Montauk Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target stripers and bottom fish at Montauk's premier inshore locationsFull and half day trips accommodate up to six guestsProfessional charter service specializes in trophy bass and dinner catches
When you're looking for some serious inshore action, Montauk delivers like nowhere else on the East Coast. Our waters are packed with hungry stripers, feisty blues, and plenty of tasty bottom fish that'll keep your rod bent all day long. Whether you're a seasoned angler chasing that trophy bass or a family looking to fill the cooler with dinner, this top-rated fishing spot has something for everyone. The rocky structure and current breaks around Montauk Point create perfect feeding zones where fish stack up year-round, making every cast count.
Your day starts early at the dock where Captain and crew from Moondance Charters will get you rigged and ready for a world-class fishing experience. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. We fish the local hotspots that only seasoned captains know - those rocky ledges, underwater humps, and current edges where the fish concentrate. Half-day trips are perfect for families or first-timers who want to sample what Montauk's all about, while full-day charters give serious anglers the time needed to really dial in on those trophy fish. The boat's equipped with quality tackle and all the gear you need, though feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got them. Don't forget to pack your own lunch and drinks since meals aren't included - you'll work up an appetite fighting fish all day.
Inshore fishing around Montauk means working structure, and we've got plenty of it. We'll be drifting over rocky bottoms with bucktails and soft plastics for stripers, or anchoring up on productive spots to drop rigs for tautog and sea bass. Live bait fishing with eels and bunker is deadly when the bass are feeding, especially during the fall run when big fish are pushing baitfish against the shoreline. The technique depends on what's biting - some days we're casting plugs and metals to breaking fish, other days we're bottom bouncing with clams and crabs. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts tactics accordingly, whether that's working the rips during moving water or hitting the deeper holes when things get slack. Circle hooks are the way to go for most bottom fishing to ensure good releases, and we practice catch and release for breeding-sized stripers to keep this fishery strong for years to come.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of Montauk inshore fishing, and these fish get big - really big. School bass in the 20-28 inch range provide steady action and great eating, while the true trophies can push 40+ pounds during peak season. Spring and fall are prime time when these fish are actively feeding and moving through our waters in huge numbers. What makes stripers so exciting is their fight - they'll make long runs, jump, and use every bit of structure to try breaking you off. Tautog, or blackfish as locals call them, are the ultimate challenge for bottom fishers. These bulldogs live in the rocks and will test your tackle and patience, but land one and you've got some of the best eating in the ocean. They're most active during cooler months and require pinpoint accuracy with your drops. Black sea bass are customer favorites because they're aggressive biters and excellent table fare - perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Summer flounder, or fluke, are the flatfish kings of our waters, ambushing baits from sandy bottoms and providing great sport on lighter tackle. Bluefish round out the mix as the ocean's vacuum cleaners - when they're around, the action is fast and furious, though watch those teeth when handling them.
Montauk's reputation as a renowned fishing destination isn't just hype - it's built on decades of consistently producing fish when other spots go quiet. The combination of deep water close to shore, abundant structure, and strong currents creates a marine ecosystem that supports incredible fishing year-round. Book your trip with Moondance Charters and experience why anglers travel from across the country to wet a line in these waters. Whether you choose a half-day trip to get your feet wet or commit to a full day of serious fishing, you'll be working with a crew that knows these waters inside and out. The memories you'll make battling fish in one of the East Coast's best fishing spots will keep you coming back season after season. Don't wait - the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is at its absolute best.
This well-equipped motorboat puts you right in the action for Montauk's legendary inshore fishing. Built for comfort with air conditioning and a full kitchen, she's perfect for those long days chasing stripers around the local hotspots. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility to spot working birds and baitfish, while the fish finder helps locate those bottom dwellers hiding in the structure. Stay connected with marine VHF radio and navigate confidently with GPS and radar systems. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard refrigerator and ice box. With room for 6 anglers, a private head, and multimedia entertainment for the ride out, this boat handles everything from quick half-day trips targeting dinner fish to full-day adventures hunting that trophy bass. Whether you're working the rips for striped bass or dropping down for fluke and sea bass, she's got the range and amenities to make your Montauk fishing trip productive and comfortable.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that gather around wrecks, rocks, and structure in 20-120 feet of water. Most caught run 1-4 pounds, but the big males in deeper spots can hit 8+ pounds and turn bright blue during spawning season. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move close to shore. What guests love is the steady action - they're aggressive feeders that hit squid, crabs, and jigs. They fight hard until they break the surface, using every bit of structure to their advantage. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and sweet. Here's the trick: once you hook up, keep steady pressure and pump them up quickly. Give them slack and they'll wrap you around the nearest rock or piling.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up here from mid-June through October, following bait schools along our coast. They typically run 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. You'll find them in open water, around bait schools, and near structure when they're feeding. They hit hard and fight dirty, making long runs that test your drag. Summer and early fall are best, especially when you see birds working over baitfish. They're oily but delicious when prepared fresh - smaller ones under 10 pounds taste better than the big choppers. Pro tip: when you find a school, work fast. They move quickly, but if you stay with them, you can load the boat before they disappear.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, running from schoolies around 20 inches up to trophy cows over 40 pounds. They follow bait along our rocky shorelines, rips, and structure year-round, but spring and fall migrations bring the best action. These fish fight with power and endurance, making long runs and using current to their advantage. They're also premium eating - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. You'll find them around moving water, drop-offs, and anywhere bait gathers. Here's what works: fish the edges of rips and structure changes where current creates ambush points. Early morning and evening are prime times when they push bait against the rocks.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are ambush predators that lie flat on sandy bottoms waiting to grab baitfish swimming by. They average 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. You'll find them on sand, mud, and eelgrass flats from shallow bays to offshore edges. September through November is peak season when they're feeding heavily before their offshore migration. What makes them fun is the surprise factor - that subtle tap could be a doormat. They're also top table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. The local trick is hooking baitfish through the eye socket instead of the lips. It keeps them lively longer and gives a more natural presentation as the fluke grabs from below.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are chunky bottom dwellers with powerful jaws built for crushing crabs and shellfish around rocky structure. Most run 1-3 pounds, but we see some pushing 8+ pounds in deeper water. They love jetties, boulders, and wrecks where they feed during daylight hours. Spring through fall is prime time when they move inshore. What makes them special is the fight - they use that thick body and rocky cover to their advantage. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: use green crabs for bait, but crush the shells and let pieces fall around your spot. The scent draws them in fast. Change baits every 5 minutes or they lose interest.
Montauk, NY