Island Park Striped Bass Charter with Captain Tim
Looking for some serious fishing action on Long Island's south shore? Captain Tim Yagnisis has been putting anglers on big stripers in these productive waters for years, and his 6-hour charters aboard the FV Margarita are exactly what you need to get your line tight. Island Park sits right in the heart of some of New York's best striper fishing, where the Great South Bay meets the Atlantic. With only 4 spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between going home empty-handed and telling fish stories for years to come.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Tim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right where the stripers are feeding. The FV Margarita is rigged with top-quality gear, so you won't have to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and enthusiasm. These 6-hour trips give you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques – sometimes the fish are biting right off the dock, other times we'll run out to find the schools holding in deeper water. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on coaching from Captain Tim, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. Island Park's protected waters also mean we can fish comfortably even when it's a bit choppy outside, making this a reliable choice when other boats are staying tied up.
Tackle and Techniques
We'll be using a mix of live bait and lures depending on what the stripers want that day. Captain Tim keeps the boat stocked with fresh bunker, eels, and clams – the holy trinity of striper baits in these waters. When the fish are schooling, we'll throw everything from bucktails to plugs, and Tim's got a tackle box full of local favorites that produce consistently. The boat's equipped with quality spinning and conventional reels spooled with the right test line for our target fish. Circle hooks are the standard here for catch and release, though Tim will show you proper handling techniques if you're planning to keep a keeper-sized fish. We'll work everything from shallow flats to channel edges, adjusting our approach based on tide, wind, and where the baitfish are showing up on the fish finder.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters can range anywhere from schoolie size around 18-20 inches up to true cows pushing 40+ pounds in these waters. Peak season runs from April through November, but some of the best fishing happens in fall when big bass are fattening up for their southern migration. Stripers are ambush predators that love structure – they'll lurk around bridges, drop-offs, and rocky areas waiting to crush schools of bunker or blues. What makes them so exciting to target is their unpredictability – one minute you're fighting a scrappy 5-pounder, the next you've got a 30-inch keeper peeling drag off your reel. Island Park's location gives us access to both resident fish that live in the bay year-round and the migratory giants that cruise through following bait schools. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – stripers make powerful runs and aren't afraid to jump when they feel the hook.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Tim's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and with only 4 spots per charter, these trips book up fast during prime season. The FV Margarita offers everything you need for a world-class striper fishing experience right in your backyard, whether you're a local angler or visiting from out of state. Six hours on the water with an experienced captain who knows exactly where to find the fish – that's the kind of trip that turns good days into great memories. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot, especially during the fall run when the fishing can be absolutely phenomenal. Book your charter today and get ready to experience why Island Park is considered one of the top striper destinations on the East Coast.