New York · Long Island
INSHORE FISHING
IN MONTAUK
Explore the best inshore fishing charters in Montauk. Book verified captains, compare prices, and fish the legendary calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
About Inshore Fishing in Montauk
Montauk, New York offers some of the finest inshore fishing on the Gulf Coast. Montauk is the fishing capital of New York and one of the premier saltwater fishing destinations on the entire East Coast. The Point's position at the eastern tip of Long Island places it in the path of massive striped bass migrations, world-class bluefin tuna grounds, and productive offshore canyons for sharks and billfish. The inshore waters here — calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines — provide world-class angling opportunities that draw fishermen from across the country.
Inshore anglers in Montauk target an impressive roster of species including Striped Bass, Fluke, Weakfish. Peak season runs through June, May, July, but productive inshore fishing is available year-round.
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Montauk. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain. All charters include gear, bait, tackle, New York fishing licenses, and fish cleaning — everything you need for an unforgettable day on the water.
Inshore Fishing Calendar — Montauk
Month-by-month availability for inshore species. Plan your trip around peak season for the best action.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
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| Striped Bass |
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| Weakfish |
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Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Montauk
From legendary bays to productive reefs, here are the top inshore fishing spots your captain will target in the Montauk area.
Montauk Point Lighthouse Rocks
The rocky shoreline beneath Montauk Point Lighthouse is the most iconic surf-fishing location in the northeastern United States, where striped bass congregate in enormous numbers during spring and fall migrations. Anglers cast plugs, eels, and bucktails from the boulder-strewn shore into rips and current seams created by the point's underwater rock structure. Trophy striped bass over 50 pounds are caught here every season, earning Montauk Point its legendary status among surfcasters.
Fort Pond Bay
Fort Pond Bay is a sheltered embayment on the north side of Montauk, providing calm inshore waters that hold fluke, striped bass, weakfish, and porgy throughout the warmer months. The bay's sandy bottom and moderate depths create ideal habitat for summer flounder, which concentrate here during their annual inshore migration. Small boats and kayak anglers work Fort Pond Bay for consistent inshore action without the rough ocean conditions found on Montauk's south side.
Lake Montauk
Lake Montauk is a large tidal lake connected to Block Island Sound that serves as Montauk's main harbor, with its channel and basin holding striped bass, fluke, and weakfish around dock pilings and moored vessels. The lake's connection to the open sound brings tidal flushing that maintains water quality and attracts baitfish, which in turn draw gamefish into the harbor. Fishing the entrance channel on outgoing tides produces consistent catches of striped bass feeding on bait swept from the lake.
Napeague Harbor
Napeague Harbor lies along the north side of the narrow Napeague stretch between Amagansett and Montauk, its shallow waters and marsh edges holding striped bass, fluke, and weakfish in a quiet inshore setting. The harbor's eelgrass beds and sand flats provide nursery habitat for juvenile fish and feeding grounds for larger predators during tidal movements. Kayak anglers and light-tackle enthusiasts find excellent sight-fishing opportunities in Napeague Harbor's clear, shallow water.
Top Inshore Fish Species in Montauk
These are the primary inshore species you'll target on a Montauk charter. Click any species to learn more.
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Peak: May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
The iconic striper is the most sought-after gamefish on the Atlantic coast. These powerful, line-ripping fish migrate from the Chesapeake Bay to New E...
Fluke
Paralichthys dentatus
Peak: Jun, Jul, Aug
Also called Summer Flounder, fluke are prized flatfish found from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. Distinguished from Gulf flounder by their larger siz...
Weakfish
Cynoscion regalis
The weakfish is the mid-Atlantic cousin of the southern speckled trout, named for its tender mouth that easily tears free from hooks. Once incredibly ...
Inshore Fishing Boats & Tackle in Montauk
Here's what to expect when you book a inshore charter in Montauk.
Boats
Inshore fishing in Montauk is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft).
Tackle & Gear
Inshore charters in Montauk typically use light spinning tackle with 6-12 lb test line. Live shrimp, cut bait, and soft plastics are the top choices.
What to Bring
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Inshore Fishing Charters in Montauk
We're partnering with top inshore fishing captains in Montauk. Request a quote below and we'll match you with the best local experts.
Captains Coming Soon to Saltwater Pros
We're actively partnering with the best inshore fishing captains in Montauk. Request a quote and we'll connect you with a top-rated local captain within 24 hours.
Request a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions About Inshore Fishing in Montauk
Fish the bays, flats, and passes close to shore. Target redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more in calm, protected waters.
The top inshore species in Montauk include Striped Bass, Fluke, Weakfish. Availability varies by season — check our seasonal calendar above for month-by-month details.
The peak months for inshore fishing in Montauk are June, May, July, when the most species are at peak availability. However, Montauk offers productive inshore fishing year-round.
Inshore fishing in Montauk is typically done on bay boats, flats boats, and skiffs (typically 18-24 ft). These vessels are specifically designed for navigating the calm bays, estuaries, grass flats, and mangrove-lined shorelines.
No — when you book a charter in Montauk, your captain provides all required New York fishing licenses as part of the trip. You don't need to purchase a separate license.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), polarized sunglasses, light layers, non-marking shoes, snacks, and water. Your captain provides all fishing gear, tackle, bait, and licenses.
Absolutely! Inshore fishing in Montauk is one of the best options for beginners and families. The calm waters, light tackle, and consistent action make it an ideal introduction to saltwater fishing. Most captains welcome children and first-timers.
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