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Episode 95: We’re Back! Hockey, Blackfish, Striped Bass & Big News Ahead! Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast | Episode 95 | Hosted by Captain Gaige We’re BACK, Bay Rats! After taking a little hiatus from the microphones, Captain Gaige is back aboard the boat in Huntington Harbor, bringing you Episode 95 of the Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast! And no, we didn’t sink the boat, disappear offshore, or get lost at sea! So where have we been? Well, hockey season kicked off, and with Captain Gaige’s kids hitting the ice and Gaige stepping behind the bench to coach their team, life went from fishing rods to hockey sticks pretty quickly! Between practices, games, and coaching, we’ve been living and breathing ice hockey. But don’t worry, fishing is still in our blood, and we’re back to finish the 2026 fishing season STRONG! The October fishing report is looking fantastic! The blackfish (tautog) bite around Long Island Sound has been excellent, with keeper blackfish coming over the rails on every trip! We’re getting into some great bottom fishing action as the fall season heats up. We also discuss the unexpected green crab shortage that briefly affected local anglers and bait shops. Believe it or not, one of the Northeast’s main green crab suppliers blew a turbo on his boat engine, temporarily shutting down operations until repairs could be made. Talk about bad timing during prime blackfish season! Meanwhile, the striped bass bite inside the bays has been incredible! Bass are pushing extremely close to shorelines, feeding aggressively on schools of baitfish. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or working the shoreline, there’s some exciting fall action happening right now! And here’s something interesting: squid have been caught inside Huntington Harbor! We’re hoping the squid fishing continues to improve before hungry striped bass move in and chase them out. Could we have some great squid fishing ahead? We also want to thank everyone who emailed, messaged, and even checked on our welfare during the break! Nothing was wrong, and we genuinely appreciate everyone looking out for us. In fact, we’ve been growing behind the scenes, and some exciting announcements are coming over the next few weeks! Big things are happening with Bay Rats & Buoys, so stay tuned! We’re officially back on schedule with NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY AT 6 PM! Thanks for sticking with us, Bay Rats! Let’s finish this fishing season with a bang! Tight lines, calm seas, and we’ll see you on the water!  Bay Rats & Buoys — More Than a Club, We’re a Crew! Visit SandCityCharter.com to learn more about our fishing charters and join the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Episode 94 — Boat Fire, Big Moon Fishing & Offshore Monsters! Captain Gaige is back on the boat in Huntington Harbor for Episode 94 of the Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast, and there’s plenty happening on and off the water as we roll into September! This week’s episode starts with a story that made headlines across Long Island — a boat fire right here in Huntington. The dramatic scene of a vessel engulfed in flames and heavy black smoke is another reminder that things can change incredibly fast on the water. Captain Gaige talks about the incident, boating safety, and why every captain and boat owner should be prepared when an emergency happens. Then we get back to what Bay Rats & Buoys is all about — FISHING! The recent Sturgeon Moon brought another round of strong moon tides and changing conditions, and now we’re looking ahead to the Harvest Moon later this month. September can be an awesome transition month around Long Island, and Sand City Fishing Charter is fired up for the upcoming charters as water temperatures begin changing and our fall fishing starts coming into focus. There have already been some interesting catches around the area, including drum fish showing up locally! Captain Gaige breaks down the latest fishing reports, what species are cooperating, where the bite seems to be heading and — most importantly — what bait has been getting it done. We’ll also check in on the latest tournament and fishing league action, with September bringing another opportunity for anglers to put fish on the board and make a move in the standings. And if you want to talk about putting fish on the deck, Kory absolutely crushed it offshore! On the latest offshore excursion, Kory landed an incredible 90-pound yellowfin tuna, a 50-pound mahi, and piled up tons of tilefish to cap off one heck of a trip. We break down the offshore action and talk about just how different the fishing can be once you leave Long Island Sound behind and head for deeper water. From a boat fire in Huntington Harbor to moon tides, local fishing reports, tournament updates, bait talk, drum fish and a monster offshore trip, Episode 94 is packed! Grab a drink, climb aboard and hang out with Captain Gaige for another week of Bay Rats & Buoys — boating, fishing, laughs and everything happening on the waters around Long Island! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Episode 93 — Dolphins & Brown Sharks Invade the LI Sound! The Long Island Sound is ALIVE right now! On Episode 93 of Bay Rats & Buoys, Captain Gaige is back with this week’s fishing report—and there’s plenty happening on and under the water. Dolphins are cruising through the Sound, brown sharks are making headlines, the bluefish bite is picking back up, fluke fishing is heating up, and porgy fishing continues to be an absolute blast for families! First up: the sharks! Social media has been flooded with videos and photos of anglers encountering brown sharks while live-lining for striped bass and bluefish. But before anyone starts thinking Jaws has invaded Long Island, here’s the reality: this is nothing new. Brown sharks and other shark species have been part of the Long Island Sound ecosystem for a very long time. The difference today is that nearly everyone has a smartphone, camera and social media account, so we’re seeing these encounters more than ever before. Brown, dusky, sandbar and sand tiger sharks can all be found around our waters, and their presence is another reminder of just how diverse the Long Island marine ecosystem really is. So enjoy the rest of the summer—get out on the boat, hit the beach, go swimming, tubing and enjoy everything the Sound has to offer! Meanwhile, the bluefish bite is finally showing signs of life again! After weeks of everyone asking, “Where are the bluefish?” reports are starting to improve. The fluke bite is also heating up, with more keeper-sized fish being caught, making August a great time to get out and target some summer flatties. And if you’re looking to get the family on the water, porgy fishing has been fantastic aboard Sand City Fishing Charter. Fast action, plenty of bites and constant excitement make porgy fishing one of the best ways to introduce kids and families to fishing on Long Island. Want even more local fishing intel? Join the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club! Our growing community brings together anglers, captains and boaters who share reports, fishing intel, knowledge and experiences from across Long Island—and you don’t have to live here to be part of it. Anglers from anywhere in the world are welcome to join the crew!  Bay Rats & Buoys — More than a club. We’re a crew. https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Why Fishing Sucks Right Now!  Join the Fishing Club | Ep 92 Bay Rats & Buoys https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast – Season 3, Episode 91 The countdown is officially on! We’re now just nine weeks away from our milestone 100th episode, and Episode 91 keeps the momentum rolling as Captain Gaige is back aboard the boat bringing you another week of fishing reports, boating talk, and everything happening on the Long Island Sound. This week we break down one of the biggest stories on the water: massive pods of dolphins moving through the Sound. While it’s incredible to witness these amazing animals in their natural habitat, they definitely had an impact on the fishing, scattering bait and making the striped bass bite much tougher for a couple of days. We’ll explain what we saw on the water, why dolphin activity can temporarily slow the action, and why we’re optimistic that the fishing is ready to rebound as we head into the first weekend of August. If you’ve been waiting for your next opportunity to get out there, this could be the perfect time to fuel the boat, grab your gear, and hit the water. We also continue to spotlight the incredible growth of the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club. What started as a small group of passionate anglers has quickly become one of the fastest-growing communities of fishermen, captains, and boating enthusiasts anywhere. Whether you’re an experienced offshore captain, a weekend warrior, or someone who just bought their first boat, there’s a place for you. Members enjoy monthly meetups, weekly fishing reports, boating conversations, tournament opportunities, networking with other captains, and a community that shares the same passion for life on the water. If you’re looking to meet great people, learn new techniques, and become part of something that’s growing every month, head over to SandCityCharter.com, click on the Fishing Club tab, and join today! We’d love to welcome you aboard. As always, we’ll cover the latest fishing conditions, what techniques we’re watching as August begins, upcoming club events, and what’s happening around the Bay Rats & Buoys community. Thank you to everyone who continues to listen, watch, and support the podcast each week. Reaching 100 episodes is going to be a huge milestone, and we’re excited to have all of you along for the ride. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with your fishing buddies. We’ll see you on the water—and we’ll see you next week for Episode 92! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Episode 90 of Bay Rats & Buoys is here, and this week Captain Gaige is back aboard the boat with another up-to-date fishing report from the Long Island Sound. Filmed during the haze from the Canadian wildfire smoke drifting across the Northeast, this episode covers everything anglers need to know before heading out on the water this week. The tuna tournament season is in full swing, with offshore crews chasing giant bluefin tuna and competing in some of the biggest events of the summer. We discuss the latest tournament action, what teams are seeing offshore, and why this is one of the most exciting times of the year for big-game fishermen. Whether you’re fishing the canyons or following the action from shore, there’s no shortage of excitement happening offshore. Closer to home, Sand City Charter is still finding quality striped bass despite the summer pattern beginning to change. Captain Gaige breaks down the techniques that continue to produce both trophy fish and keeper-sized bass while explaining how the bite has evolved over the past week. If you’re wondering whether it’s still worth targeting stripers, this fishing report will help point you in the right direction. As water temperatures continue to climb, the fluke and black sea bass bite is really starting to turn on, giving anglers even more opportunities to put fresh fish in the cooler. We discuss where these fisheries are heading, what techniques are producing, and what you can expect over the next several weeks as summer fishing reaches its peak. One question continues to be on everyone’s mind: Where are the bluefish? Captain Gaige shares his thoughts on the unusually slow bluefish season, what could be contributing to their absence, and when anglers might expect to see more of these hard-fighting fish return to local waters. We also invite you to become part of something much bigger than just another fishing group by joining the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club. No matter where you’re from, everyone is welcome. Our club continues to grow every month as captains, boaters, kayak anglers, surfcasters, and fishing families come together to share fishing reports, exchange local knowledge, and build lasting friendships. Our monthly club gatherings are a great opportunity to meet fellow anglers, learn new techniques, hear firsthand fishing intel, and simply enjoy being around people who share the same passion for fishing and boating. Ready to join the crew? Visit BayRatsAndBuoys.com to become a member today, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Bay Rats & Buoys YouTube channel for weekly fishing reports, tournament coverage, boating discussions, conservation topics, and everything happening on the Long Island fishing scene. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you on the water! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

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Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast – Episode 86 The fishing season is in full swing, and Episode 86 of Bay Rats & Buoys is packed with everything anglers are talking about right now! Captain Gaige breaks down the latest fishing reports from around Long Island Sound, discuss what patterns are producing the best striped bass action, and share some of the techniques that continue to put big fish in the boat aboard Sand City Charter. With the 2nd Annual Striped Bass Invitational just around the corner, we spend time talking about this year’s exciting two-day catch-and-release tournament and why conservation remains at the heart of the event. Last year, anglers came together to tag 65 striped bass, and this year our goal is to blow that number out of the water. If you haven’t registered your boat yet, now is the time! Join us for an incredible weekend of fishing, tagging, bragging rights, cash prizes, and helping improve the future of the striped bass fishery. The guys also dive into a topic that every boater can relate to—bad captains on the water. From poor boating etiquette and dangerous decisions around fishing fleets to the mistakes that create unnecessary hazards, we discuss what separates a good captain from a bad one. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just getting started, these stories and lessons may help you avoid becoming “that guy” at the boat ramp or on the fishing grounds. We also provide an update on The Fishing League and the growing competition taking place throughout the season. Teams are battling it out for monthly prizes and positioning themselves for a run at the season-long championship. If you’ve been thinking about joining, there’s still plenty of time to get involved and compete against anglers throughout the Tri-State region. Of course, no episode would be complete without talking gear. We break down some of our favorite setups for targeting trophy striped bass, including rods, reels, line, leaders, and the lures that consistently produce big fish. From flutter spoons and mojos to live bait techniques and topwater action, we share what we’re using right now and why it works. Whether you’re chasing your first striper, looking for tournament tips, or just enjoy talking fishing, Episode 86 delivers another fun and informative conversation from the waterfront. Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Welcome back to Bay Rats & Buoys! This week on Episode 85, Captain Gaige and First Mate Kory break down one of the biggest striped bass catches of the season aboard Sand City Charter. The bass fishing in the Long Island Sound has been nothing short of incredible, and we’re sharing exactly how we found these fish, what techniques are producing, and the lures and baits that are getting crushed right now. One of the best parts of this season has been watching anglers of all experience levels hook into trophy striped bass. Kids, families, first-time anglers, and even guests who have never held a fishing rod before are landing some truly impressive fish. There’s nothing better than seeing a young angler catch their personal best bass or watching someone experience the excitement of a screaming drag for the very first time. In this episode, we discuss the current bite, the areas holding fish, the presentations that are working best, and why the fishing has been so consistent. From live bait to artificial lures, we’ll explain what’s producing and how you can improve your chances of connecting with a quality striped bass on your next trip. We also share stories from recent charters, discuss some of the memorable catches that have come over the rail, and talk about why this has been one of the most fun stretches of the season so far. The smiles, excitement, and memories being created on the water are what make this fishery so special. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing your next trophy bass or someone looking to get out on the water for the first time, this episode is packed with useful information, fishing reports, and plenty of laughs along the way. If you’re enjoying Bay Rats & Buoys, be sure to subscribe, like, and share the show. Don’t forget to follow Sand City Charter for weekly fishing reports, striped bass tips, charter fishing adventures, and updates on the Striped Bass Invitational and The Fishing League. Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

The countdown is on! We are now just 4 weeks away from the 2nd Annual Striped Bass Invitational, and this year’s event is bigger, better, and more exciting than ever. Captain Gaige kicks off Episode 83 by reminding anglers to get registered this week and join us on June 27th & 28th for an epic two-day catch, tag, and release tournament right here in Huntington Bay. This event isn’t just about competition—it’s about conservation. Every striped bass caught and released helps support valuable fisheries research as we work together to tag more fish than last year’s impressive total of 65 striped bass. With a $2,500 Grand Prize, plenty of sponsored giveaways, and serious bragging rights on the line, now is the time to secure your spot at StripedBassInvitational.com. The striped bass fishing has absolutely exploded across Long Island, and the crew shares the latest reports from aboard Sand City Charter. The bite is red hot right now, with quality fish feeding aggressively and anglers enjoying some of the best action of the season. Captain Gaige breaks down what’s working, where the fish are holding, and why now is one of the best opportunities of the year to get out on the water. Sand City Charter is currently booking trips seven days a week, and we’re excited to announce that we’ll soon be running at least one Open Boat Trip each week, giving individual anglers a chance to get in on the action without chartering the entire boat. This week’s boating safety segment focuses on a simple but critical question every boat owner should be able to answer: Do you know where your seacock is? Captain Gaige explains why understanding your boat’s through-hull systems could make the difference between a minor issue and a major emergency on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned captain or a first-time boat owner, these practical tips could save your boat—and possibly your life. We also preview the gear and tackle we’ll be discussing at the next Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club meeting. If you’ve been thinking about joining the club, now is the perfect time. Meet fellow anglers, share fishing reports, learn new techniques, and become part of a growing community built around fishing, boating, conservation, and good times on the water. Grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and join Captain Gaige for another fun-filled episode of Bay Rats & Buoys! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Captain Gaige is back for Episode 82 of Bay Rats & Buoys, and the fishing action around the tri-state area is absolutely heating up! Water temperatures are climbing fast and the striped bass bite is officially ON FIRE across the Long Island Sound, New York Bight, and along the Jersey Coast. From working birds to aggressive bass feeding on bunker schools, anglers are finding fish and the season is shaping up as temperatures heatup in the northeast!  The competition inside  The Fishing League is also reaching another level as teams strategically position themselves to make a run at winning the month of May! Leaderboards are changing weekly with anglers from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut battling it out across multiple divisions. The best part? It’s NOT too late to enter your team! Register now and you still have a legitimate shot to win the month of May while stacking valuable points toward the season-long championship race. Every fish matters and every week the standings get tighter! Captain Gaige dives into National Boating Safety Week topics and discuss some of the biggest mistakes boaters make while fishing crowded areas amongst the fleet. From panic decisions at the helm to poor communication and unsafe maneuvering around active fishing boats, this episode covers important safety tips that every captain and crew should hear before heading out or into busy fishing grounds this season. Learning how to stay calm, predictable, and aware on the water can make a huge difference for everyone sharing the same fishing grounds. We’re also officially just FIVE WEEKS AWAY from the 2nd Annual Bay Rats & Buoys Striped Bass Invitational happening June 27th & 28th, 2026! Last year’s event successfully tagged 65 striped bass for conservation and research, and this year we want to tag even more fish while making the event bigger and better than ever. This epic two-day catch-and-release tournament combines competition, conservation, camaraderie, and huge payouts including cash prizes and giveaways. Register your boat now at  Striped Bass Invitational and join us for an unforgettable weekend on the water! Plus, Captain Gaige and Kory recap entertaining their first open boat trip guests and helping anglers land personal best striped bass aboard  Sand City Fishing Charter. If you’re looking to get on the water this season, private charters are now available! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Captain Gaige is back for Episode 82 of Bay Rats & Buoys, and the fishing action around the tri-state area is absolutely heating up! Water temperatures are climbing fast and the striped bass bite is officially ON FIRE across the Long Island Sound, New York Bight, and along the Jersey Coast. From working birds to aggressive bass feeding on bunker schools, anglers are finding fish and the season is shaping up as temperatures heatup in the northeast!  The competition inside  The Fishing League is also reaching another level as teams strategically position themselves to make a run at winning the month of May! Leaderboards are changing weekly with anglers from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut battling it out across multiple divisions. The best part? It’s NOT too late to enter your team! Register now and you still have a legitimate shot to win the month of May while stacking valuable points toward the season-long championship race. Every fish matters and every week the standings get tighter! Captain Gaige dives into National Boating Safety Week topics and discuss some of the biggest mistakes boaters make while fishing crowded areas amongst the fleet. From panic decisions at the helm to poor communication and unsafe maneuvering around active fishing boats, this episode covers important safety tips that every captain and crew should hear before heading out or into busy fishing grounds this season. Learning how to stay calm, predictable, and aware on the water can make a huge difference for everyone sharing the same fishing grounds. We’re also officially just FIVE WEEKS AWAY from the 2nd Annual Bay Rats & Buoys Striped Bass Invitational happening June 27th & 28th, 2026! Last year’s event successfully tagged 65 striped bass for conservation and research, and this year we want to tag even more fish while making the event bigger and better than ever. This epic two-day catch-and-release tournament combines competition, conservation, camaraderie, and huge payouts including cash prizes and giveaways. Register your boat now at  Striped Bass Invitational and join us for an unforgettable weekend on the water! Plus, Captain Gaige and Kory recap entertaining their first open boat trip guests and helping anglers land personal best striped bass aboard  Sand City Fishing Charter. If you’re looking to get on the water this season, private charters are now available! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Episode 80 of Bay Rats & Buoys is here and this week we’re back in the studio thanks to some rough weather keeping us off the water—but that doesn’t stop the fishing talk! Captain Gaige breaks down everything happening right now as striped bass season continues to heat up across the tri-state area and anglers are getting fish in every region of The Fishing League. This week we officially announced the April winners in all divisions of the league, and the competition is already getting intense heading into May! New teams are signing up every single day in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, proving this league is growing fast right out of the gate. If you haven’t registered yet, now is the perfect time to put your team together because every month gives anglers a fresh chance to win. The Monthly Featured Species leaderboard resets every month, meaning anyone can jump in and compete for monthly prizes in five different divisions no matter when they register. Meanwhile, your points continue stacking all season long as teams battle it out for the ultimate season championship title by December. Captain Gaige also talks about the importance of picking your weather windows this time of year. The bass are officially here, and the bite has been getting better by the day. One lure that has absolutely been producing lately is the flutter spoon. If you’ve never experienced striped bass smashing flutter spoons, you’re missing one of the most exciting bites in fishing. The team shares some insight into the setups, retrieves, and conditions helping put quality fish in the boat right now around Long Island. We also gave a shout out to Salt Mafia Gear for their support and high-quality fishing apparel built for serious anglers. Make sure you check them out and support the brands supporting the fishing community. Another exciting announcement this week is Captain Gaige officially testing out the new Oakley Vanguard Meta glasses for content creation on the water. The first flutter spoon fishing video was already filmed using the new glasses, giving viewers a whole new perspective right from the action. Expect weekly fishing videos, reports, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the season. Want to get out there and catch striped bass yourself? Head over to Sand City Fishing Charter and book your trip leaving from Huntington Harbor. The season is underway and the fish are chewing! https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Episode 79 of Bay Rats & Buoys is exactly what this podcast was built on—raw, unscripted, and back where we belong… on the boat in the marina. Season 3 is in full swing and you can feel the energy building as the fishing season starts to come alive across the Long Island Sound. This week, Captain Gaige and First Mate Kory dive right into the action with a major update on The Fishing League as we gear up to announce our April winners this weekend. The leaderboard is already heating up, and the competition is only getting stronger. The best part? You still have time to register your team. We know plenty of anglers don’t even have their boats in the water yet—but that’s the beauty of this league. Whether you fish from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline, there’s a division for you to compete all season long. As always, we’re giving you the real-time intel you need to stay on fish. Every week we break down what colors are working, the lures we’re dialing in, current water temperatures, and the patterns we’re seeing out on the water. The striped bass bite is officially underway, and we’re seeing more life with every trip—things are trending in the right direction. Of course, with a new season comes the big questions every angler is asking… Will the bluefish show up this year? Will the bunker return in massive schools like we’ve seen in years past—or will it be another slow showing like last season? These are the conversations happening on every dock and in every tackle shop right now, and we’re breaking it all down based on what we’re seeing firsthand. One thing we do know—the water temps are running a bit cooler than last year, which lines up with the colder winter we had. That could play a big role in how this spring bite shapes up. We also drop big news about our Second Annual Striped Bass Invitational, locked in for June 27th & 28th. This year it’s a two-day event, and we’re bringing the heat with a tag and brag format that keeps conservation front and center while still fueling that competitive fire. If you’re looking to be part of one of the most exciting events of the season, now’s the time to get signed up. Season 3 is rolling, the fish are here, and the momentum is real. Let’s go. https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/