5.0(1 Reviews)Evening Striped Bass Charter Mastic Beach NY
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour evening charter targets striped bass and bluefish species.All fishing equipment and New York licenses included with trip.Family-friendly inshore fishing accommodates up to four guests maximum.
If you're looking for a solid evening bite on Long Island's South Shore, this three-hour fishing charter out of Mastic Beach delivers exactly what local anglers have been raving about. Captain Paul runs a top-rated operation that welcomes everyone from first-timers to seasoned stick holders, departing right at 5:30 PM when the evening feed starts heating up. You'll be targeting prime species like stripers, blues, fluke, and sea bass in some of the most productive inshore waters around. Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, and your New York fishing license – so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler.
This customer favorite evening trip puts you right in the sweet spot when fish start moving and feeding gets active. Mastic Beach sits perfectly positioned to access both the bay systems and nearshore Atlantic waters, giving Captain Paul plenty of options depending on conditions and what's biting best. The family-friendly atmosphere means kids are more than welcome – it's actually a great way to get young anglers hooked on the sport. You'll spend three solid hours working different spots, and Captain Paul knows exactly where to find the action based on tide, weather, and seasonal patterns. The boat handles four guests comfortably, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowded conditions. Pack some snacks, bring polarized sunglasses, and use reef-safe sunscreen – you'll be glad you did when that evening sun starts reflecting off the water.
Captain Paul runs a well-equipped charter that takes the guesswork out of gear selection. You'll be using quality spinning and conventional setups matched to whatever species are running hot. Depending on conditions, expect to work everything from live bait presentations to bucktails and soft plastics. Evening fishing around Mastic Beach often means working structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish concentrate and gamefish follow. The captain adjusts techniques based on what's producing – some nights it's drifting with bait, other times it's casting plugs or working jigs around productive bottom. Water depths range from shallow bay flats to deeper channel edges, and having local knowledge makes all the difference. Maritime regulations are strictly followed, ensuring sustainable fishing practices while maximizing your chances at keeper-sized fish. The three-hour window is perfectly timed to hit prime evening feeding periods without keeping you out past dark.
"Captain Paul was excellent! The trip had a nice balance of laid-back moments and steady action. We caught a mix of fish and a few unexpected critters, then wrapped things up with a relaxing sunset ride. Overall, a really enjoyable experience!" - Jim
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing, and Mastic Beach waters hold some beauties. These fish are most active during moving water – incoming and outgoing tides create feeding opportunities that experienced anglers live for. Stripers around here range from schoolie size up to legitimate keepers pushing 30+ inches. They're ambush predators that love current breaks, structure, and anywhere baitfish get pushed around. What makes catching stripers so addictive is their fight – they'll make powerful runs and put that rod tip to work. Spring through fall offers the best action, with evening hours often producing the most consistent bites.
Bluefish bring pure excitement to any fishing trip with their aggressive feeding style and hard-hitting strikes. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Blues around Mastic Beach typically run from snapper size up to chopper blues that'll test your drag system. They're not picky eaters – live bait, cut bait, jigs, and plugs all produce when they're feeding. The evening hours often trigger feeding frenzies that create some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll experience. Handle them carefully – those teeth are razor sharp and they know how to use them.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the perfect target for anglers who enjoy finesse fishing. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying in wait on sandy bottoms before ambushing prey with lightning-quick strikes. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique – feeling the subtle tap-tap of a fish mouthing your bait, then timing the hookset perfectly. The waters around Mastic Beach hold quality fluke from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from throwback size up to genuine doormat proportions. Their fighting style is unique – powerful head shakes and determined runs toward bottom structure.
Black Sea Bass are structure-oriented fighters that provide consistent action around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom areas. These chunky fish are excellent table fare and put up a scrappy fight relative to their size. Sea bass season runs from late spring into fall, with fish typically holding tight to bottom structure during daylight hours. They're opportunistic feeders that respond well to both bait and jigs worked close to bottom. What anglers love about sea bass fishing is the reliable action – when you find them, you can usually count on steady bites.
Southern Flounder and Scup round out the target species list, each offering their own fishing challenges and rewards. Southern flounder behave similarly to summer fluke but tend to prefer slightly different habitat zones. Scup, also called porgy, are aggressive biters that provide excellent action for beginning anglers while still challenging experienced fishermen. Both species are most active during warmer months and respond well to natural baits fished near bottom structure.
This world-class evening fishing experience combines productive waters, expert guidance, and the perfect timing that makes Long Island fishing legendary. Captain Paul's local knowledge and commitment to putting guests on fish has made this charter a trending choice among both locals and visiting anglers. The three-hour format gives you serious fishing time without
Hit the productive waters around Mastic Beach aboard this solid 25-foot Trophy Walkaround that knows how to find fish. Repowered in 2020 with a reliable 250HP Mercury that'll cruise at 30 knots, getting you to the hot spots while there's still good light. The stable hull cuts through chop smoothly, so you can focus on working your lines instead of fighting seasickness. Built-in fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of stripers and blues, while the GPS keeps you on productive structure. Clean head onboard for longer trips, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Perfect size for up to 4 anglers without feeling cramped when everyone's hooked up. The walkaround design gives you 360-degree fishing access, whether you're casting plugs at feeding fish or dropping baits on the bottom for fluke. Captain Paul keeps this boat fishing-ready year-round, so you'll spend more time with lines wet and less time dealing with mechanical issues.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, scrappy fighters that hang around structure from late spring through early fall. Most run 1-4 pounds and about 12-16 inches, with the bigger males showing off bright blue colors during spawning season. Find them around wrecks, rocky bottoms, jetties, and pier pilings in 20-120 feet of water. They're excellent eating - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. What guests love is how these fish really dig when hooked, using their broad bodies to fight hard until they break the surface. They're curious fish too, often coming right up to check out the boat. Here's a local trick: when you're fishing structure for them, drop your bait right to the bottom then reel up a foot or two. They like to grab baits just off the bottom rather than lying in the sand.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that show up here from late spring through fall, and they'll hit just about anything that moves. Most weigh 2-8 pounds, but the bigger ones can really test your drag. You'll find them in schools chasing baitfish in open water, around jetties, or right in the surf. They're known for their feeding frenzies - when they're on, it's fast action with multiple hookups. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and fight hard right to the boat. They make decent table fare when fresh, though the bigger ones can be a bit strong. What I love about blues is they're great for beginners - they're not picky about bait and really bend the rod. Pro tip: use a wire leader or they'll bite through your line, and watch your fingers when unhooking them.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies as we call them locally, are reliable bottom dwellers that show up in good numbers from May through October. These silver, deep-bodied fish typically run 10-14 inches and make excellent table fare with sweet, firm white meat. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, bridge pilings, and structure where they use their strong jaws to crush mussels and crabs. They're perfect for beginners since they bite readily and fight harder than their size suggests. What's nice about scup is they're consistent - when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They migrate offshore in winter but stick close to shore during warmer months. While not the flashiest fish, they're great eating and often save the day when other species aren't cooperating. My tip: use small hooks with squid or clam pieces right on the bottom. These fish have small mouths, so downsize your tackle for better hookups.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flat, oval fish lie buried in sand with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches around here, though we've seen some push over two feet. They love sandy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, especially during warmer months. What makes them fun is their sneaky feeding style - they'll nail a bait so subtly you barely feel it. The meat is excellent, mild and flaky when cooked right. These fish can actually change colors to match the bottom they're sitting on, which is pretty wild to watch. My tip: when you feel that light tap, count to three before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways first, then turn it to swallow.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of local fishing - these silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes can range from schoolie size up to 40+ pounders. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and moving water from the surf zone out to deeper channels. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but we catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is their strong fight and excellent table quality - the meat is sweet and flaky. They're smart fish that can be picky about baits, which makes landing one even more satisfying. Structure-oriented by nature, they love bridges, jetties, and underwater humps. Evening fishing can be prime time when they move shallow to feed. Local tip: look for moving water and baitfish activity. When fishing live bait, let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook - they like to turn baitfish headfirst before swallowing.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as most locals call them, are the chameleons of the seafloor. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can grow much larger - the females get huge, sometimes pushing 26 pounds. They bury themselves in sand and mud on bay bottoms and nearshore areas, using their amazing camouflage to ambush passing baitfish. Best fishing is late spring through fall when they move into shallow water to feed. What makes them special is watching them change colors to match the bottom, plus they're fantastic eating. The meat is sweet, white, and flaky. These fish are ambush predators, so they'll often follow your bait before striking. My go-to tip: use a slow drift with the current and keep your bait moving just off the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, give them a few seconds to turn the bait before setting the hook.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Paul was excellent! The trip had a nice balance of laid-back moments and steady action. We caught a mix of fish and a few ...
Mastic Beach, NY