NYC Family Fishing Charter - Rock Steady Luxury
Shared Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour family fishing charter targets Striped Bass in NYC watersAwardwinning crew provides equipment and instruction for all skill levelsAccommodates up to six guests with patient guidance for beginners
Looking for a fishing trip that works for everyone in the family? This 4-hour New York City family fishing charter with Rock Steady Luxury Charters delivers exactly what you're after. We're talking about a top-rated experience that brings parents and kids together on some of the best inshore waters around Manhattan. Our crew knows how to keep the energy up while teaching the basics, so whether you've got seasoned anglers or first-timers in your group, everyone walks away with stories to tell. The 2023 Manhattan Cup winners don't mess around when it comes to putting fish in the boat and smiles on faces.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. With space for up to 6 guests, you get that personal touch that makes all the difference when you're out there chasing stripers around NYC's iconic waterways. The crew supplies everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and most importantly, the patience to get everyone dialed in. Kids love the action-packed moments when we spot bird activity and blitzes, which usually means the fish are feeding and we're about to get busy. The boat runs smooth and comfortable, so even if someone in your group gets a little seasick, they'll bounce back quick. We focus on making sure everyone gets hands-on time with the gear and learns something new, whether that's reading the water, understanding tidal movements, or just perfecting their casting technique.
Inshore fishing around New York City means adapting to what the fish are doing on any given day. We primarily focus on live bait presentations and light tackle spinning setups that work well for families. The crew rigs up with everything from bunker chunks to live eels, depending on what the stripers are hitting. When the bluefish are around, we might switch to metal lures or bucktails to match their aggressive feeding style. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety - one minute you're bouncing bottom with bait, the next you're casting into a feeding frenzy on the surface. Our tackle is sized perfectly for the target species but still manageable for younger anglers. We keep multiple rods rigged and ready so when the action heats up, everyone can get in on it without waiting around. The crew handles all the technical stuff like adjusting drag, netting fish, and unhooking, so families can focus on the fun parts.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of New York's inshore fishing scene, and for good reason. These fish put up a serious fight, with most of our catches running between 20-40 inches. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when they're chasing baitfish in the shallows around structure. What makes stripers so special is their intelligence - they're not pushovers, and landing one feels like you've outsmarted a worthy opponent. Kids get a real kick out of the initial run these fish make, and the photo opportunities with a quality striper never get old. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the legal limits.
Little Tunny bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These smaller members of the tuna family are absolute speed demons, known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. When they show up in our waters during the warmer months, usually late summer into early fall, they provide non-stop action that keeps everyone on their toes. They school up in impressive numbers, so when you find them, you're likely looking at multiple hookups and plenty of laughs. Their fighting ability pound-for-pound is tough to beat, making them a customer favorite despite their smaller size compared to stripers.
Bluefish round out our target species list with their aggressive attitude and willingness to hit just about anything you throw at them. These fish have serious teeth and a bad attitude, which makes them perfect for getting beginners hooked on fishing. They show up in good numbers during their migration periods and aren't picky about presentation. Blues fight dirty with strong runs toward structure, and they'll test your drag system. They're also fantastic on the dinner table when prepared fresh, with a rich flavor that works great grilled or blackened.
Rock Steady Luxury Charters has earned their reputation as one of NYC's premier family fishing operations, and spots on their calendar fill up fast during peak season. This 4-hour trip gives you enough time to hit multiple spots, learn the ropes, and create those memories that last long after you're back on dry land. The crew's commitment to customer service and fish-finding ability means you're not just paying for boat time - you're investing in an experience that delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before you commit. But trust me, once you get out there and see what these waters have to offer, you'll already be planning your next trip before this one's over.
Set sail on our brand new 2023 Solace 30ft center console, built for serious fishing and family comfort. Twin 400HP Mercury engines push this beauty to 50 knots, getting you to the hottest striped bass spots around NYC waters in no time. The spacious layout gives everyone room to cast, while our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools. When the bite slows down, the multimedia system keeps kids entertained, and the onboard facilities mean no rushing back to shore. The flybridge offers great visibility for spotting bird activity and surface blitzes. With radar and GPS navigation, we can chase fish in any conditions while the wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on spooky bass without spooking them. This boat handles NYC's choppy waters like a dream, keeping the family comfortable while we target those trophy stripers that cruise the harbor.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that range 3-15 pounds in our waters, known for their razor-sharp teeth and fierce appetite. They patrol sandy harbors, bays, and tidal rivers during summer months, often creating feeding frenzies called "bluefish blitzes" that churn the water like washing machines. Peak action happens from June through October when they're actively feeding before heading south. Families love targeting blues because they're cooperative biters and put up a solid scrap. The meat is oily and flavorful when fresh - smaller fish taste milder than the big ones. Local secret: cut bait works great, but be ready with wire leaders because those teeth will slice through regular line in seconds.
Euthynnus AlletteratusThese torpedo-shaped speedsters, also called false albacore, run 10-20 pounds and travel in schools during their fall migration past NYC. Look for them in nearshore waters around jetties, inlets, and wherever baitfish are schooling - you'll often hear them before you see them since they're noisy feeders. Peak season is late summer through fall when they're moving south. What guests love most is the fight - little tunny are incredibly strong swimmers that'll burn line off your reel. Their dark, red meat has a rich tuna flavor that's perfect for sushi. Pro tip: when you spot diving birds and surface commotion, get your lines in fast because these schools move quickly.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of NYC fishing - these silver beauties with their signature black stripes grow anywhere from 20-40 pounds in our waters. You'll find them around structure like bridge pilings, drop-offs, and rocky areas, especially during their spring and fall migrations through the Hudson River system. They love moving water and cooler temps, so dawn and dusk fishing produces best results. What makes them special? They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, plus they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the surface, there's likely a school of stripers feeding underneath. Cast right into the commotion for fast action.
New York City