Montauk Inshore Fishing
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Fishing Techniques & Spots
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.