Full Day Guided Fishing Trip in Long Island, NY
Long Island's inshore waters offer some of the Northeast's best fishing, and Captain John knows exactly where to find the action. This 9-hour guided trip puts you right in the heart of prime fishing grounds, targeting striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, false albacore, and black sea bass. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you'll have everything you need for a successful day on the water. With space for up to three adults or two adults and two kids, it's perfect for families looking to create lasting memories or small groups wanting to escape the everyday grind.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with Captain John, who's been working these waters for years and knows every productive drop-off, structure, and current break around Long Island. The boat is fully rigged and ready to go, so you can focus on what matters most – catching fish. You'll cover a variety of inshore spots throughout the day, from shallow flats where stripers cruise for baitfish to deeper waters where black sea bass hold tight to structure. The captain reads conditions in real-time, adjusting tactics and locations based on weather, tides, and fish activity. Expect to move around quite a bit as you follow the bite, and don't be surprised when Captain John suddenly fires up the engine because he's spotted birds working or found fish on the finder. This private charter means the day is all about your group's success, with personalized instruction and plenty of one-on-one guidance to help you land more fish.
Tackle & Techniques
All your gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you don't need to worry about hauling equipment or wondering if you have the right setup. Captain John runs quality spinning and conventional tackle matched to the species you're targeting. For striped bass, you'll likely be throwing live eels, bunker, or plugs depending on conditions. Bluefish respond well to metal jigs and wire leaders, while weakfish prefer lighter tackle and softer baits like squid strips or gulp plastics. When false albacore are running, you'll switch to lighter spinning gear with small metals or soft plastics that mimic the tiny baitfish they're chasing. Black sea bass fishing involves dropping baited rigs to the bottom near structure, where these tasty fish hold tight to rocks and wrecks. The captain handles all the rigging and will teach you the techniques that work best in these waters, from proper jigging motions to reading your rod tip for subtle bites.
Top Catches This Season
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing, and these waters consistently produce quality fish from schoolies to trophy-sized cows. These fish are incredibly strong fighters that make blistering runs and dig deep when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, with the best action often happening during moving tides around structure. What makes stripers special is their intelligence – they're not easy to fool, which makes landing one that much more rewarding. Bluefish bring pure aggression to the fight, hitting baits hard and never giving up until they're in the net. These toothy predators school up in massive numbers during their runs, creating fast-paced action that keeps everyone busy. Spotted weakfish, also called sea trout, offer a more finesse-style fishing experience with their soft mouths and tendency to drop the hook if you're too aggressive. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spots and make excellent table fare when handled properly. Black sea bass might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're scrappy bottom dwellers that fight hard for their size and are absolutely delicious. They're structure-oriented fish that require precise presentations, making every hookup feel earned.
Time to Book Your Spot
Long Island's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and Captain John's local knowledge gives you the best shot at success. This top-rated charter combines quality equipment, proven techniques, and prime fishing locations into one comprehensive package. With no meals included, you can pack your own snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up during the 9-hour adventure. The small group size means personalized attention and the flexibility to adjust tactics based on what's working best. Whether you're after a trophy striper for the wall or a cooler full of table fare, this customer favorite trip delivers consistent results in some of the Northeast's most productive waters. Book now to secure your spot with one of Long Island's most renowned guides and experience why anglers keep coming back season after year.