Half Day or Full Day Guided Fishing Trip in Long Island
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore charter targeting marlin, bluefin tuna, and mahi mahiNine-hour guided trip with Captain John Raguso from Long IslandAll tackle and gear included for up to three guests
When you're serious about targeting the big pelagics that cruise Long Island's offshore waters, Captain John Raguso's private charter puts you right where the action is. This isn't your typical party boat experience – you're looking at a focused 9-hour trip designed specifically for marlin, bluefin tuna, mahi mahi, and other top-tier gamefish that make these waters legendary among East Coast anglers. With space for up to three adults or a family setup of two adults and two kids, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference when you're chasing fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned offshore veteran or stepping into blue water fishing for the first time, Captain John brings the local knowledge and gear to put you on fish.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how you want it when you're heading out to the canyons and drop-offs where the big fish hunt. Captain John knows these Long Island offshore grounds like the back of his hand – we're talking about productive waters that stretch from the continental shelf to the deep blue zones where temperature breaks and current lines concentrate baitfish. The boat is rigged and ready with everything you need, so you can focus on fishing instead of wondering if you packed the right tackle. You'll spend your time working proven techniques in prime locations, with your captain reading the water, watching the fish finder, and positioning you for the best shots at whatever's feeding that day. The beauty of a private charter is the flexibility – if the bite is hot in one spot, you stay put. If conditions call for a move, you're already heading to the next productive area.
Offshore fishing around Long Island means trolling is king, and Captain John has the spread dialed in for these waters. You'll be running a variety of lures – ballyhoo rigs, cedar plugs, spreader bars, and daisy chains – all positioned at different depths and distances to cover the water column where these pelagics feed. The tackle provided handles everything from the explosive runs of mahi mahi to the freight train power of a big bluefin. Circle hooks are standard for billfish, and the drag systems are set up properly for long fights in deep water. Your captain handles boat positioning and lure presentation, but you'll learn about reading water temperature, spotting bird activity, and recognizing the signs that indicate feeding fish below. When fish are marked on the sounder or you spot a temperature break, that's when the real excitement begins – lines tight, drags screaming, and everyone focused on getting that fish to the boat.
Mahi mahi are the crowd-pleasers out here, and for good reason. These fish are pure adrenaline – they hit hard, jump repeatedly, and their golden colors are spectacular when they come boatside. Long Island's offshore waters see strong mahi runs typically from late spring through early fall, with fish ranging from schoolie dolphin around 10-15 pounds up to bull mahi pushing 40-50 pounds. They're often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks, and once you find a school, the action can be non-stop. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fights – perfect for anglers of any skill level.
Yellowfin tuna represent the power fishing that keeps offshore enthusiasts coming back. These fish are built for speed and endurance, with the larger specimens – we're talking 50 to 100+ pounders – capable of runs that will test both your tackle and your technique. Yellowfin feed aggressively around Long Island's offshore structure during summer and fall months, often in mixed schools with other tuna species. They're particularly exciting because they fight deep, making long, powerful runs that can take you well into your backing. The key to yellowfin success is having your drag set correctly and being prepared for a sustained battle.
White marlin fishing represents the pinnacle of East Coast offshore angling, and Long Island's waters offer legitimate shots at these incredible billfish. White marlin are typically found in the 60-80 pound range, but don't let the "smaller" size fool you – these fish are pure athleticism, with jumping ability that has to be seen to be believed. They're most active during the warmer months when water temperatures reach the mid-70s and above, often feeding on the same bait schools that attract tuna. The white marlin bite can be subtle compared to other species, so having an experienced captain who can spot the signs and coach you through the fight makes all the difference.
Bluefin tuna are the holy grail for many offshore anglers, and Long Island's position along the Atlantic migration route provides opportunities for both school-sized fish and true giants. School bluefin typically range from 20-40 pounds and provide fantastic sport on appropriate tackle, while the occasional giant bluefin over 200 pounds represents a fish of multiple lifetimes. These fish are incredibly strong and intelligent, often requiring specific techniques and presentations to get them to bite. Bluefin seasons vary based on regulations, but when they're here and legal to target, there's nothing quite like the experience of battling one of the ocean's apex predators.
Long Island's offshore fishing scene delivers some of the East Coast's most consistent action for serious gamefish, and Captain John's private charter approach puts you in the best position to capitalize on it. With all gear provided and expert guidance throughout the day, you're getting the complete offshore experience without the crowds or compromises of larger boats. The intimate setting means personalized instruction, better fish-fighting opportunities, and the flexibility to adapt to conditions as they develop. Whether you're looking to introduce family members to offshore fishing or targeting a personal best pelagic species, this charter combines local expertise with proven techniques. These prime offshore dates fill up fast, especially during peak season, so securing your spot early ensures you don't miss out on what could be the fishing trip that defines your season.
The MarCeeJay is your ticket to some serious offshore action around Long Island waters. This 23-foot workhorse from 2006 packs all the essentials for chasing tuna, marlin, and whatever else is running. Captain John keeps her rigged with top-notch fish finders to locate the bite, GPS to hit the productive grounds, and VHF radio to stay connected with the fleet. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the longer runs to blue water. Built for up to 3 anglers, she's got enough deck space to work big fish without getting tangled up with your buddies. The onboard head means you can stay out there all day without cutting trips short. Her engines will get you out to the canyons where the pelagics cruise, and back to the dock with your coolers full. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting into offshore fishing, this boat handles the Long Island waters like she was made for it.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the king of tuna - massive, powerful fish that average 100-400 pounds but can exceed 800 pounds in our waters. These are warm-blooded predators that can dive over 3,000 feet and sustain speeds of 40+ mph. They roam from the surface down to 600 feet, following bait schools along temperature breaks and structure. Fall and winter bring giants close to Long Island as they follow herring and mackerel. Why do anglers obsess over them? The fight is legendary - long powerful runs that test every piece of gear you own. And the sashimi quality meat is worth more per pound than prime beef. Important note: bluefin are heavily regulated with strict quotas. My advice: use circle hooks and heavy tackle. When one hits, tighten your drag gradually - too much too fast and they'll break you off on the first run.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore - bright gold sides with electric blue and green backs that put on a light show when they're brought to the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see them up to 50+ pounds in our waters. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in the top 100 feet of water. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps climb above 68 degrees. What makes them special? They fight hard with plenty of jumps, they're beautiful to see, and the meat is fantastic - firm white flesh that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area. Mahi often travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more.
Kajikia AlbidaWhite marlin are the smaller cousin of the blue marlin, usually running 40-80 pounds, but don't let size fool you - pound for pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These billfish cruise the deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, hunting flying fish and squid in the top 200 feet. Summer months bring the best white marlin fishing when warm Gulf Stream water pushes close to our canyons. What makes them special? The jumps - they'll go airborne repeatedly, walking on their tails. It's pure adrenaline. The meat's good eating too, similar to swordfish. Key trick: when trolling, watch behind your baits, not at them. White marlin are sneaky and will often follow for a while before striking. When one shows up, resist the urge to immediately change speed or direction.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are built for speed with their torpedo-shaped bodies and can hit 50 mph when they want to. Most of what we catch runs 40-80 pounds, but they can push over 200 pounds. These warm-blooded fish cruise the upper 300 feet of open ocean, following bait schools and temperature breaks. Late spring through fall is prime time here off Long Island when they follow the warm water north. What draws anglers back? The raw power - they'll take you into your backing fast and fight deep. Plus, yellowfin sashimi is world-class eating, second only to bluefin in quality. Here's a tip that works: when trolling isn't producing, try dropping a butterfly jig down to where you're marking fish on the sounder. Often they're feeding deep and won't come up for surface baits.
Elwood, NY