5.0(1 Reviews)After Work Inshore Fishing Charter in Long Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-hour inshore charter targeting striped bass and bluefishEvening departure maximizes active surface feeding opportunitiesAll equipment provided with hands-on guidance included
Captain Rick Gulia knows exactly when the fish start getting active around Port Jefferson – right when most people are calling it quits for the day. His 4-hour after-work charters target that sweet spot when striped bass, bluefish, and little tunny come alive in the fading light. You'll launch from Port Jefferson harbor and work the productive inshore waters where Long Island Sound meets the Atlantic influence, creating perfect conditions for multiple species. This isn't some rushed sunset cruise – it's serious fishing with a captain who's spent years learning these waters and knows how to put you on fish when they're feeding hard.
The beauty of this charter lies in its timing and approach. While everyone else is stuck in traffic, you're casting lines in some of Long Island's most productive inshore waters. Captain Rick provides all the tackle you'll need – from light spinning gear for scup and sea bass to heavier setups when the stripers are running thick. The 3-person capacity keeps things intimate and focused, so you're not competing for deck space or the captain's attention. You'll cover different structures and depth changes throughout the trip, from shallow flats where bluefish terrorize baitfish to deeper edges where bass patrol for easy meals. The real magic happens as daylight starts to fade – that's when surface action explodes and you'll see why evening fishing can outproduce midday trips by a huge margin.
Captain Rick runs a light tackle operation that maximizes the fight while still landing fish consistently. You'll work with live bait when the bite calls for it, plus an arsenal of artificials including soft plastics, topwater plugs, and metal jigs depending on what's working best. The inshore approach means constantly reading water conditions, bait movements, and structure changes. One minute you might be drifting over a productive hump with bucktails, the next you're casting plugs to breaking fish on the surface. Rick's hands-on instruction covers everything from proper jigging cadence to reading fish finder marks, plus he'll adjust techniques based on your experience level. Beginners get step-by-step guidance on everything from hook sets to playing fish, while experienced anglers appreciate the local knowledge and tactical adjustments that come from years of fishing these specific waters.
"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 range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers up to trophy bass pushing 40+ pounds during peak season. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest numbers, but summer evening trips consistently produce quality fish as they move shallow to feed on abundant baitfish. Stripers fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. What makes them special here is their predictable evening feeding behavior – as light levels drop, they become much more aggressive and less spooky.
Bluefish might be the most aggressive predators you'll encounter on this trip. These toothy torpedoes range from snapper blues perfect for kids up to chopper blues that'll test your drag system. They're most active during late spring through early fall, with evening surface feeds creating some of the most visual fishing you'll experience. When blues are blitzing baitfish on top, the action is fast and furious – just make sure to keep your fingers clear of those razor-sharp teeth. Their aggressive nature makes them great confidence builders for newer anglers.
Sea bass are the steady producers that keep rods bent when other species aren't cooperating. These bottom dwellers hang around structure and are active year-round in Long Island waters, with peak action during warmer months. They're excellent table fare and fight surprisingly hard for their size, often diving straight for the bottom when hooked. Sea bass fishing teaches proper bottom fishing techniques and helps anglers develop a feel for different types of structure.
Little tunny, or "albies" as locals call them, are the speed demons of the inshore world. These mini tunas show up during late summer and fall, creating some of the most exciting light tackle fishing available. They're incredibly fast, making blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Albies are notoriously picky eaters, so connecting with them requires precise presentations and quick reflexes. When you do hook up, get ready for a fight that's completely disproportionate to their size.
Scup, also known as porgy, are the underrated workhorses of Long Island fishing. They're abundant, bite consistently, and make excellent eating. While they might not win any awards for fighting ability, they're perfect for keeping kids engaged and learning proper bottom fishing techniques. Scup are most active during warmer months and often school in large numbers, making for steady action when targeting other species slows down.
Evening fishing represents some of the most productive and enjoyable angling Long Island has to offer, and Captain Rick's after-work charters tap into this perfectly. With only 3 spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention and prime fishing opportunities without the crowds. The combination of proven local knowledge, quality light tackle gear, and prime timing creates conditions for memorable fishing sessions. Whether you're looking to unwind after a tough day at work or want to experience Long Island's inshore fishing at its peak, this charter delivers the goods. Don't let another evening slip by – book your spot and discover why so many anglers consider sunset sessions the absolute best time to be on the water around Port Jefferson
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, peaking in summer. They range from snapper-size juveniles to chunky 5-8 pounders with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They hunt in schools along beaches, around structure, and wherever baitfish concentrate. What makes them exciting? They hit hard, fight dirty, and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. Fresh blues are excellent eating if handled properly - oil the meat quickly. They're perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing since they bite aggressively. Watch your fingers when handling them, and here's a pro move: use a wire leader or they'll bite through your line every time.
Euthynnus AlletteratusAlso called false albacore, these torpedo-shaped speedsters are pure adrenaline on the line. They average 8-15 pounds with that metallic blue back and distinctive black spots. You'll find them in open water near the surface, often chasing baitfish schools from late summer into fall. They're incredibly fast swimmers that will test your drag and your arms. While the dark meat isn't everyone's favorite, the fight is what people remember. When they're feeding on top, it's some of the most exciting fishing we get. Look for birds working or bait getting pushed to the surface. Quick tip: once hooked, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work - they'll run hard initially but tire faster than you'd expect.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as some call them, are underrated fish that show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall around Long Island. They're silver with that classic deep, compressed body and run about 8-12 inches on average. Look for them on sandy or rocky bottom in 15-50 feet, often around structure. They're excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's perfect pan-fried. Scup are great for beginners since they bite well and aren't too finicky about bait. They travel in schools, so action can be steady once located. Simple tip: use small hooks with squid or clam, and don't overthink it. A slow jig near bottom works well too.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, aggressive bottom dwellers that make great table fare. Most run 1-3 pounds with that classic black coloration and spiny dorsal fin. They hang around hard bottom - rocks, reefs, and structure in 20-80 feet of water. Spring through fall is your best bet, especially when water temps are in the 60s. Guests love them because they bite readily, fight surprisingly well for their size, and are some of the best eating fish we catch. They school up, so once you find them, you'll usually get into multiples. Here's the key: use just enough weight to hold bottom and keep your bait moving slightly - they like a little action on the offering.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Long Island fishing. These silvery fighters with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though we see some real giants pushing 50+. They love structure - rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and areas with good current flow. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration periods when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and never get old to catch. Evening trips are perfect since they often feed aggressively as light fades. Pro tip: when you feel that thump, don't set the hook right away - let them take it and start their run first.
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