Hampton Bays Fishing Charters
Hampton Bays fishing charters give anglers access to Shinnecock Bay’s calm inshore waters, offshore wrecks, and deep Atlantic canyons for striped bass, fluke, tuna, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Hampton Bays
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Hampton Bays, New York —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Hampton Bays, NY Fishing Guide
Hampton Bays sits at the heart of eastern Long Island’s South Fork fishery, with Shinnecock Inlet providing quick access to both inshore and offshore grounds. Most charters here offer half-day and full-day trips, along with specialty night runs for striped bass, shark excursions, and offshore canyon trips for tuna and swordfish. The inshore scene covers Shinnecock Bay’s channels, flats, and creeks, plus nearshore wrecks and reefs along the coast. Offshore runs typically head east or south into the Atlantic, targeting bluewater pelagics in summer and early fall.
Captains usually launch from marinas near Shinnecock Inlet or the Shinnecock Canal, with runs to prime inshore spots often under 20 minutes. Offshore boats may steam 20–80 miles to reach productive tuna and mahi grounds. Spring and fall striped bass runs see most boats working inlet rips, jetties, and sandy shoals with live eels, bunker, and plugs. Summer inshore trips shift toward fluke, sea bass, porgies, and weakfish, while offshore runs focus on trolling and chunking for tuna.
Techniques range from light tackle jigging and drifting with bait to trolling spreader bars offshore. Fly fishing is popular in the bay for schoolie bass and blues. Bottom fishing with clam or squid rigs produces sea bass and porgies around wrecks and reefs. Many captains also offer family-friendly trips in the calmer bay waters for mixed-bag catches.
Nearby waters like Peconic Bay and the Atlantic beaches east toward Montauk offer additional options if wind or tide makes the inlet tricky. Year-round, Hampton Bays benefits from its protected bay system and direct ocean access, making it a versatile base for anglers chasing everything from back-bay weakfish to big-game tuna.
Fishing Seasons in Hampton Bays
Spring (March–May)
As water temps rise in April and May, striped bass and bluefish push into Shinnecock Bay and along the beaches. Inshore charters focus on working the inlet rips, drifting live bunker, or casting plugs along structure. Weakfish and fluke show up in the bays by late May, making mixed-bag light tackle trips common. Offshore is still quiet early in spring, but shark charters may begin toward June. Weather is variable, so most spring trips stick close to shore.
Summer (June–August)
From June through August, fluke, sea bass, and porgies dominate inshore trips, with daily runs to wrecks, reefs, and bay channels. Offshore action peaks with tuna, mahi, and occasional marlin, with boats running 40–80 miles to canyons and temperature breaks. Drifting squid strips for fluke and jigging bucktails for sea bass are staples, while offshore crews troll spreader bars or chunk butterfish. Warm water brings more sharks, and night striped bass trips remain productive around the inlet.
Fall (September–November)
September through November brings the famed striped bass migration, with trophy-class fish feeding heavily before heading south. Charters often work the inlet, beach rips, and nearshore bait schools. Bluefish and false albacore add speed to the mix, while bottom fishing for black sea bass and tautog kicks in around structure. Offshore trips taper by late October, but inshore remains strong deep into November if weather allows. Fall offers some of the best variety and size of the year.
Winter (December–February)
From December through March, most charters focus on blackfish (tautog) and holdover striped bass in the bays. Offshore work is rare due to weather, though occasional wreck trips target cod and ling on calm days. Cold-water fishing demands heavier tackle and patience, but the tautog bite can be exceptional around jetties and deep structure. Some captains pull boats for maintenance, but dedicated locals still fish the bays when conditions line up.
Gamefish in Hampton Bays
- Striped Bass – 20–50+ lbs. Caught spring and fall around Shinnecock Inlet rips, beaches, and bay channels using live eels, bunker, and plugs.
- Bluefish – 3–15 lbs. Summer blitzes in the bay and nearshore waters, often on topwater plugs and metals.
- Fluke – 2–8 lbs. Found in bay channels and nearshore wrecks from late spring through summer, drifting squid and spearing rigs.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–5 lbs. Summer and fall around wrecks and reefs, taken on clam baited rigs or jigs.
- Porgy (Scup) – 1–3 lbs. Summer bottom fishing staple in the bays and rocky edges, caught on clam or squid strips.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20–100+ lbs. Offshore summer target at canyons, taken by trolling or chunking.
- Mahi Mahi – 5–20 lbs. Summer offshore near weed lines and buoys, hit brightly colored trolling lures.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 2–10 lbs. Fall and winter around jetties and rock piles using crab baits.
Hampton Bays Fishing FAQs
Where do charters launch in Hampton Bays?
Most boats leave from marinas near Shinnecock Inlet or along the Shinnecock Canal, giving quick access to both Shinnecock Bay and the Atlantic.
How long are typical trips?
Half-day inshore trips run 4–5 hours, while full-day offshore tuna runs can be 10–12 hours or more. Specialty night trips for striped bass are usually 6–8 hours.
What gear is provided?
Licensed captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Most also include ice and coolers for your catch. Fly anglers may bring their own setups if preferred.
Do I need a fishing license?
No, passengers on licensed New York charter boats are covered under the captain’s permit, so you don’t need to buy your own.
When is the best time to fish Hampton Bays?
Spring and fall are prime for trophy striped bass, summer offers steady fluke and sea bass action, and offshore tuna peaks July–September.
What techniques are common?
Light tackle jigging, drifting with bait, trolling offshore, and casting plugs or flies in the bay are all standard.
What species can I expect inshore?
Fluke, sea bass, porgies, bluefish, striped bass, and weakfish make up most inshore catches, depending on season.
Can large groups book a trip?
Yes, several Hampton Bays charter boats can handle groups of six or more, with some party boats accommodating larger numbers.
Are there specialty trips available?
Yes, night striped bass trips, shark fishing, offshore canyon runs, and fly fishing charters are all offered by local captains.