Premium Half Day Fishing Adventure in Brooklyn Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing targeting sea bass and bluefishAll gear and bait included aboard comfortable 36foot vesselFamilyfriendly trip welcomes beginners and experienced anglers
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 fishing adventure launches from Brooklyn and targets some of the area's most popular species - Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Scup, Picked Dogfish, and Striped Bass. With a maximum of 4 anglers aboard his well-equipped 36' Luhrs, you'll get personalized attention whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned angler looking to explore NYC's fishing scene. All gear and bait come included, so you can show up ready to fish without worrying about tackle or licenses.
Your fishing day starts at 3260 Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, where you'll meet Captain Tom and his experienced first mate. The 36' Luhrs offers plenty of deck space for four anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Modern navigation equipment helps the captain pinpoint productive spots, while the spacious layout means everyone gets their fair shot at the action. The crew works hard to keep you in fish all day - from rigging your tackle to netting your catches and everything in between. Remember that the first mate works for tips, and 20% of your fare is the standard way to show appreciation for good service. Captain Tom welcomes families and first-timers, so don't worry if you've never held a fishing rod before.
Inshore fishing around NYC means working structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish concentrate and predators follow. Captain Tom uses a mix of bottom fishing with circle hooks for species like Sea Bass and Scup, while also employing drift fishing techniques when targeting Bluefish and Striped Bass. The crew will set you up with appropriate tackle for each species - lighter rods for Scup and heavier setups when big Blues are around. Bait varies depending on what's working best, but expect to fish with squid, clams, sandworms, or cut bait. The captain reads the water conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, moving spots if the bite slows down. GPS and fish finder technology help locate schools and structure, but it's the captain's local knowledge that really makes the difference in putting fish in the cooler.
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of NYC inshore fishing, especially around rocky structure and wrecks. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds in local waters, with occasional larger fish pushing 5+ pounds. They're most active during warmer months from May through October, and they put up a solid fight on light tackle. Sea Bass have excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families looking to bring dinner home. Their aggressive nature means they readily take bait, giving beginners plenty of action and confidence.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the inshore scene, known for their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive strikes. These predators range from "snapper" Blues under a pound to hefty "choppers" exceeding 10 pounds. They travel in schools and feed voraciously, often creating surface disturbances that experienced captains can spot from a distance. Bluefish are active spring through fall, with peak action during summer months. Their powerful runs and head-shaking fights make them exciting on medium tackle, though their oily meat requires proper bleeding and icing to maintain quality.
Scup, also called Porgy, are abundant in NYC waters and provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These silvery bottom fish typically weigh 1-2 pounds and are known for their delicate bites that require attention and quick hook sets. They school heavily over sandy and muddy bottoms, often providing non-stop action once you locate them. Scup are excellent eating with sweet, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or whole preparations. Their abundance makes them ideal for beginners learning to feel bites and set hooks properly.
Picked Dogfish are small sharks that add excitement to any fishing trip, especially for younger anglers. These 2-4 foot sharks are harmless but energetic fighters that make long runs when hooked. They're most common in cooler water during spring and fall months, often showing up in large schools. While not typically kept for eating, Dogfish provide memorable photo opportunities and give anglers a chance to handle a real shark. The captain and crew ensure safe handling and quick release of these interesting predators.
Striped Bass are the premier gamefish of the Northeast, and NYC waters hold excellent populations of schoolie-sized fish in the 18-28 inch range. These silvery fighters are most active during spring and fall migrations, though some resident fish stick around all summer. Stripers are notorious for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, testing both tackle and angler skill. They respond to both live and cut baits, and their willingness to feed in shallow water makes them perfect for inshore fishing. Many anglers consider Striped Bass the ultimate combination of fight and flavor.
This top-rated half-day fishing trip offers the perfect introduction to NYC's world-class inshore fishing scene. Captain Tom's local expertise, quality equipment, and family-friendly approach make this adventure suitable for everyone from curious beginners to dedicated anglers exploring new waters. The 4-hour format fits perfectly into busy schedules while providing enough time for real fishing action. With all gear included and a knowledgeable crew to guide you, this customer favorite delivers consistent results in one of the country's most productive urban fisheries. Book your spot today and discover why so many anglers keep coming back to fish these legendary waters with Rockaway Fishing Charters.
Step aboard Captain Tom's fully restored 36' Luhrs for your Brooklyn fishing adventure. This spacious motorboat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with twin Cummins engines that'll get you to the productive waters where sea bass, bluefish, and stripers are biting. The boat's loaded with everything serious fishermen need – fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh. Between fights with feisty bluefish, relax in the air-conditioned cabin complete with kitchen, bathroom, and even a bed for longer trips. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during travel time, while the refrigerator stocks cold drinks for those hot summer days on the water. Captain Tom provides all tackle and bait, so just bring your appetite for some great NYC fishing action departing from Flatbush Ave.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, bottom-dwelling fighters that love hanging around wrecks, rocks, and structure in 40-120 feet of water. These guys typically run 1-4 pounds with dark, mottled coloration and a big mouth that's always ready for an easy meal. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite, decent fight, and they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, flaky white meat. They're perfect for beginners since they're not too finicky. Drop squid strips or sea clams on a high-low rig right to the bottom near structure - they rarely venture far from cover.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are pure aggression with fins - these torpedo-shaped predators average 3-8 pounds and have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through anything. You'll find schools of them attacking baitfish near the surface or cruising sandy areas close to shore, especially during summer months. They're famous for their "blitz" feeding frenzies where they'll churn the water white going after bunker and anchovies. Guests love the non-stop action and how hard they fight, plus smaller "snappers" are perfect for kids. Watch for diving birds to locate the schools, then toss metal jigs or cut bait. Always use wire leaders - those teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Squalus AcanthiasSpiny dogfish are small sharks that most folks catch by surprise, but they're actually a blast to target. These feisty fighters typically run 2-3 feet long and pack serious attitude - they'll arch their backs and try to spine you with those venomous dorsal spikes, so handle with care. You'll find them on sandy bottoms in 160-500 feet of water, especially during October when they're most active in our area. They eat everything and fight hard on light tackle, making them perfect for families and beginners. Pro tip: use fresh sardines or squid on a simple bottom rig, and don't be afraid of those teeth - wire leaders aren't usually needed.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as the old-timers call them, are underrated fighters that make excellent table fare. These silver, deep-bodied fish typically run 12-16 inches and have strong jaws perfect for crushing shellfish around rocks and pilings. From May through October, they're all over our local waters in 20-80 feet, especially near structure. What guests love is how eager they are to bite - scup aren't picky and will grab squid, clams, or worms dropped to the bottom. They're also fantastic live bait for striped bass if you want to upsize your target. Fish a simple dropper loop rig and jig it slowly - they'll often hit on the way down.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our local waters, running 20-40 pounds on average with those iconic dark stripes down their silver sides. These fish love structure - you'll find them around bridges, drop-offs, and along the shoreline where the current moves. They migrate through our area spring through fall, with peak action during the cooler months of May-June and September-October. What makes them special? They're powerful fighters that peel drag and taste fantastic on the table. The key to success here is fishing the tide changes around dawn or dusk - that's when they're actively feeding and most likely to hammer your bait.
New York City, NY