6-Hour Shark & Cobia Charter - Island Park NY
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore charter targeting sharks and cobia speciesLight tackle fishing for spinners and blacktips near Island ParkSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests maximum
Ready to tangle with some serious predators? This 6-hour charter out of Island Park puts you right in the action targeting blacktip sharks and the prized southern water cobia. We're talking light tackle fishing at its finest – where every hookup gets your heart pumping and tests your angling skills. The waters around Long Island's south shore are loaded with baitfish this time of year, which means the sharks are feeding heavy and the cobia are cruising through looking for an easy meal. Captain and crew aboard the FV Margarita know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll make your arms burn in the best way possible.
We're keeping this trip intimate with just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew. No crowded rails or waiting your turn here. The boat heads out from Island Park's protected waters and makes the run to our prime fishing grounds where the structure and current create perfect ambush points for both sharks and cobia. You'll be fishing with quality light tackle setups – think spinning reels and conventional gear that lets you really feel every run and jump. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and boat positioning while you focus on what you came for: catching fish. Expect to see plenty of action from smaller sharks as bycatch while we hunt for those trophy cobia that can push 30+ pounds.
We're running light tackle exclusively on this trip because that's where the real fun happens. The crew sets you up with medium-heavy spinning rods and conventional outfits spooled with 20-30 pound test – enough backbone to handle these fish but light enough that every fight is memorable. For sharks, we're primarily using cut bait and chunks of fresh fish on circle hooks, letting them run with it before setting the hook. The cobia fishing is where things get interesting – we'll sight fish when conditions allow, using live bait and artificials to trigger strikes from these curious predators. The waters around Island Park offer great structure fishing with wrecks, drop-offs, and current edges that hold bait and attract our target species. GPS and fish finder technology help locate the best spots, but it's the crew's local knowledge that puts you on the most productive water.
Blacktip sharks are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These aggressive predators typically run 3-6 feet long and are absolutely explosive when hooked. They're most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees. What makes blacktips so exciting is their aerial displays – these sharks will jump completely out of the water multiple times during a fight, spinning and thrashing in spectacular fashion. They're also abundant in our area, feeding on the massive schools of bunker, blues, and other baitfish that move through Long Island waters. The light tackle makes every blacktip feel like a monster, and their speed and agility keep you on your toes from hookup to release.
Cobia are the real prize fish on this charter – think of them as the bull reds of the north. These brownish, shark-looking fish are incredibly curious and aggressive, often approaching the boat to investigate before deciding whether to bite. Southern water cobia push the northern limits of their range in our area, making them a special catch that not every angler gets to experience. They average 20-40 pounds but can grow much larger, and they fight like a cross between a shark and a big drum. Cobia are structure-oriented fish that love hanging around wrecks, pilings, and drop-offs where they ambush crabs, eels, and small fish. The best action typically happens from mid-summer through early fall when these fish follow warm water currents north. When you hook a cobia on light tackle, you're in for a sustained battle with powerful runs and stubborn bottom-hugging fights that'll test your drag and your patience.
This 6-hour charter gives you serious time on the water to target multiple species and rack up some impressive numbers. The FV Margarita crew knows how to find fish and keep you hooked up throughout the day, whether we're drifting structure for cobia or running and gunning for feeding sharks. With only 4 spots available, you're guaranteed personalized service and plenty of opportunities to get on the fish. The light tackle approach makes every catch more exciting and gives beginners and experts alike a real challenge. Book your trip now and get ready for some of the best inshore action Long Island has to offer – these sharks and cobia won't catch themselves!
Get ready to chase sharks and cobia aboard our reliable 1998 Stratos 26-footer, powered by a smooth 300HP Suzuki that'll cruise you out to the prime fishing grounds at 34 knots. This center console setup gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting those hard-pulling blacktips and spinners we're known for in these New York waters. The boat's equipped with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to mark the structure where cobia hang, GPS to hit those productive spots again, and radar for when the weather gets sketchy. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and take a break in the onboard head when needed. With space for up to 4 fishermen, you'll have room to work without bumping elbows while battling those southern water cobia on light tackle. The center console design means easy access to all sides of the boat - perfect for following fish around the boat or getting that perfect angle on a big shark.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of the most exciting sharks you'll tangle with in these waters. They average 4-5 feet but can push 9 feet and 270 pounds. What makes them special is their acrobatic nature - these sharks will jump clean out of the water at speeds up to 21 feet per second when hooked. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet around structure and muddy bays. They're actually pretty timid despite being energetic, which makes the fight that much more rewarding. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on mackerel, herring, and croakers. Here's the key: use oily baits like fresh mackerel or live sardines, and don't be surprised if they get worked up in a feeding frenzy. The black-tipped fins make them easy to identify, and their strong runs on light tackle create memories that last.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the holy grail of our southern water fishing - these bronze bulldogs average 6 feet and 100 pounds, with some pushing 135. They're loners by nature, which makes finding one feel like striking gold. Look for them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 30-70 feet, though they'll cruise shallower waters too. The best action happens during their spring migration and spawning season when they move through our area. What guests love most is the incredible table fare - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the ocean. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and stubborn determination. They're often mistaken for sharks due to their dark coloring and single dorsal fin. My go-to technique is sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 ounce range. Color doesn't matter much, but presentation does - work that jig near current breaks and structure edges where they hunt.
Montauk