Inshore Fishing Charter in Freeport, NY
Ready to get your lines wet in some of Long Island's most productive inshore waters? Carolann P Fishing Charters puts you right where the action is, targeting striped bass, black sea bass, and summer flounder in the rich waters around Freeport. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler on a half-day trip or want to really dive deep with a full-day charter, we've got you covered. Our waters are teeming with fish year-round, and with all gear and licenses included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Cash payment only – we'll settle up before we head out or when we get back to the dock.
What to Expect on the Water
Freeport sits right in the sweet spot where the Great South Bay meets the Atlantic, giving us access to some seriously productive fishing grounds. We'll be working the channels, drop-offs, and structure where these fish love to hang out. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – where the stripers are schooling up, which wrecks are holding sea bass, and where the fluke are lying in wait. You'll be fishing with quality tackle that's perfectly matched to our target species, and we'll adjust our approach based on what's biting best that day. The inshore environment here changes with the tides and seasons, so no two trips are exactly alike. Some days we'll be drifting over sandy bottom for fluke, other times we're working the rocks and structure for bass. It's real fishing – not just dropping lines and hoping for the best.
Tackle and Techniques
We run a variety of techniques depending on what we're targeting and what the fish are telling us. For stripers, we might be throwing live eels around structure, working bucktails in the current, or even topwater fishing when they're busting bait on the surface. Black sea bass fishing means getting down to the bottom around wrecks and rocky areas – we'll be using traditional bottom rigs with squid, clams, or fish chunks. Summer flounder require a different approach entirely – we'll be drifting with the tide, bouncing bucktails tipped with gulp or live bait across the sandy bottom where these flatfish ambush their prey. All rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait are provided, and we keep everything in top condition. The captain will show you the ropes if you're new to any of these techniques, and experienced anglers will appreciate having quality gear that's rigged right for these waters. We've got everything from light spinning gear for the fluke to heavier conventional setups when the big stripers are around.
Customer Stories
"Awesome day. Caught a lot of fish." - Jay
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped bass are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish can range anywhere from schoolie size up to real cows pushing 40+ pounds. Spring and fall are peak times when they're migrating through our waters, but we see good action through much of the season. Stripers are ambush predators that love current and structure – they'll hit everything from live bait to lures, and when you hook one, you know it. They make strong runs and aren't afraid to jump, making them a favorite among anglers of all skill levels. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets that are perfect for the grill or dinner table.
Black sea bass might not get as much press as stripers, but they're absolute scrapper and great eating to boot. These bottom dwellers hang around wrecks, rocks, and hard structure, and they're surprisingly aggressive for their size. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but we see plenty of larger specimens that will really bend your rod. They're available pretty much year-round in our waters, with some of the best fishing happening in late spring through early fall. Sea bass have a curious nature and will often investigate anything new in their territory, making them fairly cooperative targets. The fillets are sweet and flaky – many anglers consider them some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the masters of camouflage and ambush. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish, crabs, or squid to swim by before striking with lightning speed. They're found throughout our bay and nearshore waters, typically in 10-40 feet of water over sandy bottom. Fluke can be tricky – they'll often grab your bait and swim toward you, so you need to stay alert and feel for that subtle tick or change in weight. When you do hook up, they fight hard with a characteristic head-shaking motion. The bigger ones, called "doormat" fluke, can exceed 5-6 pounds and provide some serious excitement. Like sea bass, fluke are outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat that's perfect for a fish fry or baked dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
Long Island's inshore fishing scene is tough to beat, and our location in Freeport puts us right in the heart of it all. With three top-tier species to target and fishing that stays productive throughout much of the year, there's never a bad time to get out on the water. Whether you choose a half-day trip to get your feet wet or commit to a full day of serious fishing, you'll be working productive waters with a captain who knows where the fish are. Remember to bring cash for payment, and we'll take care of everything else – gear, bait, and licenses are all included. These trips fill up, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your spot. Ready to see what Freeport's waters have to offer? Let's get you booked and get those lines in the water.