NY Harbor Striper & Tunny Fly Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half or fullday striper fishing in NY Harbor watersCaptain Cortes brings over 20 years of local expertiseSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per trip
Get ready to cast into some of the East Coast's most productive waters with Captain Cortes, who's been working these NY Harbor flats and channels for over two decades. This isn't your typical charter boat crowd—we keep it intimate with just two anglers max, so you'll get hands-on coaching and prime positioning all day long. Whether you're looking to dial in your double haul or just want to feel that electric strip-set into a schoolie striper, Captain Cortes knows exactly where the fish are staging and what flies they're eating.
You'll meet Captain Cortes at the marina before sunrise, and after a quick gear check, we're off to hunt structure and baitfish in NY Harbor's prime feeding zones. The morning bite usually fires up as the tide starts moving, and that's when you'll see why this fishery has such a solid reputation. We'll work everything from shallow grass flats where stripers ambush bait to deeper channel edges where the tunny cruise looking for an easy meal. The scenery's pretty solid too—you've got the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop while you're sight-casting to tailing fish. Captain Cortes runs a clean, well-maintained boat that gets you to the fish fast and keeps you comfortable during those long fights. Half-day trips give you a solid taste of the action, but if you really want to dial in your technique and hit multiple spots, the full-day option lets you chase different tides and target zones.
We're talking serious saltwater fly fishing here, so bring your 8 or 9-weight setup if you've got one—though Captain Cortes has backup rods rigged and ready. You'll be throwing everything from small Clouser minnows to big deceiver patterns, depending on what's working that day. The key techniques you'll master include proper line management in the salt (because these fish will spool you if you're not ready), reading water for baitfish activity, and timing your cast to moving targets. Strip-setting is crucial—none of that trout fishing lift-and-pray stuff works here. Captain Cortes will coach you through the whole process, from the initial presentation to fighting technique that keeps you connected to hard-running fish. The harbor's got plenty of structure, so you'll learn how to work your fly around docks, bridge pilings, and rock piles without losing your setup. Wind's always a factor, so we'll work on casting techniques that punch through those harbor breezes and get your fly where it needs to be.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and NY Harbor's population is as healthy as it's been in years. These fish range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers that are perfect for practicing your technique, all the way up to legitimate 30+ pound cows that'll test your drag and your patience. Stripers are most active during moving tides, especially the last two hours of the incoming when baitfish get pushed against the structure. They're aggressive feeders that'll absolutely crush a well-presented fly, but they're also smart enough to shut down if your approach is sloppy. Spring and fall are peak times when the fish are staging for their migrations, but summer fishing can be outstanding if you know where to look. What makes stripers so addictive is their fighting style—they'll make long, powerful runs, then turn around and bulldoze toward structure trying to break you off.
Little tunny bring a completely different energy to your day on the water. These smaller members of the tuna family are pure speed demons, hitting flies with ridiculous aggression and peeling line like they're twice their size. Most of the tunny you'll hook are in the 5-15 pound range, but don't let that fool you—they fight like fish twice that size and they absolutely will not quit. They show up in NY Harbor during late summer and early fall, usually feeding in schools around bait concentrations. When you find them, the action can be absolutely nuts with multiple hookups and non-stop casting opportunities. Tunny are sight-fishing targets when conditions are right, and watching one of these silver bullets materialize out of nowhere to crush your fly is what saltwater fly fishing dreams are made of.
This top-rated NY Harbor fly fishing experience fills up fast, especially during prime season when both species are most active. Captain Cortes' two decades of local knowledge and intimate boat capacity mean you're getting personalized instruction and access to spots that bigger operations simply can't fish effectively. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler looking to add some new techniques to your arsenal or someone ready to step up from freshwater fly fishing, this charter delivers the kind of hands-on experience that actually makes you a better angler. The combination of world-class fishing, stunning harbor scenery, and expert guidance creates exactly the kind of day that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait—the best dates during peak fishing times book weeks in advance, and you definitely don't want to miss your shot at some of the Northeast's most consistent striper and tunny action.
Captain Cortes' well-equipped motorboat cuts through NY Harbor's waters with everything serious striped bass anglers need. The reliable GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below. Stay connected to marine traffic and weather updates through the crystal-clear VHF radio system. Built for two anglers, this boat gives you plenty of room to work your fly rod without crowding. With over 20 years reading these waters, Captain Cortes knows where the rockfish feed and when they're most active. The boat handles NY Harbor's conditions smoothly, letting you focus on perfecting your cast and fighting fish rather than worrying about the ride. Perfect setup for targeting those prized stripers that cruise these productive inshore waters.
Euthynnus AlletteratusFalse albacore are speed demons that'll wake up your drag system fast. These 10-15 pound torpedoes travel in schools and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in nearshore waters, usually near jetties, inlets, and sandbars where baitfish gather. Fall migration brings the best action when they're fattening up before heading south. What guests love? Pure adrenaline - they're built for speed with that bullet-shaped body and won't quit until they're in the boat. The meat's darker than most tuna but tastes great when fresh. Here's the trick: when you see birds diving and hear splashing, get there quick. Cast into the chaos and hang on - they hit fast and run hard.
Morone SaxatilisThese legendary fighters are what NY Harbor fishing is all about. Stripers run 20-40 pounds on average, with those distinctive dark stripes making them easy to spot. They love hanging around structure - bridges, piers, drop-offs - especially in moving water near shore. Spring through fall gives you the best action as they migrate up and down the coast, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing, and never get old to catch. On the fly rod, they'll test your skills and give you stories to tell. Pro tip: fish early morning or late evening when they're feeding near the surface. Listen for birds working baitfish - that's where you'll find hungry stripers underneath.
New York