Ready to swap your desk chair for a fighting chair? Long Island Light Tackle LLC's got just the ticket with our After Work Special out of Port Jefferson. This 4-hour trip is your chance to unwind, cast a line, and maybe land the catch of the day as the sun dips below the horizon. It's the perfect way to turn a regular weekday into an adventure on the water.
We'll push off from Port Jefferson boat ramp, aiming to hit the sweet spots where striped bass and other local favorites are biting. As day fades to dusk, the waters come alive, and that's when the real magic happens. Surface action isn't just possible – it's downright likely. You might find yourself in the middle of a feeding frenzy, with fish busting the surface all around the boat. It's the kind of action that'll have you forgetting all about that stressful meeting from earlier in the day.
Light tackle is the name of the game here. We'll be using gear that gives you a real connection to the fish, making even the smaller catches feel like a proper fight. Depending on what's running, we might be tossing lures, live-lining bait, or working the bottom. The fading light tends to bring fish up to feed, so be ready for some top-water action that'll get your heart racing. And don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Rick's got the patience of a saint and the know-how to get you on fish.
"We had a fantastic night of summer fishing with Captain Rick. He was great to spend time with, knew the local area very well, knew exactly where the fish were and what the fish were feeding on, and told great fishing stories. The weather was perfect and we caught many fluke and multiple over slot striped bass. This is your guy for seeing the best of angling in the area and we will definitely book an outing with Captain Rick again." - Dennis
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Long Island Sound fishing. These bruisers can tip the scales at 50+ pounds, though most keepers run in the 28-35 inch range. They're known for their powerful runs and hard-fighting spirit. In the evening hours, you might find them blitzing on bait near the surface – a sight that'll stay with you long after the trip's over.
Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty bottom-dwellers put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They tend to hang around structure, so when we find them, it's often fast action. The evening bite can be particularly good as they move up in the water column to feed.
Scup (Porgy): These pan-sized delights are perfect for anglers who like constant action. They school up and when you find them, it's often a fish-a-cast situation. They're also excellent eating, so if you're looking to bring home dinner, scup are a great target.
Little Tunny (False Albacore): Speed demons of the Sound, "albies" show up in late summer and early fall. If we're lucky enough to run into a school, hold on tight – these fish will make your reel sing. They're catch-and-release, but the thrill of the fight is worth it.
Bluefish: The bad boys of the bay, blues are all attitude and sharp teeth. They'll hit just about anything that moves and fight like fish twice their size. When a blitz is on, it's non-stop action that'll leave your arms sore and your face grinning.
This year's been a banner one for stripers, with more keepers showing up in the evening hours than we've seen in years. The sea bass bite's been steady too, especially around some of the nearshore wrecks and reefs. And let's not forget about the blues – they've been terrorizing bait schools all over the Sound, making for some explosive topwater action as the sun goes down.
Look, we all know the grind of the 9-to-5. But here's the thing – the fish don't punch a clock, and some of the best action happens right when you're usually heading home. This After Work Special is your chance to break the routine, to trade spreadsheets for spread lines, and to end your day with a reel in your hands instead of a mouse. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who can't tell a rod from a reel, Captain Rick's got you covered. With room for up to three guests, it's the perfect trip for a couple of buddies or even a small team outing. So why not turn that after-work happy hour into a "hook-up" hour? The fish are biting, the sunsets are stunning, and the memories you'll make will last a whole lot longer than another night in front of the TV. Don't let another season slip by – book your After Work Special with Long Island Light Tackle LLC and discover why the best part of your day might just be after you clock out.
July 21, 2024
Bluefish are the bullies of the bay - aggressive, toothy, and always ready for a fight. They average 3-5 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them chomping through bait schools from June to October, often creating frenzied "blitzes" at the surface. Blues aren't picky eaters - they'll hit just about any lure or bait you throw. They're fun to catch but can damage lighter gear, so use wire leaders. The meat is strong-tasting but good when prepared right. For a real thrill, try topwater lures during a blitz. Just watch your fingers when unhooking them - those teeth are no joke!
Little tunny, or false albacore, are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These torpedo-shaped tuna relatives usually run 5-12 pounds and travel in schools near the surface. Look for them from late summer through fall, chasing bait near inlets and sandbars. They're not the best eating, but pound-for-pound they're one of the hardest fighting fish out there. Use light tackle and small, flashy lures that mimic baitfish. Cast into feeding frenzies marked by birds and splashing on the surface. A local secret: if you see them but can't get a bite, try "matching the hatch" with a lure that closely resembles the bait they're chasing.
Scup, also called porgy, are a blast to catch and great for kids or beginners. These silvery, deep-bodied fish usually run 8-14 inches and stick close to the bottom near rocks and pilings. They're here from May to October, with the best action in summer. Scup aren't known for epic battles, but they're fun on light tackle and make tasty table fare. Use small hooks with squid, worms, or clams on a simple bottom rig. For the best results, try chumming to get them in a feeding frenzy. My go-to local spot is the rocky area just off the point - anchor up, drop your bait to the bottom, and get ready for some fast action.
Sea bass are a fun, tasty catch that hang out near hard bottoms, wrecks, and reefs. They average about a foot long but can get up to 2 feet. These aggressive little guys will hit just about anything - squid, clams, or soft plastics all work well. You'll find them from spring through fall in coastal waters before they move offshore for winter. Sea bass put up a decent fight for their size and are excellent eating. To get the bigger ones, try jigging with heavier tackle near structure in 60-120 feet of water. A local tip: if you're catching a lot of small ones, move to a different spot - the big ones tend to school together.
Striped bass are a prized catch around here, typically weighing 20-40 pounds but can get up to 70. You'll find them near structures along shores and in moving waters. They're aggressive predators, so we target them at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding near the surface. Stripers put up an awesome fight and taste great too. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through. For best results, use live bait like herring or eels - the fresher the better. A local trick is to look for diving birds, which often signal stripers feeding on bait fish below. Just be mindful of size and catch limits to help maintain the population. Nothing beats the thrill of hooking into a big striper as the sun sets over the water.
We had a fantastic night of summer fishing with Captain Rick. He was great to spend time with, knew the local area very well, knew exactly where the fish were and what the fish were feeding on, and told great fishing stories. The weather was perfect and we caught many fluke and multiple over slot striped bass. This is your guy for seeing the best of angling in the area and we will definitely book an outing with Captain Rick again.