What Old Inlet offers and when to fish it

Old Inlet is a narrow tidal passage between Fire Island and Westhampton Beach on Long Island's south shore, roughly 60 miles east of New York City. The inlet connects Great South Bay to the Atlantic, creating strong tidal flows that concentrate striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish. The best fishing runs from April through November, with peak action in May and June when stripers move through on their spring migration, and again in September and October as they return south.

The inlet itself is shallow and narrow—roughly 200 yards across at its widest point—which means tidal current can run 2 to 3 knots on a strong flood or ebb. That current is what makes Old Inlet productive: baitfish get pushed through the channel, and larger fish position themselves to feed. The surrounding waters include sandy flats, drop-offs, and a jetty system on the Westhampton side that holds fish during slack tide.

Access is by boat only. Most anglers launch from Westhampton Beach or from marinas on the bay side and run 10 to 20 minutes to reach the inlet. The inlet itself can be rough during strong wind or tide, so check conditions before heading out and be prepared to fish the bay side or the jetties if the inlet is too choppy.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Inlet is a tidal passage between Fire Island and Westhampton Beach where striped bass and bluefish concentrate during spring and fall migrations.
  • Fishing is best on moving tide—flood or ebb—when current pushes baitfish through the channel and larger fish feed actively.
  • Access is by boat from Westhampton Beach marinas or bay-side launch sites; the inlet can be rough in wind, so check conditions before heading out.
  • Stripers run 18 to 35 inches in the inlet; bluefish average 3 to 8 pounds, with larger fish possible in fall.
  • New York State requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older; striped bass have a 19-inch minimum and a one-fish daily limit.

Seasons and tidal timing at Old Inlet

Spring migration (April through June) brings the heaviest striper traffic. Fish move north along the coast and funnel through Old Inlet as they head toward spawning grounds in the Hudson River and other northern estuaries. May and early June are typically the most consistent weeks; water temperature in the low 50s to mid-60s triggers aggressive feeding. Bluefish also arrive in May and remain through June, though they are less predictable than stripers.

Summer (July and August) is slower. Water warms into the 70s, and many stripers move deeper or offshore. Some fish stay in the inlet and the bay, but you will have more quiet days. Weakfish become more common in midsummer, particularly on the bay side and around the flats.

Fall (September through November) brings a second strong bite. Stripers move south again, and the water cools into the 60s and 50s. September and October are excellent; November can be good but weather becomes less predictable. Bluefish in fall often run larger than spring fish, with 6 to 10 pounders common and occasional fish over 12 pounds.

Tidal timing matters more than time of day. Fish feed most actively during the first two hours of flood tide and the first two hours of ebb. Slack tide (the brief period between tides) is usually slower. Plan your trip around the tide table for Westhampton Beach or Moriches Inlet—both are close enough to Old Inlet that their predictions are reliable. A tide table is available free from NOAA at tides.noaa.gov.

Species, tackle, and what to expect

Striped bass are the primary target. Fish in Old Inlet typically range from 18 to 35 inches, with occasional larger fish in fall. They respond to live baitfish (bunker, mullet, or eels) drifted or cast into the current, and to artificial lures—especially topwater plugs and soft plastics in white, chartreuse, or natural colors. A 7 to 8-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 15 to 20-pound braided line and a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader works well for most conditions.

Bluefish average 3 to 8 pounds in spring and 6 to 12 pounds in fall. They are aggressive and will strike nearly any moving lure. Use the same rod setup as for stripers, but expect bluefish to bite through lighter leaders, so a 30-pound fluorocarbon leader is safer. Metal spoons and small plugs are effective; live bait works but bluefish often cut the line before you can land them.

Weakfish are present but less reliable. They prefer quieter water and are more common on the bay side and around the flats than in the inlet itself. Fish under 16 inches are common; fish over 18 inches are a bonus.

The inlet bottom is mostly sand with some shell and rock. Drifting live bait through the channel is a standard approach. Casting lures into the current and working them back toward the boat also produces. During slack tide, fish the jetties on the Westhampton side or move to the bay flats.

Regulations and licensing

New York State requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 years old and older. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is available online at dec.ny.gov or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. You do not need a license if you fish from a licensed charter boat or party boat.

Striped bass have a 19-inch minimum size and a one-fish daily limit. This is a strict regulation; undersized or over-limit fish must be released immediately. Possession of more than one striper per day is illegal, even if you fish multiple days in a row.

Bluefish have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Weakfish have a 12-inch minimum and a 8-fish daily limit. These regulations can change, so check the current rules on the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website (dec.ny.gov) before you fish.

Boat access and launch sites

Most anglers reach Old Inlet by boat. Westhampton Beach Marina and Westhampton Yacht Club both offer launch ramps and are close to the inlet—roughly a 10-minute run. Shinnecock Bay Launch on the bay side is another option and is slightly farther but less crowded. Launch fees vary by site and season; expect to pay $10 to $25 per day.

If you do not own a boat, charter boats and party boats operate out of Westhampton Beach and nearby ports. A half-day charter typically runs 4 to 6 hours and costs $400 to $600 for a private boat; party boats charge per person (usually $50 to $100 per person for a half day). Both options include a captain who knows the inlet and current conditions.

Boat size matters. A 16 to 18-foot center console or open boat is ideal for Old Inlet. Smaller boats can fish the inlet on calm days but are at risk in rough water. Larger boats can fish the inlet but are less maneuverable in the narrow channel. Always check wind and tide forecasts before launching, and be ready to fish the bay side or jetties if inlet conditions are unsafe.

Tackle shops and local resources

Tight Lines Tackle in Westhampton Beach stocks live bait, lures, and tackle specific to the inlet and bay. The staff can tell you which lures are working and what the recent tide and weather patterns have been. Peconic Bait and Tackle in nearby Eastport also serves the area and carries a full range of saltwater gear.

Local fishing reports are posted on the New York Department of Environmental Conservation website and on fishing forums dedicated to Long Island. The Westhampton Beach Chamber of Commerce website lists marinas, launch sites, and charter operators. NOAA's tide and weather forecasts (weather.gov and tides.noaa.gov) are essential before every trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Old Inlet from shore?

No. The inlet is accessible only by boat. The jetties on the Westhampton side can be fished from shore, but they are not part of the inlet proper and offer different fishing. If you do not have a boat, a charter or party boat is your best option.

What is the best tide for Old Inlet?

The first two hours of flood or ebb tide are most productive. Slack tide (the brief period between tides) is usually slower. Check the tide table for Westhampton Beach or Moriches Inlet before you fish, and plan your trip to arrive at the inlet during moving water.

Do I need a guide to fish Old Inlet?

No, but a guide or charter captain is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the inlet's currents and structure. If you fish on your own, arrive early to scout the water, fish with a partner, and stay alert to changing conditions. The inlet can be rough, and current is strong.

What should I bring for a day at Old Inlet?

Bring your saltwater license, a tide table or phone with NOAA's tide app, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Wear a life jacket, bring a first aid kit, and have a working radio or cell phone. The weather can change quickly on the water, so bring a rain jacket and extra layers even on warm days.

Is Old Inlet better than other Long Island inlets?

Old Inlet is productive and less crowded than some nearby inlets, but it is not necessarily "better." Shinnecock Inlet and Fire Island Inlet also hold stripers and bluefish. Your choice depends on where you launch, what tide works for your schedule, and what species you want to target. Local tackle shops can tell you which inlet is fishing best on any given week.