Half Day Bluefish and Striped Bass NYC Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing trip targeting bluefish and striped bassComfortable 36-foot Luhrs boat accommodates up to six guestsAll bait, tackle, and professional guidance included with trip
Looking for some solid inshore action without burning a whole day? Captain Tom Lacognata's got you covered with this four-hour fishing trip targeting two of New York City's most reliable species - bluefish and striped bass. Running out of Brooklyn at 3260 Flatbush Ave, this trip puts you right in the heart of some of the best inshore fishing the Big Apple has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this half-day charter delivers consistent action on his well-equipped 36' Luhrs that comfortably handles up to six guests.
Captain Tom runs a tight ship with all the modern navigation gear you'd want when fishing NYC's busy waterways. His 36-footer gives everyone plenty of room to cast without getting tangled up, which is huge when you've got a boat full of anglers and the fish are biting. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so you're not wasting time searching for fish - you're getting right to the productive spots. All your bait and tackle are provided, which takes the guesswork out of what to bring. The first mate stays busy keeping everyone's lines in the water and helping with hookups, and these guys work hard for tips - 20% of your trip cost is the standard way to show appreciation for good service. This setup works great for families since the kids don't need to worry about rigging their own gear, and beginners get hands-on help from folks who know these waters inside and out.
Inshore fishing around NYC means adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Captain Tom's got the tackle dialed in for both bluefish and striped bass, which often means switching between different presentations as conditions change. You'll likely be using circle hooks with fresh bait like bunker, mackerel, or clams depending on what's working. The blues tend to hit aggressively, so you'll feel those strikes right away - they're not shy about grabbing a bait. Striped bass can be more finicky, especially the bigger ones, so sometimes you'll need to let them run with it before setting the hook. The first mate handles most of the rigging and re-baiting, but don't be afraid to ask questions about technique - these guys live this stuff and most are happy to share what they've learned. With the modern electronics on board, you're often fishing structure, drop-offs, or bait schools that show up on the fish finder, rather than just blind casting and hoping for the best.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, and NYC's waters hold some real quality fish. These guys are ambush predators that love to hang around structure like bridge pilings, rocky areas, and drop-offs where they can pin baitfish against cover. During spring and fall migrations, you'll find schools of keeper-sized bass moving through the area, with fish ranging from schoolies up to legitimate 20-30 pounders. What makes stripers so popular is their fight - they'll make strong runs and use their broad sides to pull drag, especially in the current. Plus, they're excellent eating when handled properly. The best action typically happens during moving tides when these fish are actively feeding, and Captain Tom knows exactly where to position the boat to intercept them.
Bluefish are the other half of this dynamic duo, and they bring pure aggression to every fight. These toothy predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Blues hit hard and fight dirty, making screaming runs and thrashing at the surface. They're built for speed with powerful tails and razor-sharp teeth that can slice through lighter leaders in a heartbeat. Most bluefish in these waters run 2-8 pounds, but don't let the smaller size fool you - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. They're also fantastic on the dinner table when bled and iced immediately, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. Blues are less finicky than stripers about bait presentation, often competing with each other to grab whatever hits the water first. This makes them perfect for beginners and kids who want steady action without worrying about perfect technique.
This half-day trip hits the sweet spot for anyone wanting quality fishing without the full-day commitment. Captain Tom's track record speaks for itself, and his first mate keeps things running smoothly so you can focus on fishing rather than logistics. The 36' Luhrs provides a stable platform that handles NYC's harbor chop, and with space for up to six anglers, it's perfect for small groups or families. All tackle and bait are included, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're targeting dinner or just want to feel some bent rods, this Brooklyn-based charter puts you on fish in some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast. Book your spot and get ready for some serious action with two of New York's best fighting fish species.
Step aboard this fully restored 36' Luhrs and get ready to chase bluefish and stripers in NYC waters. Captain Tom's boat runs twin Cummins engines and packs everything you need for a comfortable day on the water - air conditioning when it's hot, a full kitchen for snacks, and a clean head when nature calls. The fish finder and GPS will put you on the fish while the spacious deck gives everyone room to cast and fight their catch. With an icebox to keep your drinks cold and a multimedia system for the ride out, this setup handles groups of four perfectly. Whether you're bringing kids for their first fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to target stripers around Brooklyn, this Luhrs delivers a solid platform for productive fishing without the cramped quarters of smaller boats.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Most run 3-10 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them in schools chasing baitfish through the harbor, especially around sandy bottom areas and tidal rivers. Summer is peak season when they move into our local waters. What guests love about bluefish? The action is fast and furious - when you find a school, it's game on. They'll hit almost anything you throw at them. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids and beginners. Pro tip: use wire leaders or they'll bite right through your line with those teeth.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of NYC waters, running 20-40 pounds with those classic dark stripes down their silver sides. These fish love structure - bridges, piers, drop-offs - and they're always moving with the current looking for baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time when they're migrating up and down the coast. What makes them special? They fight hard, grow big, and taste fantastic. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local tip: focus on the tide changes around dawn and dusk near the Verrazano Bridge. That's when they really turn on and start feeding aggressively.
New York City, NY