Late-Season Chaos: Bass Under Birds, Monster Tog Bites & Squid Starting to Pop!

Late-Season Chaos: Bass Under Birds, Monster Tog Bites & Squid Starting to Pop!

Welcome back to Bay Rats & Buoys Episode 57, where the fall bite is absolutely exploding even as boating season slowly comes to a close. This week we’ve got Manny from the West on the cover, hammering bass at his secret locations using the Bay Rats & Buoys favorite NLBN lures—the same lures that have been crushing it all season long for us on the striped bass. If you’re looking for that late-season edge, this is the episode to watch.

Weather across Long Island has been spotty, with tight windows between fronts, but if you pick your shot you can get into phenomenal fishing right now. We break down exactly how to time those windows and what patterns we’ve been seeing across the North Shore and beyond. The tog bite remains absolutely on fire, with piles of keepers coming over the rail on every tide. If you love bottom fishing, this is arguably the best stretch of the entire year, and we cover rigs, baits, structure, and techniques that are producing the most consistent action.

Nighttime has been electric as well—squid fishing is ramping up, especially inside the harbor. Massive numbers of birds have been working while striped bass blast through clouds of spearing, peanut bunker, and sand eels.

This week also marks the bittersweet point where we pulled the boat for winterization, with water temps dipping to 49°. But don’t worry—Bay Rats & Buoys isn’t slowing down one bit. Stay tuned as we showcase all the gear we used throughout 2025, so you can stock up and be fully dialed in for the spring of 2026. From lures to leaders to terminal tackle, we’re giving you the full breakdown.

And a HUGE announcement for our loyal listeners:

The Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club officially launches in January 2026 at the New York Boat Show!

We can’t wait to meet everyone, roll out exclusive club benefits, and continue growing this salty community that spans Long Island and now listeners across multiple countries.

Make sure to drop a comment, share where you’re tuning in from, and send this episode to a fishing buddy. This is how our community grows—organically, honestly, and one fisherman at a time.

Let’s finish the season strong. Tight lines, everyone!