Montauk is often referred to as fishing "Mecca" as well as the "The Fishing Capital of the World".
Located at the Eastern most end of Long Island, the waters around Montauk Point are comprised of the perfect combination of fertile underwater structure, sea temperatures and strong clean currents. This perfect marine habit attracts massive schools of baitfish from the nearby gulf stream, the continental shelf and the sheltered bays and estuaries of the Long Island Sound, southern New England and the New York Bight.
The abundance of baitfish around Montauk Point and nearby Block Island are like a giant dinner buffet that attracts massive schools of gamefish such as striped bass, bluefish and doormat fluke (summer flounder). The rocky underwater terrain and swift currents provide the predators with the ideal environment to ambush their prey. It also attracts schools of humpback sea bass, jumbo porgies (scup), giant blackfish (tautog), huge codfish and many other reef fish. Even the sandy sheltered waters of Lake Montauk (not really a lake but actually a very nice harbor) attract an abundance of snowshoe winter flounder. The bass and blues can be caught while trolling and jigging as well as while drifting live and/or freshly cut bait. Fluke are caught almost exclusively while drifting bait along the bottom. Sea bass, porgies, blackfish and other reef fish are most often caught while anchoring over structure.
Many anglers will agree that what really makes Montauk so special is its offshore fishery. In contrast to much of the rest of the east coast, Montauk is relatively close to deep ocean waters that are infested with a variety of large sharks, tuna and billfish that provide for some of the most intense angling experiences in the world. The waters are home to the mako shark which is regarded as the ultimate offshore species to target due to its lightning fast speed and acrobatic air displays.
The warm waters of the gulf stream also attract huge schools of yellowfin, bluefin, albacore and big eye tuna along with swordfish and marlin to the canyons of the continental shelf. At certain stages of their migration, schools of giant bluefin tuna as well as bonita, false albacore and skip jack tuna and Spanish mackerel make their way inshore and can be targeted within sight of shore.
Tuna can be caught while trolling as well as while chunking (offering whole and/or cut fresh bait in a slick of bait chunks while anchored). Sharks are caught while drifting large baits in a chum slick. For an extra challenging adventure, all of the species we catch can be targeted using light tackle.
As you can see, Montauk is like an angler's playground. When you call us to plan your Montauk fishing adventure aboard the Patty Ann, we will advise you on what are the best options available based upon the time of the year you are planning your trip and the desires of your group. Whether you are looking to spend only a half day fishing the fertile inshore grounds or an extended overnight trip to the canyon targeting tuna, shark and billfish, we will help you plan your trip so that your group has the most enjoyable Montauk fishing excursion they have ever experienced.
