Dolphins Shut Down Fishing – Where are the Bluefish?
July 30, 2026Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast – Episode 92
Why Fishing in Our Area Sucks Right Now!
Just a week ago, the striped bass fishing around Long Island was absolutely on fire. Anglers were enjoying some of the best summer action we’ve seen in years, with incredible topwater explosions, live bait success, and fish feeding aggressively throughout the tides. Then, almost overnight, everything changed.
In Episode 92 of the Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast, Captain Gaige dives into the biggest reason the bite has slowed to a crawl—the annual arrival of massive dolphin pods into our local waters. While it’s incredible to witness these intelligent marine mammals cruising through our bays and harbors, their presence can dramatically change the behavior of striped bass. Once the dolphins move into an area, baitfish scatter, bass become far more cautious, and the red-hot action we’ve been enjoying can disappear seemingly overnight.
But that’s fishing, and that’s exactly why we spend every week bringing you honest reports from the water.
The good news is that while the bass fishing has slowed, there are still opportunities if you’re willing to adapt. This week we talk about changing your game plan, exploring different areas, and why now is the time to stay mobile instead of waiting for yesterday’s bite to return.
One of the highlights this week comes from inside the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club. A club member located a solid bluefish bite tucked away in the back bays and immediately shared that information with the rest of the club. That’s exactly what our community is all about—helping fellow anglers find success instead of keeping good fishing to themselves. Whether it’s sharing productive locations, lure recommendations, tide strategies, or boating knowledge, our members genuinely want everyone to become better anglers and safer boaters.
That’s what makes the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club different. We’re building more than just another online fishing group—we’re creating a community of passionate anglers, captains, and boating enthusiasts who look out for one another. Through weekly fishing reports, monthly meetups, club tournaments, boating discussions, and real-time fishing intel, members stay connected and help each other put more fish in the boat all season long.
If you’ve been thinking about joining, now is the perfect time. Head over to SandCityCharter.com, click on the Fishing Club tab, and become part of the fastest-growing community of passionate anglers, captains, and boaters. Whether you’re brand new to fishing or have decades of experience, there’s always something to learn and someone willing to help.
Join Captain Gaige this week as we break down what’s happening on the water, where the fish may be headed next, and why better days are just around the corner once the dolphins move through. Until then, stay safe, keep your lines wet, and we’ll see you on the water!