5-Hour Dawn Inshore Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour inshore fishing charter accommodates up to 4 anglersFlexible departure times based on optimal tides and conditionsCaptain Brad provides expert guidance for species targeting
There's something special about being on the water when the sun starts painting the horizon, and that's exactly what you'll get with this top-rated 5-hour inshore charter. Captain Brad has been running these dawn trips for years, and there's a reason why they're a customer favorite among serious anglers. Starting at 6 AM, you'll have five solid hours to work the inshore waters when fish are most active. The early start isn't just for show – it's when the magic happens. With space for up to 4 anglers, this charter strikes the perfect balance between having enough room to fish comfortably and keeping the group small enough for personalized attention.
Captain Brad doesn't just pick departure times randomly – he studies the tides, weather patterns, and recent fish activity to give you the best shot at success. When you book, he'll walk you through why he's chosen specific times and tides for your trip. The boat is set up specifically for inshore work, with the right tackle and electronics to locate fish in shallow waters, around structure, and along the edges where inshore species love to hunt. You'll spend your time working different spots based on what's producing, and Brad's local knowledge means you're not wasting time in dead water. The 5-hour window gives you enough time to really dial in on what the fish want without feeling rushed. Morning trips like this are renowned in the charter industry because you're fishing during peak feeding times, plus you'll be back by lunch with stories to tell.
Inshore fishing is all about versatility, and Captain Brad comes prepared with the right gear for whatever you encounter. You'll be using medium to heavy spinning tackle that can handle everything from schoolie stripers to keeper fluke. Live bait is often the go-to choice – bunker, eels, and squid depending on what's available and what the fish are keying in on. When the fish are aggressive, you might switch to artificials like bucktails, soft plastics, or topwater plugs that can drive striped bass absolutely crazy during early morning feeds. The boat is equipped with quality fishfinders to locate structure and baitfish, and Captain Brad knows how to read the water to put you on fish. You'll learn different techniques throughout the trip – maybe starting with live bait fishing around structure, then switching to jigging or casting artificials as conditions change. The inshore environment means you're fishing in relatively protected waters, but there's still plenty of structure, current, and depth changes to keep things interesting.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and put up a world-class fight that'll test your drag system. Stripers are most active during dawn and dusk, which is why this early morning charter timing is spot-on. You'll find them around structure, in moving water, and often feeding aggressively on baitfish during these prime hours. A keeper striper – anything over 28 inches – is a trophy worth celebrating, and the bigger fish often come during these early morning sessions. What makes stripers so exciting is their unpredictability; one minute you're catching schoolies on light tackle, the next you're locked up with a 40-inch cow that's testing every knot you tied.
Summer flounder, or fluke as most anglers call them, are the masters of camouflage and ambush predation. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, then explode upward to grab unsuspecting baitfish. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique – you're often bouncing bucktails tipped with squid or spearing along the bottom, feeling for that subtle tap that signals a fish has grabbed your bait. The trick with fluke is the hookset; they grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around, so you wait for that steady pull before setting the hook. A keeper fluke – 19 inches or bigger – makes for excellent table fare, and the bigger "doormat" fluke are some of the most prized catches in inshore fishing.
Bluefish are the aggressive bullies of the inshore world, and when you find a school of feeding blues, the action can be non-stop. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match – they'll hit just about any lure or bait you put in front of them when they're feeding. Blues are notorious for their slashing attacks on baitfish schools, often creating feeding frenzies that attract birds and other predators. They're fantastic for kids and novice anglers because they're so willing to bite, but don't underestimate their fighting ability. A big blue will make screaming runs and test your equipment. Just remember to bring a wire leader – those teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat.
This 5-hour dawn charter with Captain Brad offers everything serious inshore anglers look for: prime fishing hours, expert local knowledge, and enough time to really work the water properly. The early start means you're fishing when the fish are most active, and the flexible scheduling ensures you're going out under optimal conditions. Whether you're after a keeper striper to mount on the wall, a doormat fluke for the dinner table, or just want to experience the excitement of bluefish mayhem, this trip delivers. Captain Brad's commitment to timing your trip with the best tides and conditions, combined with his years of local experience, gives you the best possible shot at success. Don't wait – prime spots on these popular morning charters fill up fast, especially during peak season. Contact Captain Brad to discuss the best timing for your trip and secure your spot on the water.
Meet our classic 26' Fortier Downeast, your ticket to productive inshore waters. This restored 1989 beauty runs smooth with her 240HP Yanmar diesel, cruising at 24 knots to get you on the fish fast. Built tough for New England conditions, she's got everything you need for a serious fishing trip - fish finder to mark schools, GPS and radar for navigation, VHF radio for safety, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The spacious cockpit gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to work lines without getting tangled up. Captain Brad knows these waters like the back of his hand and times each trip around the best tides for whatever's biting. Whether you're targeting stripers, blues, or whatever's running, this boat puts you in prime position to fill the cooler. Clean restroom on board too, so no cutting trips short.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up from mid-June through October, making our summer and fall trips really productive. Most run 3-7 pounds, but we see some pushing 15-20 pounds that'll give you a real workout. They travel in schools and feed like crazy on baitfish, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. You'll find them around structure, in the surf, or chasing bait in open water. They're excellent table fare when handled right - firm, flaky meat that's perfect grilled. The key is using wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through regular line in seconds. When they're feeding, almost any lure works, but fresh cut bait like bunker or mackerel is hard to beat.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the backbone of our inshore fishing, running anywhere from schoolies to 40+ pound cows. These fish are structure-oriented, so we work around drop-offs, rocky points, and current breaks where they ambush baitfish. Spring and fall migrations offer the best action, but we catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is their strong fight and excellent table fare - firm, sweet meat that's perfect for the grill. They're smart fish that can be picky about presentation. Best tip I can share: match your bait to what they're eating. When the bunker are around, nothing beats a fresh chunk, but don't overlook live eels at night or around structure. Always keep your drag smooth - these fish make powerful runs.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of camouflage - these flatfish blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey. Most keepers run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 5-8 pounds, with the occasional doormat over 10 pounds. They're found in estuaries, around structure, and over sandy flats from spring through fall, with September and October being prime time. What makes them special is their sneaky bite and excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The fight isn't flashy, but landing a big fluke takes skill. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live minnows or strips of squid, and give them time to fully take the bait before setting the hook. They bite sideways and need a moment to turn it.
Hampton Bays, NY