The Area Known As Montauk
By Mark N. Levy

      Montauk is one of the best places on the east coast for surfcasting. Due to the many fishing areas in Montauk, during any tide you can be in a prime fishing spot. There are numerous places to fish in Montauk and some of the names of the spots are Culloden, Gin Beach, Shagwon, Stepping Stones Clark's Cove, North and False Bars, Jones Reef, The Bluffs, Scott's, Turtle Cove, Browns, Kings, Rat Hole, Sewer Pipe, Casewells, Tea House, Coconuts, Church's, Frisbies, Ditch Plains, Dead Man's Cove, Kenneys, and Transformers, and of course The Point. Tides play an important role in surfcasting.
      You are not limited to location, you can always find an area where the tides are good anytime day or night. Whether you are fishing an incoming or an outgoing tide, there are many different productive areas to fish in Montauk. When the wind is Northwest or Northeast, Montauk is the place to be, and of course when the winds are in excess of 30 miles per hour, it could be magic time for the big Striped Bass.
      Of course during the prime fishing times of our season, it can get quite crowded; but if you fish at night you will be able to secure the spot of your liking. It is best to scout these areas during the daytime, because even then they can be quite hard and dangerous to fish, at night.
      An absolute must is Korkers, without them do not bother to fish these areas, due to the very rocky environment because it can be very dangerous, and of course you will never be able to fish the rock of your choice. There are two ways to fish the area, use either waders or a wetsuit, whichever you prefer. Make sure you bring extra clothes if you want to be comfortable and keep on fishing, because you will get wet.

      Listed below is the basic equipment you will need to enjoy surf fishing in Montauk.

Waders or Wetsuit
Helly Hansen top or Dri Core or Bronco Top
Korkers
Flashlight-Extra batteries
Surf Belt
Needle nose & side cutler type pliers
First Aid Kit
Surf Bag (two if possible-one day & one night bag)
Extra line
Leader material & Hardware
Pork rind
Plastic Grub Tails
Two Rods (one graphite & one fiberglass)
Two Reels (Van Staal, Penn, Crack)

Now for the Lure Category:

Metal lip Swimmers
Bomber type lures
Bottle Plugs
Poppers
Pencil popper
Needlefish
Darters
Tins
Buck tails

      Now that you have brought all your gear, you are ready to fish one of the best Surfcasting areas around.
      Some surfcasters do not believe in color, but I can tell you one thing, you will find that yellow is king, and make sure you bring plenty of yellow darters, which is a top producer. Due to the rocky areas that you are fishing, you will lose many lures. Do not forget to bring plenty of Buck tails, because  they will out fish most of your arsenal and if you do not fish them close to the bottom, and you are not losing any, you are not fishing them right. Fish them slow and you will see that this lure will be your standby.
      All white with white or red Pork rind, or grub tail can be your proven winner, and don't forget chartreuse with red Pork rind or grub tail when there is dirty water.
      Now you know where to fish, what to bring and use; enjoy your time, be safe, and remember to respect your fellow fisherman, and the environment out there (keep it clean) and you shall enjoy Montauk for many years to come.
     Tight Lines, Good Fishing.

                                   Mark N. Levy

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