Morning Kayak Fishing – 4 to 5 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private morning kayak fishing for up to 3 guestsTarget Fluke, Bluefish, and Bass in productive watersExpert guide with 10+ years local fishing experience
Picture this: you're paddling through the glassy waters of Great South Bay before sunrise, surrounded by nothing but the sound of your paddle cutting through water and the distant call of osprey overhead. This isn't your typical charter boat experience – it's something way more personal. Our morning kayak fishing trip puts you right in the middle of Long Island's most productive inshore fishery, where you'll target stripers, fluke, blues, and tautog from a stable fishing kayak. At $400 for up to 3 anglers, you're getting a full 4-5 hours with a guide who's been working these waters for over a decade. We launch early to beat the crowds and catch fish when they're most active – trust me, the early bird gets the bass here.
Great South Bay is a hidden gem that most tourists never see. We're talking about a massive estuary system with endless grass flats, drop-offs, and structure that holds fish year-round. The morning launch gives us a huge advantage – cooler water temps, minimal boat traffic, and fish that haven't been spooked by weekend warriors. You'll be paddling a stable sit-on-top kayak that's designed for fishing, not speed. These boats track well, handle chop like a dream, and give you access to skinny water where the big boats can't go. Your guide will position you over productive spots and coach you through techniques that work best from a kayak. Don't worry if you're new to kayak fishing – we start with the basics and build from there. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility; we can adjust our approach based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling us.
Kayak fishing is all about being strategic with your gear and positioning. We fish light tackle – typically 7-foot spinning rods with 15-20lb braided line – because you need to feel every bump and tap when you're drifting structure. The most productive techniques here are bucktails bounced along the bottom for fluke, live eels fished around pilings for stripers, and small jigs worked through grass beds for everything else. Your kayak becomes a stealth weapon; you can drift into areas where motorboats would spook every fish within 100 yards. We use a combination of anchoring and drift fishing depending on wind and current. The guide will handle all the tackle rigging and bait prep – you focus on fishing. Equipment rentals are available for a small fee if you don't have your own gear. Pro tip: bring a cooler that fits in your kayak's tank well, because you're going to need it for the fish you catch.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of Great South Bay fishing. These silver bullets cruise the grass flats and channel edges looking for baitfish, and from a kayak, you can intercept them in spots most anglers never touch. Morning is prime time for schoolie bass in the 18-28 inch range, though we regularly hook into keepers pushing 30+ inches. They're aggressive in the early hours, especially when the water temperature is in that sweet spot between 60-70 degrees. What makes stripers so exciting is their fight – they'll make long runs and jump clear out of the water, which is something else when you're sitting low in a kayak.
Southern Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the summer stars of this fishery. These flatfish lie buried in sand waiting to ambush prey, and Great South Bay's varied bottom structure is perfect habitat. The best action happens during the moving tide when they're actively feeding. A 3-4 pound fluke is a solid fish, but we see doormat-sized fish over 6 pounds regularly. They're tricky to hook because they often short-strike, but once you get the hang of the fluke shake, you'll be addicted. Plus, they're excellent table fare – some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Tautog are the bulldogs of the bay. These black and white bruisers hang around structure – bridge pilings, jetties, and rocky areas – where they pick crabs and mussels off the bottom. They're not flashy fighters, but they're pure power. A 4-pound tog will test your drag and your patience. Fall is prime time for tog fishing when they feed heavily before winter. They're also one of the best eating fish you'll ever put on your plate, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Bluefish bring the excitement factor. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, it's game on. Blues in the 2-5 pound range are common in Great South Bay, and they'll hit just about anything you throw at them – metals, plugs, soft plastics. They fight hard and dirty, making long runs and thrashing on the surface. Fair warning: keep your fingers away from their mouths – those teeth are razor sharp. They're also great on the table when they're fresh, especially the smaller "snapper" blues.
This morning kayak fishing trip is exactly what you need if you're looking for a more intimate fishing experience away from crowded party boats and busy marinas. Great South Bay produces fish consistently, your guide knows where to find them, and kayaks give you access to spots that most anglers only dream about. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler wanting to try something different, this trip delivers. At $400 for 4-5 hours with up to 3 people, you're getting incredible value for a private guided experience. The early morning launch means you'll be back in time for lunch, with a cooler full of fish and stories to tell. Book your spot now – the fish are biting, and these prime morning slots fill up fast.
This 2023 Hoodoo kayak puts you right in the action on Great South Bay's productive fishing grounds. At 10 feet long, it's built for stability and maneuverability in these calm inshore waters where fluke, bluefish, and bass cruise the shallows. The sleek design cuts through the water quietly, letting you drift into prime fishing spots without spooking your target species. Man-powered means you control the pace and positioning – perfect for working structure, following bait schools, or holding over productive bottom. The low profile keeps you close to the water for easy fish handling and gives you that intimate connection to the bay that only kayak fishing can deliver. Single-person capacity means this is your personal fishing machine for exploring Great South Bay's hidden coves and productive drop-offs during those prime early morning hours when the fish are most active.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that provide non-stop action when they're around Great South Bay. These silvery fighters typically run 2-8 pounds and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and fierce attitude. They travel in schools, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. Summer through early fall is peak season when they push baitfish into shallow areas. They fight hard with strong runs and head shakes that test your drag. The smaller "snappers" are great for beginners, while larger fish challenge experienced anglers. The oily, rich meat is excellent when fresh. Pro tip: when you see birds diving or bait spraying on the surface, get there fast. Use wire leaders with spoons or poppers, and be ready for multiple hookups when the school fires up.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms throughout the bay. Most run 15-18 inches, but they can surprise you with fish pushing 5+ pounds. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change color to match the bottom perfectly. They're ambush predators that explode upward to grab passing baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around structure transitions from sand to grass beds. The white, flaky meat is outstanding table fare. Drift fishing works best here - use a light jig with live minnows or strips of squid. Keep your bait moving just off the bottom, and when you feel that thump, give them a second to turn the bait before setting the hook.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Long Island fishing, and Great South Bay holds some solid fish. You'll typically find them around structure - docks, drop-offs, and channel edges where baitfish gather. Most run 20-30 inches here, with occasional bigger fish pushing 15+ pounds. They're strong fighters that make great runs, especially in shallow water from a kayak. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding during migration. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and mild. Here's a local trick: early morning, look for nervous water or bait getting pushed around. Cast just outside the commotion with live eels or soft plastics. They often hang just off the action waiting to ambush stragglers.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are tough customers that love rocky structure and pilings around the bay. These chunky, mottled fish typically run 2-4 pounds, but their bulldog fight feels much bigger in tight quarters. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing crabs and mussels, so expect a strong, stubborn battle once hooked. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're actively feeding before going dormant. The meat is sweet and firm - some say it's the best eating fish around. Tautog are notorious bait stealers, so here's the key: use fresh green crabs, hook them through the back corner of the shell, and fish tight to structure. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't strike hard - just lift into them steadily.
Swansboro, Nc