Full Day Inshore Fishing Charter in Long Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day inshore charter targeting striped bass and bluefishAll equipment and bait provided with expert guidanceSmall group experience for three guests maximum
Ready to spend eight solid hours on the water chasing some of Long Island's best fish? Captain Rick Gulia knows these coastal waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish. This isn't your typical tourist trip – we're talking about a serious day of fishing where you'll learn real techniques while targeting striped bass, fluke, blackfish, weakfish, bluefish, scup, and false albacore. Whether you're a weekend warrior or just getting your feet wet, Rick and his crew will make sure you're in the right spots at the right times with the right bait.
This eight-hour charter with Long Island Light Tackle LLC is built for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. Captain Rick runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – you'll get hands-on instruction without feeling like you're in fishing school. The boat stays focused on inshore and bay waters, which means you're not dealing with big ocean swells but still have access to productive fishing grounds. With only three guests max, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Rick provides all the tackle, so you don't need to worry about rigging up or bringing your own gear. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what's biting, tide conditions, and where the fish are holding. You might start the morning drift fishing for fluke, switch to casting at structure for stripers by midday, and finish up working the rips for blues and albies.
Captain Rick runs light tackle setups that are perfect for Long Island's inshore species. You'll be working with spinning reels and conventional tackle depending on what you're targeting. For striped bass, expect to throw plugs, soft plastics, and live bait around structure and drop-offs. Fluke fishing means bouncing bucktails and gulp baits along the bottom in 15-30 feet of water. When the bluefish are chopping, you'll switch to wire leaders and heavier jigs that can handle their razor-sharp teeth. The boat carries a full spread of tackle options, from light spinning gear for scup and weakfish to heavier setups when the big stripers are feeding. Rick's crew knows how to read the electronics and will position the boat perfectly for each drift or anchor spot. They'll teach you how to feel the bite, set the hook properly, and fight fish without losing them at the boat. Real-time coaching means you're learning techniques you can use on your own trips later.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Long Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish fight hard, grow big, and taste great on the dinner table. Spring and fall are prime time when schools of bass migrate through Long Island Sound and the south shore bays. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where they ambush baitfish. A good keeper striper runs 28 inches or better, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 40-plus inch cow that'll test your drag and your patience. The fight is what makes these fish special – they'll make powerful runs, shake their heads, and generally do everything they can to throw the hook.
Scup might not get the respect they deserve, but these tasty little fighters are a blast on light tackle. Also called porgy, these fish school up in huge numbers around rocky bottom and structure. They hit hard, fight tough for their size, and make excellent table fare. Summer is peak scup season when you can fill the cooler in a couple hours of steady action. They're perfect for getting kids or new anglers hooked on fishing since the bite is usually consistent and aggressive.
Spotted weakfish, or sea trout as the locals call them, are one of the most underrated gamefish in these waters. They've got a soft mouth that earned them the "weakfish" name, but don't let that fool you – these fish can pull drag and make blistering runs. They love grass flats and sandy bottoms where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Late spring through early fall is when you'll find the best action, especially on moving water during dawn and dusk. The key is using light leaders and keeping steady pressure without horsing them to the boat.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore waters. When they're feeding, you know it – birds working, bait scattering, and water exploding with activity. These fish are pure aggression with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through mono in a heartbeat. They school up in massive numbers during their spring and fall migrations, creating some of the most exciting fishing Long Island has to offer. A good blue will make long runs, jump, and fight dirty all the way to the net. They're also excellent eating when bled and iced properly, despite what some people say.
Eight hours on the water with an experienced captain who knows where the fish live – that's what you're getting with this Long Island inshore charter. Captain Rick's got the local knowledge, quality tackle, and patient teaching style that turns a good day into a great one. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just get away from the dock-talkers and actually catch some fish, this trip delivers. The small group size means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to get help with a tangle. Book your date now and get ready for a proper day of fishing in some of the Northeast's most productive inshore waters.
Your fishing platform is a classic 1995 23-foot center console that's built for serious angling on Long Island's productive waters. The open layout gives you and up to 2 other anglers plenty of room to work the rails when the stripers are running or the blues are blitzing. A reliable 250 HP Suzuki pushes this boat at speeds up to 38 knots, getting you to the fish fast and back to port when weather moves in. The fish finder helps locate baitfish and structure where bass and fluke hang out, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots trip after trip. An icebox handles your catch and cold drinks during those long summer days targeting false albacore. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Rick position the boat quietly over spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise. Marine VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and weather updates – essential for safe bay and inshore fishing around Long Island Sound.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that arrive in our waters around mid-June and stick around through October. These blue-green predators typically run 2-10 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in feeding frenzies along beaches, in bays, and around structure where baitfish gather. They hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the boat. The smaller "cocktail blues" are fantastic table fare - oily, rich meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Watch for bird activity and churning water - that's usually blues tearing into a school of baitfish. Here's what works: use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono like butter. When they're feeding, almost any flashy lure will work, but don't get your fingers near that mouth.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as the old-timers call them, are solid 12-18 inch fish that show up in good numbers from May through October when the water warms up. They hang around bottom structure - rocks, wrecks, and pilings - using their strong jaws to crush shells and grab worms. These silver-sided fish with their rainbow-tinted scales are perfect for families since they bite readily and fight well for their size. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in our waters with sweet, firm meat. They're also great live bait for stripers. Pro tip: use a high-low rig with small hooks and squid or clam. When you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away - let them take it and run a bit first.
Cynoscion NebulosusWeakfish are beautiful silver fish with faint spots that typically run 12-16 inches, though they can hit 3 feet in good years. Around Long Island, they're mostly found in our bays and near-shore waters over sandy bottom and grass beds, usually in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall are your best bets when they move into the shallows to feed. They're ambush predators with big canine teeth that hit lures hard and make decent runs. The meat is excellent - sweet and flaky when cooked right. Their mouths are soft though, so you've got to be careful not to horse them in. Here's the key: when one hits your lure, don't speed up your retrieve right away. Let them get it good, then give a smooth hookset and keep steady pressure.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing. These silvery fighters with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in our waters, though bigger ones show up regularly. They love structure - rocks, drop-offs, and tide lines where baitfish gather. Best fishing happens during their spring and fall migrations when they're actively feeding. Dawn and dusk are prime time, especially around moving water. What makes them special? They fight hard, grow big, and taste great on the table. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast. The stripers are usually underneath pushing bait up, and that's when you'll get your best shots at a keeper.
Long Island, NY