Are Garfish common on Long Island New York?

Question

I went fishing at the beginning of August on Long Island's South shore and hooked 4 of them. Granted they weren't very big (9-15 inches long) but they had huge teeth. I wanted to know if I should expect to find more of them when I go fishing again in September.

Answer 1

No they aren't very common.  As a matter of fact in 50 years of fishing Long Island waters this is the first time I ever heard of anyone catching them.  As a matter of fact to begin with I always thought all of the gar category of fish were limited to fresh water only and I thought I had you.  With a little more research I learned that they actually can be found in fresh water, brackish water or even sometimes in the sea.  Due to this description though I would guess that you were fishing near the mouth of the Connectiquot or another river where it enters the ocean.  

As to the other part of your question should you expect to find more of them when you fish in September I would guess no.  I'm actually surprised that you caught anything at all when fishing at the beginning of August.  That's the time of the season nicknamed the "doldrums" and there really isn't much fishing action during that time.  Fishing should improve by September, and hopefully you'll catch even more fish.