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
Montauk's inshore waters are where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of the East Coast's most prized game fish. Push the Limit Sportfishing runs top-rated inshore charters that put you right in the thick of the action, targeting striped bass, fluke, bluefish, sea bass, and porgy in the productive waters surrounding the Point. With a maximum of four anglers per trip, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make for memorable days on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back to Montauk year after year.
Your day starts early at Montauk Harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions and game plan for the day. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one moment you might be drifting over structure for sea bass, the next casting topwater plugs for aggressive bluefish tearing up bait schools. The captain will adjust tactics based on what's biting, tides, and weather, so every trip feels fresh and exciting. You've got the option to fish light tackle for that sporting fight or go heavy when the big stripers are running. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks – there's nothing quite like eating lunch while watching your lines in some of the most beautiful water on the East Coast. The intimate group size means everyone gets plenty of action, and the captain can work with different skill levels to make sure everyone's having a good time.
Montauk inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your captain will have you covered with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but the real magic happens in knowing when to switch techniques. Early morning might call for live bait fishing with chunks or whole fish for stripers holding near structure. As the sun gets higher, you might transition to jigging for fluke over sandy bottom or working bucktails around rocky areas for sea bass. When bluefish are active, few things beat the excitement of casting poppers or spoons into feeding frenzies. The boat carries both spinning and conventional setups, so whether you prefer the ease of spinning gear or want to learn conventional tackle, you're set. Bait selection varies with the season and conditions – bunker, squid, clams, sea worms, and various artificials all have their place in the arsenal. Your captain reads the signs – bird activity, bait movement, water temperature changes – and positions the boat where fish are most likely to be feeding.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Montauk inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful. Spring and fall see the biggest runs, with fish ranging from schoolies in the 20-inch range up to true cows pushing 40 pounds or more. Stripers are ambush predators that love structure – rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish get disoriented. What makes them so exciting is their unpredictability. One cast might produce a gentle tap, the next a rod-bending strike that has you scrambling for the reel. They fight dirty too, using their broad sides and the current to test your drag system. The best part? They're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the masters of deception. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and ambush prey swimming overhead, making them a blast to target with bouncing jigs and gulp baits. Fluke season typically runs from spring through early fall, with the biggest doormat-sized fish often caught in deeper water during summer months. They're notorious for short strikes and stealing bait, which keeps you on your toes. When you do connect, they put up a surprising fight for a flatfish, and they're absolutely delicious – fluke is considered some of the best eating fish in these waters. The current New York regulations and size limits help ensure sustainable populations.
Bluefish bring pure excitement to any inshore trip. These aggressive predators travel in schools and feed with reckless abandon, creating some of the most visual and heart-pounding fishing you'll find. When blues are busting bait on the surface, you can see and hear the commotion from a distance. They'll hit almost anything you throw at them – plugs, spoons, jigs, even bare hooks sometimes. Bluefish have razor-sharp teeth and fight with incredible power for their size, making screaming runs that test your equipment. They're most active during warmer months and often provide fast action when other species are being finicky. While they're oily fish that some consider an acquired taste, fresh bluefish prepared properly is outstanding on the grill.
This world-class inshore fishing experience combines everything that makes Montauk special – diverse species, beautiful scenery, and the kind of action that creates lasting memories. Push the Limit Sportfishing has built their reputation on putting clients on fish while providing the personalized service that only comes with small group charters. Whether you're looking to check striped bass off your bucket list, want to introduce family members to the sport, or simply need a break from the daily grind with some quality time on the water, this trip delivers. The 4-person maximum ensures everyone gets attention from the captain and plenty of opportunities to get their lines wet. Book early, especially during peak season – the best dates fill up fast when word gets out about hot fishing. Come ready for a day that reminds you why inshore fishing around Montauk is considered some of the best on the entire Eastern Seaboard.
Fish the productive waters around Montauk aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfect for targeting striped bass, sea bass, fluke, bluefish, and porgy. This boat comforts up to 4 anglers with a spacious flybridge offering elevated views to spot fish and bird activity. The fish finder helps locate schools and structure while GPS keeps us on the best spots. VHF radio ensures safety communication, and radar cuts through morning fog that often blankets these waters. Whether you prefer light tackle finesse fishing or heavy gear for bigger stripers, we've got you covered. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, and there's plenty of room to store your snacks and drinks. Montauk's inshore waters offer consistent action from spring through fall, with each season bringing different opportunities. From shallow fluke grounds to bass-holding boulder fields, this boat handles it all with ease and gets you fishing fast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that make for exciting fishing around Montauk. These blue-green fighters typically run 2-10 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth and voracious appetite. You'll find them in schools from spring through fall, especially when baitfish like bunker and sand eels are around. They hit hard and fight dirty - perfect for light tackle action. Bluefish love structure like drop-offs and rips, but also cruise the surf and shallow bays during feeding blitzes. When they're feeding, the water looks like a washing machine from all the activity. Smaller "snappers" in late summer are great for kids to catch. Fresh blues are excellent eating if you bleed them right away and keep them cold. Local tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast - blues push baitfish to the surface and create some of the best topwater action you'll see.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the king of our inshore waters around Montauk, with their distinctive dark stripes and powerful builds. These fish range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to trophy cow bass over 30 pounds. They're structure-oriented, so you'll find them around rocks, drop-offs, rips, and anywhere current brings baitfish. Spring and fall migrations provide the best action, but resident fish stick around all summer. Stripers are smart fighters that use their weight and the current against you. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. These fish love live eels, bunker, and sea worms, but they can be picky depending on conditions. Here's a local secret: focus on moving water during tide changes, especially the hour before and after slack tide. That's when they feed most aggressively. Early morning and evening are prime times, but don't overlook midday fishing during overcast conditions.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are masters of camouflage that live on sandy and muddy bottoms around Montauk. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds are always possible. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in the sand and wait for baitfish to swim by. You'll find them in 10-60 feet of water near structure like rocks, wrecks, or drop-offs where current brings food. Best fishing runs from late spring through fall, with September and October being prime time. Fluke are prized for their sweet, white meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They can be tricky to hook since they often just mouth the bait and swim off. My tip: use a light drag and give them a few seconds to really take it before setting the hook. Sea worms and live killies work great, but don't overlook bucktails with Gulp trailers for covering water.
Montauk, NY