Inshore Fishing - Montauk, New York
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target stripers and black sea bass in Montauk watersPenn and Shimano gear plus bait included onboardFree catch cleaning and filleting service provided
Montauk Point isn't called the "Fishing Capital of the World" for nothing. When you step aboard with Bitchin' Fishin' Charters, you're getting access to some of the most productive inshore waters on the entire East Coast. This top-rated fishing experience puts you right in the heart of where Long Island's South Shore meets the Atlantic, creating perfect conditions for stripers, black sea bass, and scup. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the water without feeling crowded. We're talking about waters that have been feeding New York anglers for generations, and the fish are still biting strong.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how serious anglers like it. Montauk's inshore waters offer incredible variety - one minute you're working structure for black sea bass, the next you're casting into a feeding frenzy of stripers. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the constant action and the ability to adapt your approach based on what's happening in real time. You'll be fishing waters ranging from 15 to 50 feet deep, hitting rocky outcrops, sandy flats, and drop-offs where baitfish get pushed around by the current. The tides here can really move, which keeps the fish active and gives you multiple opportunities throughout the day. Don't worry if you're new to this - the crew knows these waters like their backyard and they'll put you on fish while teaching you the nuances of reading Montauk's unique conditions.
You're fishing with quality Penn and Shimano rods and reels that can handle anything from schoolie stripers to keeper bass pushing 30 pounds. The tackle setup changes based on what we're targeting, but expect everything from bucktails and soft plastics to live bait rigs and diamond jigs. When we're working structure for black sea bass, you'll be bouncing baits along the bottom with enough weight to stay connected in the current. For stripers, we might switch to casting lures or drifting with chunk baits, depending on whether the fish are up feeding or hugging the bottom. The crew provides all bait and tackle, plus they'll rig everything for you so you can focus on fishing instead of fumbling with knots. After your trip, they'll clean and fillet your catch so you can take home dinner-ready fillets instead of dealing with the mess yourself.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Montauk inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish can range from 18-inch schoolies that fight like crazy to 40-pound cows that'll test your drag system. Spring and fall are prime time, when stripers are moving through in serious numbers, feeding heavily on bunker, sand eels, and squid. What makes stripers so exciting is their unpredictability - they might be crashing bait on the surface one minute, then sulking deep the next. When you hook into a good one, especially in shallow water, you're in for a fight that includes long runs and serious head shakes.
Black Sea Bass have become customer favorites for their incredible table quality and willingness to bite. These bottom dwellers love structure - rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom where they can ambush crabs and small fish. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and a good day can produce limits of these chunky fighters. They typically run 1-3 pounds in these waters, with occasional larger specimens pushing 5 pounds or more. What anglers love about black sea bass is their aggressive bite and the fact that they school up, so when you find one, you'll usually find more.
Scup, also known as porgy, might not get the same headlines as stripers, but they're an absolute blast on light tackle and make excellent table fare. These fish are abundant from late spring through early fall, often found in the same areas as black sea bass. They're curious and aggressive, often hitting baits before you even reach the bottom. Scup are perfect for getting kids or new anglers into fishing because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. A good day can produce dozens of these tasty panfish, and they're simple to clean and cook.
Montauk's inshore fishing scene is world-class for a reason - the combination of structure, current, and baitfish creates perfect conditions year after year. With Bitchin' Fishin' Charters, you're getting local knowledge that takes years to develop, quality gear that won't let you down, and access to waters that consistently produce fish. Whether you're looking to land your first keeper striper, fill the cooler with black sea bass, or just spend a day on the water away from the crowds, this trip delivers. The 6-person capacity means you won't be fighting for rail space, and the included cleaning service means you can focus on fishing instead of the aftermath. Book your spot now and see why anglers keep coming back to Montauk's legendary inshore waters.
This fully equipped motorboat puts you right where the fish are in Montauk's productive inshore waters. With Penn and Shimano gear ready to go, you'll be casting for stripers and black sea bass while staying comfortable thanks to onboard air conditioning and a full kitchen setup. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe in changing conditions. Between fishing spots, relax in the cabin or grab a cold drink from the refrigerator. VHF radio keeps you connected, and there's even a bed and toilet for longer trips. After you've filled the coolers with your catch, we'll clean and fillet everything so you head home with dinner ready to cook. Perfect for up to 6 anglers looking to experience what makes Montauk's inshore fishing legendary.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that pack a serious punch for their size. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they're built like linebackers with broad shoulders and a big mouth. You'll find them around structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, and drop-offs in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. They're aggressive biters that'll hammer jigs, squid strips, and clams. What guests love is their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. Here's the thing about sea bass: they fight hard going down but give up once they break the surface. Use a medium rod with 20-30 pound line, and don't be afraid to muscle them up quickly. The longer you fight them, the more likely they'll get into the rocks.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are those scrappy silver fish with the big attitude. They average 1-2 pounds and rarely exceed 4, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight. You'll find them around structure - rocks, pilings, and wrecks in 20-80 feet of water. They're perfect for families since they bite readily and are active from May through October when water warms up. Scup are excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat that's great fried or grilled. They also make killer live bait for stripers. The trick with scup is using smaller hooks and lighter tackle than you'd think. They have small mouths but strong jaws, so size 2-4 hooks with squid strips or clam work best. Bottom bounce your bait and keep it moving - they're curious and competitive.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter around Montauk waters. These silver-sided bruisers with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see bigger ones regularly. They're structure-oriented fish that love hanging around rocky drops, jetties, and the rips where current flows. Spring through fall migration brings steady action as they chase baitfish north from the Carolinas. What makes them special is the fight - they're powerful swimmers that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky meat. My local tip: watch for diving birds and surface disturbances. When the bass are pushing bait up, cast to the edges of the commotion, not right into it. The bigger fish usually hang on the outside waiting to ambush fleeing baitfish.
Montauk, NY