Brooklyn fishing charters are nested around what’s best described as indie meets mainstream. You will see numerous vessels around Brooklyn waters, some heading out to explore the bay and the ocean, others getting back with bags full of catch.
Known for
The legendary Striped Bass, party boats filled with eager anglers, and ample fishing opportunities perfectly sum up what you’re going to get when you board one of many Brooklyn fishing charter boats.
The most populous borough of the promised city, NY, Brooklyn boasts landmarks which have been featured in movies, plays, comic books, and other forms both print and digital.
The iconic Brooklyn bridge, cherry blossom in parks, gold and blue hues, the smell of concrete and brewed coffee - all this and a lot more awaits you on your fishing trip.
Year-round, you will find a consistent bite from Fluke, Flounder, Black Seabass, Cusp, Ling, Weakfish, and Bluefish. You don’t need to head out far to get them, and anglers often take photos with their catch with the cityscape in the background.
If you embark on a Brooklyn fishing boat that goes 50-80 miles out to the offshore reefs and wrecks, you’ll luckily encounter a range of Tuna and other predators.
Brooklyn fishing spots
Brooklyn has fishing for everyone. Whether you’re a mom who wants to take her kids out, a hardcore angler who’s fished far and beyond, a group of friends, or a company looking for quality team-building, Brooklyn captains will know exactly what fish to put you on. Brooklyn fishing is diverse, as you can explore sounds and the ocean fisheries offshore. The only question is how far you want to go.
Sheepshead Bay
This is the best known inshore fishery for party boats and smaller boats for-hire. What sparks the hype about the Sheepshead Bay is the proximity of excellent fishing grounds, such as the Rockaway Beach where you can get Fluke (aka Summer Flounder) or Black Seabass from spring until fall.
You can also explore the coast of New Jersey, fare to the Coney Island or all the way down to the Sandy Hook Bay, and get excellent Porgy, Blackfish, and more Seabass. The nearby reefs and wrecks produce great table fare, especially in the fall.
And, just minutes from the buzz of the city, you can get some trophy Striped Bass. They are big and feisty, and also go by ‘Rockfish’ around here. If you see a charter that targets rockfish, find a spot and go get some muscle-popping action.
Rockaway Inlet
Connecting the Jamaica Bay with the Atlantic Ocean, this strait produces great fishing for the better part of the year. The waters are about 15 ft deep mid-channel, and fish well for some beautiful Striped Bass. You can also pull out hefty Black Seabass as well as Fluke. Around reefs and wrecks scattered throughout the Inlet, you will find incredible fishing for these fellas, and sometimes their runs will be nothing short of that of a Tuna. Try not to get spent, or these boys will turn your rods into pretzels. It’s a good chase within minutes of the dock. You may often be surprised by False Albacore, so spend your stamina wisely.
Marine Park
Meandering from the Marine Park and into the Jamaica Bay, the Gerritsen Creek is a charming place with crooked fish. You will find Striper, Flounder, and Bluefish here. The scenery is stunning and you can roam in the early morning air. Put on your waders and come for a refreshening day outdoors.
Jamaica Bay
Often called a slice of fishing heaven, the Jamaica Bay offers a bit more than a regular fishing experience. With airplanes landing nearby, mud flats, acres of estuarine marsh and bays, and impressive Striped Bass, Jamaica Bay fishing is a dream come true for many anglers. It’s vibrant and Stripe-studded, if you will. Massive Rockfish are swimming around here, and you will see many anglers trying to land a new record.
Bays and rivers
The New York Bay and the East River both offer a wealth of fishing opportunities. It’s exciting here year-round, as jetties and pilings light up with the bite of winter Flounder, Striped Bass, Bluefish, and other exciting fish. Just a bit further down, towards the Lower NY Bay, you will find deep channels and man-made structures where fish regularly flock to feed. Find a local captain to take you and make your fishing trip one to remember!
Brooklyn offshore fishing spots
If you thought that Brooklyn was all about fishing inshore, well - surprise! Brooklyn offshore fishing is as exciting as the city channels and jetties. Blue Marlin love the offshore waters and come with the summer. Find the spots where the Gulf Stream meets continental shelf waters. You’ll be amazed at how big these Billfish can get.
Approximately 90 miles from the coastline, you can explore deep fisheries that hide Tilefish. Go deep dropping and once you’re done, switch to trolling for Tuna. It’s best to take an overnight trip to be able to fish for the dawn bite. That’s when most of these fish feed and you’ll want to be there.
Among the most prominent offshore fisheries, the Hudson Canyon’s got to be the number one anglers’ choice. Found some 100+ miles from Brooklyn, this steep canyon fishes incredibly well for Yellowfin Tuna, Bluefin Tuna, Big Eye Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Mako Shark, Wahoo, and some more Blue Marlin. And if you want a real workout, go deep dropping for Swordfish.
How much does it cost?
To get a clear idea about the price of your trip, you should first decide whether you want to go on a party boat or not. Brooklyn party fishing boats are super popular.
Some of them come as private options, which means that you can have these big boats (we’re talking 70+ ft) to you and your party. These options are great for team-building or to celebrate an important event.
Now, here comes another factor to play. If you want a private party boat that will stay relatively close to the shore, and get Striped Bass, Cod, Fluke, and other exciting fish, you will need to pay about $2700 for the whole boat. This means usually about 60+ people will get to fish. If you want to go far out and chase Tilefish on a 20+ hour trip, then the same boat can be rented for about $3500.
If you don’t mind fishing with other anglers, then you can choose a shared trip on a party boat. This means you will be paying about $40 for a half day trip per person, and about $60 if you want to spend the whole day on the water.
It’s also important to check with the captain whether rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included in the price. On some fishing boats you will find all-inclusive packages, on others you will have to pay about $10 more for a fishing set. And in some cases, you will need to bring your own set onboard. Find what works best for you before booking a trip.
If you want a more intimate fishing trip, then private charters on smaller boats should be your top choice. Most of the time, they take up to six anglers which is great if you want to be fishing with your friends and family. As a rule, you will get the gear and will be able to set the course and have the captain’s attention to yourselves.
Fishing techniques
You know how we said that Brooklyn fishing is diverse? Well, the same goes for types and techniques of fishing you can try out. From fly fishing around the flats, marshes, and creeks to trolling for Mahi and deep dropping the bait for Swordfish and Tilefish, here you’ll find it all.
As a rule of thumb, the fishing season lasts from spring to late fall. Of course, more experienced captains know the hot spots better than that and will be able to show you the hot bite any time you pay a visit to Brooklyn.
If you want to exercise patience and fish around more secluded areas, then fly fishing around the marshes and flats is a good way to spend the day. You can get some Golden Shiners, as well as the praised Striped Bass.
Stripers start to bite around April and offer a remarkable chase whichever way you target them. Use artificial bait (eg bucktail jigs). Another good choice is to fish the bottoms with sandworm or menhaden.
If you want to get Tautog, go with bottom rigs and use crab as bait. They like sticking around rocky areas and grass beds. A similar technique can produce great results when fishing for Black Seabass. They are stout and feed aggressively, usually moving around rocky bottoms in spring time.
Flounder and Fluke love staying close to the seafloor, and you can get them by using bottom rigs baited with clam and crabs. They will hang around sandy areas near the seafloor, moving closer to the shore in spring and then heading out during the fall.
If you dare take on the game fish that lurk offshore, get your heavy tackle, long rods, and a comfortable fighting chair. If you’re looking to land pelagics, trolling works the best. You can use live bait and go trolling, or first spice waters up by chunking with bait.
Swordfish and Tilefish are feeding way down under the surface. You will need to equip yourself with hand crankers, electric reels, and live bait such as Mullet and Squid. And if you’re going on an overnight trip and want to fish during the night, prepare blinkers and strobe lights.
Need to know
If you’re fishing from a licensed party or a charter boat, you don’t need a recreational fishing license. If you want to explore the famous pier fishing spots, such as Canarise Pier and Pat Auletta, you might need to sign up online to be able to fish according to regulations. Please note that fishing regulations change, so it’s best to stay up to date on current limits and news.
When you’re packing for your trip, you should bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Pack food and drinks, bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and clothes in layers. The weather can change quickly and you will want to have warm clothing by your side. The same goes for shoes. Of course, bring a camera to make some memorable photos. As most local captains know these waters well, it’s always good to consult with them once you’ve booked the trip about what you may need onboard.