In Montauk, the fishing scene is dynamic, particularly as striped bass embark on their annual eastward migration towards Block Island. While many have left, a few stragglers can still be found in the rips around the Point and Great Eastern area. "Bucktails and diamond jigs are still the way to go if you want to try to find one in Montauk waters," said local angler Ben, highlighting the optimal techniques for these fish.
The fluke action has been steady as well, especially in the southern grounds, about 8 to 10 miles south of Montauk Point. Many anglers are working through shorter fish to land the occasional catch between 19 to 23 inches. As Ben noted, "Nearby black seabass has also been steady but the bigger fish are in the Block Island region." For those looking to enhance their catch rates, employing bottom fishing techniques with strip baits, bucktails, and gulps has proven successful for both fluke and seabass.
Shark fishing has also picked up, coinciding beautifully with latest celebrations of Shark Week. "The sharking bite has been very productive using live bluefish on heavy wire," noted Ben, sharing insights into the thrill of landing large brown sharks that chase hooked striped bass. This setup not only keeps the rods bending but also adds a layer of excitement for anglers navigating the waters off Montauk.
Moving offshore, the tuna action has been nothing short of extraordinary. "The tuna action has been hot all around the southern grounds all the way east toward the Claw," Ben reported. The arrival of southern waters has drawn yellowfin and mahi-mahi as they feast on schools of sand eels, mackerel, and bunker.
Earlier in July, the bluefin tuna bite was exceptional, though it has since shown signs of slowing, with fish spreading out and moving northeast. "Depending on feeding behavior, jigging and popping has also been productive," Ben stated, adding that trolling with spreader bars, ballyhoo, and side trackers has been the method of choice for many.
In an exciting development, several striped marlin have been reported in the tuna grounds along with larger brown, mako, and thresher sharks. One highlight from recent counts involved a remarkable catch—a 365-pound thresher that was brought in by Rocco Costa and his crew on the boat CODSTA while chunking for tuna. This catch has left a significant mark at the marina, adding weight to Ben's statement, "The big ones are out there!"
If anglers dare to venture into the deep, they’ll discover a flurry of Bigeye tuna, yellowfin, and larger mahi-mahi roaming the canyon waters. The enthusiasm surrounding the 2025 Montauk Canyon Challenge underscores the region's reputation for producing impressive catches. "The canyon bite has been on fire as well!" Ben eagerly declared, promising excitement for those willing to set sail into deeper waters.
With the fishing landscape thriving both inshore and offshore, Montauk continues to attract both seasoned anglers and newcomers. As noted by Ben, "Fair winds and following seas!" It seems that this summer offers boisterous opportunities on the water for anyone wanting to experience the unique fishing charms of Montauk.
For those planning a trip, resources such as local guides and charters remain available to enhance the fishing experience. As the season progresses, angler enthusiasm is sure to grow, contributing to Montauk's enduring legacy as a fishing destination.
