Half Day Inshore Fishing Charter Mastic Beach NY
Captain Paul's afternoon fishing charter puts you right in the heart of some of Long Island's most productive inshore waters. This four-hour trip launches at noon and takes full advantage of the prime afternoon bite when the bays and inlets around Mastic Beach come alive with feeding fish. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking for a solid half-day outing, this charter delivers consistent action on multiple species. All your gear, tackle, and New York fishing license are covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical dock-fishing experience. Captain Paul runs a mobile operation, moving between productive spots throughout the trip to keep you on the fish. The afternoon departure timing hits the sweet spot when Striped Bass start their feeding runs, Fluke move into the shallows, and Bluefish schools fire up in the back bays. You'll fish a mix of structure and open water, targeting everything from keeper Stripers cruising the channel edges to doormat Fluke lying in the sand. The boat handles beautifully despite its age thanks to a recent repower, and Captain Paul's local knowledge means you're fishing the right spots at the right time. Families love this trip because it's accessible for all skill levels while still producing quality fish that get everyone excited.
Tackle and Techniques
Captain Paul sets you up with quality rods and reels matched to the fishing conditions, plus a tackle box full of proven local favorites. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting - drift fishing with bucktails and gulp baits for Fluke, chunking with fresh bunker for Stripers, and casting small metals when the Blues are busting bait on top. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one minute you're bouncing bottom for Black Seabass around structure, the next you're watching your drag scream as a nice Striper takes off with your bait. All the terminal tackle is provided, from sinkers to hooks to leaders, and Captain Paul will rig everything and show you exactly how each technique works. If you've never fished these waters before, you'll leave with a solid understanding of how to read the conditions and target different species.
Customer Stories
"We had an awesome day on the water with Captain Paul! The boat may be older, but it's been recently re-powered and ran great, giving us a smooth and comfortable ride. He worked hard throughout the trip, moving us to four different spots, and each one delivered fish. The standout catch was a 26-inch doormat fluke—definitely one to remember. It's clear he knows these waters inside and out and is focused on making sure everyone enjoys the trip. Highly recommend booking with Captain Paul for a fun and productive day!" - Lawrence
"We were searching for a private charter on Long Island for my son and his dad, who uses a wheelchair, and that's when we found Captain Paul. He reached out right away and shared that he had been working on ways to accommodate wheelchair access, which meant so much to us. Thanks to his effort and care, my son and his dad enjoyed an experience we truly didn't think would be possible. It's something we'll always be thankful for." - Michael
"Captain Paul made our Father's Day truly special. He had all the gear ready, walked us through everything we needed to know, and made sure we were comfortable the entire time. We're already planning to book another trip with him!" - Venus
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of these waters, and the afternoon bite can be absolutely fantastic. These fish range from schoolie size up to keeper bass over 28 inches, with the occasional bruiser pushing 30-plus. Stripers love the moving water around inlet mouths and channel edges, especially when the tide is running. They're aggressive fighters that make long runs and test your drag, which is why anglers keep coming back for more. The best action typically happens from late spring through fall, with summer afternoons producing some of the most consistent catches.
Summer Flounder, or Fluke as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Long Island inshore fishing. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush passing bait. What makes them so exciting is you never know when you'll hook into a true doormat - those 4-5 pound fish that stretch the tape past 24 inches. Fluke fishing requires patience and feel, as their bite can be subtle, but the payoff is worth it. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families looking to bring dinner home.
Bluefish bring the excitement factor to any trip when they're around. These aggressive predators travel in schools and attack bait with a vengeance, often creating spectacular surface action. Blues in these waters typically run 2-5 pounds, perfect for light tackle fun. They hit hard, fight dirty, and test your knots with their razor-sharp teeth. When the Blues are blitzing, it's some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll find on Long Island, with multiple hookups and non-stop action that gets everyone on the boat pumped up.
Black Sea Bass are the perfect target species for bottom fishing around local structure. These chunky fighters don't run far, but they use their broad sides and powerful tails to dig deep and test your tackle. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, with the occasional keeper over 15 inches. They're curious fish that investigate baits thoroughly, and once hooked, they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Black Sea Bass also happen to be outstanding eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Scup, also known as Porgy, round out the mixed bag and provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. These silver-sided fish are abundant in local waters an
5.0(5 Reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Top Rated
Mastic Beach, NY
Four
