Selden Fishing Charters
Selden fishing charters work the nearby Long Island Sound, Peconic Bay, and South Shore inlets for striped bass, fluke, porgies, and bluefish, with runs to offshore wrecks and canyons for tuna and mahi.
Top Rated Charters in Seldon
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Selden, NY Fishing Guide
Fishing out of Selden gives you easy access to both North Shore and South Shore waters, and captains here offer everything from quick half-day Sound trips to full-day runs toward Montauk or the offshore grounds. Half-day charters are popular for families and casual anglers, focusing on inshore favorites like fluke, porgies, and striped bass. Full-day trips stretch into the deeper Sound channels, South Shore reefs, or the open Atlantic for larger game like bluefin tuna and mahi-mahi in summer. Specialty options like night fishing for striped bass or chunking for sharks are also available in season.
The fishery is diverse. On the North Shore, Long Island Sound offers rocky points, sandy flats, tidal rips, and deeper channels that hold bass, blues, blackfish, and porgies. The South Shore side opens into the Great South Bay, Fire Island Inlet, and beyond to offshore wrecks and canyon waters. Launch points depend on your captain’s home port — common ramps are in Port Jefferson, Mount Sinai Harbor, and Patchogue. Typical runs for inshore Sound trips are short — 15–30 minutes to the first drop — while offshore runs can stretch to 2+ hours depending on the target.
Seasonal fishing shifts quickly here. Spring sees stripers pushing into the Sound and bays, with fluke and porgies following. Summer brings strong bluefish action, tuna offshore, and steady bottom fishing. Fall is prime for bass blitzes and false albacore, while winter offers blackfish and some cod on the wrecks when weather allows.
Tactics vary with the species and structure. Light tackle and bucktail jigging are staples for fluke and sea bass. Drifting live eels, trolling mojos, or casting plugs works for stripers. Porgies are taken on baited rigs over hard bottom. Offshore trips rely on trolling spreader bars for tuna or chunking with butterfish and squid at night. Fly fishing is possible in sheltered Sound waters when the wind allows. Alternate spots within a short drive include Moriches Bay, Shinnecock Inlet, and Gardiners Bay for those chasing variety.
Fishing Seasons in Selden
Spring (March–May)
Spring fishing in Selden starts with migrating striped bass moving into Long Island Sound and the South Shore bays in April and May. Early trips often focus on casting soft plastics or swimming plugs along rocky points and tidal rips. Fluke season opens in May, and anglers drift squid and spearing combinations over sandy flats and channel edges. Porgies arrive by late spring, feeding heavily over mussel beds and gravel bottom. Charter schedules pick up quickly this time of year, with many captains running both morning and afternoon trips to take advantage of changing tides. Water temperatures are still cool, so fish are active throughout the day.
Summer (June–August)
Summer offers the widest range of targets. Inshore, fluke, porgies, and sea bass are steady catches, with bluefish schools roaming both shores. Offshore charters run to the canyons for tuna, mahi, and the occasional marlin. Shark trips — targeting mako, thresher, and blue sharks — are most common in July and August. South Shore trips often work the reefs and wrecks, jigging and bottom fishing for mixed bags. Striped bass action continues into early summer before slowing in the heat, when captains shift to nighttime trips for better results. Calm summer mornings are perfect for light-tackle sight casting in sheltered bays.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime time for striped bass as fish push south in large numbers. Blitzes along the Sound shoreline can be spectacular, with bass and blues crushing bait on the surface. False albacore join the action in September, especially along the North Fork and Sound side points. Blackfish season kicks off in October, with anglers targeting rock piles and wrecks using green crabs on stout rigs. Offshore, tuna action can remain strong well into October depending on water temps. Many charters run extended trips this time of year, chasing moving schools along both shores. Weather can shift quickly, but the fishing is often at its best.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing slows inshore, but dedicated anglers still target blackfish through December on nearshore wrecks and rock piles. Cod become a target on deeper offshore structure when the weather allows safe runs. Most trips are full-day ventures to reach productive grounds. Cold water means slow presentations — jigs and bait fished right on bottom. Fewer charters operate in the winter, but the ones that do often have less crowded fishing spots and steady bottom action for those willing to brave the cold.
Gamefish in Selden
- Striped Bass – 20–40 lbs. Found along Sound rips in spring and fall; trolled, jigged, or taken on live eels.
- Bluefish – 3–12 lbs. Roaming both shores in summer; caught by casting metals or trolling plugs.
- Fluke – 2–8 lbs. Drifting squid/spearing combos over sandy flats and channel edges from May–September.
- Porgy (Scup) – 1–3 lbs. Abundant on mussel beds and rocky bottom in summer; fished with clam or squid strips.
- Blackfish (Tautog) – 3–8 lbs. Taken on crabs over wrecks and rock piles in fall and early winter.
- Sea Bass – 2–5 lbs. On reefs and wrecks from June–October; jigged or fished with squid strips.
- Bluefin Tuna – 40–150+ lbs. Offshore in summer; trolled with spreader bars or chunked at night.
Selden Fishing FAQs
Where do Selden fishing charters typically launch from?
Most trips meet at nearby harbors like Port Jefferson, Mount Sinai Harbor, or Patchogue, depending on whether you’re heading to Long Island Sound or the South Shore. Your captain will confirm the exact dock and parking details the day before.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Inshore half days run 4–6 hours and full days are about 8 hours. Offshore canyon runs can stretch 12–18 hours because of the distance to the grounds and the need to work productive temperature breaks.
What gear is provided on a Selden charter?
Captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait, with jigs and rigs matched to the target species. Many boats also carry spare rain gear and coolers; you just bring food, drinks, and a small cooler for fillets.
Do I need a fishing license to fish with a charter in Selden?
No. Licensed charter boats cover their passengers under New York’s marine registry. If you’re fishing on your own from shore or a private boat, you’ll need to enroll in the free recreational marine registry.
What’s the best time of year to fish Selden waters?
Spring and fall are prime for striped bass and bluefish in Long Island Sound. Summer shines for fluke, porgies, sea bass inshore and tuna offshore, while late fall into early winter is when blackfish and occasional cod take the spotlight.
What techniques are common on Selden fishing charters?
Light-tackle jigging with bucktails or teasers for fluke and sea bass is standard. For stripers, captains rotate between trolling mojos/umbrellas, drifting live eels, or casting plugs and soft plastics along rips and points.
What species can we expect inshore versus offshore?
Inshore you’ll see striped bass, bluefish, fluke, porgies, and sea bass on reefs, wrecks, and channel edges. Offshore summer trips target bluefin/yellowfin tuna, mahi, and sometimes billfish, using a mix of trolling, chunking, and jig-and-pop when conditions line up
How many people can join a Selden fishing charter?
Most six-pack boats take 1–6 anglers for inshore trips. Larger offshore vessels are also typically limited to six passengers under federal regulations, but offer more deck space and range.
Are night fishing trips available in Selden?
Yes—night trips are popular for striped bass in early summer and again in the fall migration. Captains focus on tide windows, fishing eels, live bait, or swimming plugs around rips, bridges, and shadow lines for bigger fish.