5-Hour Inshore Charter: Early Morning Action
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing charter accommodates up to four anglersCaptain Brad provides expert guidance on optimal timing and tidesFlexible departure times maximize chances for successful fishing trips
There's something special about being on the water when most folks are still hitting snooze. Our 5-hour inshore charter kicks off at 6 AM, giving you and up to three buddies the perfect window to capitalize on prime fishing conditions. Captain Brad has been running these waters for years, and he knows exactly when the fish are most active. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience why so many anglers consider inshore fishing the sweet spot between accessible and productive. You'll have plenty of time to work different spots, adjust techniques, and really get into the rhythm of what makes inshore fishing so addictive.
Five hours gives you serious fishing time without feeling rushed. We're talking about a proper charter here – enough time to hit multiple spots, work different depths, and really dial in what's working on any given day. Captain Brad doesn't just follow a set route; he reads the conditions, checks the tides, and puts you where the action is happening. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you might be working structure for stripers, the next you're drifting over sandy bottom for fluke. The 6 AM start means you're fishing during that magic morning bite when predators are actively feeding. By 11 AM, you'll have worked through prime time and have a cooler full of stories to tell. The intimate group size – just four anglers max – means everyone gets personal attention and plenty of rod time.
Inshore fishing is all about adapting your approach to what's happening beneath the surface. We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what species we're targeting and where we find them. For striped bass, we might start with live bait around structure or switch to jigging if we mark fish on the finder. Fluke fishing typically means working the bottom with bucktails tipped with gulp or squid, bouncing along sandy areas where these flatfish ambush prey. When bluefish are around, they'll often give themselves away with surface activity, and that's when things get really exciting with topwater action. Captain Brad stocks quality tackle that can handle whatever we run into, but experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear. We're talking medium to medium-heavy spinning setups mostly, with the flexibility to adjust based on conditions and target species.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around here, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful. They can range anywhere from schoolie size around 18-24 inches up to real cows pushing 30+ pounds. Spring and fall are peak times when they're actively feeding and moving through in good numbers. What makes stripers so special is their fight – they'll make long runs, dive for structure, and keep you honest throughout the battle. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations. Bluefish bring a completely different energy to the trip. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're vicious fighters with razor-sharp teeth, and they'll hit just about any bait or lure with authority. Blues typically run 2-8 pounds in our waters, and while they're oily fish, they're fantastic when prepared fresh. Summer flounder, or fluke as most anglers call them, are the masters of disguise. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and ambush prey swimming overhead. They're tricky to hook because of their feeding style, but once you figure out the technique, they provide steady action. Keeper fluke – those over 18 inches – are prized for their delicate, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
This 5-hour morning charter hits the sweet spot for serious anglers who want quality time on the water without burning the whole day. You'll be back at the dock by 11 AM with time to clean your catch and still have the afternoon for other plans. The flexible departure times mean Captain Brad can work with tides and conditions to give you the best shot at success. Remember, this is a top-rated charter that books up quickly, especially during peak season. The small group size and Captain Brad's reputation for putting clients on fish means spots fill fast. Give us a call to talk through the best dates and times for your trip – we'll make sure you're fishing when conditions are prime for whatever species you're most excited to target.
The 26' Fortier Downeast is your ticket to productive inshore waters. This classic 1989 hull got a complete makeover in 2013 and runs like new with its reliable 240HP Yanmar diesel. She'll cruise comfortably at 24 knots to get you on the fish without burning through fuel. The boat handles beautifully in coastal waters and gives you plenty of room to work with up to 3 other anglers. You'll have everything needed for a successful morning on the water - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, VHF radio, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. There's even a head onboard for longer trips. Captain Brad knows these waters inside and out and will time your departure around the best tides and conditions. Whether you're casting for stripers, bottom fishing for fluke, or working structure for whatever's biting, this boat puts you in prime position to make the most of your 5-hour window on the water.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive feeders are known for their fierce fights and razor-sharp teeth. Most blues we catch run 3-8 pounds, though larger ones can hit 15-20 pounds. They're voracious predators that travel in schools, often creating feeding frenzies when they corner baitfish. You'll find them in open water, around structure, and pushing bait into shallow areas during summer months. Blues are excellent table fare when prepared fresh - the smaller ones have milder, flaky meat. They hit hard and fight dirty, making multiple runs that'll test your drag. Pro tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - those teeth will slice through regular line in seconds. Best action happens during moving water on the tide changes.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the king of our inshore waters and the fish most anglers dream about. These silver-sided beauties with dark horizontal stripes typically range from 20-40 pounds, though we see fish over 50. They're structure-oriented fish found around rocky points, drop-offs, bridge pilings, and rip lines where currents meet. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action, but we catch them year-round. What makes them special is their powerful fight - they make long, strong runs and jump like crazy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. The key is fishing the moving water during tide changes when they're most active. Live eels or chunked bunker work best, but match whatever bait is around.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage that lie buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds are what we're after. They're found on sandy flats, around structure edges, and near drop-offs in 10-40 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when they're most active. What makes them special is the challenge - they're picky eaters with a subtle bite, plus they're some of the best eating fish in our waters. Their unique sideways bite means you need patience. My go-to trick is to use a bucktail tipped with strip bait and work it slow along the bottom, giving them time to commit.
Hampton Bays, NY