Ready to hook into some serious action off Long Island's legendary shores? Captain John's private inshore trip puts you right where the fish are biting. From striped bass smashing lures in the surf to bluefish blitzes that'll make your reel scream, this is the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with some of New York's hardest-fighting fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a day of non-stop action and unforgettable memories on Long Island's rich inshore waters.
Picture this: You're cruising out of the harbor as the sun's just peeking over the horizon, the smell of salt in the air, and the anticipation building. Captain John's got the inside scoop on where the fish are holding, thanks to years of experience and a network of local anglers. You'll hit prime spots around Long Island, from bustling inlets to hidden backwaters where the big ones lurk. The beauty of inshore fishing? The action's always close by, so you spend more time with lines in the water and less time running to far-off spots. Plus, with a max of three guests, you've got plenty of elbow room to work those rods when the bite is on.
On this trip, versatility is the name of the game. Depending on what's running and where they're biting, you might be chunking bait for stripers one minute and tossing topwater lures for bluefish the next. Captain John's got all the gear and know-how to put you on fish, whether that means light tackle finesse or heavy-duty battles. You'll learn the ins and outs of reading the water, working different lures, and the art of the perfect hook-set. And when that drag starts singing? Hold on tight – these Long Island bruisers don't go down without a fight!
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Long Island's inshore waters, stripers are the fish that dreams are made of. These silver-sided battlers can top 50 pounds, and they've got an appetite to match. Spring and fall are prime time, when big ones cruise the shorelines chasing bait. There's nothing quite like the heart-stopping moment when a big striper crushes your topwater plug – it's an addiction that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Bluefish: If you're after pure, unbridled aggression on the end of your line, bluefish are your targets. These toothy terrors hunt in packs, creating surface-thrashing blitzes that'll have your adrenaline pumping. They hit hard, fight dirty, and make for some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience. Pro tip: Bring extra lures, because these choppers have been known to bite through leader material!
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these bottom-dwelling brawlers punch well above their weight class. Black sea bass are structure-loving fish that put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're also delicious, making them a favorite for anglers looking to bring home dinner. Captain John knows all the best reefs and wrecks where these tasty guys hang out, so be ready for some fast-paced bottom fishing action.
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Long Island's inshore waters offer a fishing experience that's hard to beat. One day you might be sight-casting to stripers in crystal-clear shallows, the next you're battling blues in the shadow of historic lighthouses. The scenery's always changing, but the quality of the fishing stays top-notch. Add in Captain John's local knowledge and easygoing personality, and you've got a recipe for an awesome day on the water. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques or just want to bend a rod, this trip delivers the goods.
Long Island's inshore waters have been on fire lately. Anglers have been reporting monster striped bass in the 40-pound class, with some lucky folks even breaking the coveted 50-pound mark. The bluefish action has been non-stop, with schools of 10 to 15-pounders terrorizing bait all along the coast. And for the bottom fishing enthusiasts, the sea bass bite has been red hot, with plenty of tasty "humpbacks" (the local nickname for big sea bass) coming over the rails. With fish like these prowling the waters, there's never been a better time to wet a line off Long Island.
No need to stress about equipment – Captain John's got you covered with top-quality rods, reels, and tackle. He's always stocked with the latest and greatest lures that the local fish can't resist. All you need to bring is a valid fishing license (easily obtained online), some sunscreen, and a cooler for your catch. Oh, and don't forget your camera – you're gonna want proof when you're telling fish stories later! For those new to fishing or looking to up their game, Captain John's always happy to share tips and tricks. By the end of the day, you'll be working those lures like a pro.
Sure, the fishing's the main event, but there's so much more to soak in on this trip. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – osprey diving for fish, seals popping up to say hello, and even the occasional whale spout in the distance. The coastline views are killer, with a mix of pristine beaches, rocky shorelines, and historic sites. It's a chance to see Long Island from a whole new perspective, one that most folks never get to experience. And let's not forget the peace and quiet out on the water – it's the perfect escape from the daily grind.
Look, here's the deal: Long Island's inshore fishing is world-class, and spots on Captain John's boat fill up fast. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of New York's waters, this is the trip for you. With room for up to three adults (or two adults and two kids for a family adventure), it's perfect for a group of buddies or some quality family time. The fish are biting, the weather's prime, and Captain John's ready to put you on the catch of a lifetime. Don't let this opportunity slip away – grab your spot now and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on Long Island's inshore playground. Trust me, your only regret will be not booking sooner!
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island fishing. These powerful, silvery fish with distinctive dark stripes can reach 40+ pounds. You'll find them in all our local waters - bays, inlets, beaches, and offshore. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate along the coast. Stripers love structure, so target jetties, bridge pilings, and rips. They put up an amazing fight, especially the big ones. Plus, they're delicious - great on the grill. To land a trophy, try live-lining bunker at dawn or dusk. Just make sure you're using circle hooks - it's required for striped bass. The population has been under pressure, so we practice catch-and-release for the big breeders. Nothing beats the thrill of watching a 40-incher swim away strong.
Bluefish are aggressive fighters that'll give you a real workout. These toothy predators average 3-5 pounds but can top 20. Look for them in bays, inlets, and along beaches from June through October. They travel in schools, often churning up the water in feeding frenzies we call "blitzes." That's when the action gets wild. Blues will hit just about any lure or bait, but watch those teeth! I like using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. For a fun challenge, try topwater plugs during a blitz - the strikes are explosive. Blues are good eating when prepared right, but bleed them out quickly for the best flavor. Just don't overdo it - there's a 3 fish per day limit to protect the population.
Black sea bass are a fun catch around Long Island. These plump, dark-colored fish usually run 2-4 pounds but can get up to 8 pounds. You'll find them near structure like wrecks, reefs, and jetties in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore. They put up a decent fight, especially the bigger males in deeper spots. Tasty too - their white, flaky meat is great for fish tacos. To target them, I like using a two-hook rig with squid strips. Drop it right on the bottom and hold on. Just remember, the season here runs May 15 to December 31. Keep an eye out for that blue color on the males during spawning season - it's pretty cool to see.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250