Full Day Inshore Bass & Blues Mastic Beach NY

Full Day Inshore Charter - Mastic Beach, NY

Picture this: you're out on the water by 6 AM, coffee still steaming in your thermos, watching the sunrise paint Great South Bay golden while Captain Paul fires up the engines. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's eight solid hours of working some of the most productive inshore waters on Long Island's south shore. From the protected bay waters to the inlet channels and out to the open Atlantic, you'll cover serious ground targeting everything that swims in these waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who's never held a rod, Captain Paul's got you covered with all the gear, knowledge, and patience you need to make this day count.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off at dawn from Mastic Beach, and trust me, there's something special about being on the water when the rest of the world is still sleeping. Captain Paul knows these waters like his own backyard – every drop-off, every structure, every current break where fish like to hang out. You'll start in the bay targeting flounder and scup around structure, then work your way toward the inlet where the stripers and blues love to ambush baitfish. The beauty of this eight-hour charter is the variety – when one bite slows down, you're moving to the next spot, chasing different species with different techniques. The boat handles four guests comfortably, so you're not fighting for elbow room or competing with a crowd. Families absolutely love this setup because Captain Paul takes time with the kids, making sure everyone gets their shot at landing something memorable. All your tackle is provided, plus your New York fishing license is covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish.

Techniques and Tackle

Captain Paul runs a tight ship when it comes to technique, and that's exactly what separates the good days from the great ones. For stripers, you'll be working live bait around structure – eels when they're available, bunker chunks, or fresh clams depending on what's working. The blues prefer fast-moving presentations, so expect some chunking with fresh cut bait or even some light tackle action when they're feeding aggressively. Flounder fishing is all about reading the bottom – working bucktails tipped with squid or spearing along the sandy edges and drop-offs. The scup and black sea bass stick close to structure, so you'll be dropping down with high-low rigs loaded with clams or squid strips. What makes Captain Paul stand out is his willingness to switch things up – if the fish want something different, you're trying something different. The gear is all top-shelf stuff, properly maintained and matched to the target species. You'll fish with conventional reels for the bigger stripers and spinning gear for the lighter stuff, all rigged and ready when you need it.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Long Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely gorgeous when they come to the boat. In Mastic Beach waters, you're looking at fish ranging from schoolie-sized 20-inchers up to keeper bass in the 28-35 inch range, with the occasional cow pushing 40 inches. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily on bunker and herring, but summer fishing can be fantastic early morning and evening. What gets people hooked on striper fishing is how these fish fight – long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience.

Bluefish might not win beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. The blues around Mastic Beach typically run 3-8 pounds, with occasional choppers hitting double digits. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick, and when you find them, you'll know it – they feed in aggressive packs that turn the water into a washing machine. Kids absolutely love blues because they're aggressive biters and put up a great scrap on light tackle.

Southern Flounder are the table fare kings of the fluke family, and Captain Paul knows exactly where to find them. These flatfish love sandy bottoms near structure, and they're absolute masters of camouflage. Most fish run 16-20 inches, but doormat fluke over 24 inches are always a possibility. What makes flounder fishing addictive is the subtlety – you need to feel that gentle tap-tap-tap, then set the hook at just the right moment. Summer is prime time, but spring and fall can produce excellent fishing with less pressure.

Scup, or porgies as the locals call them, are scrappy little fighters that make excellent eating. They school up around structure and are perfect for beginners because they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size. Black Sea Bass are the bulldogs of the reef – chunky, powerful fish that dive straight for the rocks when hooked. Both species are most active during warmer months and provide consistent action when larger fish are being finicky.

Time to Book Your Spot

Here's the bottom line – Captain Paul's full day inshore charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Long Island's south shore waters have to offer. Eight hours on the water means you're not rushed, not limited to one technique or one species, and not heading back to the dock just when the bite heats up. The family-friendly atmosphere makes this perfect for introducing kids to fishing, while experienced anglers appreciate the professional approach and local knowledge. With all gear provided and licenses covered, you're getting exceptional value for a full day adventure. Remember to pack polarized sunglasses, non-spray sunscreen, and plenty of snacks and drinks for the day. The fish are out there waiting – your job is just to show up and enjoy the ride.