Half Day Sea Bass and Scup Trip in NYC Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing trip targeting Sea Bass and ScupComfortable 36-foot vessel accommodates up to six guests maximumAll bait, tackle, and professional guidance included onboard
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 sea bass and scup action. This top-rated 4-hour inshore charter departs right from Brooklyn at 3260 Flatbush Ave, making it one of the most convenient fishing trips you'll find in the five boroughs. Aboard his well-maintained 36' Luhrs, you'll have plenty of room to spread out with up to three other anglers, plus all the modern navigation gear to get you to the fish fast. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this customer favorite delivers consistent action and plenty of laughs on the water.
Your morning starts early at the Flatbush Avenue dock, where Captain Tom and his first mate will have everything prepped and ready to roll. The 36' Luhrs is a solid platform for inshore fishing – stable enough for beginners but equipped with the speed to hit multiple spots when the bite is hot. You'll cruise out into New York Harbor and the surrounding waters where structure holds these bottom-dwelling favorites. The boat's updated electronics make quick work of finding productive spots, and with only four guests max, everyone gets personal attention from both the captain and mate. All your bait, tackle, and instruction come included, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and maybe a cooler for your catch. The first mate works hard to keep your lines in the water and will help with everything from rigging to filleting – a 20% tip is standard and well worth it for the service you'll receive.
Sea bass and scup fishing is all about reading structure and presenting your bait right where these fish like to hang out. Captain Tom runs a variety of bottom rigs depending on current conditions – everything from simple high-low rigs with circle hooks to more specialized dropper loops when the fish are being picky. You'll be fishing with fresh clams, squid, and sometimes live or fresh-cut bait when the conditions call for it. The key is getting your rig down to the bottom quickly in these tidal waters, then working it just enough to entice a bite without spooking the school. The captain will adjust weights based on drift and current, and his first mate is constantly checking everyone's rigs to make sure you're fishing effectively. Don't worry if you've never bottom fished before – this crew has taught hundreds of first-timers, and they'll have you feeling confident within the first few drops.
Black sea bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason – these scrappy bottom dwellers put up a solid fight and taste even better on the dinner table. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, when they move into shallower waters to feed and spawn. Sea bass love structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom, where they ambush crabs, small fish, and other prey. What makes them so fun to catch is their aggressive nature – when you find a school, you can often pull them up one after another until they wise up or move on. They typically run anywhere from 12 to 18 inches in these waters, with occasional larger fish pushing 3 to 4 pounds. The best part? They're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to a classic beer batter fry-up.
Scup, also known as porgy, are another world-class target that keeps anglers coming back for more. These silver-sided fighters are incredibly abundant in New York waters during their peak season from late spring through summer. Scup are notorious bait stealers – they'll pick your hook clean before you even know they're there – but once you get the hang of their subtle bites, you'll be reeling them in steady. They school up in massive numbers over sandy and muddy bottoms, often mixing with sea bass around structure. Most scup run between 8 to 12 inches, but the larger "dinner plate" sized fish are the real prizes. Their delicate, sweet meat makes them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. What's really exciting about scup fishing is the sheer volume – on a good day, you might boat dozens of keeper-sized fish, making this one of the most productive inshore fisheries in the Northeast.
This half-day trip offers everything you want in a New York City fishing charter – convenient location, experienced crew, comfortable boat, and consistent action on two of the area's most popular species. Captain Tom's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and with only four spots available per trip, these charters book up fast during peak season. The all-inclusive approach means you don't need to worry about tackle, bait, or technique – just show up ready to fish and let this experienced crew do the rest. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to saltwater fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just want to escape the city for a few hours, this Brooklyn-based charter delivers the goods. The fish are biting, the weather's looking good, and there's an open spot with your name on it – time to get out there and make it happen.
Step aboard this freshly restored 36' Luhrs and get ready to chase sea bass and scup in NYC waters. This spacious motorboat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with twin Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. The full cabin keeps you cool with AC between bites, while the kitchen and fridge let you store snacks and cold drinks for the 4-hour trip. Advanced fish finder and GPS help Captain Tom put you on the fish, and when nature calls, there's a proper head onboard. The roomy deck gives everyone plenty of space to work their lines without tangling up. Perfect setup for families or groups looking to hook into some quality bottom fish around Brooklyn's productive inshore waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are the bread and butter of our local fishing scene. These chunky, dark-colored fish average 1-3 pounds, with occasional 5+ pounders around deeper wrecks and structure. They love rocky bottom, jetties, and anything with vertical relief in 20-80 feet of water. Prime season runs late spring through fall when they're shallow and aggressive. What makes them special? They fight hard on medium tackle, are some of the best eating fish in our waters, and they're reliable biters. Males turn bright blue during spawn and develop a distinctive hump. They hit squid, clams, and jigs with authority. Local trick: When they're finicky, try bouncing a white bucktail tipped with squid right off the bottom - that flutter drives them crazy.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, also called porgy, are plentiful around NYC waters from May through October. These silver-sided fish with rainbow-tinted scales typically run 12-16 inches and make great table fare. They're bottom feeders that love hanging around rocks, pilings, and structure in 15-60 feet of water. Scup have small mouths but strong jaws for crushing shells and crabs. They're perfect for families since they bite readily on squid, clams, or worms. The fight isn't crazy strong, but they're consistent biters that fill the cooler. Best part? They make excellent live bait for stripers later. Pro tip: Use a small hook - their mouths are smaller than you think, and downsizing often doubles your hookup rate when they're being picky.
New York City, NY