Full Day NYC Fishing - Sea Bass & Bluefish
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day 7hour guided fishing trip in NYC watersTarget Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Striped Bass aboard 36' LuhrsAll bait, tackle, and professional guidance included onboard
Captain Tom Lacognata knows these New York waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during this action-packed 7-hour fishing adventure. Departing from Brooklyn's Flatbush Avenue, you'll be targeting some of the area's most popular species including Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Scup, and if conditions are right, maybe even some Striped Bass. His 36-foot Luhrs is equipped with all the modern navigation gear you need, plus there's plenty of room for up to four anglers to spread out and fish comfortably. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to bend some rods, Captain Tom provides all the bait, tackle, and expert guidance to make it happen.
You'll meet Captain Tom bright and early at 3260 Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, where his well-maintained 36-foot Luhrs awaits. The boat's got everything you need for a successful day - modern electronics to locate fish, comfortable seating, and plenty of deck space so everyone can fish without getting tangled up. Captain Tom runs a relaxed operation where families feel welcome and beginners get the attention they need to start catching fish right away. His first mate will be working hard all day to keep your lines baited, help with tangles, and make sure the fish box stays full. Remember, the mate works for tips - 20% of your fare is the standard way to show appreciation for good service. The 7-hour trip gives you plenty of time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's biting that day.
Captain Tom's got you covered with all the gear, but here's what you'll be working with out there. For the Sea Bass and Scup, you'll be dropping bottom rigs with circle hooks and sinkers heavy enough to get down in the current. The boat carries plenty of squid, clams, and other natural baits that these bottom feeders can't resist. When the Bluefish are around, things get more exciting - you might switch to heavier tackle and chunk baits or even throw some lures if they're feeding aggressively on the surface. The key to success in these waters is reading the bottom structure and current, something Captain Tom has mastered over years of fishing these same productive spots. He'll position the boat perfectly and coach you through the techniques that work best for each species you're targeting.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and wrecks scattered throughout New York's coastal waters. They typically run 1-3 pounds, with keeper-sized fish measuring at least 15 inches. Sea Bass are aggressive feeders and great table fare, making them a favorite among families. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through fall, and once you find a good spot, you can often catch them one after another.
Bluefish bring the excitement factor to any trip. These voracious predators travel in schools and when they're feeding, the action can be non-stop. Blues in these waters typically range from 2-8 pounds, with larger fish showing up in late summer and fall. They're known for their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes, so Captain Tom will make sure you know how to handle them safely. Bluefish are excellent when prepared fresh, despite what some people say about their strong flavor.
Scup, also called Porgy, are another consistent target that beginners love to catch. They're smaller than Sea Bass but make up for it in numbers - when you find a school, you can catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They typically run 8-12 inches and have excellent eating qualities. Scup are perfect for kids and new anglers because they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle to bring up.
Striped Bass represent the premium catch on any New York fishing trip. These powerful fish can range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to trophy fish over 40 inches. Stripers are more seasonal and weather-dependent than the other target species, but when conditions align, they provide some of the most memorable fishing you'll find in these waters. Captain Tom knows the tide and structure combinations that trigger Striper activity.
Spiny Dogfish might not be everyone's first choice, but these small sharks add variety to the day and are actually quite good eating when prepared properly. They're most common in cooler water and can provide steady action when other species are being finicky. They typically run 2-4 feet long and put up a surprisingly good fight on lighter tackle.
This top-rated Brooklyn fishing charter offers everything you need for a successful day on the water without any of the hassle. Captain Tom's experience in these waters, combined with a well-equipped boat and all tackle included, makes this trip perfect for anyone looking to get away from the city and catch some fish. The 7-hour duration gives you real value - enough time to fish multiple spots, adjust techniques based on conditions, and build up a cooler full of fresh fillets to take home. With space for up to four anglers, you can bring friends or family and split the cost while still having plenty of room to fish comfortably. Don't wait for the perfect conditions - Captain Tom will put you on fish regardless of your experience level, and his first mate will make sure you have everything you need for a successful trip.
This fully restored 36' Luhrs is your ticket to productive fishing waters around NYC. Twin Cummins engines get you to the fishing grounds fast, while the air-conditioned cabin keeps everyone comfortable between bites. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Below deck you'll find a full galley, head, and sleeping quarters if anyone needs a break from the action. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out whether you're fighting sea bass or casting for blues. The modern electronics help Captain Tom put you on fish, while the stable platform makes it easy to land whatever's biting. Perfect setup for targeting the variety of species these waters offer.
Centropristis StriataThese chunky bottom dwellers are crowd favorites - they fight hard until they break the surface and make excellent table fare. Most run 1-4 pounds with the occasional 6-8 pounder from deeper water. You'll find them around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and structure in 20-120 feet of water during late spring through summer. They're social fish, so where you catch one, there's usually more. The bigger males hang in deeper water with that distinctive hump on their heads during spawning season. Best part? They're not picky eaters and perfect for kids to catch. Pro tip: use medium tackle with 20-30 pound line, drop squid strips or clam right to the bottom near structure, and be ready - they hit hard and fast. Keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll attack anything moving - they're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match. Most run 3-10 pounds, though we get some pushing 20. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water, around structure, and in the surf during their summer feeding frenzies. Mid-June through October is prime time when they're actively feeding before heading south. They fight hard on light tackle and are excellent eating when prepared fresh - just bleed them right away. Watch your fingers around those teeth! Local trick: when you see birds diving and water churning, that's a "bluefish blitz" - get your lures in there fast. Cut bait or oily fish like bunker work great, but they'll hit almost any moving target.
Squalus AcanthiasThese small sharks are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. Most run 2-3 feet long and pack a punch with venomous spines behind their dorsal fins - handle with care! You'll find them in schools on sandy bottoms around 160-490 feet deep, and they're not picky eaters. October is peak season, though we catch them year-round. They prefer cooler water temperatures between 54-59°F. While not everyone's target species, they're actually decent eating and put up a good scrap on medium tackle. Pro tip: use a 10-20 pound line and any natural bait - sardines, squid, or worms work great. They travel in packs, so when you hook one, expect more. No wire leader needed despite those sharp teeth.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as locals call them, are perfect for families and beginners - they're easy to catch and great eating. These deep-bodied fish average 12-15 inches and have strong jaws for crushing shells. You'll find them around rocks, pilings, and structure where they hunt for crabs and worms. May through October is prime time when they move inshore to warmer shallow waters. They're excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat that's easy to fillet. Most folks catch them accidentally while targeting other species, but they're worth going after specifically. My tip: use light tackle with 14-pound test, drop squid or clam bait to the bottom near structure, and jig it slowly. They hit consistently and make for good action when other fish are slow.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are what make this area famous - these silver beauties with their distinctive dark stripes can hit 40+ pounds, though most we catch run 20-30 pounds. They're strong swimmers but not particularly fast, which gives you a real chance to battle them properly. You'll find them around structure like bridges and drop-offs, especially in moving water near shore. Spring through fall is prime time when they migrate up from the south. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: fish early morning or late evening when they're feeding near the surface. They love live bait like herring or bunker, and when they hit, you'll know it - they put up a solid fight that makes every trip memorable.
New York City, NY