Morning Kayak Fishing – Great South Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private morning kayak fishing for 23 guests maximumTarget Fluke, Bluefish, and Bass in productive watersExpert guide with 10+ years local fishing experience
There's something special about getting on the water before the rest of the world wakes up. This private morning kayak fishing trip puts you right in the heart of Great South Bay's action, where the fish are feeding and the water's glass-smooth. Perfect for solo anglers who want a personalized experience without the crowd, this 4-5 hour adventure gets you into shallow areas where the big boats can't reach. At $400 for a world-class guided trip, you're getting access to over a decade of local knowledge plus some of Long Island's most productive fishing grounds.
We launch early – think 6 AM early – when the bay is calm and the fish are active. Your expert guide knows every productive drop-off, grass bed, and structure in Great South Bay, and that local intel makes all the difference. The kayaks are stable fishing platforms that let you sneak into those honey holes where stripers ambush baitfish and fluke lay waiting in the sand. You'll be amazed how close you can get to feeding fish without spooking them. The pace is relaxed but focused – we're here to put you on fish, not rush through spots. Weather permitting, you'll see why this bay consistently produces some of the area's best inshore action. Bring your own lunch or snacks since we don't provide meals, but trust me, you'll be too busy fighting fish to think much about food.
Kayak fishing is all about precision and stealth. We'll be using light to medium tackle that's perfect for the species we're targeting – think spinning reels with 15-20 pound braid and fluorocarbon leaders. The beauty of kayak fishing is you can work lures slowly and methodically through structure without the drift issues you get on bigger boats. We'll be throwing soft plastics for fluke, swimming plugs and bucktails for stripers, and switching up tactics based on what the fish want that day. The guide provides all the essential gear, but equipment rentals and specialized add-ons are available for a small fee if you want to try something specific. Don't worry if you're new to kayak fishing – the boats are incredibly stable, and your guide will walk you through everything from paddle techniques to fighting fish from a seated position.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Great South Bay, and morning trips give you the best shot at these beautiful fish. These silver-sided fighters love the cooler water temperatures we get at dawn, and they'll often feed aggressively in the shallows before heading to deeper water as the sun climbs. You'll find them ranging from schoolie-sized fish around 18-20 inches up to keeper bass that can push 10-15 pounds or more. What makes stripers so exciting is their explosive strikes and dogged fights – they'll make multiple runs and test your drag system. The best action typically runs from late spring through fall, with September and October being particularly hot months.
Tautog, or "blackfish" as the locals call them, are the bay's bulldogs. These hard-fighting fish love structure – think rocks, pilings, and wrecks – where they feed on crabs and mollusks with their powerful jaws. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but pound-for-pound, few species fight harder. Tautog fishing is all about precision – you need to get your bait right in the rocks without getting snagged, then set the hook hard when they bite. The best tog action happens in fall when they're feeding heavily before winter, and a good day can produce multiple keeper-sized fish in the 3-5 pound range.
Southern Flounder, commonly called fluke, are the bay's premier table fare and a blast to catch on light tackle. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sand or mud, waiting for baitfish to swim by. The key is working your lure or bait slowly along the bottom, feeling for that telltale tap-tap-tap of a fluke mouthing your offering. Summer is prime time for fluke fishing, with the biggest fish – those coveted "doormat" fluke over 5 pounds – showing up in deeper channels and near inlet mouths. Even smaller fluke put up a surprising fight, using their broad, flat bodies to leverage against the current.
Bluefish are the bay's most aggressive predators, and when they're feeding, the action can be absolutely wild. These toothy speedsters travel in schools and attack baitfish with a fury that has to be seen to be believed. Blues will hit almost anything you throw at them – metal jigs, plugs, even bare hooks bounced through a feeding school. They're excellent fighters that make long runs and jump, plus they're fantastic eating when fresh. The trick with blues is having a wire leader – their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono or braid in a heartbeat. Peak bluefish action typically happens in late summer and early fall when massive schools move through the bay chasing bunker and other baitfish.
This top-rated morning kayak trip fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot. With over 10 years of guiding experience in these waters, your captain knows where the fish are and how to put you on them consistently. The intimate setting – just you and your guide – means personalized instruction and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on what's working. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try kayak fishing or a beginner who wants to learn the ropes, this customer favorite delivers the goods. Great South Bay's reputation as one of Long Island's most productive fisheries isn't hype – it's proven day after day by trips like this. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your date; the best fishing days book up weeks in advance.
This 2023 Hoodoo kayak is built for serious anglers who want to get close to the action in Great South Bay's productive shallow waters. At 10 feet, it's perfectly sized for one angler to maneuver quietly through the flats where fluke, stripers, and blues hang out. The stable hull design keeps you steady while casting and fighting fish, while the sleek profile cuts through morning waters without spooking your targets. Man-powered and whisper-quiet, this fishing machine lets you access skinny water spots that bigger boats can't reach. The responsive handling means you can position yourself quickly when fish are feeding, and the comfortable cockpit keeps you fishing comfortably through those prime morning hours when the bite is hot.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll give you an arm-burning fight and some of the most action-packed fishing in Great South Bay. These torpedo-shaped fish with razor-sharp teeth typically run 3-15 pounds here. They travel in schools, attacking baitfish with such fury they'll churn the water white - we call it a "bluefish blitz." Mid-summer brings the best action when they're chasing bunker and spearing in shallow water. What guests love about bluefish is the non-stop action once you find them, plus smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to catch. They're also excellent eating when handled right. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue to get lures in the water fast. Use wire leaders because those teeth will cut through mono like butter.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most fluke we catch run 15-18 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds make for memorable battles. They love sandy flats, channel edges, and drop-offs where they can camouflage perfectly. Summer months are prime time when they move into the shallows to feed. What makes flounder fishing addictive is that "thump" when they grab your bait - plus they're some of the best table fare you'll find. Both eyes on one side of their head makes them unique catches that always get people talking. Pro tip: drag your bait slowly along the bottom and pause frequently. When you feel that tap-tap-thump, count to three before setting the hook.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Great South Bay fishing. These powerful silver fish with their signature dark horizontal stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see some real monsters pushing 50+. They love structure - jetties, drop-offs, and shallow flats where they ambush baitfish. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot between 55-68°F. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and never get boring to catch. Early morning is prime time when they're feeding near the surface. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving or baitfish jumping, get your line in fast - that's stripers feeding underneath pushing everything up.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are tough customers that hang around rocky structure and love to test your patience. These chunky, dark-mottled fish average 1-3 pounds but can hit 10+ if you're lucky. They've got crusher teeth built for demolishing crabs and mussels, which makes them fun to target around jetties, rocks, and bridge pilings. Fall through early spring is prime time when they're most active. What guests love about tautog fishing is the challenge - they're smart, structure-oriented, and put up a solid fight for their size. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the bay. My go-to trick: crush up green crab shells and let the pieces drift down to create a scent trail. Fresh bait every 5 minutes is key.
Swansboro, Nc