New York · Long Island
BLACK SEA BASS FISHING
IN MONTAUK
Montauk is a solid destination for black sea bass fishing, with peak season in July and good catches in May, June, August. Book a charter and target black sea bass with local experts.
About Black Sea Bass Fishing in Montauk
A tasty bottom dweller found on reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Montauk is a solid destination for black sea bass fishing, offering peak season in July and good catches in May, June, August. The best months to target black sea bass here are July.
Scientific name: Centropristis striata
Black Sea Bass Seasonal Calendar — Montauk
Month-by-month availability for black sea bass in Montauk, NY.
How to Catch Black Sea Bass in Montauk
Techniques & Bait
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
Recommended Tackle
Your captain will provide all tackle and gear suited to the target species and local conditions.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Montauk
Top spots where local captains target black sea bass and other nearshore species.
The Elbow
The Elbow is a natural bend in the underwater topography just south of Montauk Point where currents deflect off the rocky bottom, creating a massive rip that concentrates baitfish and predators. Striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and bonito stack up in the rip line from spring through fall, feeding aggressively in the turbulent water. Boat anglers drifting or trolling through the Elbow during the fall run experience some of the most explosive fishing on the East Coast.
Montauk Lighthouse Reef
The rocky reef structure extending underwater from Montauk Point creates a natural reef system that holds black sea bass, tautog, porgy, and fluke in 20 to 50 feet of water. The reef's diverse bottom of boulders, gravel, and sand supports a rich ecosystem that attracts both bottom-dwellers and pelagic species passing the point. Bottom-fishing the reef on slack tide produces excellent catches of tautog and sea bass between the strong current periods.
Shagwong Reef
Shagwong Reef is a rocky underwater feature north of Montauk Point in Block Island Sound, where the bottom rises from surrounding depths to create a fish-concentrating structure. Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and porgy hold on the reef during tidal flows that push baitfish across the rock structure. The reef's proximity to Montauk Harbor makes it a quick-run destination for boats targeting both bottom fish and stripers on the same trip.
Castor Wreck
The Castor is a well-known shipwreck lying in approximately 60 feet of water south of Montauk Point, providing artificial reef habitat in the nearshore zone. Black sea bass, tautog, ling, and fluke congregate on the wreck's steel structure throughout the year, with peak action during spring and fall. The wreck is a popular half-day destination for Montauk charter boats combining bottom-fishing with trolling the surrounding waters for striped bass and bluefish.
Other Species in Montauk
More fish you can target while visiting Montauk.
Black Sea Bass Fishing in Montauk — FAQ
The peak months for Black Sea Bass fishing in Montauk are July. During these months, Black Sea Bass are most active and abundant in the Montauk area.
Black Sea Bass fishing charters in Montauk are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Consult your local charter captain for the most effective baits and techniques in the area.
No — when you book a charter in Montauk, your captain provides all required New York fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Black Sea Bass regulations in New York include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Black Sea Bass in Montauk, you may also catch Striped Bass, Tautog, Bluefish, Fluke, False Albacore. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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