Half Day or Full Day Long Island Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5 or 12-hour inshore fishing trips with Captain JohnTarget striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and black sea bass locallyAll gear provided, accommodates up to 3 adults or families
Captain John's got the inside scoop on Long Island's hottest inshore fishing action, and he's ready to put you right in the middle of it. Whether you've got 5 hours to spare or want to make a full day of it with a 12-hour adventure, this private charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters – striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, false albacore, and black sea bass – all while working the productive grounds that locals have been hitting for generations. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip; it's a hands-on fishing experience where you'll learn the ins and outs of Long Island's inshore scene from a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
From the moment you step aboard, Captain John's focused on one thing: putting fish in the boat. This top-rated charter accommodates up to three adults comfortably, or if you're bringing the family, two adults and two kids make for the perfect crew size. The beauty of a private trip is that everything revolves around what you want to catch and how you want to fish. Maybe you're all about the adrenaline rush of a bluefish blitz, or perhaps you're after that trophy striper that's been haunting your dreams. Captain John reads the conditions, checks the tides, and adjusts the game plan accordingly. You're not just along for the ride – you're getting a masterclass in Long Island fishing from someone who's been working these waters for years. All your essential gear and tackle are provided, so you can focus purely on the fishing without worrying about rigging up or whether you've got the right setup for the conditions.
Long Island's inshore fishing is all about versatility, and Captain John's got the techniques dialed in for whatever the day throws at you. Depending on conditions and target species, you might find yourself drifting with live bait over structure, casting plugs into breaking fish, or working jigs along the bottom for black sea bass. The tackle selection is spot-on for these waters – medium to heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from schoolie stripers to bull bluefish without breaking a sweat. When the false albacore are running, expect to switch gears completely with lighter tackle and smaller lures that mimic the baitfish these speed demons are chasing. Captain John's always got an eye on the fish finder and knows exactly when to move spots if the action slows down. The boat's rigged with everything you need – from circle hooks for live bait fishing to a variety of artificials that have proven themselves in these waters time and again.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful when they come to the boat. Spring and fall migrations bring some of the best striper action you'll find anywhere on the East Coast, with fish ranging from schoolies that are perfect for beginners to cow bass that'll test your skills and your tackle. What makes stripers so special is their fighting ability – they'll make long runs, dive for structure, and keep you guessing right up until they're in the net. The satisfaction of landing a quality striper on Long Island waters is something every angler needs to experience.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip, and when they're feeding, it's pure chaos in the best possible way. These toothy predators hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're boat-side. Summer months are prime time for blues around Long Island, and when you find a school feeding on the surface, it's game on. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Plus, fresh bluefish on the grill is tough to beat – just ask Captain John for his favorite preparation tips.
Black sea bass might not get the headlines, but they're customer favorites for a reason. These bottom dwellers are found around structure and rocky areas, and they're absolutely delicious table fare. They fight with surprising strength for their size and have a habit of diving straight for cover when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, and Captain John knows exactly where to find them when they're biting. There's something satisfying about the steady thump-thump fight of a quality sea bass, and they're perfect for anglers who appreciate both the fight and the fillets.
This world-class Long Island fishing experience delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality fishing, expert guidance, and the kind of memories that keep you planning your next trip before you've even made it back to the dock. Captain John's reputation speaks for itself, and spots on this renowned charter fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you choose the half-day option to get a taste of what Long Island's inshore scene has to offer or commit to the full-day adventure for maximum fishing time, you're setting yourself up for the kind of trip that reminds you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what locals consider some of the best fishing the Northeast has to offer. Book your charter with MarCeeJay Sport Fishing today and get ready to see why Long Island's inshore waters have earned their reputation among serious anglers.
Meet the MarCeeJay, your floating fishing headquarters for targeting Long Island's best inshore species. This 23-foot motorboat cuts through local waters with ease, equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing striped bass, bluefish, and whatever else is biting. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on the productive spots Captain John knows well. Stay connected with marine radio and enjoy tunes from the multimedia system between bites. Built in 2006, she's got the experience to handle Long Island's varying conditions, whether you're working the shallows for stripers or hitting deeper structure for sea bass. With comfortable seating for up to 3 anglers and an onboard head for convenience, the MarCeeJay lets you focus on what matters – putting fish in the cooler. Perfect size for maneuvering into those tight spots where the big fish hide.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect for anglers who like steady action and great eating. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically weigh 1-4 pounds and love hanging around structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, jetties, and old pilings in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is your best bet when they move inshore to feed and spawn. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're consistent biters and absolutely delicious on the table. What's wild is they're all born female and change to male as they grow - the bigger ones with the pronounced forehead hump are the males. My go-to rig is a simple two-hook bottom setup with squid strips. Drop it down near structure and be ready - they bite fast and light.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression with fins. These steel-blue predators typically run 2-10 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them roaming open water and shallow bays, especially during their summer feeding frenzies when they corner baitfish in a churning mess we call a "blitz." June through September is prime time when they're thick in our waters. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and smaller ones make excellent table fare when handled right. Fair warning - those razor-sharp teeth will slice you up if you're not careful. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water exploding with baitfish, cast right into the chaos. Blues will hit almost anything moving through that feeding zone.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Long Island fishing. These silver-sided beauties with their signature black stripes run 20-40 pounds typically, though we see some real bruisers pushing 50+. They love structure - rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and areas where baitfish gather. Spring through fall migration brings steady action, but prime time is May through October when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and you never know if the next hit will be a schoolie or a trophy. Here's the key: watch for diving birds and bait schools on the surface. When you see that commotion, get your lines down quick - the stripers are feeding below.
Elwood, NY