5.0(1 Reviews)After Work Inshore Fishing in Port Jefferson
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting striped bass and bluefishEvening departure captures peak feeding activity at sunsetAll equipment provided with handson guidance for beginners
There's something magical about hitting the water when most folks are heading home from work. Captain Rick Gulia knows this better than anyone, and his 4-hour after-work charters from Port Jefferson have become the go-to escape for anglers looking to squeeze in some serious fishing before dark. This isn't your typical weekend trip – it's designed for those who live and breathe fishing and can't wait until Saturday to get their line wet. The timing couldn't be better, as the fading daylight often triggers aggressive feeding behavior that makes for some of the most productive fishing you'll find on Long Island's north shore.
Captain Rick keeps things simple but effective on these after-work runs. You'll meet at Port Jefferson Harbor, where the boat's already rigged and ready to roll. The 4-hour window might sound tight, but Rick's been working these waters long enough to know exactly where to find fish when time matters. The trip focuses on inshore structure and current breaks where striped bass, bluefish, and other local favorites like to ambush baitfish. Don't worry about bringing tackle – everything's provided, from the rods and reels down to the bait and terminal tackle. Rick matches the gear to the conditions, so whether you're dealing with finicky sea bass on light tackle or aggressive bluefish that'll hit anything moving, you're covered. The beauty of these evening trips is the relaxed vibe combined with serious fishing knowledge. Rick's not just positioning the boat – he's reading the water, watching the birds, and adjusting techniques in real time based on what the fish are telling him.
Inshore fishing around Port Jefferson means adapting to what the fish want, when they want it. Rick runs a variety of techniques depending on what's happening that day. Live bait fishing with bunker or eels is deadly for striped bass, especially around structure where they like to hold. When the fish are up and feeding on top, you might find yourself casting plugs or working soft plastics through the water column. The boat's equipped with light tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run – that's half the fun of inshore fishing. Bottom fishing comes into play when targeting sea bass and scup around rocky structure, using traditional rigs with squid or clam. Rick's approach is hands-on, meaning he'll show you how to work a jig, explain why certain spots hold fish, and help you read your rod tip to detect subtle bites. The 3-person limit keeps things intimate, so there's plenty of room to move around and individual attention when you need it. GPS and fish finder technology help locate productive areas, but Rick's local knowledge of seasonal patterns and fish behavior is what really puts you on the bite.
"We had a fantastic night of summer fishing with Captain Rick. He was great to spend time with, knew the local area very well, knew exactly where the fish were and what the fish were feeding on, and told great fishing stories. The weather was perfect and we caught many fluke and multiple over slot striped bass. This is your guy for seeing the best of angling in the area and we will definitely book an outing with Captain Rick again." - Dennis
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are built for fighting, with powerful shoulders that'll test your drag and a stubborn attitude that makes every hookup feel earned. Around Port Jefferson, you'll find them from late spring through fall, with the best action often happening during those magic hours when the light starts to fade. School bass in the 20-28 inch range are common and great fun on light tackle, while the real trophy fish – those 35+ inch cows – show up when conditions are right. What makes stripers special is their aggressive feeding behavior when they're on the bite. You might see them blasting through schools of bunker on the surface, creating feeding frenzies that get your heart racing before you even get a rod in your hands.
Bluefish earn their reputation as one of the hardest fighting fish in local waters. These toothy predators hit lures and bait with incredible aggression, often jumping and tail-walking when hooked. They're most active during summer and early fall around Port Jefferson, typically running in schools that can provide non-stop action when you find them. Blues are perfect for anglers who want consistent action – they're not picky eaters and will demolish everything from metal jigs to cut bait. The key with bluefish is having a good leader, because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through regular line in a heartbeat.
Sea bass might not win any beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound fighters that know how to use structure to their advantage. These bottom dwellers love rocky areas, wrecks, and any kind of hard structure where they can ambush prey. They're most active from late spring through early winter around Long Island, with the bigger fish often found in slightly deeper water. What makes sea bass fishing exciting is the technique – you need to feel the bottom, work your bait just right, and set the hook quickly when you feel that distinctive tap-tap bite.
Little tunny, also known as false albacore, are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your tackle. These mini-tunas show up in late summer and fall, often feeding on the surface in fast-moving schools. When you hook into one, you'll know it immediately – they peel line off the reel like their tail's on fire and fight way above their weight class. Targeting little tunny usually means covering water quickly and being ready to cast to breaking fish when you see them. They're perfect for light tackle enthusiasts who want to experience what it's like to battle a member of the tuna family without needing offshore gear.
Scup, or porgies as the locals call them, are the perfect species for building confidence and keeping your rod bent. These smaller fish are abundant around Long Island during warmer months and provide
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the bulldogs of our waters - aggressive, toothy, and always ready to fight. They run anywhere from 2-15 pounds around here, traveling in schools and absolutely demolishing whatever baitfish they find. Summer through early fall is peak season when they're feeding heavily before their southern migration. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them, from plugs to cut bait. What guests love is the consistent action and that raw power they bring to the fight. Plus, smaller blues are great eating when prepared fresh. Fair warning - keep your fingers clear of those razor-sharp teeth when unhooking them. Best tip: when you find feeding birds working the surface, there's likely blues underneath pushing bait up, so get your lure in there fast.
Euthynnus AlletteratusFalse albacore, or albies, are like little torpedoes built for speed. These 10-15 pound speedsters show up in late summer and fall, often busting bait right on the surface near jetties and drop-offs. They're pure adrenaline - fast runs, screaming reels, and they never give up easy. What makes them special is the visual fishing - you'll see them crashing baitfish with birds diving overhead. They prefer warmer water and stay near the surface in schools. The meat is darker and stronger than regular tuna, but fresh albie is actually quite good. Here's the trick: when you spot them working bait on top, get your lure in front of the school fast and retrieve it quickly - they won't chase a slow-moving target, but they'll hammer something that looks like fleeing baitfish.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are those silver-sided, deep-bodied fish that show up in good numbers from May through October in our local waters. They typically run 8-12 inches and love hanging around bottom structure, feeding on clams, worms, and small crabs with those strong jaws. While they're not going to give you a blazing fight, they're consistent biters and make solid table fare with firm, white meat. Kids and beginners love them because they're willing to bite and relatively easy to hook. They school up tight, so once you locate them, action can be steady. Pro tip: use small hooks and keep your bait right on the bottom - they're not coming up to chase anything, but they'll grab a piece of squid or clam sitting in the sand.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, aggressive fighters that hang around structure like wrecks, rocks, and jetties in 20-80 feet of water. Most run 1-3 pounds, but they're built like little tanks with those big mouths full of sharp teeth. They're most cooperative from late spring through early fall when water temps warm up. What guests love about them is they bite hard, fight dirty for their size, and make excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's restaurant quality. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more down there. Here's the key: use just enough weight to stay on bottom, and when you feel that tap-tap-tap, set the hook quick - they'll steal your bait and disappear back into the rocks.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Long Island fishing, running 20-40 pounds on average with that classic fight everyone talks about. These fish love structure - rocks, drop-offs, anywhere baitfish gather. They're most active during dawn and dusk when they push bait to the surface, creating those feeding frenzies you'll see birds working over. Spring through fall is prime time as they migrate up and down the coast. What makes them special? They pull hard, taste great, and give you that classic stripped bass run. Local trick: when you see them busting bait on top, don't cast right into the school - throw ahead of where they're moving and let your lure drift back into the action.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a fantastic night of summer fishing with Captain Rick. He was great to spend time with, knew the local area very well, knew...
Long Island, NY