Your Guide to Fishing Long Island

For anyone looking to experience some of the best fishing on Long Island, you've come to the right place. Nassau County, NY is a paradise for anglers, offering a fantastic variety of accessible shorelines, productive bays, and deep inlets teeming with life. This guide is your friendly, local roadmap to making the most of every cast.

Whether you're casting from the iconic piers at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh or exploring the calm backwaters near Freeport, a perfect spot is waiting for you. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned pro chasing a trophy striper or just planning a fun family day out—the thrill of the catch here is matched only by the beautiful coastal scenery of Nassau County.

Experience Long Island's Premier Fishing Destination

Here in Nassau County, fishing is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. It provides a real, hands-on connection to the rich marine environment that defines our community, offering a perfect mix of excitement and a chance to unwind by the water. The sheer variety of experiences is what makes fishing in this part of Long Island so special for residents.

This guide provides actionable information to help you get out on the water. We'll walk you through everything you need to know for a successful and memorable day.

What This Guide Covers

We're giving you a complete game plan for fishing in Nassau County. We’ll break down all the essentials in a way that’s easy to follow, whether you’ve been fishing these waters for decades or you’re just baiting your first hook.

• Top Local Spots: We'll show you exactly where to go, from casting into the surf at Long Beach to working the back bays near Freeport and Massapequa.

• Target Species: You'll learn what's biting and when, covering the seasonal runs of striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and all our other local favorites.

• Essential Information: We've got you covered on everything else—local regulations, must-know safety tips, and a list of the best local bait and tackle shops to get you geared up.

Your Adventure Starts Here

This guide was written for our community, packed with practical advice and local knowledge to help you enjoy the incredible natural beauty right in our own backyard.

The waters of Nassau County are waiting, and they’re full of opportunities for both adventure and relaxation. For a broader look at our area, check out our guide on what makes Nassau County, NY such an amazing place to live and play. Let's get fishing.

Finding Your Spot: Nassau County's Top Fishing Holes

Nassau County is a fisherman’s paradise, threaded with countless spots to cast a line. Whether you're standing on the shore, a pier, or the deck of a boat, the right location is out there waiting for you. Knowing where to go is half the battle, and this is your map to some of the most productive and accessible fishing grounds in our part of Long Island.

We’ll break down the local favorites, giving you the inside scoop on what makes each one tick. From the churning, fish-filled waters of Jones Inlet to the quiet coves of a neighborhood park, you're about to find your new go-to spot.

From the Land: Premier Shore and Pier Fishing

For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, Nassau County offers an incredible variety of shorelines and piers. These spots are easy to get to, perfect for a family outing, and don't require specialized gear. They are the heart and soul of Long Island fishing for so many of us.

You can't talk about fishing Long Island from land without mentioning Jones Beach State Park. The fishing piers at Field 10 in Wantagh are legendary. They stretch out into Zachs Bay, giving you a shot at the deeper water where fluke, striped bass, and bluefish love to hang out. The piers are large, well-kept, and a safe bet for a day out with the family.

For something more low-key, Wantagh Park is a true local gem. Its calm, protected waters are perfect for targeting smaller, kid-friendly species like porgies (scup) and feisty snapper blues. It's an ideal place to get a youngster hooked on the sport. With plenty of parking and restrooms nearby, it's about as stress-free as a fishing trip gets.

Don't overlook the miles of fishable shoreline along the Meadowbrook and Wantagh Parkways. These banks give you direct access to the back bays where you can wade or cast for stripers and weakfish, especially during the spring and fall runs. Sometimes, exploring these less-obvious spots leads to the most memorable catches. For a full rundown of waterfront access, check out our guide to public beaches in Nassau County.

By Boat: Navigating the Bays and Inlets

Having a boat in Nassau County opens up a completely different world of fishing. The freedom to chase the tides, work specific structures like channels and drop-offs, and get away from the crowds gives you a serious advantage.

Jones Inlet, which separates Point Lookout from Jones Beach, is the superhighway for fish moving between the ocean and our back bays. The strong currents here are a magnet for big striped bass, gator bluefish, and doormat fluke. Drifting a live bunker or working a bucktail along the channel edges on a moving tide is a time-tested technique that consistently produces.

Once you're inside the bays, things calm down. Hempstead Bay and Oyster Bay are massive, fertile estuaries that act as nurseries for countless species. These waters are a mosaic of sand flats, sod banks, and deep channels that hold fish all year long. Spending a summer day drifting for fluke or a fall morning casting for schoolie stripers is a classic Long Island experience.

Our local waters are incredibly productive, supporting more than just weekend anglers. Long Island's commercial fishing industry is a huge part of our economy and culture. A 2021 report showed that the marine sector supports nearly 34,000 jobs and pumps almost one billion dollars in wages into the regional economy. This industry, which brings in key species like fluke, squid, and scup, is a powerful reminder of the incredible resource we all share.

Nassau County Fishing Hotspots Overview

This table gives you a snapshot of what to expect from some of our most popular and productive fishing locations. Think of it as a cheat sheet to get you started.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for your Long Island fishing adventure. These spots are proven winners, but countless others are waiting to be discovered. Now, let's talk about what you can expect to catch as the seasons change.

A Seasonal Guide to What's Biting

To get good at fishing Long Island, you have to learn to think like a fish. Our local waters operate on a seasonal clock, where water temperature and bait migrations dictate who's around and what they're eating. The secret isn't just knowing a good spot; it's knowing when that spot will be good.

Think of it as a parade that never ends. Different species march through Nassau County, NY all year long. The hot spot you fished in May might be a ghost town by August, but that’s okay—something else will have moved in to take its place. Timing your trips to match these natural rhythms is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your odds.

Whether you're casting from the sand, drifting a back bay, or heading out to deeper water, there's always an opportunity if you know where to look.

Spring Awakening: The Striped Bass Run

As soon as the water temperature nudges into the low 50s—usually sometime in April—the main event kicks off. The spring striped bass migration is a spectacle, as these incredible fish pour into our local waters, ravenous after a long winter.

Early on, you'll find smaller "schoolie" bass chasing bait deep in the back bays around Freeport and Wantagh. But as May rolls in, so do the bigger fish. That’s when surfcasting from the beach or drifting bait through Jones Inlet gets truly exciting.

• Top Baits: You can't go wrong with clam bellies early in the season. Once the bunker (menhaden) show up, switching to live-lining them or using fresh chunks is the ticket.

• Lures That Work: At dawn and dusk, try throwing swimming plugs like SP Minnows, soft plastic shads on jig heads, or simple bucktail jigs.

• Don't Forget Fluke: Spring also marks the return of fluke (summer flounder). These tasty flatfish slide in from their offshore wintering grounds and take up residence on the sandy bottoms of our bays.

Summer Fun: A Mixed Bag of Fighters

Summer is all about variety. The water is warm, the bait is thick, and there’s something biting for every skill level, making it the perfect time to get the family out on the water. Species like porgies (scup) and black sea bass are everywhere and relatively easy to catch, hanging around nearly any structure you can find, from the piers at Jones Beach to the rock piles in Oyster Bay.

Then you have the bluefish. Known for their ferocious strikes and drag-screaming fights, these toothy critters are a summer staple. When they crash through a school of baitfish, it creates a "blitz" that churns the water white—an awesome sight. Casting a topwater popper into that chaos is one of the biggest thrills in Long Island fishing.

The Legendary Fall Run

Ask any die-hard angler, and they'll tell you: fall is what it’s all about. From September through November, as the water begins to chill, massive schools of baitfish—mullet, bay anchovies, you name it—begin their big push south. This exodus triggers an all-out feeding frenzy, creating what we call the legendary "fall run."

This is your best shot at a true trophy striped bass. Big, migratory fish feed with reckless abandon to pack on weight for the winter, often chasing bait right into the surf. The action can be nonstop, with birds diving and fish blitzing for hours. It’s why so many of us happily brave the colder weather for a chance at the fish of a lifetime.

Tautog (or blackfish) also become a prime target in the fall. These powerful, stubborn fish hold tight to wrecks, reefs, and rock piles, offering a tough challenge and a delicious reward. The health of our waters supports both this vibrant sportfishing scene and a complex commercial industry. If you’re curious, you can learn more about the incredible diversity of New York's commercial fisheries and how they coexist with the recreational world.

Essential Gear and Local Tackle Shops

Having the right gear can be the difference between a frustrating day and a fantastic one. You don't need a lot of expensive equipment to get started. The key is picking versatile gear that works for the kind of fishing we do here in our Nassau County, NY waters.

Think of your first fishing setup as a multi-tool. A 7-foot, medium-action spinning rod with a matching reel is the perfect all-rounder. It’s strong enough for fluke in the bay but is light enough to have fun catching porgies off a pier in Wantagh. It truly is the workhorse for most Long Island anglers.

As you get more experience, you may want to specialize. If you get bit by the surfcasting bug, you'll need to upgrade to a much longer, heavier rod—something in the 9 to 11-foot range. That’s what it takes to launch a heavy lure or a chunk of bait past the breakers at Jones Beach, right where those big striped bass often feed.

Building Your First Tackle Box

Your tackle box is your on-the-water command center. It's easy to go overboard, but you can cover most situations on Long Island with just a handful of essentials.

Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:

• Hooks: Grab a variety pack of baitholder hooks. Sizes from #1 to 4/0 will cover everything from small porgies to keeper-sized fluke and bass.

• Sinkers: An assortment is key. You'll want pyramid sinkers (1-4 ounces) to hold bottom in the surf and some egg sinkers for drifting baits in the back bays.

• Lures: Keep it simple with a few proven fish-catchers. Bucktail jigs, shiny diamond jigs, and a classic swimming plug like an SP Minnow are must-haves. They all do a great job of imitating the local baitfish.

• Basic Tools: Never leave the dock without a solid pair of pliers (for removing hooks safely), a bait knife, and line cutters.

Why Your Local Tackle Shop is Your Best Friend

Big-box stores are fine, but the local bait and tackle shops are the lifeblood of the Nassau County fishing scene. These places are more than just stores; they're community hubs run by people who live and breathe local fishing.

When you shop at local businesses in towns like Freeport, Oceanside, and Wantagh, you're getting more than just gear. You're getting fresh bait that actually works here and supporting the very culture that makes fishing on Long Island so great.

The folks behind the counter fish the same tides you do. They’ll tell you exactly what lures the bluefish were chasing yesterday at Jones Inlet or what the hot bait for fluke is this week. That kind of on-the-ground, real-time advice is pure gold. Before you head out, pop into a local shop, ask them what's biting, and grab the right bait for your trip.

For the freshest local news and tips sent straight to you, subscribe to our daily newsletter and stay connected. To stay on top of what's happening around the county, visit our events page to plan your next outing.

Fishing By The Rules and Staying Safe Out There

Part of what makes fishing on Long Island so incredible is the sheer abundance of life in our waters. Keeping it that way for future generations means we all have to do our part. The rules set by New York State are in place to protect the very fish populations that make this a world-class angling destination for residents of Nassau County.

First things first: if you're 16 or older and plan on saltwater fishing, you need to sign up for the free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. It's not a license, but a quick registration that helps the state manage our fisheries. It costs nothing, takes just a few minutes online, and you should always have a copy (digital or printed) on you.

Know Your Limits Before You Cast

Regulations for our most popular gamefish—stripers, fluke, sea bass—change from year to year based on scientific data about fish populations. The goal is always the same: prevent overfishing and give the stocks a chance to replenish.

You’ll hear three key terms:

• Size Limit: This is the minimum length a fish must be for you to legally keep it. Always measure from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail.

• Possession Limit: This is the maximum number of a single species you can take home in one day.

• Open Season: These are the specific dates you’re allowed to keep a particular fish. If you catch one outside that window, it's catch-and-release only.

The rules can be specific, so it's always smart to double-check the latest updates on the NYS DEC website before you head out. The health of our fisheries is tied directly to the health of our water. You can get a better sense of this by reading up on the local Oyster Bay water quality watch and how it impacts our marine life.

Nassau County Top Species Fishing Regulations Summary

Here’s a quick-glance table to help you get started with the regulations for some of our most sought-after species in Nassau County. Remember, this is a summary and the official NYS DEC site is always the final word.

These regulations are essential. We saw what can happen with the once-booming Long Island Sound lobster fishery's history, which saw a sharp decline after the 1990s largely due to warming waters. It’s a powerful reminder of how fragile these ecosystems are.

A Quick Word on Staying Safe

Beyond the rules, use good common sense. The tides in our inlets, especially around Jones Inlet, can be powerful and demand respect, particularly if you’re in a kayak or a small boat. Always check the tide schedule and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

If you’re fishing from shore, be careful on the jetties. The rock piles from Point Lookout to Long Beach get incredibly slick with sea spray and algae. A good pair of boots with solid grip is non-negotiable. And don't forget the Long Island sun—sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat aren't optional; they're essential gear.

For more local guides and updates, subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a story. And don't forget to visit our events page for community happenings across Nassau County.

Planning Your Long Island Fishing Adventure

Alright, you have the knowledge—now let's plan your next fishing trip right here in Nassau County, NY. The secret to a great day on the water isn't just luck; it's matching your goals with the right spot at the right time. A little planning makes all the difference.

With so many incredible options for fishing Long Island, a solid plan is your best friend. A simple itinerary means less time guessing and more time with your line in the water, soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery that makes our home so special.

Simple Itineraries for Every Angler

To get you started, here are a couple of game plans you can borrow. Feel free to tweak them to fit your own schedule and fishing style.

• The Family Fun Day: Kick things off with a morning trip to Wantagh Park. The water there is calm and protected, which is perfect for kids. In the summer, the porgies are usually biting, which guarantees action to keep everyone excited. Pack a lunch, hit the playground, and focus on having a good time. It’s the perfect, low-pressure way to introduce the next generation to fishing.

• The Serious Angler’s Outing: This one requires an early alarm. Get to the surf at Jones Beach before dawn and fish a moving tide during the spring or fall run. Throw some plugs or rigged eels for striped bass. It's a classic Long Island challenge that takes effort, but the payoff—a hard-fighting trophy fish—is an unbeatable feeling.

Guided Trips From Freeport

If you're looking to learn from a pro or want to head out into the ocean, Freeport’s Nautical Mile is the place to be. This legendary port is packed with a fleet of top-notch charter and party boats. Booking a trip is a fantastic way to tap into the knowledge of seasoned captains who have spent their lives on these waters.

A guided trip takes all the guesswork out of the equation. The crew handles the gear, bait, and finding the fish, so you can just focus on fishing. It’s a great option for visitors, a special occasion, or anyone who wants to chase offshore species without the hassle of owning a boat. Getting to these spots is simple. For the lay of the land, check out our detailed map of Long Island, NY, with zip codes.

Ready to get out there? Visit our events page for info on local tournaments and fishing meetups. To stay on top of the bite, subscribe to our newsletter for weekly fishing reports sent straight to your inbox.

A Few Common Questions About Fishing on Long Island

Jumping into the local fishing scene? You've probably got a few questions. To get you ready for a great day on the water here in Nassau County, NY, we’ve pulled together some straightforward answers to the things we get asked most often.

Do I Need a License to Saltwater Fish in Nassau County?

Here's some good news: you don't need to buy a license for saltwater fishing in New York. You do, however, need to enroll in the state's free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry if you're 16 or older.

It only takes a few minutes on the NYS DEC website, and it's mandatory. Make sure you have proof of your registration on you whenever you're fishing.

What's the Best Time of Year to Fish on Long Island?

The action really heats up from May through November, but each season brings something special to the table.

• Spring (May-June): This is go-time. The much-anticipated striped bass and fluke migrations get underway, and hungry fish pour into our local waters.

• Summer (July-August): Think variety. The bays and oceanfront are teeming with aggressive bluefish, crowd-pleasing porgies, and tasty black sea bass.

• Fall (September-November): For many local anglers, this is the main event. The legendary "fall run" gives you the best shot at a trophy striped bass as they feed aggressively before heading south.

Where Are the Best Spots for Beginners in Nassau County?

Nassau County has some fantastic, low-stress spots perfect for new anglers or family trips. For easy access and a great chance of getting a bite, head straight for the fishing piers at Jones Beach State Park (Field 10). They're safe, roomy, and get you out over deeper water without needing a boat.

Wantagh Park is another can't-miss spot. Its calm, protected waters are just right for a relaxed day. Plus, with bathrooms and playgrounds right there, it’s a no-brainer for a family outing.

What's the Most Common Fish to Catch from the Shore?

That depends a lot on the season, but you can almost always count on hooking into porgies (scup), fluke (summer flounder), or bluefish. Porgies are abundant and cooperative from late spring through summer.

Fluke are a favorite target along sandy bottoms near inlets and in the bays. And if you're looking for a fight, bluefish will give you an aggressive battle from spring through fall all along our shorelines.

At 516 Update, our goal is to help you explore everything that makes our community special. For more local guides, event calendars, and the latest Nassau County news, check us out at 516update.com and subscribe to our daily newsletter.