[645479]

Hey guys, haven't been around much this winter but thought I would get back into it.

Planning a trip out to montauk around the weekend of May 8th-11th. This is not strictly a fishing trip persay, but since I have never fished out there and love to surf fish I figure I can't pass up the opportunity(I will be staying right in montauk). So I have a few questions... mostly permit/location related.

I am going to be honest here and say all this permit stuff is really confusing... From what I can tell Camp Hero or Montauk Point state park is the most "accessible" as they are state parks.

So here we go:
1. Do I need a permit just to day fish?(parking aside)
2. What sort of permit do I need to park around there?
3. I am going with friends and one has a 4x4, is possible to get a permit to access the beach? What sort of regulations apply here(what beaches etc).. I read all sorts of stuff on the state website, and I do understand about airing down etc.
4. I know I need a night fishing permit if I want to stay out past sundown, but if I am there with 1-2 other guys do they all need it or just me?

Essentially I am just trying to get a feel for what would be my best bet to get some fishing done out there without getting any summons/parking tickets. I don't mind pony'ing up for whatever permits I need. If possible I would like to be mobile on the beach(4x4 permit) but realize that they probably limit who they give this too.

Also as an actual fishing question, will there be any blues/stripers in around there at this time or is it still too early?(I mostly fish summer/fall, not spring)

Thanks in advance.


This post edited by mhanna37 11:28 AM 04/11/2008

 

[likeitreallyis]

The New York State Permit, will give you access 24/7/365 to some of North side of the lighthouse. This includes driving. The access ends near Oyster pond, to continue, you need the suffolk county pass, this gets you beyond oyster pond, to shagwong and up to gin beach which is for montauk residents only...

After 8 am, anyone can park at camp hero for a small fee, and a fun climb down the bluffs for access to the south side. The area near ditch plains offers some parking also, usually a surfing beach but if there's not much break you can access the S side from there too, along with some jetty access. There is a small parking lot on the Culloden point side also, with a long stairway walk down to the beach. Some parking at Gossman's also, you can fish the montauk inlet jetty from there.

The south side driving near Montauk is basically non existent, it's a walking gig..

The NYS permit allows for 24 hour parking in the lower lot only, or park it out on the beach near the lighthouse by the bluffs area. Only 1 permit per vehicle is required, but fishing poles and equipment is needed for every passenger.

There is a camp hero permit sold until April 30, this will allow access to the park 24 hours a day, and also a little extra driving to get down where the cliffs are not so high for more walk on access.

Should be some fish around by then hopefully... party boats are a good option too if the surf scene is dead, also Lake Montauk will give up winter flounder (use clams save your worm money.)

Good luck.

 

[645479]

So from what I can tell, Montauk point state park is on the north side of the highway and camp hero on the south. A 49$ NYS empire pass would give me 24/7/365 access to both of these places? Except to park at Camp hero after dark I would need a secondary permit?

Looking at the google maps overview, the lighthouse is on the easternmost tip there? and I could drive a vehicle down there and park on the beach at any time(assuming 4x4 etc)?

Do I also need a night fishing permit or does the Empire pass confer this on me as well?

I also saw in some places that alcohol is prohibited, but can't actually find that info now.

This post edited by mhanna37 11:54 AM 04/11/2008

 

[toyotaoffroad91]

mhanna37 wrote:
So from what I can tell, Montauk point state park is on the north side of the highway and camp hero on the south. A 49$ NYS empire pass would give me 24/7/365 access to both of these places? Except to park at Camp hero after dark I would need a secondary permit?

Looking at the google maps overview, the lighthouse is on the easternmost tip there? and I could drive a vehicle down there and park on the beach at any time(assuming 4x4 etc)?

Do I also need a night fishing permit or does the Empire pass confer this on me as well?

I also saw in some places that alcohol is prohibited, but can't actually find that info now.
empire pass is basicly a s "season pass" for parking fee's during daylight... get a 4x4 permit and it will also cover the night permit also..

 

[645479]

So
Empire pass = day parking
Night fishing permit = Empire Pass + Night parking ability
4x4 Fishing permit = Night fishing permit + 4x4 beach access

Is that the correct hierarchy?

 

[toyotaoffroad91]

mhanna37 wrote:
So
Empire pass = day parking
Night fishing permit = Empire Pass + Night parking ability
4x4 Fishing permit = Night fishing permit + 4x4 beach access

Is that the correct hierarchy?
i dont think the empire passport allows you to park at night maybe incorrect tho.

 

[likeitreallyis]

not sure about the empire pass, I'm talking the NYS 4x4/fishing pass that you need to buy BEFORE april 30 otherwise you'll be shut out.. I should add that there are several "sand beaches" a few miles west of the lighthouse that you can drive on also, Hither hills 24 hours, Napeague (daylight only)..

 

[rac37]

this might help you get around a little,personly i fishing buy the pill box and camp hero

 

[645479]

Awesome, thank you very much.

 

[Slick56]

make sure you properly air down your tires when on the beach with your vehicle. I saw you asked about that.

 

[645479]

Yeah, I understand about airing down to half rated pressure, and I saw the check-list of things you need from the NYS website. How strict are they with that list? Specifically a porta-potty? Is there anything I could jury-rig up as a replacement for buying something?

Also, I don't see anywhere the rules about alcohol consumption, where and when it is legal/illegal.