NYC Private 5-Hour Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour private charter accommodates up to 6 guestsTarget 12+ species including Striped Bass and Bluefin TunaEarly 7am departure with professional equipment provided
Picture this: you're out on the waters around New York City at dawn, lines in the water, and the city skyline creating one heck of a backdrop. Our private 5-hour charter with Encore Water Ways Inc gives you and up to five buddies exclusive access to some of the Northeast's most productive fishing grounds. Starting at 7 AM, you'll have the boat to yourselves – no crowds, no strangers taking your spot at the rail, just pure fishing focused on what you came here to do: catch fish.
This isn't your typical party boat experience. When you book our private charter, you're getting a dedicated captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, plus all the gear you need to make it happen. We'll cruise out to the prime spots where the fish are holding – whether that's around structure, drop-offs, or wherever the bait is thick. The beauty of a private trip is flexibility. If the stripers are going crazy in one area, we stay put. If the action dies down, we move. It's all about adapting to what the fish are telling us that day. You'll spend your time either drifting with bait, casting lures, or working the bottom depending on what species we're targeting. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about gear.
We run a variety of techniques depending on conditions and target species. For striped bass, we'll often set up with live eels or chunk baits, letting them work in the current around bridges, points, and drop-offs. When the blues are schooled up, we'll switch to wire leaders and throw metal jigs or poppers right into the action. Bottom fishing is where we really shine for fluke, cod, and porgies – we'll anchor up over productive structure and work bucktails tipped with squid or spearing. The tackle setup changes throughout the day as we move between techniques. We've got spinning gear for casting, conventional reels for bottom fishing, and everything rigged properly so you can get right to work. Bait selection is key out here, and we carry a full spread of what's working: squid, spearing, sand worms, clams, and live eels when available.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are absolute favorites among our charter guests. These flatfish are masters of disguise, lying buried in the sand waiting to ambush baitfish. They're most active from May through October, with the bigger "doormat" fluke showing up in deeper water during summer months. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strike and the way they fight – that head-shaking, bulldogging battle that gets your heart pumping. Plus, they're excellent table fare, which makes the fight even more rewarding.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and New York waters hold some real monsters. These fish are incredibly smart and can be picky eaters, making them a true challenge for anglers. Peak season runs from April through November, with fall offering some of the best action as schools of bass follow bait south. Stripers fight like freight trains, making long powerful runs that'll test your drag and your nerves. The bigger fish, those 30-plus pounders, will give you a battle you won't forget. They're also catch-and-release only in certain size slots, so we follow all regulations to keep this fishery strong.
Atlantic cod are the bottom-dwellers that serious anglers dream about. These fish prefer cooler water and structure, making winter and early spring prime time for targeting them. Cod are aggressive feeders that'll slam a properly presented bait, and once hooked, they use their weight and the current to their advantage. Landing a good cod requires patience and technique – they're notorious for wrapping you up in structure if you're not careful. They're also fantastic eating, which makes them doubly rewarding.
Cobia are the wildcards in our local waters – powerful, curious fish that show up when conditions are right. These bruisers are incredibly strong fighters that will test every knot and connection on your setup. They're most commonly found during warmer months around structure and floating debris. What makes cobia special is their intelligence and curiosity – they'll often follow the boat and investigate lures, giving you multiple shot opportunities. When you hook one, be ready for a serious fight that combines speed, power, and endurance.
Look, there's a reason our private charters stay booked solid during prime season. You're getting exclusive access to proven fishing spots, expert guidance, and the flexibility to fish your way. Whether you're trying to introduce kids to fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just want to escape the crowds, this 5-hour charter delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. The fish are out there, the gear is ready, and our captain knows where to find them. Don't wait until prime dates fill up – book your private charter now and get ready to see why New York City fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Get ready to fish the productive waters around NYC aboard our beautifully restored 1995 Viking Cruiser. This 43-foot sportfisher was completely refurbished in 2021 and runs on reliable twin Volvo engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at 25 knots. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and comes equipped with everything serious fishermen need - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and full refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When you need a break from fighting fish, relax in the air-conditioned cabin that features a multimedia system, galley kitchen, head, and even a berth for longer trips. Whether you're targeting stripers, blues, or tuna in these rich Atlantic waters, this Viking provides the perfect platform for a successful day of fishing off the New York coast.
Gadus MorhuaCod are one of the most sought-after fish for both the fight and the dinner table. These chunky, big-headed fish average 2-4 feet and can push 30-40 pounds, with that distinctive barbel under their chin. They stick close to the bottom around rocky areas and wrecks, usually in 100-200 feet of water offshore. Winter and early spring are your best bets when they move into our area to feed. What makes cod special is that firm, flaky white meat - there's a reason fish and chips made them famous. They're also scrappy fighters that'll keep your rod bent. The key is getting your bait right to the bottom where they feed. I always tell guests to use fresh clams or sea worms and keep your sinker bouncing along the rocks - that's where the big ones are hiding.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the golden ticket of offshore fishing - big, strong, and absolutely delicious. These brown-backed bruisers average 30-50 pounds and can stretch 4-5 feet long. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through our waters. What makes cobia trips special is the sight fishing - you'll actually see these fish cruising just under the surface before you cast. They fight like freight trains with long, powerful runs, and the meat tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. Here's the trick: when you spot one, don't cast right at it. Lead the fish by about 10 feet and let your jig sink as it swims toward the bait. They're curious but spook easily if you plop something right on their head.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our local fishing scene, and for good reason. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we hook into some real bulls pushing 50+. They love structure - rocks, bridges, drop-offs - and they follow the baitfish movements with the tides. You can target them year-round, but spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're moving in big schools. What guests love most is the fight - stripers are strong swimmers that'll test your drag and give long, powerful runs. Plus they're excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. My go-to tip: watch for birds working the surface. When you see diving birds, there are usually stripers underneath pushing bait up.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are masters of disguise - they'll change color to match the bottom and lie there with both eyes on one side, waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see some real doormat-sized ones pushing 4-5 pounds. They hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms from shallow bays to about 200 feet offshore. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving deeper. What makes fluke special is they're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They fight harder than you'd expect for a flatfish too. Here's a local trick: when you feel that tap-tap bite, count to three before setting the hook. Fluke often grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around in their mouth.
New York City, NY