John Raguso

Captain John N. Raguso, the owner/operator of MarCeeJay Sport Fishing, is a nationally known outdoor writer and charter fishing captain with over four decades of saltwater big game sport fishing experience. Capt. John is headmaster at the Long Island Fishing School, where he shares his wealth of experience with fellow enthusiasts. He will guide you and your crew on a fishing trip that you will fondly remember! Drawing from a wealth of knowledge that includes back bay, open bay, inlet, beach, wreck, reef, near offshore and blue water canyon fishing creates numerous opportunities for your family and friends to experience the trip of a lifetime. To get to these prime locations, your group will embark aboard Captain John's 23' EdgeWater, named "MarCeeJay", freshly restored in 2020 and powered by a 250 HP Mercury engine. Amenities for guests to enjoy include a multimedia music system, ice-box, and private toilet for convenience on the water. On board GPS, downriggers, and a fish finder system ensure your fishing adventure will be safe and productive. Whether your are a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Capt. John will relate to your knowledge level and skill set to entertain you and your crew in a true teaching environment where you are not just along for the ride, but will participate in all aspects of the action! If you have your own boat and want to learn how to set it up and fish on it, Capt. John literally "wrote the books" on these disciplines over the past four decades and you would be hard-pressed to find someone as knowledgeable and informative to guide you on a successful inshore or offshore trip. This knowledge translates to extraordinary success rates for catching target sportfish including, black sea bass, striped bass, tuna, marlin, mahi, and bluefish. Trust your next fishing charter with a local pro, and secure your spot with MarCeeJay Sport Fishing today!

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Yellowfin Tuna

Tuna and Mahi Are On the Move Offshore

Offshore fishing out of Long Island, NY is delivering big-time action this week, with solid reports of yellowfin tuna, bigeye, and mahi-mahi coming from the canyons and mid-shore grounds. Boats running to the Hudson, Toms, and Atlantis Canyons are seeing consistent bites on troll spreads with spreader bars, rigged ballyhoo, and topwater plugs at first light. Chunking at night is also producing yellowfin and the occasional bigeye for boats willing to stay overnight.

Closer to shore, the 30–60 mile range is seeing an uptick in mahi activity around lobster pots, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Anglers tossing small jigs and cut bait are finding great success, especially when the water is clean and holding bait. Bluefin tuna have also been spotted near the Coimbra wreck and Chicken Canyon, with some boats hooking up on the troll or when jigging near bait balls.

Now’s the time to gear up and head offshore while conditions are prime and the pelagics are feeding aggressively. With warm water pushing north and plenty of life out deep, Long Island offshore fishing is wide open—perfect for anglers looking to battle hard-fighting gamefish and bring home a cooler full of meat.

Sea Bass

Bass Fishing 2023!

The MarCeeJay Fishing Report has good news for those who love to fish for bass. According to the latest report, Elwood NY is expected to be a prime location for bass fishing in 2023. This prediction is based on various factors such as water temperature, and oxygen levels availability.


Long Island Fishing Report

Fishing on Long Island is currently producing some great catches for anglers.  Tuna fishing is also starting to pick up. We caught this 40-lb Tuna last time. It's the perfect time to hit the water. Join us today!

A lone angler reels in a 44-inch fish in Elwood

Caught a 16-inch sea bass while fishing in Elwood

A pair of anglers enjoying a fishing cruise in the town of Elwood

Lone angler in New York, fishing on cruises and fishing

Three anglers fishing in New York with one fish

Swordfish caught on cruises and fishing trip in NY

Yellowfin tuna caught during cruises and fishing trip in NY

Link Up for an Unforgettable Day of Light Tackle Coastal Fishing 

Captain John N. Raguso has spent over 40 years mastering the waters of Long Island’s South Shore, Long Island Sound, and the offshore grounds near Montauk. With a deep understanding of these fishing hotspots, he provides anglers with expert guidance for a rewarding day on the water. Specializing in light tackle fishing, he navigates a variety of environments, from calm bays and inlets to offshore waters, helping guests target some of the region’s most sought-after species. His passion for fishing and years of experience ensure every trip is both productive and enjoyable. MarCeeJay Sport Fishing offers customized charters designed to match the skill level and goals of each guest. Whether you’re chasing striped bass in the bay, battling bluefin tuna offshore, or seeking a mixed bag of black sea bass, bluefish, and mahi, Captain John tailors each trip for the best possible experience. Based in Montauk, the charter provides easy access to prime fishing locations, with convenient meeting points like the East Creek Boat Launch in Riverhead, NY. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, MarCeeJay Sport Fishing delivers a top-tier experience focused on quality, expertise, and customer satisfaction.

Kelsey and Lawrence catch a limit of big sea bass! 

Captain John N. Raguso, owner and operator of MarCeeJay Sport Fishing, brings over 40 years of experience in saltwater big game sport fishing. A nationally recognized outdoor writer and respected charter captain, he has dedicated his career to sharing his extensive knowledge of inshore and offshore fishing techniques. As the headmaster of the Long Island Fishing School, Captain John is passionate about teaching anglers of all skill levels, ensuring each guest leaves with new insights and lasting memories from their time on the water. With expertise spanning back bays, inlets, wrecks, reefs, and blue water canyons, Captain John knows where to find the fish in every season. His in-depth understanding of Montauk’s fishing hotspots gives guests the best chance at landing sought-after species like striped bass, black sea bass, fluke, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Whether you’re an experienced angler looking for a serious sport fishing challenge or a beginner eager to learn, Captain John creates a hands-on experience where every guest is part of the action. Beyond charter trips, Captain John also offers private instruction for boat owners looking to master their own vessel. Having authored numerous fishing and boating guides, his expertise is unmatched when it comes to navigating Montauk’s waters, setting up fishing gear, and maximizing success on both inshore and offshore trips. His dedication to education and customer satisfaction has earned him a strong reputation as one of Long Island’s top fishing guides. About The BoatGuests will fish aboard the 23’ EdgeWater "MarCeeJay", a fully restored center console vessel equipped for both comfort and performance. Powered by a 250 HP Mercury engine, this boat offers a smooth and stable ride to prime fishing grounds. Onboard features include a GPS navigation system, fish finder, downriggers, and all the necessary tackle for a productive day on the water. Anglers can also enjoy a multimedia sound system, ice box for refreshments, and a private toilet for added convenience. Whether heading out for a quick inshore trip or an offshore excursion, the MarCeeJay is built for an unforgettable fishing experience.

Check out the map to see where we fish! The red zone marks our top fishing spots, while the pins show where we meet guests. Fishing areas vary by season and conditions!

Meet Captain John Raguso – Your Expert Montauk Fishing Guide

Elevate your boating skills with hands-on inshore classes in Long Island & NYC. Book now for expert instruction!

NYC Fish Class

Premium Boating Classes on Long Island Waters

Discover the Hamptons' coastal charm on a 3-hour private cruise. Flexible times, ideal for families and groups. Book now!

Hamptons Splash

Luxury Hamptons Cruise | MarCeeJay Sport Fishing

Book a 9-hour inshore fishing trip in Long Island. Target striped bass, bluefish, and more with expert guidance.

Island Reels

Top-Rated Inshore Fishing Trip on Long Island

Experience world-class inshore fishing in Long Island, NY. Book your private charter with MarCeeJay Sport Fishing today!

Inshore Fun

World-Class Inshore Fishing on Long Island

Master navigation and handling with personalized inshore boating lessons on Long Island. Book your expert-guided session today!

Boat Buddy

Master Boating Skills on Long Island Waters

Book a world-class offshore fishing adventure from Long Island. Target tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi with expert guidance. Reserve now!

Big Fish Hunt

Expert-Guided Offshore Fishing in Long Island, NY

Frequently Asked Questions MarCeeJay Sport Fishing Pricing and Packages 1. How much does a fishing charter with MarCeeJay Sport Fishing cost?MarCeeJay Sport Fishing offers customized charter trips, with pricing based on trip length, target species, and group size. Contact us for current rates and availability! 2. What’s included in the price of a fishing charter?Our fishing charter prices cover the boat, fuel, expert guidance from Captain John, top-quality fishing gear, and bait. Just bring your fishing license, snacks, and drinks! 3. Do I need to pay a deposit to book a fishing trip?Yes, a deposit is required to secure your fishing date. This helps us prepare for your trip and ensures availability. Contact us for specific deposit details. 4. Are there additional costs beyond the charter price?Our pricing includes everything you need for a great fishing trip. Optional expenses may include gratuities for the captain and mate, food, and special equipment requests. 5. Can I split the cost of the fishing charter with a group?Absolutely! Our charters accommodate small groups, making it easy to split costs among friends or family for an affordable and exciting day on the water. 6. Do prices vary by season or type of fishing trip?Yes, charter prices can vary based on the season, trip length, and target species. Peak times like summer and prime tuna season may have higher demand and pricing. 7. How long are the fishing trips, and how does that affect pricing?We offer half-day, full-day, and extended offshore trips. Longer trips typically cost more but give you a better chance at landing trophy fish. Contact us for trip options! 8. Are there discounts for booking multiple trips?We appreciate our returning anglers! Contact us to learn about special rates for repeat customers or multiple bookings. 9. What is the cancellation policy for MarCeeJay Sport Fishing?If you need to cancel or reschedule, let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation policies vary, so check with us for specific terms on deposits and refunds.

Balance:&nbsp;The remaining balance is due on the trip date as either Credit or Cash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Guide Cancellation:&nbsp;In the unlikely event of guide cancellation due tocalendar conflicts, weather, mechanical issues, or health, you will receive anemail notification as well as a refund of your deposit. Expect your refund toprocess to your original payment method in 7-10 business days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Guest Cancellation:&nbsp;If you need to request a cancellation, reach outdirectly to your guide at (707) 778 - 0282. To receive a refund of yourdeposit, you must do so 14 days before your trip. We always encouragerescheduling over canceling.

TIPPING: Tips to your guide are greatly appreciated for your quality trip. 20% is standard for the outdoor serviceindustry.&nbsp;We hope you enjoy your trip and thank you for booking with us!&nbsp;

Trip Information

Best Boat

Great For Novices

Great For Top Anglers

Great Guide

Good with Kids

Best Spots

Silhouette of angler fishing with rod at sunset over calm water

Silhouettes of anglers fishing from rocky shoreline during sunset over calm water

Angler holding large black drum fish on boat with ocean and blue sky in background

Angler holding freshly caught black drum fish on boat with ocean backdrop

Majestic snow-capped mountain peaks rising behind dense evergreen forest with calm reflective water in foreground during golden hour lighting

Mountain peaks with orange alpenglow reflected in calm water surrounded by evergreen forest

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