Suffolk County, NY · Atlantic Ocean
Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill
Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill offers public shoreline access on the Atlantic coast in Suffolk County. Common targets include striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Bluefish — Workable day for Bluefish.
Best conditions of 3 species tracked at Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Today's Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:37 AM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| 6:27 AM | High | 4.6 ft |
| 12:30 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
| 6:50 PM | High | 6.1 ft |
Species at Fire Island National Seashore
3 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Bluefish Workable day for Bluefish. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 77°F water — inside bluefish's active range
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- outgoing tide — bluefish prefers incoming tide
About. Pomatomus saltatrix — Toothy, aggressive pelagic predator. "Snapper blues" invade the lower Bay and coastal bays in summer; bigger choppers along the Atlantic coast. Hits metal jigs, topwater, and cut bait savagely — wire leaders recommended.
Prefers. Water 60–80°F (ideal 70°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–50 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
No minimum size. 5 fish/day from shore or private boat (more on for-hire vessels).
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#2 Summer Flounder Marginal conditions for Summer Flounder. In season 48/100
What's helping
- outgoing tide — summer flounder prefers outgoing tide
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 77°F water — above summer flounder's active range (58–75°f) — fish move deep
About. Paralichthys dentatus — Locally called "fluke." Flatfish that ambushes bait off sandy and mixed bottom. Drifting bucktails tipped with Gulp! or live minnows through Ocean City and Chincoteague inlets is the classic method.
Prefers. Water 58–75°F (ideal 65°F) · outgoing tide · depth 10–100 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 19"
- Daily creel
- 6
19" minimum, 6 fish/day, Apr 1–Dec 31.
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
#3 Striped Bass Skip the Striped Bass trip today. In season 32/100
What's helping
- 9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
What's hurting
- 77°F water — above striped bass's active range (50–72°f) — fish move deep
- outgoing tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-05-29. Open source page →
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
- Daily creel
- 1
28–31" slot, 1 fish/day. Inline (non-offset) circle hooks required when fishing with bait.
Source: New York regulations · verified 2026-05-29.
Location Info
Water Body
Atlantic Ocean
Region
Access
Shoreline access
Jurisdiction
New York
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill: New York DEC fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill?
Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill is listed on this site for 3 commonly-targeted species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Summer Flounder. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill have?
Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill has shoreline / wading access. There is no pier or boat ramp at this location.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill?
state agency regulations apply at Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill tidal water?
Yes. Fire Island National Seashore — Watch Hill sits on tidal water with a NOAA tide station nearby. Today's high/low timing is in the tide chart on this page.