Freeport Fishing Charters
Freeport fishing charters run trips through the sheltered channels, back bays, and into the open Atlantic for fluke, striped bass, bluefish, and offshore tuna.
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Freeport, NY Fishing Guide
Freeport sits on Long Island’s south shore, giving captains quick access to the maze of channels and tidal creeks inside Jones Inlet, the deeper water of the New York Bight, and the open runs offshore. Most local operators offer half-day inshore trips for fluke, porgies, weakfish, and striped bass, along with full-day runs that can stretch into the deeper reefs and wrecks for sea bass, cod, and tautog. Offshore specialists target tuna, mahi, and shark during the summer and early fall, with runs often ranging 20–60 miles depending on the bite. Night fishing trips for striped bass and bluefish are also popular in season.
The inshore fishery centers around the back bays, tidal flats, and inlet edges. Captains often launch from the Woodcleft Canal area or nearby marinas, with Jones Inlet just a short ride away. Once outside the inlet, anglers can work nearshore rock piles, artificial reefs, and seasonal bunker schools. Offshore, the edge of the continental shelf is a longer run, but mid-range tuna grounds and shark areas can be reached within a few hours in the right conditions.
Seasonally, spring kicks off with schoolie stripers and flounder in the bays, summer brings the main fluke and sea bass runs, and fall sees the return of migratory bass and bluefish. Winter fishing slows, but some captains still run tautog and cod trips when weather allows. Techniques vary widely—light-tackle jigging and bucktailing for fluke, live eel drifting for stripers, chumming for bluefish, bottom fishing for sea bass, and trolling or chunking offshore for tuna.
Nearby alternatives include working Hempstead Bay, Reynolds Channel, or running east toward Fire Island Inlet for similar structure and seasonal patterns. With Freeport’s central location and experienced fleet, anglers can choose from quick inshore runs or full offshore adventures without a long transit from the dock.
Fishing Seasons in Freeport
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Freeport starts in the back bays and channels with striped bass, flounder, and weakfish showing as the water warms. Early runs often stick to shallower waters where baitfish concentrate. Half-day inshore trips are common, focusing on light-tackle jigging and bait fishing around marsh edges and channel drop-offs. As May progresses, fluke season opens and anglers target them with bucktails tipped with squid or spearing in both the bays and just outside the inlet. Captains watch water temps closely—mid-50s to low 60s tends to turn the bite on. Offshore activity is minimal early, but occasional wreck trips for cod and ling are possible.
Summer (June–August)
By summer, Freeport’s fishery is in full swing. Fluke dominate inshore trips, with sea bass and porgies added into the mix. Striped bass are mostly a night bite by this point, often targeted with live eels or trolling deep-diving plugs along inlet rips. Offshore charters make regular runs for yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, mahi-mahi, and sharks, often trolling spreader bars or drifting chunk baits over mid-range grounds. Full-day and extended trips are most common offshore. Calm summer mornings see captains running to wrecks and reefs for mixed-bag bottom fishing before afternoon sea breezes pick up.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime striped bass season in Freeport. As baitfish schools pour out of the bays, big bass and bluefish feed aggressively along the inlet rips and nearshore bunker pods. Live-lining bunker or casting metal lures into surface feeds are top tactics. Black sea bass and porgies remain strong, with tautog season adding another option for bottom fishermen. Offshore, late-season tuna and mahi are possible before weather patterns shift. Many captains extend the season with fall wreck trips, often producing quality cod and sea bass. Shorter days mean more half-day charters focused on quick-hit action close to the inlet.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing slows, but some Freeport captains run cold-weather trips for tautog, cod, and ling when seas allow. Most action is over deep wrecks and reefs, with bait rigs fished tight to structure. These trips are typically full-day due to the distance to productive grounds. Layering up is essential, as water temps in the 40s and wind chills can be biting. While offshore pelagics are gone, winter bottom fishing can still yield steady action for those willing to brave the elements. Many boats haul out or focus on maintenance, but dedicated crews keep a winter fishery alive for hearty anglers.
Gamefish in Freeport
- Striped Bass – 20–40 lbs. Caught spring and fall at inlet rips and bunker schools, often on live eels or snag-and-drop bunker.
- Fluke – 2–8 lbs. Found in bays and inlet edges from May–September, caught on bucktails with squid or spearing.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. Targeted on reefs and wrecks in summer and fall using baited rigs or jigs.
- Porgy (Scup) – 1–3 lbs. Caught over hard bottom in summer and fall with clam or squid strips.
- Bluefish – 5–15 lbs. Found spring through fall near bunker schools and inlet rips, taken by trolling or casting metal lures.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–80 lbs. Summer offshore target, taken trolling spreader bars or chunking mid-range grounds.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 3–8 lbs. Fall and winter on rocky structure and wrecks, fished with crab baits.
Freeport Fishing FAQs
Where do most Freeport fishing charters depart from?
Most charters leave from marinas along the Woodcleft Canal, giving quick access to Jones Inlet and both inshore and offshore waters.
How long are typical trips in Freeport?
Inshore trips usually run 4–6 hours, while offshore tuna and shark runs can last 10–14 hours depending on distance to the grounds.
What gear is provided on Freeport fishing charters?
Most captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Specialized offshore gear is almost always provided, though you can bring your own if preferred.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter in Freeport?
No, passengers on licensed charter boats are covered under the captain’s permit for both inshore and offshore fishing.
What is the best time of year to fish in Freeport?
Late spring through fall offers the most variety, with summer strong for fluke and offshore species, and fall peaking for striped bass and sea bass.
What fishing techniques are common in Freeport?
Inshore trips often use bucktail jigging, bait drifting, and live-lining bunker, while offshore runs may troll, chunk, or jig depending on the target species.
What species can I expect on a summer trip?
Summer trips typically produce fluke, sea bass, porgies, and bluefish inshore, with tuna, mahi, and sharks offshore.
How many anglers can most Freeport charters take?
Most boats carry 4–6 anglers for inshore trips, while larger offshore vessels can handle 6–12 depending on the boat and trip type.
Are there specialty trips in Freeport?
Yes, night trips for striped bass and bluefish are popular in summer, and offshore canyon runs for tuna and swordfish are available in peak season.