Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter in Long Island, NY
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour guided charter targets striped bass and bluefish inshoreCaptain Rick provides all tackle and hands-on instruction includedSmall group experience accommodates up to three guests maximum
Captain Rick Gulia knows Long Island's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour afternoon charter with Long Island Light Tackle LLC targets the prime feeding hours when striped bass, bluefish, and fluke are actively hunting in the shallows. You'll fish the productive bays and nearshore structure where these species congregate, using light tackle techniques that make every fight more exciting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Rick provides all the gear and guidance you need to make the most of Long Island's world-class inshore fishery.
Your afternoon starts at the dock where Captain Rick briefs you on the day's game plan based on current conditions, tides, and fish activity. Long Island's inshore waters offer incredible diversity - one minute you're drifting over sandy flats for fluke, the next you're working rocky structure for blackfish or chasing bluefish blitzes in open water. Rick adjusts tactics throughout the trip, reading the water and moving to where the action is hottest. The 3-guest maximum keeps things personal and ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time. You'll learn proper technique, fish handling, and local hotspots while Rick shares stories from decades of guiding these waters. The afternoon timing is perfect - fish are often more active as the day progresses, and you'll avoid the early morning rush while still hitting prime feeding windows.
This charter specializes in light tackle fishing, which means more sensitivity to detect subtle bites and bigger fights from every fish. Rick provides top-quality spinning gear matched to the target species - lighter rods for weakfish and fluke, slightly heavier setups when bluefish are running thick. You'll use a mix of live bait like killies and sandworms, plus artificials including soft plastics, bucktails, and topwater plugs when conditions are right. Techniques vary by target - you might be bouncing jigs along the bottom for fluke, drifting live bait near structure for stripers, or casting poppers into feeding frenzies. Rick teaches proper jigging cadence, how to work soft plastics naturally, and when to switch between live and artificial baits. The light tackle approach makes 20-inch fluke feel like monsters and turns schoolie stripers into legitimate battles.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island inshore fishing, and these waters consistently produce fish from schoolie size up to legitimate keepers in the 28+ inch range. Spring and fall migrations bring massive schools through local waters, but resident fish provide action all season long. They're ambush predators that love structure - rocky points, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where baitfish get confused. Stripers hit both live bait and artificials aggressively, and their powerful runs on light tackle create heart-stopping moments. Captain Rick knows exactly where they stage based on tide, time of day, and bait movements.
Bluefish earn their reputation as some of the most aggressive predators in these waters, often announcing their presence with spectacular surface feeding displays. When blues are in the area, you'll see diving birds and bait spraying out of the water as these toothy predators slash through schools of bunker or snappers. They hit lures with incredible violence and fight dirty - making long runs and jumping unpredictably. Blues range from snapper size up to chopper blues over 10 pounds, and they're not picky about baits. Topwater action with blues is absolutely electric when conditions align.
Southern flounder, locally called fluke, are the flatfish kings of Long Island's sandy bottoms and grass beds. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and strike prey passing overhead with lightning speed. Summer fluke fishing is legendary here, with doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds regularly caught alongside keeper-sized fish in the 19-24 inch range. They require patience and technique - feeling the subtle tap-tap of a fluke mouthing your bait, then setting the hook at exactly the right moment. The light tackle makes detecting these subtle bites much easier.
Spotted weakfish are making a strong comeback in Long Island waters after years of decline, providing exciting opportunities for anglers who appreciate their delicate mouths and spirited fights. These silver beauties prefer deeper channels and drop-offs, often feeding in schools during moving tides. Weakfish have soft mouths that require careful handling and steady pressure rather than aggressive hook sets. When you find a school, the action can be fast and furious with multiple hookups.
Sea bass round out the roster as structure-loving bottom dwellers that provide consistent action around rocks, wrecks, and hard bottom areas. While they're not the biggest fish you'll encounter, black sea bass are pound-for-pound fighters that test your technique. They're excellent table fare and relatively easy for beginners to catch, making them perfect confidence builders during slower periods for other species.
Long Island's inshore waters offer some of the Northeast's most productive and diverse fishing, and Captain Rick's afternoon charters maximize your time on the most productive grounds. The combination of expert local knowledge, top-quality light tackle gear, and flexible targeting based on current conditions creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're hoping to land your first keeper striper, experience the chaos of a bluefish blitz, or master the subtle art of fluke fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The small group size ensures personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with different techniques. Book your afternoon inshore adventure with Long Island Light Tackle LLC and discover why these waters have earned their reputation as a premier fishing destination.
Captain Rick's 23-foot center console is built for Long Island's inshore waters, where striped bass and bluefish roam the shallows. This 1995 workhorse runs on a reliable 250 HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and smooth. The open layout gives you plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. Everything you need is onboard – the fish finder will show you what's swimming below, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over structure without spooking the bass. GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those hot afternoon sessions. With space for three anglers plus the captain, there's room to spread out whether you're casting to breaking bluefish or working the bottom for fluke. The center console design means easy access to all sides of the boat – perfect when the action heats up and fish are hitting from multiple directions around Long Island's productive inshore waters.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - these blue-green torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth can turn a quiet day into non-stop action. Most run 2-8 pounds around Long Island, though larger "choppers" over 10 pounds show up during peak season. They roam our bays, beaches, and offshore waters chasing schools of baitfish from summer into fall. When blues are feeding, the water literally boils with activity. Anglers love their hard strikes and bulldogging fights, plus smaller "snapper" blues are great for kids to catch. Fresh bluefish is delicious when prepared right - just bleed them immediately and keep them cold. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water churning, get there fast and throw anything shiny. Blues in a feeding frenzy will hit almost any lure you put in front of them.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our go-to bottom fish around Long Island's wrecks and rocky structure. These chunky, dark-colored fish average about a foot long and 2-3 pounds, with their big mouths and aggressive attitude making them fun targets for all skill levels. They live on hard bottom areas - shipwrecks, reefs, and jetties - usually in 20-60 feet of water. Summer into early fall is when they're most active in our waters. What guests love about sea bass is they bite hard and fight surprisingly strong for their size. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's a tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it for a second, then lift firm and steady.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFluke, or summer flounder as we call them locally, are the ultimate flatfish challenge. These masters of camouflage lie buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey, typically measuring 15-18 inches with some doormat-sized fish pushing 30+ inches. They prefer sandy bottoms in bays, inlets, and nearshore waters from spring through fall when water temps are right. Fluke are popular because they fight surprisingly hard for a flatfish and make excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The tricky part is detecting their subtle bite since they often pick up bait and swim with it before committing. Here's the key: when you feel weight or see your line moving sideways, count to three, then set the hook firmly. Patience pays off with these fish.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish, or "specks," are beautiful silvery fish covered in distinctive black spots that make them easy to identify. These ambush predators typically run 12-16 inches in our waters, though bigger ones over 20 inches show up regularly. You'll find them in shallow bays and grass flats where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish from the bottom up. Warm weather brings the best action - late spring through early fall when they move into our estuaries to feed. What makes weakfish special is their aggressive strikes on lures and their excellent table fare. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for grilling. One important tip: these fish have soft mouths, so once you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. A gentle touch will keep more fish in the boat.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Long Island fishing. These silvery fighters with their signature black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds here, though we see some real bulls pushing 50+. They love structure - jetties, drop-offs, and rocky bottoms where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration when they stack up along our shores chasing bunker and herring. What makes stripers special is their fight - they'll make long runs and put serious bend in your rod. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: when you're jigging near structure, let your lure hit bottom then work it slow. These fish often sit right on the deck waiting to pounce.
Long Island, NY