SEASON + PRIME TIMES
April, May and June are the perfect light tackle fishing time for trophy-sized striped bass – up to 50+ lbs. We start each trip cast netting bait then take off to wherever the fish are. Usually, we fish several bodies of water on any given trip, thanks to the speed and range of our boat. Depending on the day, we fish live bait, large stick baits, poppers, metal lip swimmers, and flutter spoons.
By the end of June we’re fishing the New York and New Jersey ocean bunker schools for big striped bass, fishing the New York Harbor after dark with live eels, and chasing bluefin tuna inshore and offshore. Close to land, the fluke, porgy, and seabass fishing is in full swing by then and it’s one of the nicest months to be out on a boat.
July through September is our peak offshore season. The yellowfin tuna bite is heating up, mahi mahi are beginning to appear, and we start doing offshore “mixed bag” trips – targeting mahi, tuna and tilefish all in one day. Closer to shore, cobia are mixing with striped bass in the ocean bunker schools and the chunk bite is going strong. Inshore during the day, we chase false albacore on ultra-light tackle.
October and November is the “Fall Run” for trophy striped bass making their way south to winter in the Chesapeake Bay. The fishing can be unforgettable and we always make sure to have a tuna popping rod on board in case the infamous “ghost” bluefin decides to make an appearance right off our ocean beaches.
Some years, the beginning of December can still have phenomenal striped bass fishing just minutes from the dock. On calm days inshore we usually get one last chance to chase bluefin tuna in shallow waters within sight of land.
