Sunset Delight Afternoon Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour afternoon inshore fishing trip targeting Striped BassDeparture at 4:30 p.m. timed with optimal tidesAll equipment and bait provided for up to four guests
There's something magical about being on the water as the day winds down, and our 4-hour afternoon inshore fishing trip captures that perfectly. Starting at 4:30 p.m., you'll hit the prime feeding hours when fish are most active, all while watching the sun paint the sky in amazing colors. We've timed this trip to sync up with the best tides for stripers, but you'll have shots at whatever's biting in season. With a small group of just 4 anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
This top-rated afternoon charter puts you right in the sweet spot of inshore fishing action. We launch in the late afternoon when the water starts cooling and baitfish begin moving, triggering feeding activity that can last well into the evening. The boat stays within protected waters, so you won't deal with big swells or long runs to the fishing grounds. Instead, we target structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where fish congregate to ambush prey. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused - perfect for seasoned anglers looking to put fish in the boat and newcomers who want to learn proper techniques. As the sun drops toward the horizon, the lighting creates perfect conditions for spotting birds working over schools of bait, often leading to some of the day's best action.
We provide all the tackle you need, from medium-heavy spinning rods perfect for inshore work to a full selection of terminal tackle and fresh bait. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll set you up with everything from live eels and bunker chunks for stripers to smaller baits for sea bass and scup. The techniques vary throughout the trip - you might start drift fishing over structure, then switch to anchor fishing if we find a productive spot, or even do some light jigging when fish are holding tight to bottom. Circle hooks are standard for catch-and-release fishing, and we carry a range of sinker weights to match the current and depth. If you have your own gear, bring medium to medium-heavy tackle with 15-30 pound test line. The captain will adjust tactics based on what's working, whether that means switching from bait to artificials or moving to different depths.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of this fishery and the main reason most anglers book this trip. These powerful fighters can range from schoolie bass around 20 inches up to keeper-sized fish over 28 inches, with the occasional trophy cow mixed in. Prime striper time runs from late spring through fall, with peak action during summer evenings when they chase baitfish in shallow water. What makes stripers special is their fight - they'll make long runs, jump, and use their body weight to try shaking the hook. The late afternoon timing of this trip coincides perfectly with their feeding patterns.
Bluefish are aggressive predators that provide non-stop action when you find them. These toothy customers average 2-8 pounds in the inshore zone and are known for their vicious strikes and determined fights. Blues travel in schools and can turn on like a light switch, creating fast-paced fishing where everyone on the boat stays busy. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with late afternoon being prime time as they push baitfish toward the surface. The key with blues is using wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Black Sea Bass are bottom dwellers that inhabit structure and offer excellent table fare for anglers who want to take fish home. These chunky fighters typically run 1-4 pounds and are available from late spring through fall, with the best fishing happening around rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom areas. They're not the fastest fish in the ocean, but they fight hard and dirty, using their broad body and strong tail to stay pinned to structure. Sea bass have a reputation as one of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are the shape-shifters of the inshore scene. These flatfish can range from throwback size up to doormat fluke over 5 pounds, with the larger fish being genuine trophies. Fluke season typically runs from late spring through early fall, and they're masters of camouflage that lie buried in sand waiting to ambush prey. The fight might not be spectacular, but the challenge is in the presentation - fluke can be finicky about bait movement and often require a slow, enticing drift to trigger strikes.
Scup, also known as porgy, might be the most underrated fish on this list. These smaller fish are abundant, willing biters that provide steady action when larger species aren't cooperating. They typically run 8-14 inches and are excellent for beginners learning to feel bites and set hooks. Scup are available most of the season and often save the day when other species are being difficult. While they're not trophy fish, they're fun to catch and good eating for those who want to take some fish home.
This customer favorite afternoon trip fills up quickly, especially during peak season when the bite is hot and weather conditions are most consistent. The 4-angler limit means you get personalized instruction and plenty of space to fish effectively, but it also means spots go fast. Whether you're looking to target keeper stripers, load up on sea bass for dinner, or just enjoy a few hours of quality fishing as the sun sets, this world-class inshore experience delivers. The combination of prime timing, expert local knowledge, and top-notch equipment makes this the best trip for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. Don't wait - these sunset slots are trending fast and the fish are waiting!
Centropristis StriataPerfect fish for building confidence - they're willing biters that put up a solid scrap. Most run 1-3 pounds, but keepers around structure can hit 5+ pounds easily. Look for them around wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-80 feet of water. They're homebodies that stick close to cover, making them predictable targets. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they move inshore to feed. What guests love is the steady action - once you find them, you'll usually find more. They're also top-shelf eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the trick: drop your bait right to bottom, then lift it just a foot or two. They like to grab falling baits, so work that jig up and down slowly.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive fighters are what make afternoon trips really exciting. Blues typically run 2-8 pounds inshore, though bigger ones push 15+ pounds. They're voracious predators with razor-sharp teeth that'll attack schools of baitfish in shallow water, creating those famous "bluefish blitzes" where the water churns white. You'll find them from late spring through fall around jetties, rips, and wherever bait concentrates. They hit hard and fight dirty - strong runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. The meat's excellent when fresh, especially smaller fish. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will slice through regular mono in seconds. When you see birds diving, get your lures ready fast.
Stenotomus ChrysopsDon't overlook these scrappy little fighters - scup are fantastic action fish that'll bend your rod all trip long. They typically run 8-14 inches with occasional 2-pounders mixed in. You'll find schools around rocky bottom, pilings, and structure in 15-50 feet of water from late spring through early fall. While they're not trophy fish, they provide steady action when other species are slow, and they're surprisingly good eating with sweet, firm meat. Kids especially love them because they bite readily and fight harder than their size suggests. Best tip: use small hooks with squid or clam strips, and fish right on bottom around structure. When you catch one, work the area thoroughly - they school up tight and where there's one, there's usually dozens more.
Morone SaxatilisThe king of inshore fishing and the main target on our sunset trips. Stripers range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to true cows pushing 40+ pounds. They're structure-oriented fish that love current breaks, drop-offs, and rocky shorelines. Spring and fall offer the best action during their migrations, but summer evenings can be magic when they feed in shallow water. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and are fantastic eating. The distinctive black stripes make them unmistakable. During our evening trips, focus on moving water around jetties and points. Live eels are deadly, but don't overlook chunked bunker when they're feeding aggressively. Fish the first and last hour of light - that's when the big ones hunt.
Paralichthys DentatusFluke fishing is all about patience and technique. These flatfish average 15-18 inches but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds make the trip memorable. They lay buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey, so you'll find them on sandy flats, channel edges, and around structure transitions. Peak season runs May through October when they're in shallow water feeding heavily. What makes them special is the challenge - they're finicky biters that require finesse. Plus, they're absolutely delicious table fare. The key is slow trolling or drifting with the current, keeping your bait just off bottom. Use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook.
Montauk