Black sea bass fishing out of Moriches comes down to jumbo fish on the Coimbra wreck in late November and December. The wreck sits about 30 miles southeast of Moriches Inlet in 180 ft of water. This guide covers the season, the run, the structure closer to the inlet and how the wreck is fished locally, so you can plan a trip on your own boat. For the wider coast, see the black sea bass fishing in the Atlantic Northeast and the Atlantic Northeast offshore fishing guide.
When Black Sea Bass Are Around Moriches
According to The Fisherman’s wreck guide, the season on the Coimbra wreck is late November and December. That is the window for jumbo sea bass on this port’s offshore ground.
- Where: Coimbra wreck
- When: Late November and December
- Fish: Jumbo sea bass
Where Boats Run: The Coimbra
The Coimbra is an oil tanker wreck about 30 miles southeast of Moriches Inlet, lying in about 180 feet of water. Fish On advertises special offshore wreck trips for anglers who would rather ride than run their own boat.
Moriches Reef sits about 2.4 nautical miles south-southwest of the inlet in 70 ft, a much shorter and shallower run.
| Ground | Distance from Moriches Inlet | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Moriches Reef | About 2.4 nautical miles south-southwest | 70 ft |
| The Coimbra | About 30 miles southeast | 180 ft |
Chart layers are not for navigation. Use your own charts and the official forecast for the run.
Grounds and Structure Near Moriches Inlet
Named structure around Moriches runs from the jetty rocks at the inlet out to the wreck in 180 ft. The table lists each spot.
| Spot | Type | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moriches Reef | Artificial reef (barges, tugs, trawlers, tanks) | 70 ft | About 2.4 nautical miles south-southwest of Moriches Inlet |
| The Coimbra | Oil tanker wreck | 180 ft | About 30 miles southeast of the inlet |
| West Jetty rocks | Jetty rocks | n/a | Moriches Inlet, West Jetty |
| Mary’s Hole | Hole | n/a | Near the inlet |
| Hole near buoys 30 and 31 | Hole | n/a | East in Moriches Bay, between buoys 30 and 31, Remsenburg shoreline |
| Buoy chains | Buoy chains | n/a | Throughout Moriches Bay |
Moriches Reef
Moriches Reef is an artificial reef of barges, tugs, trawlers and tanks. It lies in 70 ft, about 2.4 nautical miles south-southwest of the inlet, and the NYSDEC artificial reef locations page lists it. For general background on reef and wreck fishing, see the reef fish guides.
The Coimbra
The Coimbra is an oil tanker wreck in 180 ft. The run is described above.
West Jetty Rocks
The West Jetty rocks are rock structure on the west side of Moriches Inlet.
Mary’s Hole
Mary’s Hole is a named hole near the inlet.
The Hole Near Buoys 30 and 31
This hole sits east in Moriches Bay, between buoys 30 and 31, off the Remsenburg shoreline. The Moriches Bay structure rundown covers the other bay spots.
Buoy Chains in Moriches Bay
Buoy chains run throughout the bay. They hold triggerfish in August, not sea bass.
How Black Sea Bass Are Fished Locally
Jumbo sea bass on the wreck are fished with fresh clam strips on standard hi-lo rigs.
- Bait: Fresh clam strips
- Rig: Standard hi-lo rig
- Target: Jumbo sea bass on the Coimbra
For general behavior and tackle, see the black sea bass guide.
Who Fishes for Them Out of Moriches
Fish On Fishing is the local operator that lists black sea bass. It runs two boats.
Fish On II
Fish On II is a 65 ft party boat that lists black sea bass.
Fish On
Fish On is a 40 ft sport fishing boat. It advertises special offshore wreck trips.
| Boat | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Fish On II | Party boat | 65 ft |
| Fish On | Sport fishing boat | 40 ft |
FAQ: Black Sea Bass Fishing Out of Moriches
When is the sea bass bite out of Moriches?
Black sea bass fishing out of Moriches centers on late November and December, on the Coimbra wreck.
How far is the Coimbra from Moriches Inlet?
About 30 miles southeast.
How deep is the Coimbra?
About 180 ft. Moriches Reef, by comparison, is in 70 ft.
What bait and rig are used locally?
Fresh clam strips on standard hi-lo rigs.
Who runs sea bass trips out of Moriches?
Fish On Fishing, with the 65 ft Fish On II party boat and the 40 ft Fish On sport fishing boat, which advertises offshore wreck trips.
