Inshore Fishing - Long Island, New York
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target trophy stripers, fluke, sea bass, and bluefish inshoreSmall group charter accommodates just two guests maximumProfessional guides navigate prime Long Island fishing waters
Fire Island Fishing Charters knows the waters south of Long Island like the back of our hands, and we're ready to put you on some serious fish. This top-rated inshore experience targets the big four that make these waters legendary: stripers, fluke, sea bass, and blues. With just two anglers max, you get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that bigger boats can't offer. These productive waters have been delivering trophy catches for decades, and we'll show you exactly why Long Island's inshore scene keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still got that morning bite to it. We'll hit multiple spots depending on what's running hot – from the shallow flats where fluke love to ambush baitfish to the deeper structure where sea bass stack up like cordwood. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One minute you're working a sandy bottom for doormat fluke, the next you're dropping down on rocky structure for keeper bass. The intimate two-person setup means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn on the best spots. Every cast counts, and we make sure you're fishing the most productive water all day long. These south shore waters change with the tides, seasons, and baitfish movements, so local knowledge isn't just helpful – it's everything.
We fish smart out here, matching our approach to what's working best for each species. For stripers, we'll work both live bait like bunker and eels when they're available, plus proven artificials like bucktails and soft plastics. Fluke fishing means covering water with drift rigs, bouncing the bottom with enough weight to stay connected but light enough to feel every tap. Sea bass love structure, so we'll anchor up on productive spots and drop baits right into their faces using traditional rigs with fresh clams or squid. When the bluefish are running, it's game on with topwater action and metal jigs that drive them crazy. We carry quality rods and reels suited for each technique, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. The key is reading the water, watching the fish finder, and adjusting our presentation until we crack the code. Some days they want it fast and aggressive, other days you need finesse and patience.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Long Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish can range from schoolie size up to genuine trophies pushing 40+ pounds. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migrations, but summer holds fish too if you know where to look. Stripers are smart, powerful fighters that'll test your drag and your patience. They're structure-oriented fish that love current breaks, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. What makes catching them so special is their fighting ability – they'll make runs that strip line and use their broad sides to bulldoze against your rod.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the masters of camouflage and ambush. These flatfish can grow to impressive doormat size, with anything over five pounds being a real trophy. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute table fare champions. Fluke fishing requires skill to detect their subtle bites – they'll often just hold the bait without running. The reward is worth it though, as a big fluke will give you a surprising fight on light tackle and provide some of the best eating you'll find in these waters.
Black Sea Bass are the workhorses of the bottom, and Long Island's rocky structure holds some real quality fish. They're most active from late spring through fall, and while they might not be the biggest fighters pound-for-pound, they make up for it in numbers and consistency. Sea bass are curious fish that respond well to fresh bait, and they school up tight on good structure. Finding a productive sea bass spot often means steady action for everyone on board.
Bluefish bring the aggression and chaos that gets every angler's blood pumping. These voracious predators travel in schools and feed like marine piranhas when they find baitfish. Blues are most common from late spring through early fall, and they'll hit everything from topwater plugs to deep jigs. They're incredibly strong for their size and known for their sharp teeth and bad attitude. When you find a school of feeding blues, it's often fast and furious action until they move on to terrorize the next bait school.
Long Island's inshore waters deliver world-class fishing right out our back door, and this two-angler setup gives you the best shot at connecting with quality fish. Whether you're after a trophy striper for the wall, a cooler full of fluke for the table, or just want to experience some of the East Coast's most productive fishing grounds, we've got you covered. The combination of diverse species, proven techniques, and local expertise makes this a customer favorite that keeps anglers planning their next trip before the current one's even over. Don't wait on this one – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Your ride for chasing stripers and fluke in Long Island's productive inshore waters is a well-equipped motorboat built for serious fishing. This boat handles the choppy waters south of the island with ease, getting you to the hotspots where trophy bass and quality flounder hang out. The GPS keeps you on productive structure while the fish finder shows what's swimming below - essential gear when you're targeting sea bass around wrecks or hunting bluefish schools. Perfect for a focused fishing duo, this setup gives you the mobility to cover water and the technology to stay on fish. Whether you're drifting for fluke over sandy bottom or casting at breaking stripers, you'll have the right platform to make the most of Long Island's fantastic inshore fishery.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting fish that love hanging around structure - wrecks, rocks, and drop-offs in 20-80 feet of water. Most of what we catch runs 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can push 6-8 pounds and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They're around from late spring through early fall, with the best action in summer when they move inshore to feed on crabs and squid. What makes them special is that sweet, flaky meat - they're hands down one of the best eating fish in our waters. They'll put up a solid fight all the way to the boat, then try to dive back down to the rocks. My tip: use a high-low rig with squid or clam, and once you hook up, keep steady pressure and reel fast. They'll try to cut you off in the structure if you give them slack.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that put up a serious fight - they're known for their razor-sharp teeth and feeding frenzies that can turn the water into a washing machine. Most run 3-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 15-20 pounds in our waters. They show up in late spring through fall, following baitfish like bunker and snappers into shallow bays and around structure. Blues are fantastic table fare when handled right - bleed them immediately and ice them down. The smaller "cocktail blues" are perfect for kids since they're easier to handle. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working over bait, get there fast with a wire leader and anything shiny. These fish will hit almost any lure when they're feeding, but that wire leader is essential - trust me on that one.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the kings of our inshore waters - powerful fish with those distinctive dark stripes that can range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to trophy cows pushing 40+ pounds. They're structure-oriented, hugging rocky shorelines, drop-offs, and around bridges where current moves baitfish. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is their fight - they'll make long runs and put serious bend in your rod. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. These fish are smart and can be picky, especially the bigger ones. My go-to technique: live eels fished near structure at dawn or dusk. Work them slow along the bottom near rocks or bridge pilings. The big fish are usually holding tight to cover, so don't be afraid to get close to the structure.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the chameleons of the sandy bottom - they can change color to match perfectly with the seafloor. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big "doormat" females can hit 26 pounds and are real trophy fish. They're ambush predators that bury in sand near drop-offs, channel edges, and around structure in 15-50 feet of water. Best fishing is late spring through early fall when they move inshore to feed. What guests love is the challenge - fluke have a unique bite where they grab bait sideways, so timing the hookset takes skill. Plus, they're premium table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the key: use a bucktail with a strip of squid or spearing, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap, wait a beat before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait in their mouth.
New York, NY