Montauk Fishing Charters | 5 Hour AM Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesCaptain Mark guides guests through Montauk's productive watersMaximum 6 anglers chase flounder, bass, and bluefish
Looking for a solid half-day on the water without breaking the bank? Captain Mark's 5-hour morning trip puts you right in the action off Montauk Point, where the fishing is as consistent as it gets on Long Island. This isn't some crowded party boat situation – we're talking just six anglers max, which means plenty of elbow room and personal attention from one of the area's most respected captains. You'll be targeting the bread and butter species that make Montauk famous: striped bass, bluefish, fluke, and black sea bass. Captain Assogna knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the techniques that separate the fish-counters from the guys going home empty-handed.
We're talking about a legitimate fishing operation here, not a sightseeing cruise with rods thrown in as an afterthought. Captain Mark runs his charters out of Montauk's bustling harbor, and you'll quickly realize why this spot has earned its reputation as the "Fishing Capital of the World." The 5-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots without feeling rushed, but it's not so long that you're wiped out by lunch. Most trips kick off around sunrise when the fish are feeding actively and the harbor hasn't gotten crazy busy yet. You'll cover everything from the shallow flats where fluke love to ambush baitfish to the rocky structure that holds some serious bass. The boat is set up properly with quality tackle, and Captain Mark doesn't mess around when it comes to safety gear and fish-finding electronics. Expect to move around a bit – this isn't anchor-and-pray fishing. When one spot cools off, you're heading to the next productive area.
Captain Mark runs a versatile operation that adapts to what's biting and where they're holding. Depending on conditions and season, you might be drifting with bucktails for fluke, working jigs around structure for sea bass, or live-lining bunker for striped bass. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all provided. If you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, that's cool too, but don't stress if you're flying in or just getting into the sport. The captain stocks quality circle hooks, various weights, and whatever bait is producing best. You'll learn proper jigging techniques, how to feel the difference between a fish and bottom structure, and when to set the hook versus when to let them run with it. Live bait fishing is a big part of the program here, especially when the stripers are around, so you'll get schooled on proper presentation and how to keep your bait looking natural in the current.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Montauk fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful. They show up in fishable numbers by late spring and stick around through fall, with the best action typically happening during the morning and evening hours when baitfish are most active. A decent striper runs anywhere from 24 to 35 inches, but don't be shocked if you hook into something in the 40-inch range that'll test your drag and your patience. What makes stripers special is their fight – they'll make multiple runs, and just when you think you've got them beat, they'll peel line off your reel again. Summer flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, are the kings of the flatfish world around here. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and gravel, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to cruise overhead. They're tricky to catch because their bite is often subtle – you need to develop a feel for that gentle tap-tap that means a fluke is mouthing your bait. A keeper fluke (19 inches minimum in New York waters) makes for excellent table fare and a satisfying fight on light tackle. Black sea bass might not be the biggest fish in these waters, but pound-for-pound, they're scrappy little bulldogs. They hang around rocky bottom and structure, and once you find them, you can usually count on steady action. These fish are excellent eating and fun to catch, especially for kids or newer anglers who want consistent bites. Bluefish are the ultimate action fish – when they're feeding, it's almost non-stop chaos. These aggressive predators travel in schools and will hit just about anything you throw at them. They've got razor-sharp teeth and bad attitudes, which makes for exciting fishing but also means you need to be careful handling them.
Captain Mark's morning trips fill up fast, especially during prime season from June through October. This is the kind of charter that regulars book year after year, and word-of-mouth keeps his calendar pretty packed. The 5-hour format hits the sweet spot for most anglers – long enough to get into fish without eating up your entire day. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or visiting Montauk for the first time, this trip delivers the goods without the hefty price tag of longer charters. You'll head back to the dock with a cooler full of fillets, some new techniques under your belt, and probably plans to book again before the season's over. Don't sleep on this one – spots go quick when the fishing reports start lighting up.
Get ready to fish Montauk's productive waters aboard this well-equipped 36-foot Cabin Cruiser. This classic Downeast-style Beal comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and packs serious power with its 600HP Cat engine, cruising smoothly at 18 knots to get you to the best fishing spots quickly. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting flounder, black sea bass, stripers, and blues – from GPS and radar to keep you on the fish, to air conditioning and a full galley with fridge for storing your catch. There's even a head onboard for convenience during your 5-hour morning adventure. Captain Mark knows these waters inside and out, putting you on productive bottom structure and current breaks where the fish are biting. This isn't just transportation – it's your floating fishing headquarters designed to maximize your time on the water and help you boat some quality Montauk fish.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky bottom dwellers that love hanging around structure - wrecks, rocks, and reefs in 30-100 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds, but the bigger males can hit 6-8 pounds and develop that distinctive hump on their heads. They're scrappy fighters that make quick runs toward cover when hooked. Prime season runs late spring through early fall when they move inshore. What makes them special is the sweet, flaky meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They're curious fish that respond well to bucktails tipped with squid or sea worms. Here's the trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them mouth the bait for a second, then lift firm and steady to avoid pulling it away.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive fighters that show up in Montauk waters from late spring through fall, usually weighing 3-15 pounds. These voracious predators hunt in schools and will hit just about anything you throw at them - they're not picky eaters. You'll find them around baitfish schools, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the water white. They fight hard all the way to the boat and make excellent table fare when bled immediately. Blues love structure like wrecks and drop-offs, but also cruise open water chasing bunker and sand eels. Best fishing is during moving tides when bait gets pushed around. Pro tip: use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in seconds. Watch for diving birds to locate active schools.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our local fishery - powerful fighters that can range from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows. These silver-sided beauties with distinctive black stripes cruise both shallow rips and deeper water, following bait and structure. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily during migration. What makes stripers special is their intelligence and wariness - they'll test your skills. They're also prime table fare with firm, flaky white meat. Look for them around moving water, drop-offs, and wherever baitfish concentrate. They hit live eels, bunker, and various lures. Local secret: fish the back side of the rip during slack tide - that's where the big ones often sit waiting for the current to fire back up and push bait their way.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the chameleons of the sandy bottom, perfectly camouflaged as they wait to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and 2-5 pounds, with the bigger females reaching impressive sizes. They're found on sandy or muddy bottoms in 15-60 feet, especially around structure edges and drop-offs. Best action happens May through October when water temps are right. What guests love is the challenge - they're finicky biters that require patience and skill. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. They prefer live bait like minnows, squid strips, or sea worms fished on the bottom. My go-to tip: hook your baitfish through both lips, not the eyes. This keeps them lively longer and gives the flounder something easier to grab when they strike sideways.
Montauk