Montauk Fishing Charters
Montauk fishing charters work the rips, shoals, and nearshore wrecks off the East End for striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and a wide range of offshore game from tuna to swordfish.
Top Rated Charters in Montauk
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Montauk, NY Fishing Guide
Montauk has a charter scene built around variety — half-day inshore trips for striped bass and fluke, full-day runs to the offshore canyons for tuna, and specialty outings like nighttime live eel trips or shark fishing when in season. Inshore grounds include the rips at Montauk Point, Block Island Sound, and Gardiners Bay, all a short run from the docks. Offshore boats typically head 15–80 miles to fish the mid-shore grounds or push 90+ miles for canyon trips targeting yellowfin, bigeye, and swordfish.
Launch points center on Montauk Harbor, with West Lake Marina and Star Island Yacht Club being primary departure spots. The inshore bite changes quickly with tide and moon phases, so captains plan trips around slack tide or strong current shifts. Seasonal patterns dictate much of the action — spring sees striped bass and early fluke, summer brings in tuna, mahi, and sharks offshore, while fall offers some of the heaviest bass runs on the East Coast. Winter fishing is more limited, but when weather allows, bottom fishing for cod and ling offshore can be productive.
Techniques vary by target. Inshore, light tackle jigging, trolling parachute rigs, bucktails, and live bait drifts are common. Offshore, chunking, trolling spreader bars, vertical jigging, and deep-drop swordfishing all see use. Fly anglers focus on sand eel and bunker imitations for bass and false albacore. The structure here is diverse — rocky rips, deep channels, sandy flats, and offshore ledges — and each demands its own approach.
Nearby options include Peconic Bay for early-season porgies and weakfish, or Block Island for an extended run at larger striped bass. With short inshore runs and serious big-game potential offshore, Montauk remains one of the most versatile fisheries in the Northeast.
Fishing Seasons in Montauk
Spring (March–May)
Striped bass arrive in April, with schoolies thick in the rips and bays before larger fish push in by late May. Fluke season kicks off, with fish staged on sandy edges and drop-offs. Half-day trips are popular, as much of the action is within a few miles of port. Bucktails tipped with squid and soft plastics work well, while clams and sandworms draw steady strikes. Water temps climb fast, and baitfish like bunker and sand eels bring predators close to shore.
Summer (June–August)
June through August sees a mix of inshore and offshore action. Striped bass feed heavily at night around the Point, bluefish smash surface plugs, and fluke fishing peaks. Offshore charters run to the mid-shore and canyon grounds for yellowfin, bigeye, mahi, and the occasional marlin. Tactics include trolling spreader bars, live bait chunking, and jigging. Shark fishing is also in play, with makos and threshers showing. Warm water and longer days allow full-day trips with big species variety.
Fall (September–November)
September and October deliver the famed Montauk bass run, with massive schools chasing bait along the beaches and rips. False albacore blitzes are common, offering light-tackle and fly opportunities. Offshore, tuna remain active through early October, and bottom fishing for sea bass and porgies stays strong. Diamond jigs, metal spoons, and live eels dominate bass fishing, while teasers and small metals work for albies. Water cools quickly, concentrating bait and predators.
Winter (December–February)
Fishing slows but doesn’t stop. When seas allow, offshore wreck and bottom trips target cod, pollock, and ling. Inshore action is limited, but hardy anglers can still find holdover stripers in back bays or rivers. Heavy jigs, salted clams, and cut bait work well for bottom species. Cold weather gear is a must, and most trips are full-day runs to offshore structure. Winter fishing here is all about picking your weather window.
Gamefish in Montauk
- Striped Bass – 10–50+ lbs. Found around Montauk Point rips spring through fall; caught on live eels, bucktails, and topwater plugs.
- Fluke – 2–10 lbs. Sandy drop-offs and channel edges May–September; squid strips and bucktail jigs.
- Bluefish – 3–15 lbs. Surface feeding along rips and beaches summer through fall; topwater plugs and metals.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20–100+ lbs. Offshore canyons June–October; trolling spreader bars and chunking.
- Bigeye Tuna – 50–200+ lbs. Deep canyon edges in summer; trolling and chunking.
- False Albacore – 5–12 lbs. Inshore blitzes September–October; metals and small flies.
- Cobia – 10–50 lbs. Occasionally in warm summers offshore and near structure; live eels and jigs.
- Cod – 5–30 lbs. Offshore wrecks in winter; jigs and clams.
Montauk Fishing FAQs
Where do most Montauk fishing charters depart from?
Most charters leave from Montauk Harbor, with West Lake Marina and Star Island Yacht Club being the main departure points. These offer quick access to both inshore rips and offshore runs.
How long are typical fishing trips?
Half-day inshore trips run 4–5 hours and stay close to Montauk Point or Gardiners Bay. Full-day offshore runs can last 10–14 hours depending on target species and distance.
What fishing gear is provided on Montauk charters?
Most captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Offshore boats provide heavy gear for tuna and shark fishing, while inshore trips use lighter spinning or conventional setups.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Montauk?
No personal license is required for saltwater fishing on a registered charter boat. The captain’s permit covers all anglers onboard.
When is the best time for striped bass in Montauk?
The prime bass run is late September through October, but good fishing can be had from May through July, especially around tidal changes.
What fishing techniques are most common here?
Inshore anglers often jig bucktails, drift live bait, or cast plugs. Offshore crews troll, chunk, jig, and deep-drop depending on the species and season.
Can large groups book a single Montauk charter?
Yes. Many boats can handle 6 passengers, and some party boats take larger groups. Always confirm group size capacity before booking.
Are there specialty night fishing trips available?
Yes. Montauk is famous for nighttime striped bass trips using live eels or plugs, especially during summer and early fall tides.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Captains monitor forecasts closely. If conditions are unsafe, trips are usually rescheduled or refunded. Offshore trips in particular require favorable weather windows.