Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission

Geographically situated just outside New York City, Long Island is 120 miles long by 20 miles wide and is the largest island adjoined to the continental U.S, perfect for your next party boat or charter boat saltwater fishing trip. Originally named “Paumanauke” by the Native Americans, meaning “tribute to the sea,” this fish-shaped island on the East Coast extends from the Hudson River far into the Atlantic Ocean.

Surrounded by water on all sides, Long Island, NY has over 400 miles of coastline. That adds up to a lot of spectacular shoreline and a wide variety of ocean fishing experiences.

Long Island offers a variety of fishing excursions due to its geographic diversity, with exciting ocean fishing or calmer bay fishing. Both northern and southern fish species frequent Long Island waters, including Atlantic cod, winter flounder and mackerel in the spring, or bluefish, summer flounder and Spanish mackerel in the fall. Other species of fish include blackfish, porgies, and fluke, in addition to shark, tuna, and abundant striped bass. Check here for the most up-to-date information.

Long Island offers the serious and the novice fisherman private charter, party boat fishing or “rent your own” boating. Shoreline fishing is permitted at several state park beaches, along with many other opportunities to put your hook in the water.

Bait your hook and whet your appetite for the great outdoors at the tail end of Long Island, Montauk Point and Orient Point. The two points offer distinct sport fishing experiences for everything from striped bass to shark fishing. In fact, Montauk Point on Long Island is often called the “sport fishing capital of the northeast.”

There are various types of overnight vacation opportunities throughout Long Island, ranging from nearby spa hotels, oceanfront motels and budget accommodations.

Charters and party boats offer different type of excursions depending on the season. Most provide reels, bait, and tackle with captains and crew who are more then content to show upcoming sea anglers how to use them. Reservations are recommended for most trips. Fishing boats are regulated by the Department of Environmental Conversation to insure against over fishing and to keep the waters healthy for future generations.

The big fall run starting in September is when Long Island locals and dedicated fishermen know there are rewards to be had as the fish bulk up before they migrate for the winter. Embark on an unforgettable fishing charter from Montauk, Orient or any of the other local marinas that offer ocean fishing.

Or sail away in sapphire colored waters of Long Island’s Great South Bay or Moriches Bay from marinas such as Captree, Point Lookout, Smith Point and Freeport. Bay fishing offers calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere. The unique bay water has a variety of fish such as black and blue fish, summer and winter flounder, striped bass, cobia, sea bass, and many other species. Choose from half or full day excursions. Click on the above map to begin planning your next adventure.

Many marinas are located near bustling seaport towns. After fishing, enjoy the sites as a perfect end to the evening. Enjoy the catch of the day at fine waterside restaurants and clam bars. Attend annual events including national fishing tournaments and festivals, as well as a wide variety of other activities while you’re here.

Other Long Island fishing marinas are located at Port Jefferson Harbor, Greenport, Howard Beach, Huntington, Oceanside, Port Washington, Southold, Glen Cove and Shinnecock Bay in Hampton Bays. Or fish right off the beach at parks such as Sunken Meadow, Wildwood, Montauk Point or Orient Point.