Wreck Trip with Fire Island Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target eight fish species on productive wreck sitesSmall group fishing with maximum four guests aboardSeason runs May through December for optimal conditions
There's something special about dropping lines over a shipwreck. The fish know it, we know it, and after your first trip with Fire Island Fishing Charters, you'll know it too. Our wreck fishing trips run from May through December, giving you prime access to some of the most productive bottom fishing grounds around. With just 4 anglers max, you'll have plenty of room to work and personal attention from our experienced crew. These wrecks hold serious fish – black sea bass, cod, triggerfish, and more – all waiting for the right presentation.
We'll head out to our proven wreck sites where decades of fishing experience have shown us exactly where the fish stack up. These artificial reefs created by sunken ships become magnets for baitfish, which means bigger predators aren't far behind. You'll be fishing in water depths that range from moderate to deep, depending on the specific wreck and season. The smaller group size means you won't be fighting for rail space or dealing with tangled lines from inexperienced anglers. Our captain knows these wrecks like the back of his hand – every bump, every corner where fish like to hold. We'll position the boat perfectly and keep you over the productive water. The bite can be steady throughout the day, especially when we're on the right wreck at the right time. Weather permitting, we'll hit multiple wrecks to keep the action going and give you shots at different species that prefer different structures.
Wreck fishing is all about getting your bait down to where the fish are holding without getting hung up on the structure. We use heavy sinkers to cut through the current and get your rig down fast. Circle hooks are the standard here – they hook fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce gut-hooking, which is better for the fish and better for you when it's time to unhook them. We'll rig you up with high-low rigs, fish finder rigs, or bucktails depending on what the fish are showing us that day. Bait varies by season and target species, but expect to use squid, clams, sea worms, and sometimes fresh cut bait. The key is keeping your line tight enough to feel the bite but not so tight that you can't tell the difference between a fish and the wreck itself. Our crew will help you read the bottom and understand when you're fishing clean versus when you need to adjust your drift to avoid snags.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of wreck fishing, and for good reason. These chunky fighters love structure and will stack up around wrecks in serious numbers when conditions are right. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with the bigger fish – we're talking 3 to 5 pounders – showing up in deeper water as the season progresses. They hit hard and fight harder, making runs back toward the wreck that'll test your drag settings. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Atlantic cod are the prize fish that keep anglers coming back year after year. These northern visitors show up in our waters when the temperatures drop, typically from late fall through early spring. A good cod will run anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds, with the occasional fish pushing even bigger. They're bottom huggers that love the cover and food sources that wrecks provide. When you hook into a decent cod, you'll know it – they pull steady and heavy, using their bulk and the current to try to break you off on the wreck.
Pollock are the speed demons of the wreck fishing world. These silver torpedoes cruise the mid-water column around wrecks, feeding on the abundant baitfish. They're most active during the cooler months and will absolutely smoke your drag when hooked. A typical pollock runs 2 to 8 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. They're also excellent eating, with a mild flavor that works great in fish and chips or baked with herbs.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor to wreck fishing. When blues move in, the action gets fast and furious. These toothy predators hunt in packs and will attack anything that moves. They're present from spring through fall, with the larger fish – we call them choppers – showing up in late summer and fall. A big blue will run 8 to 15 pounds and fight like a fish possessed, making screaming runs and aerial displays that'll get your adrenaline pumping.
Grey triggerfish are the newcomers that have been showing up more frequently in recent years. These colorful, deep-bodied fish are a blast to catch and surprisingly good on the table. They've got buck teeth that can crush shellfish, so they love the crab and lobster populations around wrecks. Triggers are curious fish that will often follow your bait up off the bottom before committing to the bite. When they do hit, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size, typically running 1 to 3 pounds but pulling like much bigger fish.
Our wreck trips are a customer favorite because they consistently produce fish and memories that last long after you've eaten your catch. With only 4 spots available per trip, these fill up fast, especially during peak season from June through October. The variety of species means you never know what's coming up next – one minute you're battling a hefty sea bass, the next you're doubled over trying to stop a cod from reaching the wreck. Whether you're a seasoned bottom fisherman or new to wreck fishing, our crew will make sure you have the knowledge and gear to make the most of your day on the water. Don't wait to secure your spot – the wrecks are calling and the fish are waiting.
Our 4-person motorboat is built for serious wreck fishing from May through December. Equipped with a reliable GPS system to navigate directly to productive wrecks and a quality fish finder to pinpoint structure and locate fish holding tight to the bottom. The boat handles well in open water and gives you solid access to prime wreck sites where Seabass, Porgies, Triggerfish, Ling, Cod, Pollock, Bluefish, and Bonita gather around sunken structure. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's room to fish comfortably while working jigs and bait down to the wrecks. The fish finder helps identify the best spots on each wreck where fish are stacked up, while the GPS ensures we can return to hot spots and navigate safely back to port. Perfect setup for targeting bottom species and whatever pelagics are cruising the wrecks during the season.
Gadus MorhuaAtlantic Cod are the prize catch on our wreck trips, typically running 2-4 feet and weighing up to 20 pounds around here. They stick close to the bottom near rocky structure and wrecks, usually in 100-500 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they move inshore to feed. Cod fight smart rather than flashy - they'll use their weight and head-shaking to try working free. What guests love most is the eating - cod has some of the best table fare you'll find, with sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key with cod is fresh bait. Squid strips, clams, or chunk mackerel work great, but make sure it's not sitting in the sun all day. Use a bouncing sinker rig to keep your bait moving just off the bottom. That barbel under their chin helps them locate food, so give them something they can smell.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are bread-and-butter fish around our wrecks, usually running 1-3 pounds with some nice 4-5 pounders mixed in. They stick tight to structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, anywhere they can hide and ambush prey in 60-120 feet. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore and get aggressive. What makes them popular is the steady action and excellent table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They fight well for their size but won't break your back. The trick with sea bass is getting your bait right to the bottom near structure. They're not shy but they want that bait close to home. Use a two-hook rig with fresh squid or clam strips. Once you hook one, keep it coming - they'll try to get back into the wreck but don't have the power to really test you. Just watch for short strikes on the way up.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression on the end of your line - they hit hard and fight dirty from start to finish. Most run 2-5 pounds around our wrecks, but the bigger ones can push 15-20 pounds and really test your gear. They show up mid-June through October, following baitfish around the structure. Blues are famous for their feeding frenzies, and when you find them, the action gets wild fast. Guests love the non-stop action and the way these fish pull drag, plus smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids to learn on. The meat's good eating when fresh, especially the smaller ones. Watch those teeth though - they'll bite anything that gets near their mouth, including fingers. Cut bait like mackerel or herring works great, but they'll smash lures too. When you're fighting one, keep constant pressure because they'll throw the hook if you give them slack during their head-shaking runs.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough customers around the wrecks, averaging 12-17 inches with some pushing 2 feet. They hang near the bottom around structure in 60-180 feet, using their sharp teeth to crunch crabs and sea urchins. May through December is prime time when they're most active on our wreck sites. What makes them fun is their sneaky bite - they'll nibble at your bait before committing, then put up a solid fight with that thick, muscular body. The meat's excellent eating too, firm and mild. Here's the trick: use chunk squid about an inch wide since it stays on the hook better. When you feel those light taps, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it, then reel fast and steady once you feel weight. They'll try to duck back into the wreck structure, so keep that line tight and pull them up quickly.
Pollachius pollachiusPollock are scrappy fighters that'll test your footing on deck - these fish have serious power once hooked. They typically run 3-4 feet long and love rocky structure around our wreck sites, usually holding in 100-400 feet. The best fishing happens May through October when they're most active in our waters. What makes them special is that raw strength - they won't jump around but they'll bull-dog straight down trying to get back to structure. The fight is what keeps people coming back, plus they're decent eating despite the darker meat. Early morning and evening bites are your best bet when they're feeding most actively. Here's what works: bring good boots with ankle support because these fish will test your balance. Sand eel or black minnow lures work great, but add some jigging action as you work them back up. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back into the rocks.
New York, NY