Inshore Trip - Montauk
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target striped bass, sea bass, fluke, bluefish, and porgy inshoreLight or heavy tackle options available for all skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum four guests per trip
When you're looking for some of the best inshore fishing on the East Coast, Montauk delivers in spades. This top-rated charter with Push the Limit Sportfishing puts you right in the thick of where striped bass, fluke, sea bass, bluefish, and porgy call home. We're talking about waters that have been producing trophy fish for decades, and with a small group of just 4 anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between going home with stories and going home with dinner.
Picture this: you're heading out from Montauk Harbor as the sun starts to paint the sky, tackle box ready and coffee still warm in your hands. This isn't some cattle boat situation where you're fighting for rail space. With only 4 spots available, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines and actually enjoy the experience. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every rocky bottom, every drop-off, every current break where the fish like to hang out. You can go light tackle if you want to feel every headshake from a schoolie striper, or step it up with heavier gear when the big blues are running hot. Either way, you're in for a day that'll remind you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
The beauty of inshore fishing around Montauk is the variety of techniques that work. Depending on what's biting and where we find them, you might be drifting bucktails for fluke over sandy bottoms, working jigs around the rocky structure for sea bass, or casting topwater plugs when the stripers are busting bait on the surface. The captain will match the approach to the conditions and what the fish are telling us. Light spinning gear with 20-30 pound braid is perfect for most situations, but don't worry if you don't have your own setup – the boat's equipped with quality gear that can handle anything from keeper fluke to cow bass. Live bait, artificials, bottom rigs – whatever it takes to put fish in the cooler, that's what we'll be throwing.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Montauk inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely gorgeous when they come to the boat. Spring and fall are prime time, when the big girls are migrating through and feeding heavy. You'll find them anywhere from 20 to 50+ pounds, and even a 30-inch schoolie will give you a fight you won't forget. They love structure, current, and baitfish – which Montauk has in abundance. The thrill of watching your drag scream as a striper makes its first run is something that never gets old.
Summer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the flatfish champions of these waters. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and wait for an easy meal to swim by. The bigger "doormat" fluke can push 8+ pounds and provide some of the best eating you'll find in the ocean. They're active from late spring through fall, and the key is keeping your bait moving just off the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook and get ready for a bulldogging fight that's all about power and determination.
Bluefish are the pit bulls of the inshore scene – aggressive, hungry, and always ready for a fight. When schools of blues move through Montauk, it's game on. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them, from metal jigs to chunk bait, and they fight dirty with powerful runs and gill-rattling head shakes. Blues are fantastic on the table when they're fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. Summer into early fall is when they really turn on, often feeding in massive schools that will keep your arms burning and your cooler full.
Look, there's a reason this charter stays booked up – it produces fish, the crew knows their stuff, and you'll actually have room to fish properly. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to put some quality fish in the box or someone who just wants to experience what world-class inshore fishing is all about, this trip delivers. Pack some snacks, bring your camera, and get ready for a day on the water that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. The fish are out there waiting – question is, are you ready to go find them?
Our well-equipped motorboat puts you right in the action for targeting Montauk's famous striped bass, sea bass, fluke, bluefish, and porgy. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive spots, while GPS navigation gets you to the best inshore waters efficiently. When conditions get hazy, the radar keeps you safe and on course. Stay connected with other anglers and Coast Guard via VHF radio. The flybridge gives you elevated visibility for spotting bird activity and baitfish schools. Whether you prefer light tackle finesse or heavy gear for bigger fish, this setup handles it all. The onboard toilet means more time fishing, less time heading back to shore. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work different techniques without getting tangled up. Pack your favorite snacks and get ready for some serious fishing in Montauk's productive inshore waters where stripers patrol the rips and fluke hide in the sandy bottom.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in Montauk waters from mid-June through October, making them a reliable summer target. These blue-green fighters typically run 3-15 pounds and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and fierce attitude. You'll find them cruising shallow waters, especially around baitfish schools where they create feeding frenzies called "bluefish blitz." They hit hard and fight dirty, making for exciting action on both light and heavy tackle. Blues are excellent table fare when handled properly - bleed them immediately and keep them cold. Local tip: when you see birds diving and water churning white, get there fast. Blues in feeding mode will hit almost anything you throw at them, but wire leaders are a must to avoid bite-offs.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the kings of our inshore waters, running anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows. These silver fish with their distinctive dark stripes love structure - rocks, drop-offs, bridges, and anywhere baitfish gather. You'll find them in everything from shallow surf to deeper channels, and they're here spring through fall during their annual migration. What makes them special is the combination of size, fight, and table quality - they're strong swimmers that make long runs and taste great when prepared right. Spring and fall tend to be best when they're actively feeding on the move. Here's a local secret: focus on moving water during dawn and dusk, especially around tide changes. Live eels work magic, but fresh bunker chunks will get their attention too.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the chameleons of the seafloor. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and can change colors to match the bottom they're lying on. You'll find them on sandy and muddy bottoms from shallow bays to deeper offshore waters, always with both eyes looking up from the left side of their head. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. Fluke are ambush predators that make for great eating with sweet, flaky white meat. They're also perfect for kids and beginners since they don't fight as hard as other species. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live minnows or sea worms on a circle hook, and give them time to fully take the bait before setting.
Montauk, NY