Expert Guided Full Day Bass Flounder Charter Experience
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour charter targets striped bass, bluefish, and flounderAll tackle, rods, and New York fishing licenses includedFamilyfriendly trip accommodates up to four guests maximum
Captain Paul's eight-hour inshore fishing charter out of Mastic Beach puts you right in the heart of Long Island's most productive fishing waters. Starting at 6:00 AM, this top-rated full-day trip covers everything from protected bay waters to the inlet and open ocean, giving you multiple shots at the area's best game fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this comprehensive fishing experience targets the species that make Long Island waters famous – striped bass, bluefish, flounder, scup, and black sea bass.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. Eight hours on the water means Captain Paul has time to work different areas based on conditions, tides, and where the fish are biting. You'll start in the bay targeting flounder and scup in the morning, then move to the inlet for stripers and blues as the tide changes. The beauty of this trip is the variety – if one spot isn't producing, there's always another productive area to try. The boat handles up to four anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space or competing with a crowd. Captain Paul provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to terminal tackle, plus your New York fishing license is covered. The setup is family-friendly, welcoming kids and first-timers while still delivering the action that keeps experienced anglers coming back. Just bring polarized sunglasses, non-spray sunscreen, and whatever food and drinks you'll want for the day.
Captain Paul runs a variety of techniques depending on the target species and conditions. For flounder, expect to work the bottom with bucktails tipped with squid or gulp baits, drifting over sandy flats and structure where these flatfish ambush prey. Striped bass fishing involves both live lining with bunker or eels and casting lures around structure, inlet mouths, and current breaks where bass feed aggressively. Bluefish action often means fast-paced casting with metals, poppers, or chunk baits when schools are feeding on the surface. The black sea bass and scup fishing focuses on bottom rigs with multiple hooks, targeting rocky areas and wrecks where these species congregate. All tackle is provided and properly rigged, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear if they prefer specific setups. Captain Paul adjusts techniques throughout the day based on fish activity, weather conditions, and seasonal patterns, ensuring you're always fishing the most effective method for the situation.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Long Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These powerful fighters can range from schoolie bass around 18-28 inches up to keeper-sized fish over 28 inches that provide serious battles on medium tackle. Spring through fall offers the best action, with bass feeding heavily on bunker, herring, and crabs in the bay and inlet areas. What makes stripers so exciting is their aggressive strikes and strong runs – when a good bass grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. The fishing around Mastic Beach puts you right in prime striper territory.
Bluefish bring non-stop action when they're around, schooling in large numbers and feeding with incredible aggression. These toothy predators hit lures and baits hard, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action. Blues in the 2-8 pound range are common here, with occasional larger fish pushing double digits. They're excellent table fare when handled properly, and their willingness to bite makes them a favorite for families with kids learning to fish.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are the area's premier bottom fish and a customer favorite for their excellent eating quality. These flatfish can range from throwback shorts up to doormat-sized fish over five pounds. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique – feeling the subtle bite and setting the hook at the right moment. The waters around Mastic Beach offer classic fluke habitat with sandy bottoms, current edges, and structure that holds bait and attracts feeding flounder from late spring through early fall.
Southern Flounder provide year-round action when summer fluke are out of season, giving winter and early spring anglers a quality target species. These fish behave similarly to their summer cousins but are often more active in cooler water temperatures. They're excellent table fare and provide the same challenging bottom fishing that keeps fluke specialists engaged during the off-season.
Black Sea Bass are structure-loving bottom dwellers that provide consistent action around rocky areas, wrecks, and jetties. These fish are aggressive biters and excellent eating, with a sweet, firm white meat that rivals any fish in local waters. Sea bass in the 1-3 pound range are common, with larger specimens possible around the best structure. They're perfect for anglers who enjoy the challenge of precise bottom fishing.
Scup, or porgy, might not be the glamour species, but they're incredibly fun to catch and make outstanding table fare. These aggressive biters provide non-stop action, especially for kids and beginners. When scup are schooled up, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line, making for exciting fishing when other species are less cooperative. Don't underestimate these small but feisty fighters.
This world-class full-day charter gives you everything serious anglers want – variety, professional guidance, quality equipment, and access to Long Island's best inshore fishing grounds. Captain Paul's local knowledge and commitment to following all regulations ensures you'll have a productive, legal, and safe day on the water. With only four spots available, this personalized fishing experience books up quickly, especially during peak season. Whether you're looking to put quality fish in the cooler, introduce someone to fishing, or just spend a great day on the water, this comprehensive eight-hour trip delivers the goods. The combination of multiple species, varied techniques, and diverse
This 25' Trophy Walkaround cuts through Mastic Beach waters with serious fishing power. Repowered in 2020 with a reliable 250HP Mercury that pushes 30 knots, getting you to the productive grounds quickly while burning less fuel on longer runs. The walkaround design gives everyone room to move and fish comfortably, whether you're working the bay flats for flounder or heading offshore for bigger stripers and blues. Built-in fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS keeps you on the productive spots Captain Paul knows best. The enclosed cabin provides shelter from wind and spray, plus there's a head onboard for those long fishing days. Icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full eight-hour trip. Clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything needed for a successful day targeting the diverse fishery around Mastic Beach - from inlet blues to bay flounder and everything in between.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, cooperative fish that make great targets for families and newer anglers. They typically run 1-4 pounds around here, with the occasional bigger fish pushing 6-8 pounds. You'll find them around rocky structure, wrecks, and hard bottom in 20-80 feet of water from late spring through fall. These guys change from female to male as they grow, and the bigger males develop a distinctive hump on their heads during spawning. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and their habit of hanging in groups – where you catch one, you'll often find more. They'll hit squid, clams, and small jigs readily. Pro tip: once you find a productive spot, anchor up and fish vertically with a two-hook rig. They like to stay tight to structure, so keep your bait close to the bottom.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, typically running 3-15 pounds with occasional bigger fish. They travel in schools and are notorious for their feeding frenzies – when you find one, there's usually more around. These silver-sided fighters have razor-sharp teeth and will hit just about anything that moves. You'll find them in the surf, around baitfish schools, and near structure where they ambush prey. They're fantastic on the table when fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect grilled or baked. What guests love is their aggressive strike and strong fight – they'll make your drag sing. Here's a tip: when the blues are schooled up and feeding, switch to a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon. Those teeth will cut through regular mono in seconds, and you'll lose more fish than you land.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are underrated fish that provide steady action from May through October. These silver, deep-bodied fish typically run 8-14 inches and make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They're bottom feeders that hang around rocky areas, wrecks, and hard structure where they crush shellfish and worms with their strong jaws. While they're not the biggest fighters, they're cooperative biters that kids love catching, and they're surprisingly good eating. What makes scup valuable is their consistency – when other fish aren't cooperating, you can usually count on finding scup around structure. They're also great live bait for bigger stripers and blues. The trick with scup is using small hooks and light tackle. They have small mouths, so downsize your gear. Try a simple high-low rig with size 4-6 hooks and pieces of squid or clam. They'll often hit on the drop, so stay alert as your rig settles.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise – these flat, oval fish can change colors to match the sandy or muddy bottom where they lie in wait. Most run 15-18 inches, though you might hook into one pushing 30+ inches. They're ambush predators with both eyes on their left side, perfectly built for life on the seafloor. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and along sandy bottoms from spring through fall. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. What makes them fun is their sneaky nature – you'll feel a gentle tap, then they try to bury back into the sand. My trick? When you feel that first bite, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to fully take the bait, and patience pays off with these crafty bottom dwellers.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our local fishing, running anywhere from schoolie size around 20 inches up to trophy fish over 40 pounds. These silvery fish with their distinctive dark stripes are structure-oriented, hanging around rocks, jetties, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round in different areas. What makes stripers special is their combination of size, fight, and table quality – they're powerful swimmers that'll test your drag and make great eating. They're also smart fish that require different approaches depending on conditions. The bite can range from subtle taps to rod-bending strikes. Here's something that works well in our area: during moving water, try drifting live eels near structure at dusk or dawn. Stripers are lazy – they'll position in current breaks and let the food come to them.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of the sea – they can change color instantly to match their surroundings. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see "doormat" fluke over 5 pounds that'll make your day. They're ambush predators that bury in sandy or muddy bottoms, both eyes on their left side watching for prey above. Best fishing runs May through October in depths from 10-100 feet, especially around structure edges and drop-offs. They're prized for their sweet, white meat and their surprisingly strong fight for a flatfish. What guests enjoy is the challenge – fluke have a light bite and you need to feel for that subtle tap. The key is using the right drift speed and keeping your bait moving just off bottom. When you feel a pickup, don't set the hook immediately. Let them run with it for a few seconds – they grab prey sideways and need time to turn it around.
Mastic Beach, NY