Where are the best fishing piers?
Long Island offers numerous public fishing piers, providing anglers with convenient access to saltwater fishing without needing a boat. From the North Shore to the South Shore and the East End, fishing piers attract beginners, families, and experienced anglers throughout the year.
In Short
Some of Long Island’s best-known fishing piers include Captree State Park, Cedar Beach, Port Jefferson, Greenport, and the Sunken Meadow State Park fishing pier. These locations provide opportunities to catch striped bass, fluke, porgy, bluefish, blackfish, and many other seasonal species.
Where Are the Best Fishing Piers?
Fishing piers are located throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County, giving anglers access to the Long Island Sound, Great South Bay, Great Peconic Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Many piers are free or require only a parking fee, making them popular destinations for recreational fishing.
Some fishing piers are located within state parks, while others are found in town parks, marinas, waterfront villages, and public parks. Depending on the season, anglers commonly target striped bass, fluke, porgy, black sea bass, bluefish, blackfish (tautog), weakfish, and other saltwater species.
Fishing conditions vary throughout the year based on tides, water temperature, migration patterns, and local regulations. Before heading out, anglers should verify access hours, parking rules, and any required fishing registrations or licenses.
Popular Fishing Piers, Docks, and Shore Fishing Locations
| Fishing Location | Water Body | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Captree State Park | Great South Bay | Fishing pier, charter fleet, striped bass, bluefish, fluke, parking, and restrooms. |
| Jones Beach State Park | Atlantic Ocean | Surf fishing, seasonal access, and expansive ocean beaches. |
| Nickerson Beach Park | Atlantic Ocean | Surf fishing, ocean beach access, and South Shore saltwater fishing. |
| Point Lookout | Reynolds Channel | Shore fishing near inlet waters, jetties, and protected bay access. |
| Robert Moses State Park | Atlantic Ocean | Surfcasting near Fire Island Inlet for striped bass and bluefish. |
| Gilgo Beach | Atlantic Ocean | Surf fishing along Ocean Parkway with access to productive South Shore waters. |
| Oak Beach | Great South Bay | Bay and inlet fishing near Fire Island Inlet and Ocean Parkway. |
| Heckscher State Park | Great South Bay | Shore fishing, marina access, and boat launch facilities. |
| Cedar Creek Park | Great South Bay | Shoreline fishing, park access, and nearby South Shore waterways. |
| Nautical Mile | Woodcleft Canal | Public docks, bulkheads, charter boats, and nearby bait shops. |
| Wantagh Park Fishing Pier | Jones Inlet | Public fishing pier with marina, parking, and family-friendly amenities. |
| Cedar Beach Fishing Pier (Babylon) | Great South Bay | Public fishing pier with seasonal access and nearby marina. |
| Tanner Park | Great South Bay | Fishing pier, waterfront park, and public parking. |
| Shinnecock Canal | Shinnecock Bay | One of Long Island’s premier striped bass, weakfish, and bluefish locations. |
| Ponquogue Bridge | Shinnecock Bay | Popular shore fishing area for striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and weakfish. |
| Cupsogue Beach County Park | Atlantic Ocean | Surf fishing near Moriches Inlet for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke. |
| Moriches Inlet | Moriches Bay | Productive inlet fishing for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and seasonal species. |
| Smith Point County Park | Atlantic Ocean | Popular surfcasting destination with beach access and nearby campground. |
| Fire Island National Seashore | Atlantic Ocean | Miles of surf fishing along protected ocean beaches. |
| Port Jefferson Village Pier | Port Jefferson Harbor | Harbor fishing within walking distance of downtown shops and restaurants. |
| Greenport Village Docks | Great Peconic Bay | Harbor fishing, village waterfront, and easy public access. |
| Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park | Oyster Bay Harbor | Public pier and shoreline fishing overlooking Oyster Bay Harbor. |
| Orient Beach State Park | Long Island Sound | Excellent shoreline fishing with scenic Sound views. |
| Stehli Beach | Long Island Sound | Popular North Shore beach for shoreline fishing, striped bass, bluefish, and scenic waterfront access. |
| Sunken Meadow State Park | Long Island Sound | Fishing pier and shoreline access for striped bass, porgies, and bluefish. |
| West Meadow Beach | Long Island Sound | Scenic shoreline fishing with public beach access and views of Long Island Sound. |
| Mount Sinai Harbor | Long Island Sound | Public shoreline fishing with nearby marina access. |
| Cedar Beach (Mount Sinai) | Long Island Sound | Fishing pier and shoreline access overlooking the Sound. |
| Belmont Lake State Park | Belmont Lake | Freshwater fishing for trout, largemouth bass, and panfish. |
| Hempstead Lake State Park | Hempstead Lake | Freshwater shoreline fishing with easy public access. |
| Lake Ronkonkoma | Lake Ronkonkoma | Popular freshwater fishing for bass, pickerel, perch, and sunfish. |
| Connetquot River State Park Preserve | Connetquot River | Permit-only trout fishing in one of New York’s premier fly-fishing streams. |
| Peconic River Access Areas | Peconic River | Freshwater fishing for bass, pickerel, perch, and sunfish. |
| Blydenburgh County Park | Stump Pond | Freshwater fishing for bass, pickerel, perch, and panfish. |
| Massapequa Preserve | Massapequa Creek and ponds | Freshwater fishing, scenic trails, and accessible shoreline areas. |
Whether you’re introducing a child to fishing or chasing your next trophy catch, Long Island’s fishing piers provide convenient public access to some of New York’s best saltwater fishing. For more fishing tips, regulations, charter boats, and popular fishing destinations, visit our Long Island Fishing guide.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
🍎 Apple Picking 🍓 Strawberry Picking 🎃 Pumpkin Picking 👻 Haunted Houses 🍂 Farm Festivals
