Full Day NYC Inshore Fishing with Captain Tom
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day guided fishing expedition targeting multiple speciesComfortable 36-foot vessel accommodates up to six guestsAll bait, tackle, and professional guidance included
Captain Tom Lacognata knows these waters like the back of his hand, and after seven hours on his 36' Luhrs, you'll understand why anglers keep coming back to fish Brooklyn's productive inshore grounds. This isn't your typical party boat scene – with just four spots available, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing real estate that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one. We're talking serious fish here: black sea bass that'll bend your rod, bluefish that fight like they're twice their size, and if the conditions line up right, stripers that'll have you talking about this trip for years.
Your day starts at 3260 Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, where Captain Tom's got everything dialed in before you even step aboard. The 36' Luhrs isn't just comfortable – it's built for fishing, with enough deck space for four anglers to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Tom's loaded up with all the tackle you'll need, from lighter setups for scup and sea bass to heavier gear when the stripers are running. The modern electronics onboard mean we're not just hoping to find fish – we're putting you right on top of them. Don't worry about experience level; Tom's guided everyone from first-timers to tournament anglers, and he's got a knack for putting everyone on fish regardless of skill level.
These inshore waters around NYC offer incredible variety, and Captain Tom adjusts tactics based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. We'll be dropping baits on structure for sea bass, working the current breaks for stripers, and when the bluefish are schooled up, it's game on with both bait and lures. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the constant action – while you're fighting a dogfish, your buddy might be into a solid scup, and before you know it, someone's hooked into a keeper striper. Tom provides all the bait, from clams and squid to fresh bunker when we're targeting the bigger fish. The first mate knows these techniques inside and out and will have you rigged up properly, whether we're fishing the bottom or working mid-water columns.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky fighters average 2-4 pounds but don't let their size fool you – they'll make multiple runs and use every piece of structure down there to try and break you off. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're absolute table fare. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature; when you find a school, it's not uncommon to boat a dozen or more before they wise up. Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip. These voracious predators can show up anytime from spring through late fall, and when they're feeding, it's pure chaos. They'll hit anything that moves, fight incredibly hard for their size, and the 3-8 pounders we typically see will test your drag system. Scup might not win beauty contests, but they're incredibly fun on light tackle and excellent eating. These guys are curious and competitive, often schooling in huge numbers around structure. Picked dogfish get a bad rap, but they're actually a blast on appropriate tackle – think of them as mini sharks with attitude, because that's exactly what they are. Striped bass are the crown jewel when conditions are right. These fish can range from schoolie size up to genuine trophies, and they're incredibly smart fighters that use the current and structure to their advantage.
Seven hours on the water with Captain Tom isn't just a fishing trip – it's your chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing the East Coast has to offer, right in NYC's backyard. With only four spots available, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between catching fish and really learning how to fish these waters. The first mate works hard to keep you in fish all day and customarily receives 20% of the fare – trust me, they earn every bit of it. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait on this one; Captain Tom's calendar fills up fast, especially when the fishing's hot.
Get ready to chase sea bass and bluefish aboard this fully restored 36' Luhrs that's built for serious NYC fishing. This comfortable motorboat handles up to 4 anglers with twin Cummins engines that'll get you to the productive waters fast. The full cabin keeps you comfortable between fish with air conditioning, a kitchen for prepping snacks, and even a bed if someone needs a quick rest. Modern fish finder and GPS help Captain Tom locate the hotspots, while radar keeps you safe when visibility drops. The icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 7-hour adventure. With a full toilet onboard, you can focus on landing black sea bass, striped bass, and whatever else is biting without worrying about comfort. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and all your bait and tackle are provided.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are our go-to bottom fish around wrecks and rocky structure. These chunky fighters typically run 1-4 pounds with big mouths and an appetite to match. From late spring through summer, they stack up on anything with relief - old wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom in 60-120 feet of water. The bigger males develop a pronounced hump on their heads during spawning and turn brilliant blue. What guests love is the steady action and how they fight harder than their size suggests - plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. They'll hit squid, clams, or small jigs bounced near bottom. My secret: once you find one, stay put and work the area thoroughly because they school up tight on structure, and where there's one, there's usually a dozen more waiting.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that provide non-stop action when they're feeding. These silver-blue fighters typically run 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. They travel in schools, chasing baitfish into shallow water during summer months around NYC. You'll find them anywhere from surf to open water, often creating feeding frenzies that churn the surface. What makes them exciting is their vicious strike and strong fight - they don't give up easy. The smaller "snapper" blues are perfect for kids, while bigger fish challenge experienced anglers. Fresh blues are delicious when prepared right after catching. Watch for birds diving - that's your sign of a feeding school below. Pro tip: use wire leaders because those teeth will slice through regular line in seconds, and oily baits like mackerel drive them crazy.
Squalus AcanthiasThese small sharks are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their attitude. Usually running 2-3 feet long, dogfish have white spots on their backs and sharp spines near their fins that'll get you if you're not careful. They hunt in packs along the bottom in 150-500 feet, feeding on everything from squid to crabs. October is prime time when they move through our waters. What guests love is how they bend the rod and fight hard for their size - plus they're great eating when prepared right, similar to other sharks. They'll hit almost any bait, but fresh sardines work best. Here's the trick: use a 15-20 pound line because they're tougher than they look, and always grab them behind the head to avoid those defensive spines.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are the perfect fish for families and new anglers - they're eager biters that rarely disappoint. These silver-scaled beauties run 1-2 pounds typically, with compressed bodies and strong jaws built for crushing shells. From May through October, they hang near bottom structure close to shore, feeding on clams, worms, and crabs around rocks and pilings. They migrate south when water cools, so summer is your window. Guests appreciate how cooperative they are and how good they taste - firm, white meat that's tough to beat. They'll hit squid, clams, or worms on simple bottom rigs. My tip: jig your bait slowly up and down near the bottom rather than just letting it sit - that movement triggers more strikes from these willing feeders.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the prize catch around NYC waters, running 20-40 pounds with their distinctive black stripes along silver sides. These powerful fish migrate through our area spring through fall, feeding heavily during their journey north and south. You'll find them near structure - around bridges, jetties, and drop-offs where they hunt baitfish in moving water. They're not the fastest swimmers but they're strong fighters that'll test your drag. Peak action happens at dawn and dusk when they come up to feed. What makes them special is the sweet, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish. Pro tip: when the water's moving during tide changes, cast live bunker or eels near the pilings - that's when the big ones bite.
New York City, NY