Half Day Afternoon Fishing - Greenport, NY
Looking for a top-rated fishing adventure on Long Island's East End? Captain Kevin and his crew at East End Fishing Charters know exactly where to put you on the fish. This private 4-hour afternoon trip runs weekends from May through October, targeting the best inshore species in Peconic Bay and surrounding waters. With room for up to six anglers, it's perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting a focused fishing experience without the commitment of a full day on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Your afternoon starts with Captain Kevin checking conditions and planning the best spots based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. Some days you'll be working the shallow flats of Peconic Bay for summer flounder, other times heading to deeper structure for striped bass and bluefish. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility – Kevin adapts to what's working best that day, whether it's drifting over oyster beds or anchoring up on productive bottom. The scenic backdrop of the North Fork adds to the experience, but make no mistake – this is all about putting fish in the cooler. With Brandon as mate keeping everything organized, you'll spend more time with a rod in your hand and less time worrying about tackle and bait.
Techniques and Tackle
Captain Kevin runs a well-equipped operation with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for the target species. Depending on what you're after, you might be bottom fishing with sinkers and circle hooks for fluke and scup, or casting plugs and soft plastics for stripers cruising the shallows. The crew provides everything you need, from fresh bait to the right weight sinkers for the current. They'll show you proper jigging techniques for weakfish, how to work a bucktail for fluke, and the best retrieves for bluefish when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively. If you're new to inshore fishing, Brandon will get you rigged up properly and coach you through playing and landing fish. Experienced anglers appreciate the quality gear and the crew's knowledge of local hotspots that produce consistently.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Kevin knows where the fish are. We had a great day fishing. His mate Brandon was so helpful. Will absolutely be booking a few more charters." - Amanda
"Captain Kevin put us on the fish and Brandon made sure we had everything we needed to fill the cooler! Highly recommend for anyone that wants to go fishing from novice to old salt this crew is fun, informative and helpful. Thanks Kevin and Brandon for a great trip!" - Joe
Top Catches This Season
Spotted weakfish are making a strong comeback in these waters, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. These silvery fighters typically run 2-4 pounds and have a distinctive mouth that's soft as butter – hence the name "weakfish." They love structure and moving water, so Captain Kevin works the channel edges and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Peak season runs June through September, and when you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and the way they pull drag on spinning gear.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of Long Island waters, known for their razor-sharp teeth and ferocious appetite. These hard-fighting fish show up in huge schools during summer months, often pushing baitfish to the surface in feeding frenzies that'll get your heart pumping. They'll hit everything from metal jigs to chunk bait, and a good blue in the 3-8 pound range will test your drag system. The key is having wire leaders – these fish will cut through mono in a heartbeat. When the blues are blitzing, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the prize flatfish of the Northeast. These masters of camouflage can exceed 20 inches and provide excellent table fare. They're ambush predators that bury in sand waiting for prey to pass overhead, so you'll be drifting with bucktails tipped with squid or spearing. The technique takes some finesse – you need to feel the subtle tap when a fluke picks up your bait. Captain Kevin knows the productive drifts where keeper-sized fish hold, from the shallow bay flats to deeper channel edges.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to solid keepers in the 28-inch-plus range. These fish are incredibly smart and can be finicky, which makes landing them even more satisfying. Early season fish are often hungry after spawning and will hit live eels, chunk bait, or well-presented artificials. Kevin targets them around structure, rips, and areas where baitfish concentrate. The fight of a good striper in shallow water is something every angler should experience – they'll make long runs and use the current to their advantage.
Scup, also known as porgy, might not win beauty contests, but they're scrappy fighters and excellent eating. These bottom dwellers are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action, especially when other species are being picky. They school up over structure and rocky bottom, eagerly hitting small hooks baited with clam, squid, or marine worms. Kids love catching scup because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. A cooler full of fresh scup makes for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer favorite half-day trip books up fast, especially during peak summer weekends when the fishing is world-class. With only weekend availability and a six-angler maximum, spots fill quickly once word gets out about hot fishing. Captain Kevin's local knowledge and Brandon's attention to detail create the kind of fishing experience that has customers rebooking before they