Hey there, fellow anglers! If you're itching for a full day out on the water, boy, do I have the trip for you. We're talking 10 solid hours of primo fishing action right here in Montauk, the fishing capital of the East Coast. This ain't your average charter - it's a private, tailor-made experience for you and up to five of your buddies. From the crack of dawn at 6 AM, we'll be chasing after some of the most sought-after gamefish these waters have to offer. Striped bass, black sea bass, fluke, cod, tautog, porgies - you name it, we're after it. And the best part? You've got the whole boat to yourself, so we can mix it up between inshore, reef, and wreck fishing to really maximize your catch. Now that's what I call a day well spent!
Alright, let's break it down for you. We're kicking things off bright and early at 6 AM, because that's when the fish are biting, and we want to make every minute of this 10-hour trip count. We'll start by loading up the boat with all the gear you'll need - rods, reels, bait, the works. Once we push off, it's game on. We'll hit up some of my favorite spots, switching between inshore haunts, productive reefs, and secret wrecks that are just teeming with fish. You'll get to try your hand at bottom fishing, jigging, and drift fishing - we keep it varied to keep the fish (and you) on your toes. And don't worry if you're new to this; my first mate and I will be right there to show you the ropes and make sure you're hooking into some beauties.
Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. We're not just dropping lines and hoping for the best - we've got strategies. For those striped bass, we might start with some trolling along the rips, dragging tube-and-worm combos that these fish just can't resist. When we're targeting black sea bass or tautog over the reefs, it's all about precision bottom fishing. We'll use braided line for better feel and jig with bucktails tipped with squid or clams - trust me, it's like ringing the dinner bell for these guys. And for fluke? Nothing beats a slow drift with a bucktail jig bouncing along the sandy bottom. I'll show you how to work that jig with little twitches that drive the flatties wild. We've got all the gear on board, from light tackle for porgies to heavier stuff for when a big cod decides to play. It's all about adapting to what's biting and where they're hiding.
Striped Bass: Let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the fight of a big striper. These bad boys can grow over 50 pounds, and they're the crown jewel of Montauk fishing. They start showing up in May, but the real action kicks off in June and goes strong through the fall. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be hitting jetties, rips, and underwater humps. When a striper hits, hold on tight - they've got a mean initial run that'll test your drag and your biceps!
Black Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you; these feisty little guys punch way above their weight class. We start seeing them in good numbers by June, and they stick around through October. They love hanging around wrecks and reefs, often in schools. The bigger ones, what we call "humpbacks," can put up a serious fight on light tackle. And let me tell you, they're not just fun to catch - they're delicious on the dinner table too.
Atlantic Cod: Ah, the mighty cod. These guys are the reason Montauk has a fishing heritage. We target them mostly in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. They like deep water and structure, so we'll be dropping lines near wrecks and rocky bottoms. When you hook into a big cod, it's like trying to reel in a cement block - pure, unadulterated power. And talk about tasty - there's a reason cod have been a staple for centuries.
Scup (Porgies): Don't overlook these little brawlers. Porgies might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. We usually start seeing them in May, and they hang around until October. They're a blast on light tackle, and when you find a school, it's non-stop action. Plus, they're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a fish fry.
Fluke (Summer Flounder): These flatfish are the ninjas of the sea. They blend in perfectly with the sandy bottom, waiting to ambush their prey. We target them from May through September, drifting over sandy areas and using special rigs to entice them. When a big fluke hits, it's like hooking into a living Frisbee - they use that flat body to their advantage, making for an exciting fight. And let me tell you, there's nothing better than fresh fluke fillets on the grill.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "10 hours on a boat? That's a long time!" But let me tell you, it flies by when you're out here. We've got a spacious, comfortable vessel that's perfect for a full day on the water. There's plenty of room to move around, cast from different spots, and even take a breather if you need it. And while we don't provide meals, you're more than welcome to bring a cooler packed with your favorite snacks and drinks. Trust me, nothing tastes better than a sandwich when you're reeling in fish after fish.
One thing I always tell my guests - don't forget to look up from your rod every now and then. The scenery out here is something else. You might spot seals popping their heads up, or see ospreys diving for their own catch. And as the day goes on, you'll notice how the light changes, painting the water and shoreline in all sorts of beautiful colors. It's not just about the fish - it's about the whole experience.
Alright, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for the ultimate Montauk fishing experience, this 10-hour private charter is it. We're talking a full day of targeting multiple species, using various techniques, and fishing different spots - all tailored to what's biting and what you want to catch. At $1,500 for up to 6 people, it's a steal when you break it down. Just remember, we run these trips from May 15 to November 30, Monday through Friday, so plan accordingly.
Oh, and a quick note - our first mate works their tail off to make sure you have an awesome day, so a 20% gratuity is always appreciated. They're the ones handling bait, untangling lines, and making sure your catch gets on ice ASAP.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddies, pick a date, and let's get out there. The fish are biting, and there's nothing I love more than putting clients on the catch of a lifetime. Book now, and I'll see you at the dock at 6 AM sharp. Trust me, it'll be a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come!
Atlantic cod are the classic New England groundfish. These brown-spotted, white-bellied battlers average 10-20 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds and live 20 years. You'll find them near the bottom in cool waters 30-500 feet deep, often around rocky structure. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they move inshore to spawn. Anglers prize cod for their firm, flaky white meat and hard-fighting nature. To land one, try bottom fishing with clams, squid strips, or jigs tipped with bait. Here's an insider tip: when you feel that telltale thump, don't set the hook right away. Let the cod take the bait and start to move off before reeling down and driving the hook home. With some patience, you might just boat a true New England legend.
Black sea bass are feisty bottom-dwellers that put up a great fight. Most run 2-4 pounds, but they can reach 8 pounds in deeper water. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottoms in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time as they move inshore. Anglers love sea bass for their hard strikes and excellent table fare. To catch 'em, use medium tackle with 20-30 pound line and drop your bait or jig right into the structure. Here's a pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, set the hook fast and start reeling. These guys love to dive back into their hidey-holes, so you've got to turn 'em quick. With some skill, you might just land yourself a delicious dinner.
Scup, or porgies, are fun little battlers that school up near shore from May to October. They're usually 8-12 inches and a couple pounds, but can reach 18 inches. You'll find them around rocky bottom areas, reefs, and pilings up to 120 feet deep. These silver-sided fish with sharp dorsal spines put up a good scrap for their size. Folks love catching them for their tasty white meat. To get into a mess of scup, try drifting or bottom fishing with small hooks and pieces of squid, worm, or clam. Here's a tip - use a light spinning outfit with 14-pound test line for the best action. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook quickly. You might just fill the cooler with these scrappy eating machines.
Southern kingcroaker, also called whiting or ground mullet, are tasty bottom-dwellers that average 9-12 inches and 1-1.5 pounds. You'll find them in the surf zone and just offshore in sandy or rocky areas, especially where there are coquina clams. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they're closer to shore. Anglers enjoy catching these mild-flavored fish for their firm white meat. To target them, use a medium-light rod with fast action and live bait like clams, squid, or bloodworms. Here's a local trick: match your sinker weight to the surf conditions - on calm days, a 1.5 to 3-ounce sinker will do the job. Keep your line tight and be ready for those subtle bites. With some patience, you might just fill the cooler with these tasty fighters.
Striped bass are a real prize around here. These powerful fish typically range from 20-40 pounds, with some monsters topping 70 pounds. You'll find them cruising near structures like reefs and drop-offs, often within a few miles of shore. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Anglers love stripers for their strong fights and excellent eating. To boost your chances, try live bait like herring or mackerel in moving water near shoreline structures, especially at dawn or dusk. A local trick is to use braided line for better sensitivity - you'll feel those subtle strikes that could lead to your next trophy catch. Just remember, these fish can be picky eaters, so be patient and match your bait to what they're feeding on.
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