Full-Day Montauk Fishing with Captain Mark
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day charter targeting flounder, bass, and bluefish speciesExpert Captain Mark Assogna guides up to 6 guestsInshore fishing adventure along Montauk's scenic coastline
There's nothing quite like spending a full day on the waters around Montauk Point with someone who knows these fishing grounds like the back of their hand. Captain Mark Assogna has been running top-rated charters out here for years, and he's got the kind of local knowledge that turns a good day into a great one. This 8-hour trip targets some of the most sought-after species in Long Island waters – striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder, and black sea bass. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing these fish for decades, Captain Mark tailors the day to make sure everyone on board gets the most out of their time on the water. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded.
Your day starts early at Montauk Harbor, where Captain Mark will have the boat prepped and ready to go. The beauty of an 8-hour charter is that you're not rushed – there's time to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics based on what's biting, and really dial in on the fish. Captain Mark runs a clean, well-maintained vessel equipped with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. The waters around Montauk offer everything from shallow flats perfect for flounder to deeper structure where the sea bass hang out. You'll likely start the morning hitting some of the famous local spots like the Elbow or Shagwong Reef, depending on conditions and what's been producing. The Captain keeps a close eye on the tides, weather, and recent fishing reports to put you on fish throughout the day.
This is primarily a bottom fishing and drift fishing operation, though Captain Mark isn't afraid to switch things up if the situation calls for it. For the fluke and sea bass, you'll be working with traditional high-low rigs, bucktails, and various soft plastics. The key to success here is feeling the bottom and working your bait just right – Captain Mark will show you the subtle techniques that make all the difference. When targeting stripers and blues, expect to throw everything from live bait to topwater plugs, depending on what's happening. The boat carries a good selection of sinkers, hooks, and leaders in different sizes to match the conditions. If you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, that's fine too, but most folks are perfectly happy with what's provided. Captain Mark believes in teaching as much as guiding, so don't be surprised if you pick up some new tricks that'll help you on future trips.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Montauk fishing, and for good reason. These fish can range anywhere from schoolie size up to real cows pushing 40+ pounds. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer fishing can be fantastic too, especially early morning and evening. Stripers are smart, strong fighters that'll test your drag and your patience. What makes them special here is the variety – you might catch one on a chunk of bunker in 30 feet of water, then hook another on a surface plug over a rip.
Bluefish bring the excitement factor that every angler remembers. These aggressive predators hit hard and fight dirty, often jumping and thrashing once hooked. They show up in big schools during summer and early fall, and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. Blues in the 5-15 pound range are common around Montauk, and they're excellent table fare when handled properly. Just watch those teeth – they're razor sharp and they know how to use them.
Summer flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, are the ultimate challenge for bottom fishermen. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be incredibly picky about presentation. The New York state waters around Montauk consistently produce some of the biggest fluke on the East Coast, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly during peak season from May through September. Landing a true doormat fluke is something every angler should experience at least once.
Black sea bass might be smaller than the other target species, but they make up for it in numbers and taste. These bottom dwellers love structure – wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas where they can ambush prey. They're curious fish that often travel in schools, so once you find them, you can usually catch several. The regulations have been favorable in recent years, and a cooler full of keeper sea bass makes for some of the best eating you'll find in saltwater.
Captain Mark's reputation speaks for itself around Montauk Harbor – he's the kind of guide who genuinely cares about putting his customers on fish and making sure they have a memorable day. The 8-hour format gives you the best chance to experience everything these waters have to offer, from the changing tide cycles to the different fishing opportunities that develop throughout the day. Keep in mind that you'll want to bring your own food and drinks for the day, as meals aren't provided, but there are plenty of spots near the harbor to grab supplies before you head out. This is world-class inshore fishing at its finest, and whether you're looking to check some bucket list species off your list or just spend a quality day on the water, this trip delivers. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during prime fishing season.
Set sail with Captain Mark Assogna aboard his impressive 36-foot Beal Cabin Cruiser, perfectly rigged for serious fishing adventures off Montauk's productive waters. This classic Downeast design boat packs serious power with its 600HP Cat engine, cruising smoothly at 18 knots to get you to the hottest fishing spots quickly. The spacious cabin comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a full day on the water - air conditioning to beat the summer heat, a refrigerator for keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a full kitchen and head for convenience. Modern electronics including GPS and radar ensure safe navigation even when conditions get tricky. Whether you're targeting flounder in the shallows, dropping lines for black sea bass, or chasing striped bass and bluefish, this well-equipped vessel provides the perfect platform for landing your next trophy fish in Montauk's legendary fishing grounds.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable bottom fish around Montauk's rocky structure and wrecks. These chunky fighters typically range 1-4 pounds with occasional 6+ pounders mixed in. They're homebodies that stick close to hard bottom, jetties, and artificial reefs in 30-120 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on crabs, squid, and small baitfish. Guests love them because they fight well for their size and are absolutely delicious on the table. The bigger males develop that distinctive hump on their head during spawning season. My go-to trick is dropping fresh squid or sea clams right to the bottom and keeping your bait moving slightly - they can't resist it.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in Montauk waters from late spring through October. These silver-blue predators typically run 2-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 15+ pounds during peak season. They travel in schools and feed heavily on baitfish like bunker and herring. You'll find them anywhere from shallow surf to 60+ feet over structure and open water. What makes blues special is their raw power - they'll take drag and fight hard right to the boat. Plus, smaller "cocktail blues" make excellent table fare when bled and iced properly. Pro tip: use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in seconds. When you see birds working, get there fast.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and Montauk sits right in their migration highway. These powerful fish range from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows during our peak fall run. You'll find them anywhere from shallow rips to deep water, but they love structure like rocks, drop-offs, and tide lines. Spring and fall offer the hottest action when massive schools move through chasing bait. What sets stripers apart is their incredible fight and the variety of ways to catch them - live lining bunker, casting eels, or working topwater lures. They're also fantastic eating when handled properly. Local secret: focus on moving water during tide changes, especially around dawn and dusk when they feed most actively.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the ultimate ambush predators lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish to swim by. Most run 2-5 pounds here in Montauk waters, but we regularly see "doormat" fluke pushing 8+ pounds during peak summer months. They prefer sandy areas near structure in 20-80 feet, especially around the edges of channels and drop-offs. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they're feeding aggressively before their offshore migration. What makes fluke fishing exciting is you never know when that next drift might produce a trophy. They're also top-notch table fare with sweet, white meat. Key tip: keep your bait moving with the drift and use bucktails tipped with squid or spearing for best results.
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