Half Day Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish in Long Island watersChoose between 5hour or full 12hour private fishing optionsAll gear and tackle provided for groups up to three
Captain John knows these Long Island waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Whether you've got five hours to burn or want to make a full day of it with a 12-hour charter, this inshore fishing trip delivers the goods. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in these productive waters – striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, false albacore, and black sea bass. This isn't some crowded party boat situation either. With just three anglers max (or two adults and two kids), you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between going home with fish stories or just stories.
Captain John runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and fun. From the moment you step aboard, you'll notice this is a working fishing boat – not some fancy yacht pretending to be a charter. The gear is dialed in, the tackle boxes are organized, and everything has its place for a reason. You'll start early to hit the prime feeding times when these fish are most active. The captain reads the water, watches the birds, and uses his years of local knowledge to put you where the fish are biting. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing – he'll walk you through everything from reading your rod tip to proper fish handling. Experienced anglers appreciate his willingness to try different spots and techniques until you find what's working that day.
The beauty of inshore fishing around Long Island is the variety of techniques you'll use depending on conditions and target species. Captain John keeps a full arsenal of tackle ready – from light spinning gear for schoolie stripers to heavier setups when the big bass are feeding deep. You might find yourself casting topwater plugs at dawn when the water erupts with feeding fish, or dropping live bait around structure where the black sea bass hold tight. Jigging is a go-to technique here, especially when working the deeper edges where false albacore cruise. The captain will match your gear to the conditions and your skill level, but be ready to switch things up as the day progresses. These fish don't always cooperate with the plan, so staying flexible with your approach is key to success.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing, and for good reason. These fish fight like freight trains and can range from schoolie-sized 18-inchers to true cow bass pushing 40 pounds or more. Peak season runs from April through November, with the fall migration producing some of the most consistent action. What makes stripers so special is their intelligence – they're not easy to fool, so when you do connect, you know you've earned it. The way they peel line off your reel on that first run will get your heart pumping every single time.
Bluefish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure aggression and fight. These toothy predators hit hard and fast, often in schools that can keep you busy for hours. Summer months bring the best bluefish action, with fish ranging from snapper blues perfect for kids to chopper blues that'll test your tackle. They're also fantastic eating when handled properly – bleed them quickly and keep them cold for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever have.
Black sea bass are the bottom-dwelling bullies that pack a surprising punch for their size. These fish love structure – rocks, wrecks, and reefs where they can ambush prey. They're available year-round but really turn on during the warmer months. What anglers love about sea bass is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They might not make long runs like stripers, but their bulldog fight and tendency to dive for cover will keep you busy. Plus, they're one of the most sustainable fish you can target in these waters.
This is the kind of fishing trip that creates lifelong memories and gets you hooked on saltwater angling. Captain John's local expertise, quality gear, and commitment to putting you on fish makes this a top-rated choice for Long Island fishing charters. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to fishing or want to target some personal best fish, this charter delivers the goods. The 5-hour trip gives you a solid taste of what these waters offer, while the 12-hour adventure lets you really explore different areas and techniques. Book early, especially during peak season – word gets around fast about captains who consistently put fish in the boat, and the calendar fills up quickly.
The MarCeeJay is your ticket to productive Long Island waters, where stripers and blues are waiting. This 23-foot motorboat cuts through the Sound and bay waters with ease, getting you to the fish faster and keeping you comfortable all day. Captain John's ride comes loaded with everything serious anglers need – a fish finder to mark schools, GPS to hit the honey holes, and VHF radio for safety. The onboard multimedia keeps things lively between bites, while the head means no cutting trips short. Built in 2006, she's proven herself in these waters countless times. With space for three anglers or a family setup, there's room to work the rails without bumping elbows. All your gear and tackle are handled, so just bring your appetite for some solid Long Island fishing action.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the perfect family fish - scrappy fighters that don't require a PhD to catch. Most run 1-4 pounds with chunky bodies and big mouths. They stick close to structure like wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime season when they move inshore to feed and spawn. Kids love them because they bite readily and put up a solid fight until they break the surface. They're also some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky meat. Here's the trick: once you find one, stay put and keep dropping down. They school up tight, so where there's one, there's usually more.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression with fins. These blue-green torpedoes average 3-10 pounds and are built for speed with razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through anything. You'll find them from shallow bays to deeper waters, often in feeding frenzies we call "bluefish blitzes" where the water churns like a washing machine. Summer months are best when they're chasing schools of bunker and squid. Guests love them because they hit hard and fight dirty - no lazy battles here. Fresh blues are fantastic eating if you bleed them right away. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will cut through regular line like butter.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Long Island fishing. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see bigger ones. They love structure - rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and anywhere bait congregates. Spring through fall is prime time as they migrate up and down the coast, with early morning and evening producing the best action. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and you never know when you'll hook into a real bruiser. My local tip: watch for working birds - they'll lead you right to feeding stripers pushing baitfish to the surface.
Elwood, NY