6-Hour Shark & Cobia Charter in Island Park
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour shark and cobia fishing charter from Island ParkLight tackle targeting spinners, blacktips, and southern water cobiaSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
Ready to test your skills against some serious gamefish? Captain and crew aboard the FV Margarita know exactly where to find the action in Island Park's productive waters. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking six solid hours of fishing prime real estate where blacktip sharks patrol the shallows and cobia cruise the deeper cuts. You'll be working light tackle the whole time, which means every hookup is going to be a real fight. With space for just four anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your fish without bumping elbows.
We launch from Island Park and head to proven shark grounds where the water temperature and bait concentrations are just right. The captain reads the water like a book – watching for bird activity, bait schools, and those telltale nervous waters that mean predators are feeding below. You'll spend time in different zones throughout the day, from shallow flats where blacktips love to hunt to slightly deeper waters where cobia make their rounds. The beauty of fishing these New York waters is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to a cruising shark, the next you're working a piece of structure hoping for that distinctive cobia to show up. Light tackle keeps things sporting, so even smaller fish put up a memorable scrap.
We keep the tackle light and effective – think spinning reels loaded with 20-30 pound test and leaders sized appropriately for each target species. For sharks, we'll run wire leaders to prevent bite-offs, but nothing so heavy that it kills the fight. Cobia setups use fluorocarbon leaders since these fish can be leader-shy in clear water. Bait selection changes throughout the day based on what's working – fresh cut bait, live offerings when available, and sometimes artificials if the fish are aggressive enough. The captain adjusts techniques based on conditions, whether that's drifting live baits in the current, anchoring up on productive spots, or making strategic moves to stay on the bite. You'll learn to read the signs – how sharks behave when they're feeding versus just cruising, and how to spot cobia before they disappear back into the depths.
Blacktip sharks are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These athletic fish typically run 3-6 feet in these waters and are absolute rockets when hooked. They're most active during warmer months when water temperatures climb above 70 degrees, often feeding in surprisingly shallow water. What makes blacktips so exciting is their acrobatic display once hooked – expect multiple jumps, long runs, and plenty of line-screaming action on light tackle. They're also fairly predictable in their behavior, often traveling in small groups and returning to productive areas day after day. Local blacktips seem to have endless energy, and even after a long fight, they often have enough left in the tank for one final burst near the boat.
Cobia are the wild card that can make your whole trip. These fish are built like torpedoes and fight with incredible strength and determination. In Island Park waters, cobia typically range from 20-40 pounds, though larger specimens definitely swim these waters. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat to investigate, giving you shots at sight-fishing when conditions are right. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often showing up during the warmest months. What anglers love about cobia is their unpredictability – they might eat a live bait, crush a jig, or even take a topwater plug. Once hooked, they make powerful runs toward structure and use their broad tails to bulldoze through the water. Many anglers consider cobia one of the finest eating fish in these waters, making them a true prize catch.
Six hours on the water with experienced crew, targeting two of the most exciting species in New York waters – that's what separates a great fishing day from just another boat ride. The FV Margarita has the local knowledge to put you on fish and the patience to help you make the most of every opportunity. Whether you're looking to cross species off your bucket list or just want to feel that rod bend with something substantial on the other end, this charter delivers the goods. Small group size means everyone gets their shots, and the extended trip length gives us time to really work the water properly. Book now and get ready to see why Island Park has earned its reputation as a top-tier fishing destination.
Step aboard our dependable 1998 Stratos 26-foot center console, powered by a reliable 300HP Suzuki engine that'll get you to the prime fishing grounds around Island Park quickly and smoothly. This well-equipped fishing machine cruises at 34 knots, perfect for covering water efficiently while hunting sharks and cobia in New York's productive inshore waters. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. Our fish finder helps locate schools and structure where sharks and cobia lurk, while the GPS keeps us on productive spots. The radar comes in handy during those early morning runs or when weather moves in. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, and there's a head for convenience during those long 6-hour trips. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action whether you're battling blacktips, spinner sharks, or that prized southern water cobia on light tackle. Built for serious fishing with everything you need for a productive day targeting apex predators in Island Park's rich waters.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of the most exciting sharks to target in our waters. These robust fighters average around 5 feet but can hit 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll recognize them by those distinctive black fin tips and their love for jumping - they can launch 21 feet out of the water! They patrol artificial reefs and muddy bays in 30-100 feet of water, feeding on mackerel, herring, and croakers. Best action comes during warmer months when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights on light tackle. They're social feeders, so where you find one, expect more. Pro tip: use oily baits like mackerel or live sardines, and bring plenty of chum - these guys respond well to a good slick in the water.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the holy grail of our trips - these brown, shark-looking fish are solitary hunters that can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. They cruise reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet, though we sometimes find them deeper around offshore rigs. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our waters. What sets them apart is the fight and the food - they're incredibly strong fighters and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. You'll usually spot them just under the surface before casting. They hit bucktail jigs, crankbaits, and topwater lures hard. Since they're loners, each fish is a trophy. My go-to trick: watch for them following rays or other sharks - cobia love to shadow larger animals looking for stirred-up prey.
Montauk