5.0(1 Reviews)Inshore Fishing in Shinnecock Bay
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Flexible start times accommodate guest scheduling preferencesBeginnerfriendly bay fishing plus advanced wreck fishing optionsSmall group capacity of four guests maximum
Get ready to experience some of the East End's best inshore fishing with Uncle Mike's top-rated charters on Shinnecock Bay. Whether you're just starting out or you've been working these waters for years, Captain Mike knows exactly where to put you on fish. This isn't your typical crowded party boat deal – you're looking at a max of 4 anglers, which means plenty of room to fish and personalized attention from someone who's been running these waters for decades. The flexible start times make it easy to fit into your schedule, and trust me, once you see what Shinnecock Bay has to offer, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Shinnecock Bay serves up the perfect mix of protected waters and serious fishing opportunities. If you're new to the game, don't worry – Captain Mike will start you off in the calmer bay waters where you can get your bearings and still pull in some quality fish. The bay's grass flats and structure hold plenty of action, and it's a great place to learn proper drift techniques without fighting heavy seas. For the seasoned anglers looking for more challenge, we're talking about hitting local wrecks that hold bigger fish, working the inlet where the current brings in baitfish, and trolling productive areas that most weekend warriors never even know about. The inlet fishing can be particularly hot when the tide is moving – that's when the stripers and fluke really turn on. You'll follow a gravel path all the way to the end when you arrive at the launch, and Captain Mike will have everything rigged and ready so you can maximize your time with lines in the water.
The beauty of fishing Shinnecock Bay is the variety of techniques that produce fish here. In the shallower bay areas, we're primarily drift fishing with bucktails, soft plastics, and live bait rigs – perfect for targeting fluke and black sea bass around the structure. Captain Mike knows every hump, drop-off, and piece of good bottom in these waters, so you're not just randomly dropping lines and hoping. When we hit the inlet, the game changes completely. Here we might switch to trolling umbrella rigs for stripers or work the moving water with heavy jigs. The local wrecks require a different approach entirely – we're talking about precise positioning and heavier tackle to pull fish up from deeper water before they can get back into the structure. All the rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, but if you've got a favorite setup, feel free to bring it along. Captain Mike runs quality gear that can handle anything from schoolie stripers to keeper-sized fluke, and he's always happy to show you the specific techniques that work best in each spot.
The target species here are what make Shinnecock Bay a world-class inshore fishery. Black sea bass are the bread and butter of this area – they're aggressive, fun to catch, and excellent table fare. These fish stack up around any hard structure, and once you find a good school, you can often fill your limit pretty quickly. Summer flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, are the prize catch for many anglers. These flatfish can be tricky, but when you dial in the right drift and presentation, you'll understand why people travel from all over to fish these waters. Striped bass are the apex predator here, and when they're feeding, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll find anywhere. Whether it's schoolies in the bay or bigger fish in the inlet, stripers always put up a memorable fight. Scup, also known as porgy, might not get the same respect as the other species, but they're abundant, willing to bite, and make for great action when the other fish are being finicky. Captain Mike knows the seasonal patterns of all these species and will adjust the game plan based on what's biting best during your trip.
Black Sea Bass are the workhorses of Shinnecock Bay, and for good reason. These chunky, aggressive fish love structure and aren't shy about hitting baits. They typically run 1-3 pounds in these waters, with occasional larger specimens pushing 4-5 pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're most active during moving tides. What makes them so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite – drop a squid strip or piece of clam near structure, and you'll often get hit within minutes. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Summer Flounder are the technical challenge that keeps experienced anglers coming back. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be incredibly selective about presentation. They range from keeper size at 19 inches up to genuine doormats over 5 pounds in these waters. The best fishing typically happens from May through October, with the largest fish often caught in deeper water during summer months. What makes fluke so rewarding is that they require skill – you need to read the drift, feel the subtle bite, and time your hookset perfectly. When you do everything right and slide a nice fluke into the net, it's one of the most satisfying catches in inshore fishing.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, and Shinnecock Bay delivers both quantity and quality. School bass in the 20-28 inch range provide consistent action throughout the season, while keeper-sized fish over 28 inches show up regularly during prime times. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest numbers, but resident fish provide action through the summer months. Stripers are pure adrenaline – they fight hard, jump occasionally, and never give up until they're in the boat. The inlet fishing during moving tides can be absolutely phenomenal when conditions align.
Scup might be the most underrated fish in these waters. They're abundant, aggressive, and provide non-stop action when other species slow down
Our motorboat is built for serious fishing in Shinnecock Bay's productive waters. The GPS and radar keep you on the fish even when visibility drops, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the action happens. Whether you're learning the ropes in the bay's calmer spots or targeting wrecks and drift fishing the inlet, this boat handles it all. The onboard toilet means you won't miss prime fishing time, and with space for 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Captain sets flexible start times to hit the best bite windows. Just follow the gravel path all the way down when you arrive - we'll be ready to put you on the fish.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky fighters that love structure - you'll find them around our local wrecks, jetties, and rocky bottom areas in 20-80 feet of water. These guys typically run 1-4 pounds, though we do see some nice 6-8 pounders. They're most active from late spring through fall when they move inshore to feed on crabs, squid, and small fish. What makes them fun is they hit hard and put up a solid fight until they break the surface. Plus, they're fantastic eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, give them a second before setting the hook. They like to grab bait and swim off with it, and that pause usually means the difference between a hookup and a missed fish.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies, are underrated fish that make great targets for beginners and provide excellent action. They're silvery, deep-bodied fish that typically run 8-14 inches and love hanging around rocky bottom and structure. You'll find them from late spring through early fall in our inshore waters, usually in 15-50 feet. While they're not huge fighters, they're aggressive biters that will keep your rod bent all day. Plus, they're surprisingly good eating - firm, sweet meat that many people overlook. What's nice is they travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Here's my trick: use small hooks and light tackle. Scup have small mouths but they're not shy about biting. A simple high-low rig with squid or clam pieces works great, and don't be surprised if you double up regularly.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the premier gamefish around here, and for good reason. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes can range from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows. You'll find them around structure - jetties, drop-offs, and moving water where baitfish gather. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during their migration. What makes them special is the fight - they're powerful swimmers that will test your drag and give you a real battle. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. The key to success here is matching the bait to what they're eating. When you see birds working or bait breaking the surface, get your lure in there fast. These fish feed opportunistically, so being in the right place at the right moment makes all the difference.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are masters of disguise that lie flat on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big "doormat" females can hit 5-10 pounds. You'll find them in the bay's channels, around structure, and along drop-offs in 10-40 feet. Best fishing is late spring through fall, especially on moving water when they're actively feeding. What guests love is the surprise - one minute you're drifting along, next minute your rod doubles over with a strong fish. They're also some of the best eating you'll find. My local tip: use a long leader and keep your bait moving slightly. Fluke are curious and will often follow a bait before committing, so that little bit of movement triggers the strike.
5.0 out of 5.0Good knowledge of the waters. Me and my two sons caught over 40 fish in a four hour excursion. Lots of keepers. Boat accommodat...
East Quogue, NY