Most black sea bass fishing out of Freeport starts in June, per Freeport Charter Boats, on reefs about 3 nm off the beaches. Boats fish hi-lo rigs with squid or clam, or jigs and soft plastics, and offshore wreck trips run into October and November. For the regional picture, see our south shore and regional reef fishing guides. The wider picture is in the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Northeast and the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide.
When black sea bass are around Freeport
The local season starts in June, runs through summer reef fishing, then shifts to offshore wrecks in October and November. For biology and migration, see how black sea bass move through the year.
- June: the season starts.
- Summer: reefs fish in about 50 to 72 ft.
- October and November: offshore wrecks, 90+ ft.
June start
Freeport Charter Boats puts the start of sea bass fishing in June. The reefs sit a short run from the beach, so you reach structure quickly.
Summer on the reefs
Local operators describe summer reef fishing as excellent. On Hempstead Reef that means about 50 to 72 ft of water, and the other named reefs fall in the same band or shallower.
October and November offshore
Offshore sea bass trips continue into October and November. Sea Rogue puts late-fall fish at 90+ ft, which means deeper structure than the summer reefs.
Where Freeport boats run for sea bass
Most black sea bass fishing out of Freeport happens on local wrecks, reefs and rock piles. Hempstead, Atlantic Beach and Rockaway are among New York’s artificial reef sites off the south shore. Each reef’s depth range tells you where to set up on it. For the inlet, ramps and conditions, see Freeport inlet, ramps and conditions.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Hempstead Reef (Hempstead Town Reef) | 50 to 72 | 3.3 nm south of Jones Beach State Park |
| Fishing Line (McAllister Grounds) Reef | 50 to 53 | 2.8 nm south of Long Beach |
| Atlantic Beach Reef (Fran S tug) | 55 to 64 | 3.0 nm south of Atlantic Beach |
| Rockaway Reef | 32 to 40 | Not listed |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
Hempstead Reef: 50 to 72 ft, 3.3 nm south of Jones Beach
Hempstead Reef, also called Hempstead Town Reef, is a well-known sea bass spot. At about 50 to 72 ft, it has the widest depth range of the four grounds.
Fishing Line (McAllister Grounds) Reef: 50 to 53 ft, 2.8 nm south of Long Beach
This reef sits 2.8 nm south of Long Beach. The depth band is narrow, 50 to 53 ft, so you are fishing a single depth.
Atlantic Beach Reef: 55 to 64 ft, 3.0 nm south of Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach Reef lies 3.0 nm south of Atlantic Beach in 55 to 64 ft. The Fran S tug sits on this reef.
Rockaway Reef: 32 to 40 ft
Rockaway Reef is the shallowest ground on the list, at 32 to 40 ft.
Offshore wrecks in late fall: 90+ ft
Sea Rogue puts late-fall fish at 90+ ft. Super Hawk, out of Point Lookout, runs 6 AM full-day offshore wreck trips for sea bass in October.
How sea bass are fished out of Freeport
Local boats fish two main styles: bait on a hi-lo rig, and jigs.
Hi-lo rig with squid or clam
The hi-lo rig baited with squid or clam is the local bait method. It is fished on the bottom over structure.
Jigs and soft plastics
Sea Rogue reports that fish hit both bait and jigs. Carolann P lists jigging for black sea bass, and soft plastics are the other local option.
Who fishes for sea bass out of Freeport
These Freeport operators list black sea bass:
- Captain Lou Fleet
- Freeport Charter Boats: Sorry Charlie (35 ft custom), Freeport Gem, Beach Princess (pontoon)
- Sea Rogue Charters: Captain Bob Schmitt
- Carolann P Fishing Charters: Captain Ray Pasieka, boat Christine P, 31 ft
- Corazon Fishing Charters: 35 Duffy, Capt. Doug Toback
- Gina Ann Charters: Gina Ann, a 38 Holland, up to 6 anglers, cruises at 17 knots
The port’s tournament is the Freeport Tuna Club Fluke Shootout, a fluke event usually held in August.
FAQ: black sea bass fishing out of Freeport
When does sea bass fishing start out of Freeport?
It starts in June, per Freeport Charter Boats. Reef fishing is strong through summer, and offshore trips run into October and November.
How far out is Hempstead Reef?
Hempstead Reef is about 3.3 nm south of Jones Beach State Park, in about 50 to 72 ft of water.
What depth do Freeport boats fish for sea bass?
In summer, the four named reefs run 32 to 72 ft. In late fall, Sea Rogue puts the fish at 90+ ft.
Bait or jigs?
Both work. The hi-lo rig with squid or clam is the local bait setup, and Sea Rogue reports that fish hit both bait and jigs.
Can I fish sea bass in late fall?
Yes. Offshore wreck trips run into October and November, and Super Hawk out of Point Lookout runs 6 AM full-day trips in October. Booking with one of the listed operators is one way to see the grounds before running them yourself.
