Striped bass fishing out of Moriches is a summer inlet fishery, and it turns on the outgoing tide. Boats work the deeper parts of Moriches Inlet, then run the inlet’s outside bars and back islands at daybreak. Live bait goes in at the start of the outgoing tide, and clam chum works the same stage.
When striped bass are in Moriches and where boats run
Everything here depends on the inlet and the tide moving through it. Plan the day around the outgoing tide at Moriches, then pick the ground.
Summer in the inlet
Bass are a summer inlet fish here, and Fish On’s species list includes them among the fish it targets out of the port. For the larger migration picture, see the Northeast run (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide).
The deeper inlet and the daybreak bars
Boats work the deeper parts of Moriches Inlet, then move to the inlet’s outside bars and back islands at daybreak.
Check the official NWS marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you leave the dock, and read the numbers yourself.
Grounds and structure that hold bass
The grounds below run outward from the inlet: jetty, holes, bay structure, reef, then wreck. You can find the named grounds on Chart Contours in the Breakpoint app, though chart layers are not for navigation.
| Ground | Type | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moriches Reef | Artificial reef of barges, tugs, trawlers and tanks | 70 ft | About 2.4 nautical miles south-southwest of Moriches Inlet |
West Jetty rocks
The West Jetty rocks sit at the inlet’s West Jetty. Fish them with the deeper inlet water at the start of the outgoing tide. After dark, live eel is the local bait.
Mary’s Hole
Mary’s Hole is a named hole near the inlet. It fishes by tide stage, and the outgoing is the time to work it.
The hole at buoys 30 and 31
This hole sits east in Moriches Bay, between buoys 30 and 31, off the Remsenburg shoreline.
Bay buoy chains
The buoy chains throughout Moriches Bay are structure. They hold triggerfish in August, which gives you a cue for reading what the chains are holding.
Moriches Reef
Moriches Reef is an artificial reef of barges, tugs, trawlers and tanks, in 70 ft about 2.4 nautical miles south-southwest of Moriches Inlet.
The Coimbra
The Coimbra is an oil tanker wreck in 180 ft, the deep option in this group. Other species use deep structure like it, and the coastal and offshore gamefish guides cover them.
How bass are fished out of Moriches
The tide organizes the day. For rigging and general behavior, use our striped bass guide. The methods below are the ones used for striped bass fishing out of Moriches.
| Method | Bait | When |
|---|---|---|
| Live bait by day | Live spot | Start of the outgoing tide |
| Live bait after dark | Live eel | Start of the outgoing tide |
| Chumming | Clam | Outgoing tide |
Live spot by day
Live spot is the daytime live bait, fished at the start of the outgoing tide.
Live eels after dark
Live eel is the after-dark bait, also fished at the start of the outgoing tide.
Clam chum on the outgoing tide
Clam chumming is done on the outgoing tide.
Who fishes for them here
Three names come up for striped bass out of Moriches. The list shows who is on the water and is not an endorsement.
Rockfish Charters
Rockfish Charters out of Moriches lists striped bass and runs a 39 ft Contender 39ST.
Fish On
Fish On lists bass among its species.
Great Gun Moriches Anglers tournament
The Great Gun Moriches Anglers Inshore and Offshore Fishing Tournament is usually held in June.
FAQ: striped bass fishing out of Moriches
When are striped bass in Moriches Inlet?
Summer, in the inlet. Fish On lists bass among its species.
What tide do local anglers fish for bass?
The start of the outgoing tide for live bait. Clam chumming is also done on the outgoing tide.
How far is Moriches Reef from the inlet?
About 2.4 nautical miles south-southwest of Moriches Inlet, in 70 ft. It is an artificial reef of barges, tugs, trawlers and tanks.
How deep is the Coimbra?
180 ft. It is an oil tanker wreck.
What bait do locals use for bass after dark?
Live eel, fished at the start of the outgoing tide. Live spot is the daytime bait.
Is there a striper tournament out of Moriches?
The Great Gun Moriches Anglers Inshore and Offshore Fishing Tournament, usually in June.
