Master Your Boat with Captain John Raguso
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private boating lessons with Master Captain John RagusoThreehour minimum sessions at seventyfive dollars per hourHandson navigation and docking training for all levels
Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills before your next fishing trip, Captain John Raguso's hands-on boating lessons are exactly what you need to feel confident behind the wheel. These private sessions focus on the real-world skills every angler needs – proper navigation around Long Island's waters, smooth docking when you're loaded with gear, and boat handling that keeps you safe when the fish are biting. At $75 per hour with a three-hour minimum, you're getting personalized instruction from a Master Captain who knows these waters inside and out.
This isn't your typical classroom experience – you'll be learning by doing on actual Long Island waters. Captain John tailors each session to what you want to accomplish, whether that's nailing your docking technique at the marina or learning to read the water conditions before heading out to your favorite fishing spots. The beauty of these lessons is that they're completely customized to your skill level and goals. Maybe you've been fishing from shore and just bought your first boat, or perhaps you've been out a few times but want to feel more confident navigating back to that honey hole you found last month. Captain John meets you where you are and builds from there, ensuring every minute on the water translates to better boating skills you can use immediately.
The focus here is on practical boat handling that makes a real difference when you're fishing. You'll work on reading water conditions, understanding how wind and current affect your boat, and mastering the art of positioning yourself over structure where fish like to hang out. Docking gets special attention because let's face it – there's nothing worse than struggling to get back to the dock after a great day of fishing while other boaters watch. Captain John breaks down the approach, teaches you how to use wind and current to your advantage, and helps you develop the confidence to slide into tight spots at busy marinas. Navigation instruction covers both traditional methods and modern GPS systems, with emphasis on safety protocols that keep you and your fishing buddies safe on Long Island Sound and the surrounding bays.
While this trip focuses on boating skills rather than fishing directly, understanding the local species helps you appreciate why proper boat handling matters so much around Long Island. Striped bass are the crown jewel of these waters, running from spring through fall with peak action in May and October. These fish can stretch over 40 inches and fight like freight trains, but catching them often means positioning your boat perfectly over structure or along rip lines where currents meet. Fluke provide fantastic summer action from June through September, but finding them requires precise boat control to drift properly over sandy bottoms and drop-offs. Summer flounder can top 8 pounds, and the bigger doormat fluke are incredibly rewarding to catch, but you need to maintain proper boat position to keep your sinkers in the strike zone.
Bluefish show up in massive schools throughout the warmer months, creating some of the most exciting fishing Long Island has to offer. When you find a blitz, boat handling becomes critical – you need to approach quietly without spooking the school, then maintain position while multiple anglers work the water. Black sea bass around structure and wrecks provide steady action, but reaching these spots safely requires solid navigation skills and the ability to hold your boat in position despite current and wind. Porgies might be smaller, but they're perfect for building confidence, and knowing how to anchor properly over their preferred bottom makes all the difference in your catch rate.
Captain John's boating lessons give you the foundation every successful angler needs – confidence and competence on the water. With no travel charges anywhere on Long Island, it's convenient and affordable to get the training that makes every future fishing trip safer and more productive. The three-hour minimum gives you plenty of time to work on multiple skills without feeling rushed, and the personalized instruction means you're focusing on exactly what you need to improve. Whether you're planning to fish Long Island Sound, explore the Great South Bay, or venture out to Montauk Point, these lessons prepare you for whatever conditions you might encounter. Book your session with Captain John and take that crucial step from uncertain boater to confident captain of your own fishing adventures.
Elwood, NY