Premier Montauk Wreck Fishing | 7-Hour Charter

Montauk Wreck & Reef Fishing: 7-Hour Private Charter

Ready to hit the wrecks and reefs around Montauk? This 7-hour private charter with Professional Cryer Fishing Charters is your ticket to some of the best bottom fishing action on Long Island. We'll be targeting everything from stripers to sea bass, with plenty of time to find the hot spots and fill the cooler. The early bird gets the worm (or in this case, the fish), so we'll be shoving off at 6 AM sharp. This trip runs weekdays from mid-May through November, giving you prime time to catch the seasonal rotation of species that call these waters home.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we clear the harbor, it's game on. We'll run to some of my favorite wrecks and reefs, where the fish stack up like cordwood. You and your crew (up to 6 people total) will have the run of a comfortable, well-equipped boat. The cockpit's got plenty of elbow room, so you won't be tripping over each other when the bite's on. We'll be dropping lines for striped bass, black sea bass, fluke, cod, tautog, and porgies - basically, if it swims, we're after it. Expect a mix of bottom fishing and jigging, depending on what's biting. And don't worry if you're new to this kind of fishing - my first mate and I will show you the ropes.

Techniques & Terrain

Wreck and reef fishing is all about precision. We'll be using heavy tackle to punch through the current and get our baits right in the strike zone. Expect to drop anything from clams and squid to bucktails and diamond jigs. When we're over structure, it's crucial to stay vertical - that means keeping your line straight up and down to feel those subtle bites. We might drift some areas, while others call for anchoring up. The terrain down there is a fish magnet - sunken ships, rocky outcroppings, and artificial reefs create the perfect habitat for baitfish and the predators that hunt them. It's not uncommon to mark fish stacked 10 feet thick on the fish finder. When that happens, hold on tight!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing. These bruisers can top 50 pounds and put up a fight like you wouldn't believe. They love structure and often hunt in wolf packs around wrecks. Spring and fall are prime time, but we can find them all season long if you know where to look.

Black Sea Bass: Pound for pound, one of the scrappiest fish in the sea. These humpbacked brawlers hang tight to structure and hit like a freight train. They're excellent eating, too. The bigger ones, which we call "knuckleheads," can push 5 pounds or more. They're most active from June through October.

Fluke (Summer Flounder): These flatfish are ambush predators with a nasty attitude. They'll chase down a bait or jig with surprising speed for a fish that looks like a doormat. We target them from May through September, with July and August being peak months. Bigger ones are called "doormats" for a reason - they can reach 10 pounds or more.

Atlantic Cod: The fish that built New England. While not as common as they once were, we still get into good numbers of cod, especially in the cooler months. They're bulldogs on the line and make for some of the best fish and chips you'll ever have. Late fall through early spring is prime time.

Tautog (Blackfish): If you want a real challenge, tautog are your fish. These structure-loving bullies have teeth like a sheep and a pull like a pit bull. They're notorious bait stealers, but when you hook up, it's game on. Fall is the best time to target the big ones, which we call "white chins."

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Montauk isn't called "The Fishing Capital of the World" for nothing. The convergence of currents, the abundance of structure, and the variety of species make it a year-round fishing paradise. But it's not just about the fish - it's about the experience. There's something special about watching the sun rise over the lighthouse as we steam out to the grounds. And when you're bent over the rail, muscles straining against a big fish, with your buddies cheering you on - that's the stuff memories are made of. Plus, with a private charter, you've got the flexibility to target what you want, how you want. No splitting the boat with strangers or fighting for the best spot.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, the calendar fills up fast, especially for prime dates. At $1,150 for up to 6 people, it's a steal when you split it with your crew. And remember, a 20% tip for the mate is customary - trust me, they earn every penny when they're gaffing fish, untangling lines, and keeping the deck clean. If you're ready to experience some of the best bottom fishing Montauk has to offer, don't wait. Give us a call, and let's get you on the books. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time dropping a line, we'll put you on the fish and show you a day on the water you won't forget. Just be warned: once you fish Montauk, everywhere else might seem a little... well, let's just say you'll be back for more.