Full Day Long Island Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Nine-hour private inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesCaptain John provides expert guidance for all skill levelsAll fishing gear and tackle included with trip
Captain John knows these Long Island waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish. This 9-hour private charter targets some of the most popular species around – striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, false albacore, and black sea bass. Whether you're bringing the family or heading out with a couple buddies, this trip accommodates up to three adults or two adults with two kids. Don't worry about experience level – Captain John works with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers, making sure you get the most out of your day on the water.
You'll spend your day working the productive inshore waters around Long Island, where structure and current create perfect feeding zones for multiple species. Captain John picks spots based on current conditions, season, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of a 9-hour trip is having time to really dial in the bite – you're not rushed, so if one spot isn't producing, there's plenty of time to move and find active fish. The intimate group size means personalized attention and more fish per person. Captain John handles all the navigation and fish-finding, so you can focus on what you came for – catching fish and enjoying the day.
All your gear and tackle come included, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait. Captain John stocks quality equipment that matches the fishing conditions and target species for the day. Depending on what's biting, you might be casting lures around structure for stripers, drifting chunks for blues, or working the bottom for black sea bass. Live bait often comes into play when targeting weakfish, while false albacore usually call for fast-moving lures and light tackle. The captain adjusts techniques throughout the day based on fish activity and conditions. If you have favorite lures or prefer certain techniques, bring them along – local knowledge combined with your preferred style often produces the best results.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing, and these waters hold some real quality fish. Spring and fall offer the best action when schools move through during migration, but summer residents provide consistent opportunities. These fish are smart and can be picky, making them a rewarding challenge for any angler. When you hook into a good striper, you'll feel why they're called one of the best fighting fish on the East Coast. They'll make runs, shake their heads, and test your drag system.
Bluefish bring non-stop action when they're around. These aggressive predators travel in schools and compete for every bait that hits the water. Summer months typically offer the best bluefish action around Long Island, with fish ranging from snappers to larger "choppers" that can stretch the tape past 15 pounds. They're excellent table fare when handled properly, and the fast action makes them perfect for keeping kids engaged throughout the trip.
Spotted weakfish, or "sea trout," are prized for their delicate bite and excellent eating quality. These fish require a bit more finesse – they have soft mouths and can be particular about presentation. Early morning and evening hours often produce the best weakfish action, and they tend to hold around structure in deeper water. When conditions are right, you can get into some fantastic weakfish fishing that'll have you coming back for more.
Black sea bass are the perfect bottom fish for this kind of trip. They're abundant around Long Island's rocky areas and wrecks, and they're excellent eating. While they might not be the biggest fighters, they're consistent biters and great for filling the cooler. The regulation-size fish typically run 2-4 pounds, with occasional larger specimens. They're also perfect for less experienced anglers since they bite well and aren't too challenging to land.
This top-rated Long Island fishing experience gives you everything needed for a successful day on the water. Captain John's local knowledge, quality equipment, and personalized approach make this a customer favorite among both locals and visitors. The private charter format means you're not competing with a crowded boat, and the 9-hour duration provides real value compared to shorter trips. With multiple target species and techniques, there's always something biting in these productive Long Island waters. Don't wait – the best dates fill up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons.
The MarCeeJay is your ticket to productive fishing in Long Island's prime inshore waters. This well-equipped 23-footer from 2006 gives you and two other anglers plenty of room to work the rails while chasing stripers, blues, and whatever else is biting. Captain John knows these waters inside and out, and with the boat's fish finder helping locate schools, you'll spend more time with lines tight than searching empty water. The GPS keeps you on the productive spots while the VHF radio ensures safe communication with other boats and marine traffic. Between the multimedia system for tunes during travel time and the onboard head for convenience during those long 9-hour trips, you've got everything needed for a comfortable day targeting Long Island's best gamefish. Whether you're working live bait for bass or casting metals for false albacore, this boat handles the inshore conditions with ease.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, dark-colored fish that love structure - wrecks, rocky bottoms, jetties, and old pilings. Most of what we catch runs 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can hit 6+ pounds and have that distinctive hump on their heads. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're shallow, usually in 20-80 feet around here. They're scrappy fighters that head straight for cover when hooked, so you need to turn them quick. Excellent table fare with sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're curious fish that'll often follow your bait up before committing. Best trick: drop your bait to the bottom, then lift it a foot or two and hold it there. They like to see movement but want it close to structure where they feel safe.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive fighters that show up in schools around Long Island from late spring through fall. Most run 3-10 pounds, but the bigger "choppers" over 15 pounds really put up a battle. They roam open water but push baitfish into shallow bays and along surf beaches during feeding frenzies. When they're on, the action is fast and furious - you'll see them churning the water as they attack schools of bunker or snappers. They hit hard and make strong runs with those razor-sharp teeth. Great on the table when fresh, especially the smaller ones. My advice: use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon - they'll bite through regular mono in a heartbeat. When you find a school, work fast because they move quickly once spooked.
Cynoscion NebulosusSpotted weakfish are sleek silver fish with scattered dark spots that usually run 12-16 inches, though bigger ones around 20+ inches show up regularly. They hang in shallow coastal waters over sandy bottoms and around seagrass beds, typically in 10-30 feet of water. Summer months are best when they move into our bays and estuaries to feed. They're ambush predators that hit hard and make decent runs, but you need to be careful - their mouths are soft and hooks pull out easily. The meat is excellent, mild and flaky when cooked right. Here's the key: when one hits, don't horse it in. Keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. They'll often hit shrimp, squid strips, or small jigs worked slowly near the bottom.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we've landed some real monsters pushing 50+. They love structure - rocky points, jetties, and drop-offs where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time when they're migrating along our coast, feeding heavily on bunker, herring, and eels. What makes them special is that powerful fight once hooked - they'll make long runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Pro tip: when you see birds working the surface or bait breaking water, get your lines out fast. That's usually stripers pushing bait up from below.
Elwood, NY