that the inshore fishing here can be just as successful as Montauk's but without the crowds. The secret is getting out.
Shinnecock Bay: Quiet, peaceful, uncongested, and thick with fish. Shinnecock Canal is one of the traditional starting points for the flounder season in the early spring, and once May rolls around the 10-pound fluke start chomping. Just outside the inlet is a hotspot known as The Library, so-called because the fish are stacked up like books on shelves. Don't worry, there's no late charge if you forget to return your fluke after two weeks.
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