Full Day Wreck Fishing Charter in Mastic Beach
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Eight-hour ocean charter targeting Striped Bass from Mastic BeachAll equipment and New York fishing licenses included for passengersProfessional captain guides trips to productive local reefs and wrecks
Captain Paul knows the waters off Mastic Beach like the back of his hand, and this eight-hour charter puts you right on top of the most productive wrecks and reefs where striped bass love to hang out. Starting at 6 AM sharp, you'll head out into open water with everything you need already on board – rods, reels, tackle, and even your fishing license. This isn't some rushed half-day trip where you barely get your line wet. We're talking a full day of serious fishing where you can really dial in your technique and put some quality fish in the cooler. The waters around Mastic Beach hold some of the best bottom fishing on Long Island, and these wrecks are absolute magnets for everything from keeper bass to fat fluke.
You'll meet Captain Paul at the Mastic Beach marina before sunrise, and by the time most people are having their morning coffee, you'll already be running toward the first spot. The boat's rigged for serious bottom fishing, with plenty of rod holders and a fish box that stays ice-cold all day. Paul's got a reputation for putting his anglers on fish, and he's not shy about moving spots if the action slows down. These local wrecks sit in anywhere from 30 to 80 feet of water, creating perfect structure that holds baitfish – and where there's bait, there's always something bigger looking for an easy meal. The beauty of this charter is that it works for everyone. If you're new to saltwater fishing, Paul will get you set up and show you the ropes. If you've been fishing these waters for years, you'll appreciate his willingness to try different techniques and hit the spots that are firing that day.
We're talking classic bottom fishing here – high-low rigs loaded with circle hooks and enough weight to keep your bait right where it needs to be. Captain Paul runs quality gear that can handle everything from schoolie bass to doormat fluke, and he's always got fresh bait on ice. Live bait is the name of the game when the bass are being picky, but don't be surprised if he switches things up with some cut bait or even artificial lures when the fish are aggressive. The wrecks create incredible structure – twisted metal and debris that provides cover for smaller fish, which in turn attracts the predators we're after. Paul uses his fish finder to position the boat perfectly, often anchoring up-current from the wreck so your baits drift right into the strike zone. The technique is straightforward but effective: drop your rig to the bottom, take up the slack, and stay alert for that telltale thump that means game on.
Striped Bass are the main event here, and for good reason. These fish are absolute fighters that'll test your drag and your patience. Spring and fall bring the best bass fishing, when they're feeding heavily during their migrations. You'll find everything from schoolies around 18 inches up to keeper bass that'll go 10 pounds or more. What makes bass so special is their fight – they'll make powerful runs and try to wrap your line around the wreck structure. Plus, they're fantastic eating when prepared right.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are hands-down some of the most challenging and rewarding fish in these waters. They're masters of camouflage, lying flat on the bottom waiting to ambush prey. The bigger ones – those doormat fluke over five pounds – are like winning the lottery. They hit with a subtle tap that you might mistake for a crab, then suddenly your rod doubles over. Fluke season peaks in summer, and the wrecks hold some real trophies.
Black Sea Bass might not be the biggest fish out there, but they make up for size with attitude. These guys are scrappy fighters that love wreck structure, and they're absolutely delicious. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and once you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Their firm white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the ocean – pure aggression with fins. When a school of blues moves through, it's like a feeding frenzy. They'll hit anything that moves and fight like they're twice their size. Summer brings the best bluefish action, and while they're oily compared to other species, they're excellent when fresh and prepared properly.
Southern Flounder are less common but highly prized when they show up. They're typically smaller than their summer flounder cousins but just as tasty. These fish prefer slightly warmer water and are more likely to be caught during the warmer months around structure.
Scup, also known as porgy, are the bread and butter of wreck fishing. They might not win any beauty contests, but they're abundant, willing biters that provide steady action when the bigger fish are being finicky. Kids especially love catching scup because they bite aggressively and are easy to catch. They're also excellent pan fish with sweet, flaky meat.
This full-day charter with Captain Paul gives you the real deal – eight solid hours on proven fishing grounds with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The four-person capacity means you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with a crowded boat. Everything's included except your lunch and drinks, so just show up ready to fish. The early 6 AM start might seem rough, but trust me, you'll be glad you're on the water while the fish are still feeding. These Mastic Beach wrecks have been producing quality catches for decades, and there's no substitute for spending a full day learning the nuances of how these fish behave around structure. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious bottom fishing action off Long Island.
This 25' Trophy Walkaround gets you to the fishing grounds fast with its repowered 250HP Mercury engine, cruising at 30 knots to reach those productive reefs and wrecks where the stripers are biting. The cabin cruiser handles Long Island's ocean swells like a champ, keeping your group of 4 comfortable during the full 8-hour bottom fishing session. Captain Paul's boat comes loaded with GPS to pinpoint the hotspots and a fish finder to locate schools holding near structure. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the marine head means no cutting trips short. Clean, reliable, and built for serious striped bass fishing, this walkaround puts you on the fish whether you're working live bait around the wrecks or dropping down to the bottom. All your rods, reels, and tackle are provided, plus NY fishing licenses for everyone aboard.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are the perfect reef fish - chunky, hard-fighting, and delicious on the table. These guys love structure, hanging around our local wrecks, rocks, and reefs in 20-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males with their distinctive humped heads can push 6+ pounds. They're here from late spring through early fall when water warms up, with summer being prime time. What makes them great targets is their willingness to bite and strong initial fight before they tire out. The meat is sweet and firm, similar to grouper. They're also fascinating - they start as females and change to males as they grow larger. My favorite technique is dropping squid or clam strips on a high-low rig right to the bottom, then bouncing it slightly. They usually hit hard and fast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that'll give you a real workout on medium tackle. These voracious predators travel in schools, hitting everything from anchovies to squid with those razor-sharp triangular teeth. Most blues we catch run 2-8 pounds, but when the big choppers show up, you might hook into 15+ pounders that'll test your drag. They're found throughout our coastal waters from spring through fall, with peak action during their feeding blitzes in summer and early fall. What guests love is the explosive strikes and hard runs - these fish don't give up easy. Fresh blues are excellent eating when prepared right, with firm, flavorful meat. Pro tip: when you see diving birds working over baitfish, get there fast. Blues often feed in a frenzy, and you can catch multiple fish quickly using metal spoons or poppers.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are those scrappy little fighters with the big attitudes. These silver-sided fish typically run 8-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they fight hard on light tackle. You'll find them around structure, rocks, and pilings where they use those strong jaws to crush mussels and crabs. They show up in good numbers from May through October, with summer being prime time in 15-60 feet of water. What guests enjoy is the steady action - scup are eager biters and great for kids or anyone wanting consistent fishing. They're also surprisingly good eating with sweet, white meat. Often you'll catch them while targeting other species. My tip is to use small hooks with pieces of squid or clam, and don't be afraid to downsize your tackle for maximum fun.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are those fascinating flatfish with both eyes on one side - pretty wild when you see it for the first time. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to strike passing baitfish, shrimp, and crabs. Most run 15-18 inches, but you can land some nice ones pushing 25+ inches in deeper water. They're master camouflagers, changing color to match the bottom perfectly. Best fishing happens late spring through fall when they move into our shallower bays and nearshore waters. What makes them special is their unique appearance and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My go-to trick is using live finger mullet or bull minnows on a simple Carolina rig, and fishing it slow along sandy edges where they like to hide.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are the king of our local waters - powerful, smart, and built for the long haul. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes average 20-40 pounds around here, but 50+ pounders cruise our reefs and wrecks. They're structure-oriented fish, loving the rocky bottom, drop-offs, and current breaks we fish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during their epic migration periods. What makes them special is everything - the strong fights, their intelligence that keeps you guessing, and exceptional table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're also beautiful fish with real character. My local secret is using fresh bunker or eels near the bottom around dawn and dusk when they feed most actively. Patience pays off with these fish - they can be picky but the reward is worth it.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder, or fluke, are the ultimate flatfish challenge around here. These "door mats" can grow huge - we regularly see fish over 20 inches, with some monsters pushing 8+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand waiting for baitfish, using incredible camouflage that changes to match the bottom. Peak season runs May through October in our local bays, inlets, and nearshore waters. What anglers love is the surprise factor - you never know if that tap is a keeper or a trophy fish. Plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The key trick I share is using a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing, and working it with a slow lift-and-drop motion along sandy bottom edges where they hide.
Mastic Beach, NY