Which beaches have fishing?
Many beaches on Long Island allow fishing, particularly outside designated swimming areas and outside the busy summer beach season. Some of the island’s best-known surf fishing beaches include Robert Moses State Park, Jones Beach State Park, Ditch Plains Beach, Smith Point County Park, Cupsogue Beach County Park, and several beaches near Montauk. Fishing regulations, permitted hours, and seasonal restrictions vary by location.
In Short
Long Island offers outstanding surf fishing along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as fishing opportunities from beaches bordering the Long Island Sound, Great South Bay, and other coastal waters. Many public beaches permit fishing outside designated swimming areas, especially during the off-season.
Long Island Beaches That Allow Fishing
| Beach | Location | Fishing Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ditch Plains Beach | Montauk, Suffolk County | One of Long Island’s premier surf fishing beaches for striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore. |
| Robert Moses State Park | Fire Island, Suffolk County | Excellent surf fishing along the Atlantic shoreline, particularly near Fire Island Inlet. |
| Jones Beach State Park | Wantagh, Nassau County | Popular surfcasting beach for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and other seasonal species. |
| Smith Point County Park | Shirley, Suffolk County | One of the South Shore’s best surf fishing beaches with year-round opportunities. |
| Cupsogue Beach County Park | Westhampton, Suffolk County | Popular for surf fishing, especially during spring and fall migrations. |
| Gilgo Beach | Town of Babylon, Suffolk County | Known among experienced anglers for productive surf fishing. |
| Hither Hills State Park | Montauk, Suffolk County | Fishing opportunities along the Atlantic shoreline when permitted. |
| Shinnecock East County Park | Southampton, Suffolk County | Well known for surfcasting and four-wheel-drive beach fishing access. |
What Can You Catch?
Depending on the season, surf anglers commonly catch striped bass, bluefish, fluke (summer flounder), blackfish (tautog), weakfish, kingfish, false albacore, and bluefin or bonito farther offshore. Spring and fall migrations generally produce the best surf fishing.
Fishing Rules
- Fishing is often prohibited in designated swimming areas while beaches are open for swimming.
- Many beaches allow fishing before and after lifeguard hours.
- Some beaches require parking permits or four-wheel-drive permits for vehicle access.
- Anglers fishing New York marine waters must register with the New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.
- Always follow current New York State size limits, bag limits, and seasonal regulations.
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which beach is best for surf fishing? | Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk is one of the island’s best-known surf fishing locations. |
| Can you fish at every beach? | No. Rules vary by park and municipality, and fishing is often restricted during swimming hours. |
| Do you need a fishing license? | Saltwater anglers must register with the New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. |
| When is the best fishing? | Spring and fall migrations generally provide the best surf fishing. |
| Can you drive onto some fishing beaches? | Yes. Some beaches offer four-wheel-drive access with the required permit. |
| What fish are commonly caught? | Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, blackfish, weakfish, kingfish, and other seasonal species. |
If you’re planning a surf fishing trip, you may also want to explore the best fishing piers on Long Island, compare the best beaches on Long Island, learn which beaches require permits, or find out which beaches have camping.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
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