Long Island Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6-hour inshore fishing charter off Southampton watersTarget multiple prized species with professional guidanceSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests
When you're looking for serious fishing action without the long haul offshore, this 6-hour inshore trip with Saltwater Cowboy Fishing Charter hits the sweet spot. Operating out of Southampton, NY, you'll be working the productive waters where Long Island's south shore meets the Atlantic. These inshore grounds have been delivering consistent action for decades, and there's a reason local anglers keep coming back to these same honey holes season after season.
Your day starts early at the Southampton docks, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions and game plan. With a maximum of 4 anglers, you're not dealing with a crowded party boat situation - this is fishing the way it should be done. The smaller group means more personalized attention, better fishing spots, and frankly, a lot more fish per person. You'll be targeting structure and drop-offs where the fish stack up, using a mix of bottom fishing and drift techniques depending on what's biting. The 6-hour window gives you real time to work different spots and adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day.
All your gear is provided, so don't worry about dragging rods and tackle boxes to the boat. The crew runs quality spinning and conventional setups matched to whatever you're targeting that day. For fluke, you'll be working bucktails and gulp baits along the bottom, feeling for that telltale thump when a doormat grabs your offering. Tautog fishing means switching to bottom rigs with green crabs or clams, working the rocks and structure where these bulldogs live. When the bluefish are running, you might find yourself casting metals or trolling small spoons through feeding schools. Black sea bass action typically involves dropping chunks or jigs to the bottom around structure, and these guys hit hard when they're home.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as every local calls them, are the bread and butter of Long Island inshore fishing. These flatfish can range from throwback size up to legitimate doormats pushing 8+ pounds. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, lying in sandy areas waiting to ambush baitfish. What makes fluke so addictive is the variety - you never know if that next drift will produce a keeper or a monster. They fight surprisingly hard for a flatfish, and nothing beats fresh fluke fillets on the dinner table.
Tautog are the bulldogs of the inshore world, and Long Island's rocky structure holds some serious blackfish. These fish average 2-4 pounds but can push well into double digits. Fall and early winter are prime time for tog, when they're feeding heavily before winter. They're notorious bait stealers with crushing jaws, so feeling that initial pickup and setting the hook before they retreat into the rocks is part of the challenge. Tautog have some of the best eating of any fish in these waters - firm, white meat that's perfect for the table.
Bluefish bring the excitement factor to any inshore trip. These aggressive predators travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Blues range from smaller snappers up to chopper-sized fish over 10 pounds that can easily cut through light tackle. They're most active during the warmer months and often feed in spectacular surface displays. The fight is fierce and fast, with powerful runs and head shakes that test your drag system. Fresh bluefish, when bled and iced properly, makes excellent eating despite what some people say.
Black Sea Bass are the perfect inshore bottom fish - they hit hard, fight strong, and taste fantastic. These fish love structure like wrecks, rocks, and reefs, typically holding in 20-80 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that rarely refuse a well-presented bait or jig. Most sea bass run 1-3 pounds, but the bigger ones can reach 5+ pounds and provide surprising power on light tackle. They're open year-round with generous bag limits, making them a reliable target when other species are off the bite.
This top-rated 6-hour inshore trip gives you the perfect taste of what makes Long Island fishing so special. You're getting quality fishing time without the expense and time commitment of offshore trips, targeting species that are both fun to catch and great on the table. Saltwater Cowboy Fishing Charter knows these waters inside and out, and their smaller boat approach means you're fishing, not just along for the ride. Whether you're a local angler looking to get away from shore fishing crowds or visiting from out of area, this trip delivers the real Long Island fishing experience. Book your spot today and see why anglers keep coming back to these productive inshore waters.
Hit the productive waters off Southampton aboard our well-equipped motorboat, perfectly rigged for serious inshore fishing action. This reliable fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need to locate and land your targets - fish finder to spot the schools, GPS to hit the honey holes, and radar when the fog rolls in. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while you're chasing that next bite. With room for up to 4 anglers and a head on board, you can focus on what matters most - putting fish in the boat. Whether you're working the structure for stripers or chasing blues in the surf, this boat gets you there and keeps you comfortable during those long fights. Ready to experience some of Long Island's best inshore fishing? This charter puts you right where the action is.
Centropristis StriataSea bass are solid fighters that stack up around structure like wrecks, rocks, and artificial reefs. Most fish run 1-3 pounds, but the big males can hit 6-8 pounds in deeper water. They love hanging in 30-80 feet around hard bottom where they feed on crabs and small fish. Late spring through early fall is prime season when they're close to shore. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and make fantastic table fare - firm, white, flaky meat that's tough to beat. They'll slam a piece of squid or clam on a high-low rig. Here's the deal: once you hook one, get it up fast. They'll try to wrap you in the structure, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting below.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are the piranha of Long Island waters - aggressive feeders that travel in schools and attack anything that moves. They range from snapper-size babies in summer to 5-10 pound choppers that'll test your drag. You'll find them in open water, around bait schools, and hitting the surf lines. Late spring through fall is prime time when they're pushing baitfish around. What makes them exciting is the explosive strikes and hard runs - no lazy fights here. They're also great on the grill when handled right. One trick: when you see diving birds or surface commotion, get there fast with a metal lure like a Hopkins or Kastmaster. Match the size of whatever baitfish they're chasing, and hold on tight.
Paralichthys DentatusThese flatfish are the "chameleons of the sea" - they'll change colors to match the bottom they're lying on. Most run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see fish pushing 4-5 pounds off Southampton. They hang out on sandy bottoms in 20-60 feet of water, especially around structure edges. Fall is prime time - September through November when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What makes them fun is the sneaky bite and solid fight once hooked. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in our waters. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or spearing and work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they bite sideways and need time to turn the bait.
Tautoga OnitisBlackfish are the bulldogs of our local waters. These chunky, dark-colored fighters average 2-4 pounds but can push 10+ pounds around the right structure. They live tight to rocks, wrecks, and jetties where they crush crabs and shellfish all day. Spring and fall are your best shots when water temps are in the 50s-60s. What guests love is the strong, stubborn fight - they'll try to wrap you around every rock down there. The meat is firm and sweet, perfect for chowder. Here's the key: use green crabs with legs removed, fish right on the bottom, and don't give them any slack. The second you feel weight, reel hard and get them up off the structure. Wait too long and they'll cut you off every time.
Long Island