Half Day Morning Fishing - Greenport, NY
There's something special about getting on the water early in Greenport, especially when you've got Captain Kevin at the helm of his custom 41-foot boat. This top-rated half-day morning trip puts you and up to five buddies right in the heart of some of Long Island's best inshore fishing. Whether we're working the productive waters of Peconic Bay or hitting nearby inshore spots, you're looking at four solid hours of fishing action that'll have you talking about it long after you're back at the dock.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Kevin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll adjust the game plan based on what the tides and conditions are telling him. Some days we'll anchor up in the bay and work the bottom for scup and summer flounder, other mornings we might drift the edges looking for striped bass or chase bluefish schools that are busting bait on the surface. The beauty of this trip is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your line next. The 41-foot boat gives everyone plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably, and Captain Kevin keeps things relaxed while making sure everyone gets their fair share of action. Don't worry if you're new to this – he's got the patience to help beginners get their first fish while keeping experienced anglers engaged with different techniques and spots.
Tackle & Techniques
All your fishing gear is provided, so you can leave the tackle box at home. Captain Kevin stocks the boat with quality rods and reels matched to what we're targeting that day. For bottom fishing, we'll use traditional high-low rigs baited with squid, clams, or fresh bait to pull up scup and summer flounder. When the stripers are moving, we might switch to live bait or work some artificials along structure. Bluefish are aggressive and will hit just about anything when they're feeding, making them perfect for anyone wanting fast action. The captain reads the water conditions and adjusts techniques accordingly – sometimes we're drifting, sometimes anchored up, and other times we're moving between spots to find where the fish are holding. It's this adaptability that makes Captain Kevin such a reliable choice for your Greenport fishing adventure.
Target Species
Spotted Weakfish are one of the real treats in these waters, and when they're around, they put up a memorable fight. These silvery beauties typically run 1-3 pounds and have this distinctive spotted pattern that makes them easy to identify. They're most active during spring and fall, often feeding in shallow waters during moving tides. What makes weakfish so fun is their soft mouth – you've got to keep steady pressure without horsing them in, which makes landing one feel like a real accomplishment.
Bluefish are the workhorses of Long Island inshore fishing, and they're almost always willing to bite when they're around. These aggressive predators travel in schools and can range from "snapper" blues under a pound up to hefty 5-8 pounders that'll test your drag. They're most active during summer months and early fall, often feeding on the surface where you can see them churning up the water. Bluefish fight hard and taste great when prepared fresh, making them a customer favorite on every trip.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, are the prize bottom fish in these waters. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can grow quite large – a 3-4 pounder is a nice fish, and anything over 5 pounds gets the whole boat excited. They're most active from late spring through early fall, holding near structure and drop-offs where they ambush smaller fish. Landing a keeper fluke requires patience and technique, as they're notorious for dropping the bait at the last second.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and Peconic Bay holds some beautiful fish. These powerful fighters can range from schoolies around 20 inches up to hefty cows pushing 30+ pounds. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're migrating, but resident fish provide steady action through summer. Stripers are smart fish that require finesse and patience, making them a true test of angling skill. The thrill of feeling a good striper load up your rod is something every angler should experience.
Scup, also known as porgy, might be the most underrated fish in these waters. These bottom dwellers are abundant, fight surprisingly well for their size, and make excellent table fare. They typically run 8 inches to over a pound, with the bigger "jumbo" scup being real arm-burners when you're hauling them up from deeper water. Scup are active from late spring through fall and provide steady action when other species are being finicky, making them perfect for keeping kids and new anglers engaged.
Time to Book Your Spot
This world-class morning fishing experience offers the perfect blend of productive fishing and scenic Long Island charm. Captain Kevin's local knowledge and quality equipment give you the best shot at a successful day on the water, whether you're after your first fish or your hundredth. The early morning start means you'll beat the heat and the crowds while hitting prime fishing times when the fish are most active. With space for up to six anglers, this trip works great for families, friends, or anyone looking to experience what makes Greenport such a renowned fishing destination. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season.