New York City
fishing charters
Top Fishing Charters in New York City
Brooklyn, NY
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Explore the waters on a New York City fishing charter
People from all over the world travel to New York City. The nightlife, architecture, culture, food, and energy make the Big Apple one of the best tourist attractions in the world. And it probably always will be. Yet, in the midst of all this action, it's possible to find some peace and tranquility on the lakes, rivers, and waterways both within and surrounding the city. From adventurous types ready to try their hand at fishing to angling veterans looking to test their skills in a new environment, there are more places to cast a line in New York City than one would expect.
Fishing in New York City
New York City has thrills to offer for anyone and everyone. This is true when it comes to fishing as well. Action. Excitement. Risk. Fishing in New York City has it all.
Offshore and Deep Sea Fishing
Deep sea fishing is like everything else in the Big Apple. It's fast-paced, larger than life, and incredibly entertaining. In any metropolis of this size, it's common to expect a long commute to the very best fishing action. However, secure the right charter with a knowledgeable captain, and it's easy to find yourself battling a deep-sea monster only a handful of miles from shore. What you target depends on where you head to and in what season, but the main species you will find are sharks, tuna, and even blue marlin from mid-summer to early fall. Get ready! One of the best places to head to the water from is Montauk, on the northern end of Long Island.
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Urban Fishing
There are many opportunities for urban fishing in New York City, offering both freshwater and saltwater fish. Where to go depends on where you are. Harlem Meer is tucked away in the northeast corner of Central Park. Here, you will find many good spots for catching fish. If you are in Brooklyn, head to Prospect Park where the warm water will have those fish biting nonstop. For those living in Queens, plenty of shoreline fish can be targeted from Baisley Pond Park.
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Fishing License Requirements
New York proves that fishing is not something exclusively for those in the countryside. However, to fish on public waters in the state, you must purchase a New York fishing license. If you are aged 16 or older, you will need a fishing license to fish for freshwater species. There are some exceptions to this rule, however. These include: anyone fishing on a free fishing day, or those holding farm fishpond licenses. There is no license requirement for saltwater fishing. However, you need to register if you plan to fish for saltwater fish species in the marine and coastal district or for migratory sea fish within the Hudson River and the waters of the Delaware River. Find out more here.
Purchase a New York fishing licenseBest Places to Fish in New York City
When you think of New York City, Times Square, Broadway and the Statue of Liberty easily come to mind. However, there are dozens of superb fishing spots in and around New York City. Below are some of the finest.
Montauk
Many urban dwellers opt for the scenic trek from New York City to Montauk on the northern tip of Long Island to escape for an adrenaline-filled fishing adventure. Montauk is one of the best locations to leave from to get quickly to deep water and a chance at catching sharks, tuna, and other big fish. Head here to get hooked up in spring, summer, or fall.
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Sheepshead Bay
Described as New York City’s fishing paradise, Sheepshead Bay offers a fantastic saltwater fishing experience with excellent views of the Big Apple’s skyline. Up for grabs is a range of fish, such as fluke and flounder. For those who can make it on a boat offshore, it's possible to target cod, sea bass, mackerel, and porgies. You might also go for bluefish or for striped bass during the famous "Fall Run" or for bluefish. If you don't catch what your heart (or your belly) is set on, you can also purchase the catch of the day from a local fishmonger.
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Great South Bay
As the name suggests, Great South Bay is the grandest of the South Shore Bays. To fishers, it's known as one of the greatest places to fish around New York City, too, since the bay is very productive. Bordered by sod banks, mud-bottomed shallows provide crucial nursery grounds for both baitfish and gamefish.
View fishing boatsTips for Fishing in New York City
The best way to learn the intricacies of fishing in a new area is from an expert captain, and New York City and Long Island are home to many fishing pros.
Charter Capacity
There are hundreds of boats available around New York City. Charters typically have a capacity for between 6 to 12 passengers and generally range in price from $450 to $2,000+ depending on the length and type of trip.
Bait and Tackle
If booking a charter, your captain will have exactly what’s needed for the fish you want to target. Going on your own? You can get more information from local bait and tackle shops, or look for other help online.
Tip / Gratuity
When booking a fishing charter, remember to come prepared with cash since gratuity is expected for most captains and / or their first mates helping on the trip.
Popular Species in New York City
Like its people, the fish living in and around New York City are a diverse bunch. There are the big line breakers, small crafty dodgers, and many you probably have never heard of. Familiarize yourself with the prized set of species below.
Fluke a.k.a. Summer Flounder
A flatfish, Fluke have both eyes on one side of their heads, are colored only on one side, and swim on their sides. These bottom dwellers rely on their flattened shape and ability to change color to surprise their prey.
Scup a.k.a Porgy
Moving inshore in the spring months, Scup thrive in areas with rocky bottoms and are often plentiful in and around jetties, piers, artificial reefs, offshore ledges, and in estuaries. They eat crabs, worms, clams, mussels, shrimp, and even jellyfish.
Striped bass
"Stripers" as they're informally known, these fish are indispensable to the East Coast fishing community. Their speed, size, and sheer power make them a favorite of anglers the world over. Hook one, and you're in for a fight!
Types of Fishing to Try in New York City
Don't sleep on the Big Apple's fishing prowess. From offshore fishing to pond fishing, New York City is a premier fishing location for all levels of anglers.
Bass Fishing
Bass are one of the most desirable fish out there. Appealing to all skill levels, bass fishing taps on the heartstrings of fishers everywhere. Fortunately, you can find bass in many of New York city's waters, whether smallmouth bass and largemouth bass in freshwater or striped bass in saltwater during the summer and fall.
Spearfishing
Take a stab at spearfishing in New York Harbor. Don a wetsuit, snorkel, and flippers, then grab a speargun and start hunting. This type of fishing is not for the fainthearted.
Party Boat Fishing
Need some time away with the boys? Fancy a unique girl’s day out? New York City has plenty of party boat fishing charters, particularly around Long Island. Safe, fun, and accessible for all skill levels (you don’t need to have ever held a rod before), party boat fishing charters offer a day to remember.
New York Fishing Seasons
Fish in New York City are up for grabs all year long. Across Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, there are a range of fish to be caught, many of which have no size limits and are in season all year long. Fluke and Striped Bass peak in the summer, and you can catch big ones in fall. However, the open season for Scup aboard charters is in fall. See the list below for more information.
January
Scup, American Eel, Atlantic Cod, Bluefish, Weakfish, and Yellowtail Flounder are available all year.
February
Scup, American Eel, Atlantic Cod, Bluefish, Weakfish, and Yellowtail Flounder are available all year.
March
Consider hitting the river for River Herring.
April
Winter Flounder, Striped Bass, and Tautog are in open season.
May
Winter flounder season ends, but open season for summer flounder a.k.a. fluke usually starts in early May. Oyster Toadfish are up for grabs.
June
The season for Black Sea Bass typically starts in late June, whereas it ends for River Herring.
July
Go for bluefish, sharks, tuna, and striped bass offshore. Or, fill the cooler with scup / porgy.
August
Peak time for Black Sea Bass and pay attention to the migration charts for Striped Bass.
September
Fancy some lobster? Now is the time.
October
Catch scup, striped bass, and flounder.
November
The last month to fish for Striped Bass.
December
Scup, American Eel, Atlantic Cod, Bluefish, Weakfish, and Yellowtail Flounder are available all year.
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