Staten Island Fishing Charters
Staten Island fishing charters work the Raritan Bay, Lower New York Harbor, and offshore waters for striped bass, fluke, bluefish, blackfish, and tuna.
Top Rated Charters in Staten Island
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Staten Island, NY Fishing Guide
Staten Island sits at the southern edge of New York City, giving anglers a gateway to both inshore and offshore action. Most charters run from established marinas like Great Kills Harbor, Staten Island Yacht Sales, or Richmond County Yacht Club, with trips ranging from quick half-day outings in Raritan Bay to full-day offshore runs into the Hudson Canyon. Inshore trips stay inside the harbor, under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, or work the flats and channels of Raritan Bay for striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder (fluke). Offshore crews often make 40–80 mile runs to target yellowfin, bluefin, and bigeye tuna, especially during the warm-water months.
The fishery here is built around tidal movements, with current sweeping through channels, jetties, and reef structures. Local captains regularly fish the Staten Island reef sites, Sandy Hook Reef, and the Ambrose Channel edges for black sea bass, tautog (blackfish), and scup. The Staten Island shoreline itself offers productive spots for live bait drifting, three-way rigging, and trolling, while fly anglers can target bass and blues in the shallows when conditions allow.
Seasonal patterns dictate charter styles—spring and fall see heavy striped bass traffic, summer shifts toward bottom fishing and offshore pelagics, and winter brings specialized blackfish trips. Night fishing is common in the warmer months, especially for bass around bridge lights and inlet rips. Staten Island’s proximity to New Jersey waters also gives captains flexibility; if the bite slows in the bay, they can quickly move to productive grounds off Sandy Hook, Highlands, or farther down the Jersey Shore.
Full-day offshore charters generally depart before dawn to make the long run to the canyons, returning late evening with tuna, mahi-mahi, or swordfish. Light-tackle charters often work nearshore bunker pods for explosive topwater bites. With quick access to both protected bay waters and deep-sea grounds, Staten Island charters can adjust to weather and tides to keep rods bent year-round.
Fishing Seasons in Staten Island
Spring (March–May)
Spring kicks off with striped bass migrating into Raritan Bay in April, feeding heavily on bunker and clams. The bite builds through May, with fish caught by trolling bunker spoons, drifting live bunker, or casting plugs along channel edges. Bluefish usually arrive by mid-May, adding surface excitement. Black drum occasionally make an appearance in the backwaters. Many charters offer half-day trips this time of year as fish are close to home, but full days can allow for more tide changes and varied targets. Water temps warm quickly, and a steady southwest breeze is common.
Summer (June–August)
By June, fluke fishing dominates the inshore game, with captains working sandy drop-offs, mussel beds, and channel edges. Bluefish remain strong, and weakfish can be picked up in deeper bay holes. Offshore tuna trips begin mid-summer, with runs to the Hudson Canyon or Chicken Canyon producing yellowfin and mahi. Bottom fishing for sea bass and ling is consistent on wrecks and reefs. Night trips for striped bass continue through early summer, with anglers fishing bridge shadows and inlet rips under live eel rigs. Calm mornings are prime for fly fishing around bunker schools.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is prime time for trophy striped bass as migrating fish flood the bay and harbor on their southbound run. Live bait drifting, three-way rigs, and trolling are all effective. False albacore show up offshore, and canyon trips can still produce tuna into October. Black sea bass reopen in late fall, and tautog season brings dedicated reef trips. Cooler weather and shorter days mean many trips shift back to half-day schedules to hit key tidal windows. Birds working bait schools are a common sight, making for exciting surface action.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing on Staten Island is focused mainly on tautog (blackfish) and the occasional cod trip. The blackfish bite peaks in November and December, with charters targeting nearshore reefs and wrecks until ice or storms make access tough. Ling and pollock are possible on deeper structure. Cold northwest winds are frequent, so many trips are weather-dependent. A few hardy captains continue to run for cod when conditions allow, but most fishing shifts to a slow, methodical bottom game with green crabs on rigs. Dress for the cold, as windchill on open water can be severe.
Gamefish in Staten Island
- Striped Bass – 20–50+ lbs. Found in Raritan Bay and Lower NY Harbor spring and fall; caught by trolling bunker spoons, drifting live bunker, or casting plugs.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder) – 2–10 lbs. Caught June–September on sandy drop-offs and channels; bucktails tipped with Gulp or squid strips.
- Bluefish – 3–15 lbs. Summer schools around bunker pods; caught casting metals or trolling.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–4 lbs. On reefs and wrecks from summer into late fall; jigging or bait fishing.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 2–10 lbs. Fall and early winter reef fishing; green crab baits on bottom rigs.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–80 lbs. Offshore canyon runs July–October; trolling spreader bars or chunking.
- Mahi-Mahi – 5–20 lbs. Summer offshore trips around pots and weed lines; caught on jigs or small baits.
- Cobia – 20–50 lbs. Occasional summer visitors around bunker pods; live bunker or eels.
Staten Island Fishing FAQs
Where do Staten Island fishing charters usually depart from?
Most charters launch from Great Kills Harbor, Staten Island Yacht Sales, or Richmond County Yacht Club, giving quick access to Raritan Bay and offshore waters.
How long are typical fishing trips in Staten Island?
Half-day trips run 4–5 hours and target nearby inshore species, while full-day trips can run 8–12 hours for offshore runs to the canyons.
What gear is provided on Staten Island fishing charters?
Most captains supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Some also include cleaning and bagging of your catch. Specialized gear for tuna or fly fishing may need to be arranged in advance.
Do I need a fishing license to fish from a Staten Island charter?
No personal license is required for clients fishing aboard a licensed New York charter boat, as the vessel’s permit covers passengers.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Staten Island?
Spring and fall are peak seasons for striped bass, summer is best for fluke, bluefish, and offshore tuna, and late fall into winter is prime for blackfish.
What fishing techniques are common on Staten Island trips?
Techniques include live bait drifting, trolling, jigging, bottom fishing on reefs, and casting to surface-feeding fish.
How many people can join a Staten Island charter?
Most boats carry 4–6 anglers, though some larger vessels can accommodate groups up to 12.
Are there night fishing trips in Staten Island?
Yes, many captains offer night trips in spring, summer, and early fall targeting striped bass under bridge lights or around inlet rips.
Can charters fish both New York and New Jersey waters?
Yes, Staten Island’s location allows quick runs into both NY and NJ waters, giving captains flexibility to follow the bite.