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NYC's Best Inshore Fishing: Sea Bass & More
- Published Date: December 5, 2025
- Fishing
- $650 - $950 price range
- Updated Date: December 6, 2025
Summary
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NYC's Fishy Side
Tides, towers, and tight lines.
New York fishing—simple and fun.
City backdrop, clean fishing.
Nothing beats time on the NYC waterfront.
NYC mornings are better with a Striped Bass on the line.
Chasing Striped Bass along the skyline.
Just another day fishing the greatest city in the world.
NYC weather cooperated and so did the fish.
Water time is the best time.
Another beautiful day on the harbor.
Tides, towers, and tight lines.
New York fishing—simple and fun.
City backdrop, clean fishing.
Nothing beats time on the NYC waterfront.
NYC mornings are better with a Striped Bass on the line.
Chasing Striped Bass along the skyline.
Just another day fishing the greatest city in the world.
NYC weather cooperated and so did the fish.
Water time is the best time.
Another beautiful day on the harbor.
Tides, towers, and tight lines.
New York fishing—simple and fun.
City backdrop, clean fishing.
Nothing beats time on the NYC waterfront.
NYC's Best Half-Day Fishing: Sea Bass & More
Ready for a fish-filled morning or afternoon in the Big Apple? Captain Tom Lacognata's got you covered with this 4-hour inshore fishing trip that'll have you reeling in the good times. Just a stone's throw from the city's hustle and bustle, you'll be dropping lines for Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, Scup, and maybe even the coveted Striped Bass. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, this trip's perfect for getting your saltwater fix without taking up your whole day.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll meet Captain Tom at 3260 Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn, where his 36' Luhrs is docked and ready to roll. This boat's a beauty - spacious deck, top-notch electronics, and all the comforts you need for a solid day of fishing. The crew's friendly and knows these waters like the back of their hand. They'll set you up with all the gear and bait, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a snack or two. The first mate's there to help you land the big one, so don't be shy about asking for tips. Just remember, they work for tips, and 20% of the fare is the standard way to say thanks for their hard work.
Fishing Techniques & Hotspots
On this trip, you'll likely be doing a mix of bottom fishing and drift fishing, depending on what's biting. Captain Tom might have you jigging for sea bass over rocky structure, or maybe you'll be live-lining bait for bluefish in the rips. The beauty of fishing NYC waters is the variety - one minute you could be battling a feisty blue, the next you're finessing a scup. And if the stripers are running? Hold onto your hat, 'cause that's when things get really exciting. The captain knows all the local honey holes, from the shores of Jamaica Bay to the deep channels around the Rockaways.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Black Sea Bass are the bread and butter of this trip. These tasty bottom-dwellers are known for their firm, white meat and put up a decent fight for their size. They love structure, so you'll often find them hanging around reefs and wrecks. Spring through fall is prime time for sea bass, with the biggest ones (called "knuckleheads" by local anglers) showing up in the cooler months.
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the sea - all muscle and attitude. These guys will hit just about anything that moves and fight like crazy all the way to the boat. They're most active in the warmer months, and when they're blitzing on the surface, it's a sight you won't forget. Just watch your fingers when you're unhooking them!
Scup, also known as porgy, might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're fun to catch and great eating. These silvery pan-fish travel in schools, so when you find them, it's often non-stop action. They're most abundant from spring to fall and love hanging around piers and jetties.
Striped Bass are the rockstars of the Northeast coast. These powerful fish can grow to impressive sizes and are prized by anglers for their fighting spirit and table quality. In NYC waters, you can target them from spring through fall, with the biggest specimens often caught during the migration periods. Landing a keeper striper is always a highlight of any trip.
Spiny Dogfish, while not a target species, are common catches and can provide some unexpected excitement. These small sharks are abundant in NYC waters and put up a good fight on light tackle. While not typically kept for eating, they're an interesting species to encounter and learn about during your trip.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing with the NYC skyline as your backdrop. One minute you're in the urban jungle, the next you're battling a bluefish with the Statue of Liberty in view. Captain Tom's trips are perfect for families looking to bond over bent rods, friends wanting to escape the concrete for a few hours, or solo anglers keen to improve their skills. The 4-hour duration is just right - long enough to get into some serious fishing, but short enough that you can still make dinner plans in the city afterward. Plus, with all gear provided, it's a hassle-free way to get your fishing fix without investing in a bunch of equipment.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to wet a line in the Big Apple, Captain Tom's half-day trip is the way to go. With a max of 4 guests, you're guaranteed plenty of elbow room and personal attention. Remember, the fishing changes with the seasons, so there's always something new to experience. Whether you're after your first-ever catch or looking to add a new species to your list, this trip delivers the goods. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the Rockaway Fishing Charters' calendar and get ready for some rod-bending action in the heart of New York City. Trust me, once you've fished these waters, you'll be hooked!
Learn more about the species
Black Sea Bass
These tasty bottom dwellers are a favorite target for good reason. Black sea bass average 1-3 pounds but can reach 8+ pounds. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and rocky structure in 30-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time. They put up a decent scrap, especially on light tackle. Sea bass are suckers for squid, clams, or cut bait fished on bottom rigs. They also hit jigs and small lures worked near the bottom. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious – perfect for fish tacos. One cool thing about sea bass: they're born female and some change to males as they get older. For the best results, anchor up-current from structure and let your bait drift back. When you find a good spot, you can often catch your limit pretty quickly.
Bluefish
Blues are the bullies of the bay – aggressive, toothy, and always ready for a fight. They average 2-5 pounds inshore, but can top 20 pounds. Look for them churning up bait schools near the surface, especially in late spring and summer. Blues hit hard and fight dirty, often jumping and thrashing. They'll attack just about any lure or bait, but watch your fingers – those teeth are razor sharp. Topwater plugs, metal spoons, and cut bait all work well. When blues are in a frenzy, the action can be non-stop. They're not the best eating unless prepared right away, but the fight makes up for it. Local tip: if you see birds diving, it's often bluefish driving bait to the surface. Race over there and get ready for some fast action.
Picked Dogfish
Don't let the name fool you – these small sharks pack a punch. Picked dogfish usually run 2-3 feet long and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're bottom dwellers, so you'll find them cruising sandy areas and hanging around structure in 50-150 feet of water. Fall is prime time, with October being the peak month. Dogfish are aggressive feeders and will hit just about any bait. Squid strips or cut fish work great. Use a fish-finder rig with a circle hook to avoid gut-hooking them. Watch out for those spines near the dorsal fins – they can give you a nasty poke. Dogfish aren't prized for eating, but they're fun to catch and release. Kids especially get a kick out of reeling in a "real shark." Pro tip: if you're targeting other species and keep catching dogfish, try moving to a different depth. They often school up at certain levels.
Scup
Scup, also called porgy, are the perfect fish for beginners or anyone who just wants steady action. These silvery, pan-sized fish typically run 8-12 inches and are found in big schools near rocky bottom and structure. They're here from May to October, with the best fishing in summer. Scup aren't known for hard fights, but they're eager biters and tasty eating. Use light tackle with small hooks baited with clams, squid, or worms. You'll often catch them two at a time on high-low rigs. Drift fishing over rocky areas or near pier pilings is a good bet. When you find a school, you can rack up impressive numbers. Here's a local secret: scup make great live bait for bigger predators like striped bass. Keep a few in the livewell if you're after bigger game.
Striped Bass
Stripers are the crown jewel of NYC fishing. These powerful fish can reach over 40 pounds, with most catches in the 20-30 pound range. They're structure-oriented, hanging around reefs, sandbars, and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Stripers put up an awesome fight, stripping line and making powerful runs. Their firm, white flesh is delicious too. To hook into one, try live-lining bunker or eels near bridge pilings or rocky points. When they're blitzing on bait, nothing beats the excitement of casting topwater plugs into the frenzy. Just remember, they can be picky eaters. Match your bait to what they're feeding on and you'll increase your odds. If you're new to striper fishing, don't get discouraged – sometimes it takes patience to figure out their pattern.
About the Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 22
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 450
