Porgy Season in Montauk: What You Need to Know
Summer porgy fishing in Montauk is reliable, accessible, and honest work. Starting in June and peaking through August, porgy—also called scup—move into our shallow waters and stay put. Unlike striped bass or fluke, porgy aren't fickle. They're steady. You show up with the right rig and decent bait, and you'll catch something. That consistency is why locals who fish seriously still go for porgy, even when fancier species are theoretically available.
Porgy hit best from mid-June through early September, with July and August being peak months. The fish school tight on structured bottom—rocky reefs, debris piles, and the hard sand shelves that ring Montauk Point. Water temperature matters less than structure does. You'll find them 40 to 80 feet down depending on where you're fishing. The Shagwong Reef, the deeper waters off the point, and the wrecks east of here hold consistent populations. Morning tides generally outfish afternoons, but porgy bite throughout the day if the bottom is right.
Boats vs. Shore: Your Options
Most people fish porgy from charter boats or party boats. It's the practical choice. A guide or charter service knows exactly where the schools are setting, and you're positioned directly over them. Half-day trips are standard in summer. Party boats—those open-boat operations taking 40 or 50 people at a time—work fine for porgy. The boats aren't crowded by July and August standards, and you're surrounded by people who know what they're doing.
Shore fishing for porgy is possible but requires patience and local knowledge. Ditch Plains and other accessible beaches can produce, but it's not the core of Montauk's porgy fishery. The real bite happens offshore.
Tackle and Bait
Porgy fishing is not complicated. Most charter boats will have rigs already rigged and ready—typically two-hook spreads with #6 or #8 hooks. Squid is the standard bait. Some captains add mackerel or bunker to the mix. Porgy have small mouths, so don't overthink it. A light jig tipped with squid works just as well as a traditional rig. The boat's motion and the structure below do most of the work.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. Summer sun on the water burns fast, even on overcast days. Seasickness is rare for porgy trips—you're not traveling far offshore—but light seas can still roll in during afternoon sessions.
Local tip: Stop at a bait and tackle shop the night before your trip if you're going independent. Montauk's marinas sell fresh squid, but supplies dwindle as the day goes on during peak summer.
Ready to book a trip. Check Montauk fishing guides and charters to find a boat that matches your schedule.