New York Bay Fluke Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour guided Bay Fluke fishing adventure in Island Park watersExperienced captain provides equipment and leads to prime fishing spotsSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
Looking for some solid fluke action right here in Island Park? You've found the right crew. Captain and the team aboard FV_Margarita know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some quality flatfish. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's five hours of focused fluke fishing in some of the most productive bay waters on Long Island's south shore. With gear provided and a captain who actually knows where the fish are holding, you'll spend more time fishing and less time wondering if you're in the right spot.
Your day starts early at the Island Park docks, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on the plan. The boat's set up specifically for bay fishing – comfortable enough for a full day but built to get you to the fish efficiently. We're talking about a maximum of four anglers, so there's plenty of room to work and no crowding at the rail. The captain will brief you on the tide situation, weather conditions, and where the fluke have been feeding lately. Island Park puts you in prime position to hit the deeper channels, drop-offs, and structure that summer fluke love. You'll cover water from the back bays all the way out to the inlet, depending on what's producing. The boat rides smooth in these protected waters, so even if you're not the strongest sea legs, you'll be comfortable working the bottom for doormat fluke.
Fluke fishing is all about reading the drift and working your bait along the bottom just right. The captain will set you up with proper fluke rigs – typically a three-way swivel setup or bucktail and teaser combo that keeps your bait moving naturally with the current. You'll be using circle hooks with squid strips, spearing, or killie baits, depending on what's working that day. The technique is straightforward but takes some feel to master. You want your sinker bouncing bottom as the boat drifts, keeping contact but not dragging heavy. When a fluke picks up your bait, you'll feel that distinctive tap-tap before the fish moves off with it. That's when you let the circle hook do its job and start reeling. The waters around Island Park offer perfect fluke habitat – sandy bottom mixed with shells, good current flow, and plenty of baitfish moving through. You'll fish different depths throughout the day as the captain follows the tide and targets the most productive zones.
Summer fluke, or fluke as we call them locally, are the star of this show and for good reason. These flatfish are some of the best eating you'll find in New York waters, and they put up a surprisingly good fight for a bottom dweller. Fluke in these waters typically run anywhere from keeper size at 19 inches up to genuine doormat fluke pushing 5-8 pounds or more. The bigger fish tend to hold in the deeper channels and around structure, while the smaller ones scatter across the flats. What makes fluke fishing so addictive is their feeding behavior – they're ambush predators that bury in the sand and strike fast when bait drifts by. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August typically producing the most consistent action. You'll also encounter sea robins, which are actually excellent table fare despite their reputation, plus occasional stripers, weakfish, and maybe a stray bluefish if they're in the area. The variety keeps things interesting, but fluke remain the main target and the fish that keeps anglers coming back to these waters year after year.
Five hours on the water with an experienced captain who knows how to find fish – that's what separates a good day from just another boat ride. The FV_Margarita crew has put in the time to learn these waters, and they're ready to share that knowledge with anglers who want to catch fish, not just wet a line. All your tackle is provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're new to fluke fishing or an experienced angler looking for a top-rated charter in familiar waters, this trip delivers the kind of consistent action that keeps the calendar booked. Island Park's location gives you access to some of the most productive fluke grounds on the south shore, and with only four anglers maximum, you'll get the attention and guidance that makes the difference between a few shorts and a cooler full of keepers. Don't wait around hoping for better conditions – the fish are there, the captain knows where to find them, and your spot is just a booking away.
Get ready to chase Bay Fluke aboard our reliable 1998 Stratos 26-foot center console! This fishing machine packs a powerful 300HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise you to the hottest fishing spots at 34 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - fish finder to locate those sneaky flatfish, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. With a head onboard for convenience during those long 5-hour trips, you can focus on what matters most - landing dinner! Our captain knows these Island Park waters like the back of his hand and will put you right on top of the fluke. All tackle provided, just bring your fishing spirit!
Montauk