You don’t need a boat on Shelter Island to enjoy the fishing. Surfcasting off our shores can produce bluefish, keeper bass, sand sharks and other local species.
Down by South Ferry during the moving tide you’ll often see anglers casting into the rip from both east and west sides of the pier. It is well known to hold stripers.
Many use popping plugs before dark and swimmers after the sun goes down. You can also “chunk” with bunker if you’re not into the work of casting. Remember to cast clear of the pilings.
One angler this year told me he hooked into what he thought was a big bass at South Ferry only to land a very large sand shark.
Everyone has his or her own favorite spot for surfcasting depending on the time of year. Crab Creek beach near the rip by the inlet has been known to produce some keeper bass. But considering the volume of water and bait moving in and out of the Creek, it’s a good bet some predators will be waiting most anytime during moving tides.
Few strands on the Island are more beautiful than Menhaden Lane. While hit or miss for surfcasting, an early morning or evening spent throwing a lure out into Gardiner’s Bay is a relaxing joy. I’ve seen boils of bluefish move into the cove at Menhaden when every cast produced a fish. On other days, I just enjoyed the peace.
Surfcasting near structure
Striped bass are smart and lazy fish. They like to wait near structures in the water. Baitfish will swim and be swept across the structure during moving tides. A structure might be a rip caused by a depth change, a pier, a narrows or a shoal. Surfcasting near structure is recommended.
At Reel Point on Big Ram Island there is recognizable structure at the entrance to Coecles Harbor. On the flood or ebb tide, water rushes into or out of the harbor through the narrow entrance. Look for terns diving as evidence of larger fish.
All a surf caster needs to do is look at a map of the island and our extensive shoreline to pick a likely spot. Wait for the moving tide, pick a method and enjoy shore fishing.
Be a responsible surfcaster
Remember to be a responsible angler. At various spots near fishing beaches, as part of the Peconic Estuary Program, disposal tubes for monofilament line have been installed. Old monofilament line can be hazardous to fish so remember to throw those old lines and leaders away properly.
Also be aware of the New York State fishing limits. Catch and release is alway a great option, but try never to keep more than you’ll eat.
