Ready to get your line wet and experience some of the best fishing Long Island has to offer? Join us at Long Island Light Tackle LLC for a 4-hour charter that'll have you hooked from start to finish. We're talking prime spots, expert guidance, and the chance to land some serious fish – all just a stone's throw from the city.
Picture this: You're out on the sparkling waters of Long Island Sound, rod in hand, with the skyline fading behind you. Our seasoned skipper, Captain Rick Gulia, knows these waters like the back of his hand. He'll put you right on top of the fish, whether you're after hard-fighting stripers or tasty fluke. We keep things simple – just bring yourself and maybe a snack. We've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. It's perfect for newcomers looking to learn the ropes or seasoned anglers wanting to sharpen their skills.
On our trips, we mix it up depending on what's biting. You might find yourself drifting for fluke, casting lures for stripers, or jigging for sea bass. We're all about light tackle here – it's more fun and gives you a real feel for the fish. Don't worry if you're new to this; Captain Rick will show you the ropes. You'll learn how to read the water, work your bait, and most importantly, how to land that big one when it strikes. And trust me, when a 30-pound striper hits your line, you'll be glad you've got an expert on board to help you bring it in.
"Rick was an awesome guide. Highly recommend, was super nice and kept hunting the fish for us." - Michael
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Long Island fishing. These silver-sided bruisers can top 50 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms aching (in the best way). They're here spring through fall, with the biggest ones usually showing up in May and October. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a big striper smashing your topwater lure at dawn.
Sea Bass: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty little fighters punch above their weight. They hang around structure and reefs, so we'll be dropping jigs right into their living room. The meat is white, flaky, and downright delicious. Peak season is usually June through August, but we can find them most of the year.
Spotted Weakfish: Also known as sea trout, these guys are a local favorite. They've got a beautiful spotted pattern and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Weakfish are most active in the warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk. They're not called 'weakfish' because they're easy to catch – it's because their mouths are soft, so you've got to finesse them in.
Bluefish: If you want non-stop action, pray for a bluefish blitz. These toothy terrors travel in schools and will hit just about anything that moves. They're fast, aggressive, and when they're on, the fishing is absolutely bonkers. Blues show up in force during the summer months, and they're a blast on light tackle or fly gear.
Look, whether you're a total newbie or you've been fishing these waters for decades, our 4-hour trips are the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without eating up your whole day. You'll be back on land in time for lunch, probably with a cooler full of fish and definitely with some great stories. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call at Long Island Light Tackle LLC and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss this.
June 21, 2025
Bluefish are the bulldogs of the sea – aggressive, hard-fighting, and a ton of fun to catch. These silver-blue bruisers typically weigh up to 20 pounds, but some monsters can hit 40. You'll find them in bays, tidal rivers, and along the coast, often churning up the water in feeding frenzies we call "blitzes." Summer's your best bet, with schools of smaller "snappers" perfect for kids in late summer. Blues are popular for their strong fights and tasty meat when prepared right. They'll hit just about anything, but oily baits like mackerel or bunker work great. Watch those teeth, though – they're razor-sharp! Local tip: if you see birds diving, there's a good chance blues are pushing bait to the surface. Get ready for some fast action!
Sea bass are a favorite for both eating and catching around here. These chunky fish usually run about a foot long and weigh in around 9 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near hard-bottom areas, wrecks, and reefs. They're aggressive feeders, so they're fun to catch year-round, but summer and fall tend to be best. Anglers love 'em because they put up a good fight for their size and taste great on the grill. To land one, try using cut bait like squid or clams near the bottom. A local trick: if you're not getting bites, switch up your bait size – sometimes they prefer smaller offerings. Just be careful handling them, those spines on their fins can give you a nasty poke!
Spotted weakfish, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a blast to catch in the shallows around Long Island. These silvery fish with their distinctive spots typically run 12 to 16 inches, but can grow up to 3 feet long. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often over sandy or grassy bottoms. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak. Anglers love targeting them for their sporty fight and tasty, flaky meat. They're known for their soft mouths, so setting the hook can be tricky. Here's a tip: when you see one following your lure, speed up your retrieve a bit – it often triggers a strike. And if you hear croaking sounds at dusk, you might just be in for some good fishing!
Striped bass are a prized catch around Long Island, known for their size and fighting spirit. These powerful fish typically range from 20 to 40 pounds, with some monsters topping 70 pounds. You'll find them cruising near structures like jetties, reefs, and shorelines, especially in moving waters. Spring and fall are prime seasons as stripers migrate along the coast. Anglers love targeting them for the thrill of the fight and their excellent taste on the table. To boost your chances, try live bait like herring or mackerel, or toss lures that mimic their favorite prey. A local tip: fish the tide changes, when stripers are most active feeding. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them – they've got a mean bite!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 38
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
Rick was an awesome guide. Highly recommend, was super nice and kept hunting the fish for us.