Fall Blitz and Blackfish Charter - Long Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fall blitz fishing targeting striped bass, bluefish, and albiesSpot lock technology for precise blackfish and bottom fishingAll equipment and bait provided with expert guidance
Captain Rick Gulia knows Long Island's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and when fall rolls around, there's no better time to get out there and take advantage of the seasonal blitz action. This top-rated charter combines the best of both worlds – fast-paced surface feeding frenzies and methodical bottom fishing for some of the region's most sought-after species. With only three anglers max, you'll get personalized attention whether you're a seasoned stick or just learning to read the water. Rick provides all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need for a successful day on Long Island Sound and the surrounding inshore grounds.
Fall fishing around Long Island is legendary for good reason. When the water starts cooling down in September and October, baitfish stack up in massive schools, and the predators aren't far behind. You'll spend your day moving between hot spots, looking for bird activity, bait balls, and those telltale surface explosions that mean game fish are feeding. Captain Rick uses advanced electronics and spot lock technology to keep the boat positioned perfectly when you find cooperative fish. The morning might start with casting to breaking stripers and blues, then shift to precision bottom fishing for blackfish and sea bass as conditions dictate. Every trip is different based on what the fish are doing, but Rick's decades of experience mean you'll always be fishing where the action is hottest. The boat is set up for comfort during long fights and quick moves between spots, with plenty of room to work a fish without getting tangled up with your fellow anglers.
This charter is all about versatility and adapting to what the fish want on any given day. For the blitz fishing, you'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics, depending on how the fish are feeding. Rick keeps an arsenal of proven Long Island patterns – swimmers, poppers, and metals that have been putting fish in the boat for years. When the surface bite slows down, it's time to switch gears and target the structure for blackfish and bottom dwellers. This means dropping down jigs tipped with green crabs or clams, working rocky areas and wrecks where these fish like to hang out. The spot lock system is a game changer here, keeping you right on top of productive structure without constantly adjusting position. All rods and reels are provided and matched to the techniques you'll be using, from medium-heavy spinning setups for casting to stouter conventional gear for bottom fishing. Rick will walk you through the rigging and technique for each style of fishing, making sure you understand not just how to do it, but why certain presentations work better in different situations.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island inshore fishing, and fall is prime time to connect with some serious fish. These guys follow the bait migrations, feeding heavily before their winter move south. You'll find them anywhere from schoolie size up to real cows pushing 30-plus inches. They're incredibly fun to fight, with powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag system. The fall blitz period means they're often feeding aggressively on the surface, giving you shot after shot at casting to visible fish.
Bluefish earn their reputation as some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean, pound for pound. During the fall run, they show up in massive schools, creating feeding frenzies that are absolutely wild to witness. These toothy predators will hit just about anything you throw at them when they're in feeding mode, and they'll peel drag like fish twice their size. Captain Rick always keeps wire leaders handy because blues will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
Little tunny, or albies as most local anglers call them, are the speed demons of the inshore scene. These small tunas are incredibly fast and put up a fight that's way out of proportion to their size. They're picky eaters though, often requiring downsized tackle and precise presentations. When you hook one, get ready for blistering runs that'll make your reel sing. They typically show up during the fall months when water temperatures are just right.
Tautog, also known as blackfish, are the bulldogs of the bottom. These fish live around structure and are famous for their powerful, head-shaking fights that seem to come from fish twice their size. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Fall through early winter is prime blackfish season around Long Island, and Captain Rick knows all the best wrecks and rocky areas where these fish congregate.
Sea bass are another bottom dweller that really turns on during the fall months around Long Island. These aggressive feeders will hit baits hard and put up a scrappy fight all the way to the boat. They're excellent table fare and often cooperative enough to provide steady action when other species are being finicky. You'll typically find them around the same structure that holds blackfish, making for productive mixed-bag fishing.
Captain Rick Gulia's fall charter combines decades of local knowledge with modern fishing technology to put you on the best inshore action Long Island has to offer. With only three anglers per trip, you'll get the personalized instruction and prime fishing spots that make for memorable days on the water. Whether you're looking to experience your first blitz or add some quality blackfish to the cooler, this world-class charter delivers the goods. The fall season is relatively short, and the best days book up fast once word gets out about hot fishing. Don't wait until the reports start flooding the tackle shops – secure your spot now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing the Northeast has to offer.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the aggressive predators that make fall fishing exciting here. These silver-blue torpedoes typically run 3-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and bad attitudes. They travel in schools, slashing through baitfish in feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitz." Fall migration brings them close to shore as they follow bait south. You'll find them in open water, around inlets, and wherever there's action on the surface. What guests love is the non-stop action when you hit a school - they'll hit anything that moves. They're decent eating when fresh, but it's really about the excitement. Fall is peak time when they're thick and aggressive. Pro tip: bring wire leaders because they'll bite through regular line, and watch for churning water or bird activity. When you find them, work fast - they can disappear as quickly as they showed up. Any shiny lure or fresh cut bait works great.
Euthynnus AlletteratusLittle tunny, or "albies" as we call them, are pure adrenaline on the water. These torpedo-shaped fish average 10-15 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. You'll spot them by their dark metallic blue color with wavy black lines and distinctive spots. During fall migration, they school up in open water chasing baitfish, creating surface explosions that get your heart pumping. They prefer warmer water near the surface around inlets and points. What makes them special is their raw power - they'll strip line like crazy and test your equipment. While they're not the best eating due to their red meat, the fight is what people remember. Fall is prime time when they're thick in our waters. Pro tip: when you see birds working, get there fast and cast small lures or flies into the chaos. They're picky, so match the bait size exactly.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that hang around hard bottom structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas where they hunt crabs and clams. Most of our sea bass run 1-2 pounds, though we get some nice 3-4 pounders. Fall is excellent for them as they're fattening up before moving offshore for winter. They're aggressive feeders and great for all skill levels since they bite well on both cut bait and jigs. What guests love is the steady action and the fact they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - firm, white, sweet meat that's restaurant quality. They school up, so when you find one, there's usually more below. My tip: use a light jig and let it hit bottom, then work it slowly. They'll often grab it on the drop. The spot-lock keeps us right over the structure where they live.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our fall fishing here on Long Island. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds, with their distinctive black stripes making them easy to spot. During fall migration, they're feeding heavily on baitfish like bunker and herring as they head south. You'll find them around structure - jetties, drop-offs, and anywhere the current pushes bait. Fall is prime time when they're aggressive and closer to shore. What makes stripers special is their strong fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish though, so we often fish dawn and dusk when they're most active. Pro tip: watch for diving birds - they'll lead you right to feeding bass. The spot-lock technology really helps us stay on productive water when we find them stacked up.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are the bulldogs of our local waters - thick, powerful, and stubborn as they come. Most run 2-5 pounds with big shoulders and tough attitudes. They live around rocky structure, wrecks, and jetties where they crush mussels and crabs with their strong jaws. Fall is prime time before they head deeper for winter. What makes tautog special is their incredible fight in tight quarters and excellent eating - firm, white meat with a sweet flavor. They're smart and structure-oriented, so precision matters. You need to get your bait right to them since they won't chase far. The spot-lock technology is crucial for staying positioned over their rocky homes. Pro tip: use green crabs, crush some shells around your fishing spot to create scent, and change baits every few minutes. When they bite, set the hook hard and pull them away from structure fast or they'll wrap you up.
Long Island, NY