5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Striped Bass & Flounder Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour morning charter targets striped bass and flounder inshoreAll tackle, rods, and fishing licenses included with expert guidanceFamily-friendly trip accommodates up to four guests of all skill levels
Looking for a solid morning on the water without burning your whole day? Captain Paul's four-hour inshore charter out of Mastic Beach delivers exactly what you're after. We're talking about productive fishing in some of Long Island's most consistent waters, targeting the species that make this area famous among local anglers. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're an experienced angler wanting to explore new waters, this trip hits the sweet spot between serious fishing and family fun.
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when these inshore species are most active. Captain Paul knows every inlet, bay, and drop-off around Mastic Beach like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using decades of local knowledge. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you might be fighting a chunky striped bass, the next you could be bringing up a doormat flounder. All your gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, plus your fishing license is covered. The boat handles up to four anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up. Parents should double-check life vest sizes for smaller kids or bring their own to be safe. Don't forget polarized sunglasses to cut the glare and some snacks and drinks – four hours goes by fast when the fish are biting.
Inshore fishing around Mastic Beach means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Captain Paul runs a mix of techniques depending on conditions and target species. For stripers, you might be throwing bucktails or live bait around structure, or working soft plastics along the drop-offs. Flounder fishing typically means bouncing rigs along the bottom with squid or spearing, moving frequently to cover productive flats and channels. When the bluefish are around, they'll hit just about anything that moves, making for fast action that's perfect for keeping kids engaged. Black sea bass love structure, so expect to fish around rocks, wrecks, and reefs where these tasty bottom dwellers hang out. Captain Paul provides all the terminal tackle and knows exactly what presentations work best for each species in these waters. He'll also handle all the local regulations and size limits, so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about the rules.
"We had a very enjoyable time fishing with Captain Paul." - Scott "It was a wonderful experience with Captain Paul. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the trip enjoyable from start to finish. We're already looking forward to coming back next year." - Joanne
Southern Flounder are some of the most sought-after fish in these waters, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying perfectly still on sandy bottoms until unsuspecting bait fish swim overhead. They typically run 14-20 inches in these waters, with the occasional doormat pushing 24 inches or more. Spring and fall are prime time for flounder fishing, when they're actively feeding before their seasonal migrations. What makes catching flounder so satisfying is the fight – they use their flat bodies like a sail, creating surprising resistance for their size. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the inshore scene, and when they're around, you'll know it. These toothy predators travel in schools, slashing through baitfish with reckless abandon. They'll hit lures, live bait, or chunks with equal enthusiasm, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Summer months bring the best bluefish action, with fish ranging from snapper blues perfect for kids to full-grown choppers that'll test your drag. Their aggressive strikes and strong runs make every hookup exciting, though you'll want to watch those teeth when handling them.
Black Sea Bass are the reef specialists, hanging around structure where they ambush crabs, small fish, and squid. These fish are built like little bulldogs, with big mouths and stubborn attitudes once hooked. They typically run 12-16 inches in local waters, with the occasional jumbo pushing 20 inches. Late spring through early fall offers the best black sea bass fishing, when they're in shallow water and actively feeding. What anglers love about sea bass is their willingness to bite – they're not particularly spooky, and a well-presented bait or jig will usually get their attention. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Summer Flounder, also known as fluke, are the larger cousins of southern flounder and represent some of the most prized catches in local waters. These fish can grow massive – we're talking about potential 25-30 inch fish that'll make your drag scream. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Summer is obviously prime time for these fish, when they're in shallow water and actively feeding. The thrill of fluke fishing comes from never knowing what size fish might grab your bait – that little tap could be a keeper or it could be a wall-hanger that'll be the highlight of your fishing season.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing, and these waters produce some beautiful fish year after year. Spring and fall migrations bring the most consistent action, with fish ranging from schoolie bass perfect for beginners to larger fish that'll put a serious bend in your rod. Stripers are smart, adaptable fish that'll eat everything from live eels to artificial lures, depending on conditions and bait availability. What makes striper fishing so addictive is their fighting ability – they make long runs, jump occasionally, and never give up until they're in the net. Whether you're targeting them with live bait around structure or casting lures in open water, striped bass represent the pinnacle of inshore
This 25-foot Trophy Walkaround cuts through Mastic Beach waters with serious fishing power. Repowered in 2020 with a 250HP Mercury that pushes her to 30 knots, she'll get you to the striped bass grounds in no time. The walkaround design gives you room to move when fighting fish, while the cabin offers shelter between bites. Modern fish finder helps locate schools, GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. With an onboard toilet for comfort during those four-hour morning runs, this clean, well-maintained boat handles up to 4 anglers perfectly. Her stable platform makes landing flounder easy and gives you confidence when the stripers are running. Built for the Long Island inshore game - from the back bays to the inlet mouths where the action heats up.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting fish that love hanging around structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom. Most run 1-4 pounds, though we see some pushing 8 pounds. They're bottom dwellers with big mouths and an attitude to match - once hooked, they'll try every trick to get back to their rocky hideouts. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What makes them interesting is how the bigger males develop a bright blue color and a hump on their heads during spawning. They're also fantastic table fare with sweet, firm white meat. The trick with sea bass is getting them up fast once hooked - they'll dive straight back into the rocks and cut your line if you give them slack. Use squid strips or sea worms on a high-low rig and keep steady pressure.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that arrive in our waters around mid-June and stick around through October. These silver-sided predators typically run 3-15 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through anything. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water, around jetties, and along the surf line. They travel in schools and when they're feeding, the action gets wild fast - we call it a "bluefish blitz" when they're churning the surface. What guests love is their hard fighting style and how they'll hit almost any moving lure or bait. Fresh blues are great eating too, especially the smaller "snappers." Best fishing happens during moving tides when baitfish are active. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds, get there quick - blues are probably underneath slashing through a bait school.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are small but scrappy fish that show up in big numbers from May through October when the water warms up. They typically run 8-14 inches with compressed bodies, strong jaws, and sharp dorsal spines that'll get you if you're not careful. These bottom feeders love hanging around rocks, pilings, and hard structure where they crush clams, crabs, and worms with their powerful teeth. While they're not huge fighters, they make up for it in numbers and they're surprisingly good eating - sweet, white meat that's perfect fried whole. Kids especially love catching them because they bite readily and fight harder than you'd expect for their size. They also make excellent live bait for stripers. My tip: use small hooks with pieces of clam or squid, fish right on bottom around structure, and be ready - when you find a school, you can fill the cooler fast.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are fascinating flatfish with both eyes on their left side, making them perfectly adapted for life on the bottom. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to strike at passing shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Most run 15-18 inches, though bigger ones up to 33 inches show up. You'll find them in our shallow bays, around creek mouths, and near structure during warmer months. Fall and early winter are prime time when they move through our area heading offshore. What makes them special is their incredible camouflage - they can actually change colors to match the bottom. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. My go-to tip: use a slow drift with live finger mullet or shrimp on a light jighead, and be patient - they often mouth the bait before committing.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the king of our inshore waters and what most anglers dream about catching. These silver-sided fighters with distinct black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though schoolies in the 18-28 inch range keep things busy. They love structure - jetties, bridge pilings, drop-offs, and anywhere current brings baitfish. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action, but we catch them year-round in our bays. What makes them special is their incredible fight and how they're both beautiful and delicious. They're smart fish that can be picky about baits, but when they hit, you know it. The meat is firm and sweet - perfect for the grill. Local tip: focus on the moving water during tide changes, especially around dawn and dusk. Live bunker or eels work great, but don't overlook soft plastics worked near bottom around structure.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the chameleons of our waters - they can change color instantly to match the bottom. These flatfish are active predators that chase down baitfish when they're not ambushing from the sand. Most range 15-20 inches, but we see plenty of "doormat" fluke over 5 pounds that really test your tackle. They prefer sandy bottom around 15-60 feet, especially near drop-offs and channels with good current flow. September through November is peak season when they're fattening up before heading offshore. What guests love is their strong fight and how they're considered some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My local secret: drift with a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of fluke belly or squid, and keep it moving just off bottom with a slow, steady retrieve.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a very enjoyable time fishing with Captain Paul.
It was a wonderful experience with Captain Paul. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the trip enjoyable from start to finish....
Mastic Beach, NY