Full Day Wreck Fishing for Striped Bass
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Eighthour ocean charter targeting striped bass from Mastic Beach watersAll tackle, rods, and New York fishing licenses included with bookingProfessional captain guides groups through productive local reefs and wrecks
Captain Paul's eight-hour wreck fishing charter is what serious anglers talk about when they want the real deal. We're talking about a 6:00 AM departure from Mastic Beach that puts you right on top of the most productive wrecks and reefs where the big stripers hang out. This isn't some tourist boat packed with 30 people fighting for rail space – just you and three other anglers working the structure where the fish actually live. Everything's included: rods, reels, tackle that actually works, and your New York fishing license. Captain Paul knows these wrecks like his own backyard, and he'll put you on fish whether you've been doing this for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold.
This is bottom fishing the way it should be done. We're not racing around chasing birds or burning fuel on wild goose chases. Captain Paul runs a tight ship to the productive structure where striped bass, black sea bass, summer flounder, and scup set up shop. The eight-hour window gives us plenty of time to work different wrecks and adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day. You'll be fishing with live bait and proven bottom rigs that actually produce results. The boat handles four anglers comfortably, so everyone gets their space to work without tangled lines and frustrated cursing. Captain Paul keeps things professional but relaxed – he's there to put you on fish and make sure you follow all the regulations so you can keep what you're legally allowed to take home.
Wreck fishing is all about getting your bait down to where the fish are holding and keeping it there. We're using circle hooks with live bait – usually squid, clams, or whatever's working best that day. The key is getting enough weight to hold bottom in the current while keeping your bait natural-looking. Captain Paul sets everyone up with the right tackle for the conditions, usually conventional reels with enough drag to pull fish away from the structure before they cut you off. The wrecks hold fish because they provide cover and attract baitfish, but they'll also steal your tackle if you don't know what you're doing. That's why having an experienced captain who knows how to position the boat and read the structure makes all the difference between going home with a cooler full of fillets or just stories about the ones that got away.
Striped Bass are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These fish use the wrecks as ambush points, waiting for baitfish to get pushed by the current. A good keeper striper runs 28 inches or better, and the big cows can push 40-plus inches and fight like they're twice that size. They're most active during the moving water on either side of the tide change, and they'll absolutely destroy your drag if you're not ready. What makes stripers special is their fight – they'll make long runs, shake their heads, and use every piece of structure they can find to try to break you off.
Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish out there, but they're some of the best eating you'll find. These guys live right on the bottom around the wreck structure, and they hit hard and fast. A good sea bass runs 14-16 inches, and the bigger ones can surprise you with how much fight they pack into that compact body. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and great table fare. Sea bass season typically runs spring through fall, and they're one of the most reliable species you'll encounter on the wrecks.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as most anglers call them, are the ultimate challenge for bottom fishermen. These flatfish can grow huge – the bigger doormat fluke can push 8-10 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in the sand near structure and wait for baitfish to swim by. What makes fluke fishing so addictive is that you never know when you're going to hook into a true giant. They fight differently than other fish too – more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle that tests your drag and your patience.
Southern Flounder are smaller than their summer cousins but they're still a blast to catch and excellent on the table. They use the same ambush tactics as summer flounder but they're usually more aggressive about hitting your bait. A good southern flounder runs 12-16 inches, and they're perfect for anglers who want to put some variety in their cooler.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the wreck scene. When they move in, you'll know it – they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. Blues can range from snapper size up to chopper blues that push 10-15 pounds. They're excellent for novice anglers because they're not picky about bait and they fight hard enough to get anyone's adrenaline pumping. Fresh bluefish is also some of the best eating you'll find if you ice them down properly.
Scup, or porgy, are the perfect confidence-builder fish. They're abundant around the wrecks, they bite aggressively, and they're excellent table fare despite their smaller size. A good scup runs 8-12 inches, and they're perfect for keeping kids and inexperienced anglers engaged when the bigger fish aren't cooperating. They also make excellent bait for the larger predators if you want to try some live-lining tactics.
This is the kind of fishing trip that fills up fast, especially during peak season when the stripers are running heavy. Captain Paul's reputation for putting clients on fish and running a professional operation means his calendar gets booked weeks in advance by anglers who know what they want. The eight-hour format gives you real value – enough time to work multiple spots and adjust tactics without feeling rushed. With only
This 25' Trophy Walkaround gets you to the fishing grounds fast with its repowered 250HP Mercury, cruising at 30 knots to hit those productive Mastic Beach wrecks and reefs. Captain Paul's boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, with a stable platform that stays quiet when you're working live bait for stripers. The fish finder helps locate structure where the bass are holding, while the GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 8-hour day. The walkaround design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the cabin provides shelter when you need a break from the sun. All your rods, reels, and tackle are provided, plus NY fishing licenses for the whole crew. This reliable boat has been putting anglers on striped bass for years, focusing on bottom fishing techniques that work whether you're a beginner or seasoned angler. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, so you can stay on the water when the bite is hot and make the most of your ocean fishing adventure.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that love our local wrecks and rocky structure. Most fish we catch run 1-4 pounds and 12-16 inches, perfect eating size. They hang tight to hard bottom in 20-120 feet of water, making them ideal targets for our reef and wreck fishing. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. Guests enjoy them because they fight hard for their size and taste fantastic - sweet, firm white meat that's tough to beat. These fish are also pretty curious, so they'll often investigate your rig. Here's something I've learned over the years: when you're fishing structure for sea bass, drop your bait right to the bottom, then reel up just a foot. They like to grab food just off the bottom.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that'll give you a real fight once hooked. These guys typically run 3-8 pounds around here, though bigger ones show up regularly. You'll find them in schools hunting baitfish near the surface, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. They hit our local waters hard from late spring through fall, following the bait migrations. What guests love is their raw power and willingness to hit almost anything - they're not picky eaters. The meat is tasty when fresh, especially smaller fish. Fair warning though: watch your fingers when handling them - those razor-sharp teeth can do serious damage. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water boiling with activity, get there fast. Bluefish blitzes don't last long.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are excellent eating fish that often surprise first-time anglers with their scrappy fight. These silver-scaled bottom feeders typically run 8-14 inches and make up for size with numbers and attitude. They love rocky areas, reefs, and around structure where they hunt for crabs and worms. May through October is peak season when they move inshore with warmer water. Guests enjoy them because they're cooperative biters and taste great - firm, sweet meat that's perfect fried or baked. They're also fantastic live bait for bigger fish like striped bass. Here's what works: small hooks with squid or clam, fished right on the bottom. Don't be surprised if you catch a dozen while targeting other species - that's just scup being scup.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are fascinating flatfish that live life sideways with both eyes on their left side. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to grab passing prey. Most run 15-18 inches, though we've seen some push over 2 feet. They love shallow sandy bottoms near structure - perfect for our local waters. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're active in warmer water. What makes them special is their chameleon-like ability to change colors and match the bottom perfectly. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a tip that works well out here: when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder often grab bait sideways first, then turn to swallow it properly.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the king of our local waters and the main target of this charter. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds around our reefs and wrecks, with some real cows pushing 50+ pounds. They love structure - that's why we focus on productive reefs where they ambush baitfish. Spring and fall are prime time, but we catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is their incredible fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also smart fish that can be challenging, which keeps things interesting. The secret out here is fresh bait presented right on the bottom. Live eels work magic, but fresh bunker chunks will do the trick too. Keep your drag smooth - these fish will test your equipment.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as most locals call them, are the chameleons of our waters. These flatfish can change color instantly to match whatever bottom they're lying on. Most keepers run 18-24 inches, but we get some real doormat-sized fish pushing 6-8 pounds. They prefer sandy bottoms with some structure nearby, ambushing baitfish that swim overhead. September through November is when they really turn on before heading offshore for winter. Guests love the challenge - fluke can be finicky biters and require some patience. The payoff is worth it though; they're among the best eating fish in our waters. My go-to technique: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and keep it moving along the bottom with a slow retrieve.
Mastic Beach, NY