Half Day Bluefish and Striped Bass Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing trip targeting Bluefish and Striped BassComfortable 36foot vessel accommodates up to six guests maximumAll bait, tackle, and professional guidance included in fare
Captain Tom Lacognata knows these New York City waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour inshore adventure targets two of the area's most popular species - hard-fighting Striped Bass and aggressive Bluefish. Operating out of Brooklyn at 3260 Flatbush Ave, you'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped 36' Luhrs that's built for comfort and performance. With space for up to four anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between personalized attention and shared excitement when someone hooks up.
You'll start your morning meeting Captain Tom at the dock, where he'll get you set up with everything you need. The 36' Luhrs comes loaded with modern electronics and navigation gear, plus plenty of room to move around when you're fighting fish. All your bait and tackle are provided, so whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, you're covered. The first mate will be there to help with everything from rigging lines to netting fish, and they work hard for tips - 20% of your fare is the standard way to show appreciation. Families love this trip because there's something for everyone, and beginners get the guidance they need to actually catch fish instead of just hoping for the best.
Inshore fishing around NYC means adapting to conditions and what the fish are doing on any given day. Captain Tom will have you working with live bait, fresh chunks, or artificials depending on what's producing. You might be drifting over structure where the bass like to ambush prey, or covering ground to find schools of bluefish that are pushing baitfish to the surface. The boat's fish finder helps locate the action, but experience reading the water and understanding fish behavior is what really puts you on top of them. Lines typically run medium to heavy action to handle these scrappy inshore species, and you'll learn proper techniques for setting the hook and fighting fish without losing them at the boat.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful. Around NYC waters, you'll encounter everything from schoolie bass in the 18-28 inch range up to keeper-sized fish that can push 10-15 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime time, when bass are actively feeding and moving through the area. They're ambush predators that love to hang around structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where they can surprise unsuspecting baitfish. What makes them so exciting to catch is their initial run - once hooked, a good striper will make several powerful runs and test your drag system. They're also excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Bluefish bring a completely different energy to your fishing day. These are aggressive, opportunistic feeders that travel in schools and absolutely demolish anything that looks like food. When you find a school of blues, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups happening simultaneously. They typically run 2-8 pounds in these waters, but don't let the size fool you - pound for pound, bluefish fight harder than almost anything else you'll encounter. They're most active during warmer months and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and acrobatic fights. Blues will often feed in a frenzy, chopping up schools of bunker or other baitfish, creating an exciting visual show on the surface. Their rich, oily meat is perfect for the grill when prepared fresh.
This top-rated Brooklyn fishing experience delivers exactly what local and visiting anglers are looking for - legitimate fish-catching opportunities without the hassle of a full day commitment. Captain Tom's reputation for putting clients on fish, combined with the convenience of a 4-hour trip, makes this a customer favorite among NYC fishing charters. The 36' Luhrs provides a stable, comfortable platform that handles the local waters beautifully, and having everything included means you can focus on fishing instead of logistics. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, planning a unique date, or just need to get your line wet after a long work week, this trip hits the mark. The limited capacity ensures personalized attention, and the experienced crew knows how to make sure everyone gets in on the action. Book early, especially during peak season, because word gets around fast about charters that consistently produce fish.
This fully restored 36' Luhrs is your ticket to productive bluefish and striped bass action in NYC waters. Twin Cummins engines get you to the fishing grounds fast, while the fish finder helps locate schools of feeding fish. The spacious cockpit gives you plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling stripers, and when you need a break from the action, duck into the air-conditioned cabin. Between the kitchen, fridge, and icebox, you can keep drinks cold and snacks handy during those long battles. The full navigation suite with GPS and radar means your captain can safely navigate these busy waters and find fish even when visibility drops. After landing your catch, rinse off in the onboard facilities and relax on the comfortable seating as you cruise back to Brooklyn with your cooler full of fresh fillets.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression with fins - voracious predators that'll attack anything that moves. Around NYC waters, they typically range 2-15 pounds, with their razor-sharp teeth and muscular build making every fight memorable. You'll find them in open water, around bait schools, and near structures during summer months when water temps climb. They're famous for their "blitz" feeding frenzies where they churn the surface like washing machines. Guests love the non-stop action and explosive strikes. The smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids and beginners. Fresh bluefish tastes great when handled properly - bleed them immediately and keep on ice. Pro tip: use wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon - their teeth will slice through regular mono in seconds. Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our NYC waters. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing 50+. They're structure lovers - hanging around bridges, drop-offs, and rocky areas where the current brings baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavily. What makes them special? They fight hard, pulling drag and making runs that'll test your skills. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when fishing near the Verrazano or Brooklyn Bridge, cast uptide and let your bait drift naturally with the current. Stripers ambush prey moving with the flow, so matching that movement is key to consistent hookups.
New York City, NY