What You'll Find in Moriches Bay

Moriches Bay is a shallow, sheltered estuary on Long Island's South Shore that holds striped bass, fluke, weakfish, and blue crabs year-round. The bay sits between Fire Island and the mainland, with three main sections: the western bay near Moriches Inlet, the central bay around Moriches Pier, and the eastern bay toward Shinnecock Inlet. Water depths range from 2 to 12 feet across most of the bay, making it accessible to small boats, kayaks, and shore anglers. The bay's brackish water and eelgrass beds create ideal nursery habitat for juvenile striped bass and fluke, so you'll encounter plenty of smaller fish alongside keepers, especially in spring and fall.

The bay's main appeal is its protected water and proximity to New York City—roughly 60 miles east of Manhattan. Unlike the open Atlantic, Moriches Bay stays fishable during moderate wind and rough ocean conditions. Tidal flow is moderate, and the bottom is mostly sand and mud, so snags are less common than on rocky or wreck-filled grounds. Access points are scattered along the mainland shore and include public boat launches, private marinas, and wade-in areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Striped bass run through Moriches Bay in spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), with summer holding smaller fish and resident populations.
  • Fluke season runs May through September, with peak fishing in June and July when fish move into deeper channels and drop-offs within the bay.
  • Public boat launches are available at Moriches Bay Park (west side) and Westhampton Beach (north shore), both requiring parking fees and advance reservations during peak season.
  • Regulations require a New York State saltwater fishing license for all anglers 16 and older, plus species-specific size and bag limits that change annually.
  • The bay is best fished from May through October; winter water temperatures drop below 40°F and fish become inactive or migrate out.

Striped Bass Seasons and Locations

Striped bass enter Moriches Bay in two distinct pulses: a spring migration (late March through May) and a fall migration (August through November). Spring fish are typically larger—18 to 28 inches—and move through the bay quickly on their way to spawning grounds in the Hudson River and other northern estuaries. They concentrate near the inlet areas and along deeper channels, particularly around Moriches Inlet on the western end. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most consistent action during spring.

Fall striped bass are often smaller (14 to 22 inches) but more abundant and willing to feed aggressively as they prepare for winter. They spread throughout the bay and hold in eelgrass beds, shallow flats, and channel edges. September and October are the most reliable months; by November, water temperatures drop and fish begin moving offshore. Summer (June–August) holds resident and juvenile striped bass, typically 8 to 14 inches, which are fun on light tackle but do not count toward your daily bag limit if they fall below the 18-inch minimum size.

Fluke and Weakfish Through the Summer

Summer flounder (fluke) move into Moriches Bay in May and remain through September, with peak numbers in June and July. Fluke prefer deeper water within the bay—the channels and holes that reach 8 to 12 feet—and they hold tight to structure like drop-offs, pilings, and eelgrass edges. The bay's central and eastern sections, particularly around Moriches Pier and toward Shinnecock Inlet, hold the most consistent fluke populations. Fluke are bottom feeders and respond well to live baitfish (silversides, killifish) and soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom.

Weakfish (gray trout) are less predictable but can show up in good numbers during June and July, especially in the western bay near the inlet. They prefer slightly deeper water than fluke and often feed in the early morning and at dusk. Weakfish have a soft mouth, so light drag settings and careful handling are necessary to avoid losing fish. Both species require a New York State saltwater license and are subject to daily bag limits and minimum size requirements that vary by year—check the current regulations before you fish.

Access Points and Boat Launches

Moriches Bay Park (west side, near Moriches Inlet) has a public boat launch with parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities. The launch is maintained by Suffolk County and requires a parking fee (typically $10–15 per day, higher during summer weekends). Reservations are recommended from May through September, especially on weekends. The launch provides direct access to the western bay and inlet areas, making it ideal for targeting striped bass during spring and fall migrations.

Westhampton Beach (north shore) offers another public launch with similar amenities and fee structure. This launch accesses the northern and central portions of the bay and is closer to Moriches Pier, a popular shore-fishing spot. Moriches Pier itself is open to the public for a small fee (around $5–8) and does not require a boat; it's a reliable spot for fluke, striped bass, and weakfish, especially during slack tide and early morning hours.

Private marinas around the bay offer slips, fuel, and tackle shops but typically charge higher daily rates. Shore access is limited; most of the bay's perimeter is private residential property. Kayak anglers can launch from public beaches and shallow areas but should stay aware of boat traffic and check tide schedules before heading out.

Tides, Seasons, and Weather Patterns

Moriches Bay experiences semidiurnal tides (two highs and two lows per day) with a range of roughly 2 to 3 feet. Slack tide—the period of minimal water movement between flood and ebb—is often the most productive time for fluke and weakfish, as baitfish concentrate and feeding becomes more active. Striped bass, by contrast, often feed more aggressively during moving water, particularly on the incoming tide. Tide tables for Moriches Inlet are published by NOAA and are essential for planning your trip; most fishing apps include them.

The bay is fishable from May through October, with June through September offering the most consistent action and the warmest water. Spring (April–May) is excellent for striped bass but unpredictable—cold snaps can slow fishing for days. Winter water temperatures drop below 40°F, and most fish either leave the bay or become dormant. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common; check the forecast before launching, as the bay's shallow water can become choppy quickly in strong wind.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

All anglers 16 years and older must carry a New York State saltwater fishing license to fish Moriches Bay. Licenses are available online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at tackle shops, and through the mail. A one-day license costs less than $10; annual licenses run roughly $25–30 for residents and $50–60 for non-residents. Licenses are required even if you are fishing from shore or a private boat.

Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish per angler (as of recent regulations, though this can change). Fluke must be at least 19 inches and are limited to five fish per day. Weakfish have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Regulations change annually, so check the DEC website or call the regional office before your trip. Possession of undersized fish is illegal, even if you plan to release them.

Tackle, Bait, and Techniques

For striped bass, light to medium spinning or conventional rods (6 to 7 feet) work well in the bay's shallow water. Use 15- to 20-pound braided line with a 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility. Live baitfish (bunker, herring, killifish) are highly effective, as are soft plastics (4- to 6-inch shads) and topwater plugs during low-light hours. Cast near structure—pilings, eelgrass edges, drop-offs—and work baits slowly.

Fluke fishing requires a lighter touch: 6- to 6.5-foot spinning rods with 10- to 15-pound braided line and a fluorocarbon leader. Live silversides or killifish are the standard bait; work them slowly along the bottom with occasional hops to trigger strikes. Soft plastics (3- to 4-inch shads and fluke-specific baits) are equally productive and less expensive. Weakfish respond to similar tackle and techniques but prefer slightly faster retrieves and often hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk.

Tackle shops in Westhampton Beach and Moriches carry local baitfish, lures, and current information about what's biting. Prices for live bait are typically $8–15 per dozen, depending on species and size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Moriches Bay?

No. Moriches Pier is open to the public and does not require a boat. Shore access is limited due to private property, but the pier provides reliable access to fluke, striped bass, and weakfish. Kayak anglers can launch from public beaches and shallow areas, though you should check tide schedules and be aware of boat traffic.

What's the best time of year to fish Moriches Bay?

June through September offers the most consistent fishing and warmest water. Spring (April–May) is excellent for striped bass but weather-dependent. Fall (September–October) brings strong striped bass runs and good fluke fishing. Winter water temperatures drop below 40°F and most fish leave or become inactive.

Can I keep undersized fish if I plan to release them?

No. Possession of undersized fish is illegal in New York, even if you intend to release them. Striped bass must be 18 inches, fluke 19 inches, and weakfish 12 inches. Measure fish before bringing them aboard, and release anything below the minimum size immediately.

What's the parking situation at the public boat launches?

Both Moriches Bay Park and Westhampton Beach charge daily parking fees (typically $10–15, higher on summer weekends). Reservations are recommended from May through September. Arrive early on weekends, as parking fills quickly during peak season.

Are there tackle shops near the bay?

Yes. Several tackle shops operate in Westhampton Beach and Moriches, carrying live bait, lures, and current fishing reports. Prices for live baitfish are typically $8–15 per dozen. Shop staff can provide up-to-date information about what's biting and where fish are holding.