Full Day Guided Fishing Trip in Long Island, NY
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Ninehour inshore fishing trip targeting striped bass and bluefishPrivate charter accommodates up to three adults with all gear includedCaptain John provides guidance for anglers of all experience levels
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The MarCeeJay is your ticket to prime fishing grounds around Long Island's productive inshore waters. This 23-foot motorboat cuts through the waves with ease, getting you to where the stripers and blues are biting without wasting precious fishing time. Built for serious anglers, she's equipped with a fish finder to locate schools, GPS to hit those honey holes, and VHF radio to stay connected with the fishing fleet. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining during slower periods, while the marine head means no rushed trips back to shore. Captain John knows every productive reef, channel edge, and structure where bass stage up and bluefish feed. With room for three adults or a family setup, the boat handles Long Island Sound's waters smoothly while you work jigs, live bait, or topwater plugs. All tackle is provided, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines. Whether you're casting to breaking fish or bottom fishing for sea bass, this setup delivers everything needed for a productive day targeting Long Island's best game fish.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, dark-colored bottom dwellers that love hanging around wrecks, rocks, and structure in 20-120 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can hit 8+ pounds and develop a distinctive hump on their heads. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn. They're scrappy fighters that make great eating - firm, white, sweet meat that's hard to beat. What's wild is they're all born female and change to male as they grow. My go-to tip: use a two-hook rig with squid or clam, but keep it moving slightly off bottom - they'll chase a slow-moving bait.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive feeders that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, typically weighing 3-15 pounds. These blue-green torpedoes have razor-sharp teeth and attack schools of baitfish in feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitzes." You'll find them in open water, near beaches, and around structure where bait concentrates. They're perfect for beginners because they hit almost anything and fight hard. The smaller "cocktail blues" taste best - sweet, flaky meat when fresh. Pro tip: bring wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon because those teeth will cut through regular line like butter. Watch for diving birds to locate the action.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish are silver beauties with distinctive spots along their backs, usually running 12-16 inches in our local waters. Despite the name, they're actually drum family fish that make croaking sounds underwater. Look for them in shallow bays and grass flats, especially during warmer months when they move inshore to feed. They're ambush predators that hit fast and fight well for their size. The meat is sweet and flaky - real table fare. Here's the trick: their mouths are soft, so once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't horse them in. A smooth retrieve prevents the hook from tearing out.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our Long Island waters. These silver-sided fighters typically run 20-40 pounds around here, with those distinctive dark stripes making them easy to spot. They love structure - rocks, drop-offs, and bridges where baitfish gather. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're actively feeding near shore. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and you never know if the next one will be a keeper or a trophy. The key tip I share: watch for birds diving on bait pods early morning or late evening - that's where you'll find hungry stripers waiting below.
Elwood, NY