Bay Rats & Buoys

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/

Episode 78 of Bay Rats & Buoys brings you right back where it all started—on the boat, leaving the marina and heading into our absolute happy place. There’s nothing like that first throttle up of the season, and this one felt even better knowing the boat is running flawlessly thanks to our new mechanic dialin’ everything in. Smooth, reliable, and ready to fish hard—that’s exactly how we like it.

We didn’t waste any time getting back into the action either. As soon as we splashed, the charters kicked off and it was game on. The striped bass bite is officially ON here on the North Shore, and we’re putting clients on fish trip after trip. From first-time anglers to seasoned fishermen, everyone’s getting in on the action and creating unforgettable memories out on the water. This is what it’s all about—tight lines, screaming drags, and smiles all around.

The momentum doesn’t stop there… The Fishing League is absolutely blowing up! Teams from all over the tri-state area are signing up, submitting fish, and climbing the leaderboard. The competition is heating up, and with the season running all the way through December 15, 2026, there’s still plenty of time to get your team in the mix. Whether you’re fishing solo, with your family, or running with a full crew—this is your shot to compete, track your catches, and be part of something big. Head over to TheFishingLeague.com and register your team today!

We also made a stop over at the brand new tackle shop in Port Jefferson—Port Tackle—to stock up on some fresh gear. Always important to support the local shops here on Long Island, and these guys are bringing some serious heat to the scene. If you’re gearing up for the season, definitely go check them out.

And if you’ve been watching the reports and thinking about getting out there… now is the time. Charters are booking fast as word spreads about the incredible striped bass bite we’re on right now. If you want a shot at landing a trophy fish and experiencing it firsthand, head over to SandCityCharter.com, fill out the contact form, and lock in your trip.

We’re back, we’re fishing, and we’re just getting started. Let’s go!!! 

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Season 3 of Bay Rats & Buoys is officially underway, and Episode 77 marks one of the biggest moments in the history of the show. This isn’t just another episode—it’s the launch pad for something much bigger. We’re kicking off a brand new season while simultaneously launching The Fishing League, a concept built by this very community of anglers, listeners, and supporters who have been with us since day one.

In this episode, Captain Gaige sets the tone for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable season on the water and behind the mic. The growth of Bay Rats & Buoys has always been about more than fishing—it’s about building a network of passionate anglers across the Long Island Sound and now throughout the entire tri-state area. And now, that energy has evolved into a full-blown competitive fishing league that anyone can be part of.

A huge moment tied to this episode is the support from Jim Leyritz, a three-time World Series Champion, who officially endorsed The Fishing League with a video released the same day this episode dropped. Having a champion of that caliber recognize what we’re building speaks volumes about the momentum behind this movement. It’s another sign that big things are happening—and we’re just getting started.

We also take time in this episode to thank the loyal listeners who helped turn this podcast into something real. From the early days recording on the boat to now launching a league that spans multiple states, none of this happens without you. Every download, every share, every comment—this community built it.

Season 3 is going to bring bigger guests, better fishing intel, more behind-the-scenes charter life, and continued growth of The Fishing League as we head into the April 15 kickoff. Whether you’re a seasoned captain, a weekend warrior, or just someone who loves the saltwater lifestyle, this is your time to get involved.

Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe—and if you haven’t already, register your team at TheFishingLeague.com. The season is here. The league is live. And Bay Rats & Buoys is just getting started.

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast – Episode 74 | 19 Days Until Opening Day!

With just 19 days until opening day of striped bass season, the excitement is building and it’s officially time to start getting the boat ready. In this week’s Bay Rats & Buoys Episode 74, we’re back in the studio talking about everything you should be doing right now to prepare for the season — checking gear, servicing reels, organizing tackle, getting safety equipment ready, and making sure the boat is 100% before that April 15 kickoff. Opening day comes fast, and the prepared crews are always the ones catching fish while everyone else is still tying rigs at the dock.

We also spend a lot of time in this episode talking about TheFishingLeague.com because now is the time to register your team. The season officially runs from April 15 through December 15, and we are extremely excited to get this league rolling across the Long Island Sound. The response so far has been incredible, and we want to thank all the teams that have already signed up and all the sponsors who are helping make this league possible. This is shaping up to be something really special for the fishing community.

If you are still thinking about joining, don’t wait — head over to TheFishingLeague.com and sign up your team so you are ready for the start of the season. If you are a business owner and would like to get involved, you can also become a sponsor by visiting the website and clicking the Sponsorship tab at the top of the page. Select your sponsorship package and sign up directly through the site. We’re looking forward to working with more great companies this season.

We also caught up with Chef Rob, who has been busy down in South Carolina catching redfish, but he’s already talking about coming back north to get in on the hot spring striped bass bite here on Long Island. It won’t be long before we’re all back on the water chasing bass again.

As always, we want to thank all of our loyal listeners and everyone who has helped spread the word about The Fishing League. Big things are happening in 2026, and we’re just getting started. If you’re interested in collaborating this season, feel free to reach out to Captain Gaige.

We’ll see you on the water soon

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast – Episode 73 | On Location at J&M Seafood – East Setauket, NY

In Episode 73 of Bay Rats & Buoys, we recorded on location at J&M Seafood in East Setauket, Long Island, with special guest owner Matt Cohen, the Grand Prize Sponsor of the First Annual Bay Rats & Buoys Striped Bass Invitational.

This was a great episode talking about local business, fishing, and tournament stories. Matt and his team at J&M Seafood are known for having some of the freshest seafood on Long Island, and we’re proud to have them involved with the tournament and the Bay Rats & Buoys community.

We want all of our loyal listeners and Bay Rats to show their support and stop by J&M Seafood for all your seafood needs. Visit them at their East Setauket and East Northport locations and support a great local company that supports the fishing community right here on Long Island.

In this episode we also talk about the chaos from last year’s tournament when weather completely changed everyone’s plans, forcing teams to adapt on the fly. We dive into the gear we use for striped bass fishing, the lures that consistently produce, and why lure color matters so much when targeting striped bass. Some days they want bright colors, other days natural colors, and sometimes the bite changes by the hour depending on light, water clarity, and bait.

This episode is packed with tournament talk, striped bass strategy, gear discussion, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of Long Island’s best seafood markets! 

Make sure to support the businesses that support our fishing community, and we’ll see you on the water! 

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

In this episode, Captain Gaige recaps an incredible weekend at the Ward Melville High School Fishing Club Expo, which for the first time expanded into a two-day event and delivered an absolutely amazing turnout. It was great to see so many anglers, captains, vendors, and fishing enthusiasts come together to support the next generation of fishermen while celebrating the passion we all share for fishing the Long Island Sound.

A huge thank you and shoutout to everyone who stopped by the Bay Rats & Buoys booth throughout the weekend. From loyal listeners of the podcast to brand new anglers learning about the community, the support was incredible. Events like this show just how strong the fishing community is across Long Island and the entire Northeast.

We’re now officially 34 days away from the start of the fishing season, and things kick off in a big way with the Striped Bass Tournament running from April 15 through April 30. This tournament launches the first season of The Fishing League, covering the waters of the Long Island Sound for anglers in both New York and Connecticut.

When you join The Fishing League or become a member of the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club, you’ll automatically be eligible to compete in this early season striped bass event and start earning points toward the leaderboard.

This season is shaping up to be something special. The league is growing quickly, teams are forming, and we’re excited to get the competition underway across the Sound. And this is just the beginning — next year the Fishing League will expand to the South Shore of Long Island and New Jersey, bringing even more anglers into the action.

As we get closer to opening day, now is the time to start preparing your gear. Bring your rods, reels, and tackle into your local bait and tackle shops and get everything serviced early. The last thing you want is to be scrambling when the fish start showing up. The spring striped bass run will be here before you know it.

The countdown is on. The boats are getting ready. The gear is getting tuned up.

And soon enough… we’ll see you out on the water.

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/

This past weekend at the Ward Melville High School Fishing Club Expo, Captain Gaige caught up with Brandon Weitz from Causeway Bait & Tackle for a quick but action-packed podcast conversation right on the show floor. The annual expo continues to grow every year and brings together anglers, vendors, and fishing enthusiasts from all over the tri-state area — and this year’s turnout was incredible.

Brandon had a busy weekend working both sides of the industry. On Saturday he was running the Causeway Bait & Tackle booth, helping anglers gear up for the upcoming fishing season, and on Sunday he was representing Joe Baggs Tackle, one of the most well-known lure brands for striped bass and surf fishing. Between helping customers and talking tackle all weekend, Brandon still made time to sit down with Bay Rats and Buoys to talk about what anglers should be excited about as we head into the 2026 spring striped bass season.

In this quick episode, we dive into early spring fishing strategy around the Long Island Sound, including some of the types of areas and conditions we’ll be targeting when the bass start pushing into the region. Brandon and Captain Gaige talk about the kinds of structure, bait movements, and seasonal patterns that often produce some of the biggest bass of the early season.

We also break down some of the gear and tackle we discovered at the expo that we’re excited to put to work this season. From new lures to proven favorites, there’s a lot of great tackle hitting the water this spring and we can’t wait to see what produces when the season kicks off.

Brandon also talks about his appearance earlier this year on the Bay Rats and Buoys NY Boat Show Podcast Series, where he joined Kurt from Pursuit Boats to talk about boats, fishing, and the lifestyle around the Long Island fishing community. As a Pursuit Boats brand ambassador, Brandon brings a unique perspective to both the boating and fishing sides of the industry.

If you’re gearing up for the season and looking for insight on where the early 30-pound striped bass might start showing up, this is a fun conversation packed with local knowledge and fishing excitement.

Be sure to follow Brandon Weitz on Instagram and subscribe to Bay Rats and Buoys for more fishing reports, tackle talk, and updates as we get closer to opening day.

The spring bite is coming… and the Bay Rats are ready.

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/