5.0(1 Reviews)Inshore Fishing on Shinnecock Bay
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Beginner-friendly fishing in protected Shinnecock Bay watersAdvanced options include wreck fishing and inlet trollingSmall group experience with flexible scheduling
Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish whether you're picking up a rod for the first time or you've been chasing stripers for decades. Shinnecock Bay offers some of the most consistent inshore fishing on Long Island's East End, with protected waters perfect for beginners and challenging spots that'll test seasoned anglers. This top-rated fishing experience adapts to your skill level – we're talking light tackle bay fishing for newcomers and serious wreck fishing or inlet drifts for those looking to step up their game. With only four spots on the boat, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great one.
Your day starts with flexible timing because Captain Mike gets it – sometimes the fish bite better at dawn, other times they're more active later in the morning. When you pull up, just follow that gravel path all the way down to where the boat's waiting. The beauty of Shinnecock Bay is its diversity. New anglers typically start in the calmer bay waters where you can focus on learning proper technique without fighting heavy seas. You'll be working with lighter tackle, maybe some bottom rigs for scup and sea bass, or trying your hand at drifting for flounder. But if you've got some salt in your beard already, Captain Mike will take you to the local wrecks where bigger fish hang out, or set up some trolling runs through the inlet where the stripers cruise. The boat handles four anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to cast without tangling lines or bumping elbows.
Captain Mike keeps his boat stocked with quality gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything unless you've got a lucky rod you can't fish without. For the bay fishing, we're talking medium-light spinning setups with enough backbone to handle a decent striper but sensitive enough to feel a nibbling scup. Bottom fishing is bread and butter here – simple high-low rigs with circle hooks and just enough weight to keep you on the bottom. Bait varies with the season, but squid, clams, and sandworms are reliable producers. When the conditions are right for trolling, Captain Mike breaks out the umbrella rigs and bunker spoons, covering water efficiently to find active fish. Drift fishing the inlet requires a bit more finesse – you're reading the current, adjusting your drift, and staying ready for that sudden bend in the rod when a bass picks up your offering. The captain calls the shots on technique based on conditions, tides, and what the fish are telling him that day.
Black sea bass are the workhorses of Shinnecock Bay, and they're perfect for building confidence if you're new to saltwater fishing. These chunky bottom dwellers love structure – rocks, wrecks, and drop-offs where they can ambush crabs and smaller fish. They typically run 1-3 pounds in the bay, with occasional bigger specimens around the wrecks. Sea bass are aggressive feeders and great fighters for their size, plus they make excellent table fare. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're often the most cooperative species when other fish get finicky.
Summer flounder, or fluke as the locals call them, are the flatfish champions of these waters. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to inhale anything that swims by. A keeper fluke in Shinnecock Bay typically measures 19+ inches, but the bay produces plenty of doormat-sized fish that'll test your drag system. They're master mimics, changing color to match the bottom, and they fight with surprising strength once hooked. The best fluke action usually happens from late spring through early fall, with peak fishing in summer when they're actively feeding in preparation for their offshore migration.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of East Coast fishing, and Shinnecock Inlet is a renowned striper highway. These fish range from schoolie-sized bass around 18-28 inches up to real cows pushing 40+ inches and 30+ pounds. Stripers are incredibly smart and adaptable – they'll hit everything from live eels to topwater plugs depending on conditions. What makes them special is their fighting ability; a good striper will make multiple runs, use the current against you, and keep you guessing until it's in the net. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, but resident fish provide steady opportunities throughout the warm months.
Scup, also known as porgy, might not win any beauty contests, but they're scrappy little fighters that keep rods bent when other species are taking a break. These silver-sided brawlers typically run 8-14 inches in Shinnecock Bay, and they travel in schools, so where you find one, you'll usually find more. They're curious and aggressive, often outcompeting other species for bait. Scup are also some of the best eating fish in these waters – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and they're particularly reliable when fishing pressure pushes other species into deeper water.
Captain Mike's flexible scheduling and local expertise make this a customer favorite for good reason. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing or you want to target specific species around the wrecks and inlet, this world-class fishery delivers consistently. The four-person limit means you're not fighting crowds, and the captain's willingness to adapt techniques based on your experience level ensures everyone goes home with stories worth telling. Shinnecock Bay's protected waters and diverse fishing opportunities make it the perfect choice for your next fishing adventure. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red hot.
Our well-equipped motorboat gets you right where the fish are biting in Shinnecock Bay. With a fish finder to spot your targets and GPS to navigate the prime fishing spots, you'll spend more time with your line in the water. The onboard radar keeps you safe when visibility drops, and there's a toilet for those longer fishing sessions. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, whether you're just learning the ropes in the bay's calmer waters or ready to tackle the local wrecks and inlet drifts. The captain works with your schedule for flexible start times, so you can hit the water when it works best for your crew. Just follow the gravel path all the way to the end when you arrive. This setup handles everything from relaxed bay fishing for beginners to more challenging wreck and trolling adventures for experienced anglers looking to test their skills in Shinnecock's productive waters.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are solid fighters that love hanging around structure - wrecks, rocky bottom, and jetties where they feed on crabs and squid. Most run 1-4 pounds, but you'll occasionally hook into bigger males that can push 8+ pounds. They're perfect for beginners since they bite well on simple bottom rigs with squid or clam strips. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move shallow. What makes them special is they're great eating with firm, sweet meat. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and swim with it for a few seconds - they like to mouth the bait first before really committing.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies as locals call them, might not be glamorous but they're reliable fun and excellent eating. These silvery, deep-bodied fish run 10-14 inches and are perfect for keeping kids busy. They hang around rocky bottom, pilings, and structure where they hunt for clams and worms with their strong jaws. May through October they're thick in our waters, especially during summer. What people enjoy is they're easy to catch and make fantastic table fare - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat fried up. They also work great as live bait for stripers. Here's the deal: use small hooks with squid or clam pieces, drop to bottom, and jig slowly. They school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of our local waters, and for good reason. These silver-sided bruisers with their distinctive black stripes typically weigh 20-40 pounds around here. You'll find them cruising structure like the inlet jetties, around our local wrecks, or hunting baitfish in the bay's deeper channels. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong, determined fish that really test your drag. The meat is excellent too, firm and sweet. Local secret: during moving water, especially on the tide changes, throw live bunker or fresh clams near structure. Watch your line - when a striper hits, there's no mistaking it.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounders are the masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. These "doormats" typically run 15-20 inches, but the big females can hit 26 pounds. They're scattered across the bay's sandy flats and drop-offs during warmer months. Fall fishing from September through November is phenomenal when they're fattening up before heading offshore. What guests love is the challenge - they bite light and you need to feel for that subtle weight. Plus, they're primo table fare with delicate, flaky meat. Pro tip from years out here: use a slow, steady retrieve with your bait rig. Flounder follow before they strike, so keep it moving just off bottom to trigger that bite.
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