Rockaway Fishing Charters
When you think of New York City, you probably imagine bright lights, busy streets, and that world-famous skyline – however, Captain Tom LaCognata is here to show you a whole other side to the “Big Apple.” Join him on board Rockaway Fishing Charters, located in Brooklyn, where his mission is simple: “To put you on fish and make sure you have an enjoyable, comfortable, and safe time out on the water.”
Capt. Tom is a native New Yorker who’s been fishing for over 45 years. He’s explored many local fisheries, as well as those further afield, including Costa Rica, Mexico, and Aruba. He decided to turn his passion for angling into a career and offers first-class fishing trips that are suitable for anglers of all ages and abilities, including children. They’re completely customizable, too – let him know what you want to hook, and he’ll take you to the hottest spots around!
You’ll be fishing from your captain’s 36’ Luhrs offshore sportfishing vessel, perfectly built to tackle the waters of Jamaica Bay, as well as the open ocean. She can accommodate up to 6 guests, so bring along the entire family, or settle some scores with your best angling buddies! On board, you’ll find a full toilet, top-of-the-line navigational gear, life jackets for all ages, a multi-media system, and outriggers for maximum fishability.
Capt. Tom caters his trips to all types of anglers, so there’s something to suit every skill level. Want to take your family on an unforgettable vacation? Spend the day Fluke fishing – these fish are plenty of fun to catch, and also make for tasty table fare! Want to hook some game fish? Get ready for plenty of rod-bending action as you chase Striper (Striped Bass), Bluefish, and more. For hardcore anglers, come face-to-gills with some impressive marine life as you target a variety of Shark species.
Your trip includes Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa rods and reels, bait, tackle, and a fishing license. Come aboard Rockaway Fishing Charters to see another side of New York!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (1473)
+1470Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
95%
Yorktown Heights, NY
Jul 11, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Fluke (PM)
Half day trip with Capt. Tom Lacognata
We booked a charter for seven adults for my husband’s birthday. Since he was the only one with fishing experience, Capt. Tommy kept us in the calm waters of Jamaica Bay. He knew exactly where to take us and all seven of us caught multiple fish - fluke, flounder, sea robins, sand sharks and we ended the day with a twenty minute battle with a sting wray! It was epic! Everything you needed to fish was provided and Tommy and his mate Sean were extremely attentive. They took care of everything and nothing seemed to faze them. They offered tips when asked and were ready to offer a hand if needed. Very easy company and friendly. Tommy seemed to know exactly when to move to a new spot so it seemed like one of us was always reeling something in. The boat was spacious and plenty of room to fish or to take a break and just enjoy the views. The bathroom facilities were clean and easily accessible. Everything was well-maintained and easy to use. We were thrilled to enjoy a private charter at an economical price and have already decided that this will be an annual trip! We cannot wait to get back on the water and highly recommend Capt Tommy Lacognata for your next fishing trip!
We booked a charter for seven adults for my husband’s birthday. Since he was the only one with fishing experience, Capt. Tommy...
Captain replied
Jul 12, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Porgy/Seabass (AM)
Perfect Family Day
Captain Tom & his 1st mate went above and beyond to make a Saturday morning fishing trip one for the books. He didn’t give up and searched until we found the perfect spot to fish. Absolutely amazing with my 11 year old son while taking time to teach some fishing tricks & educate on various types of fish. Caught some sharks, croaker, flounder, stargazer & even a ray. If you want a day of fun with a great captain and beautiful boat…look no more. Can’t wait to take another trip with Goin’ Fishin’ Charters.
Captain Tom & his 1st mate went above and beyond to make a Saturday morning fishing trip one for the books. He didn’t give up...
Captain replied
Jun 28, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (AM)
Unforgettable First-Time Fishing Trip with the Family!
Rockaway Fishing Charter wa Captain Tom and Rob were truly AWESOME!!!! We booked Rockaway Fishing Charter for our very first family fishing trip, and it was absolutely amazing from start to finish! Captain Tom and Rob was incredibly friendly, patient, and knowledgeable—perfect for beginners like us. They made sure we were comfortable, taught us the basics, and celebrated every catch like it was a big one lol. The boat was clean, well-equipped, and spacious enough for our whole group to enjoy. The captain knew all the best spots, and we caught more fish than we ever expected! The kids had a blast, and we made memories we’ll be talking about for years to come. Whether you’re experienced or trying it for the first time like we did, this charter is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly fishing adventure! My daughter also wanted me to mention that she caught two sharks which we were able to take home. Actually, it was tonight’s dinner along with the fluke we caught. To be honest I wasn’t thrilled about cooking shark for dinner but the kids insisted. Turns out, it was actually delicious. Rockaway Charters thank you again for an amazing experience. We will definitely see you again soon! .
Rockaway Fishing Charter wa Captain Tom and Rob were truly AWESOME!!!! We booked Rockaway Fishing Charter for our very first...
Captain replied
Jun 22, 2025
4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (AM)
Definitely recommend even if it’s your first time
The crew was great, they were super helpful and really attentive. Definitely recommend even if you don’t know how to fish. They will bait every hook for you and taking the fish off if that’s not your thing too! If the fish stopped biting, the captain would move to make sure we were getting bites. Only thing I would recommend is to over packing since it started as a nice day and a storm randomly came out of nowhere and we got soaked.
The crew was great, they were super helpful and really attentive. Definitely recommend even if you don’t know how to fish. They...
Captain replied
Jun 19, 2025
Juneteenth Full day
CAUGHT THE BIG ONE
My 17-year-old grandson and I have been taking annual fishing tris in hopes of hook a large fighting fish. That desire was fulfilled on "Goin' Fishin" with Capt Tom and mate Rob. They work together like the 40 year team they are. They made the experience of finding, hooking and boating a 200 bound thresher shark the exciting experience we hoped for. They did every helpful thing necessary to give him the independent fight he longed for.
My 17-year-old grandson and I have been taking annual fishing tris in hopes of hook a large fighting fish. That desire was fulfilled...
Captain replied
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (1473)
+1470Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
95%
Yorktown Heights, NY
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half day trip with Capt. Tom Lacognata
4 Hour Trip – Fluke (PM) on July 11, 2025
We booked a charter for seven adults for my husband’s birthday. Since he was the only one with fishing experience, Capt. Tommy kept us in the calm waters of Jamaica Bay. He knew exactly where to take us and all seven of us caught multiple fish - fluke, flounder, sea robins, sand sharks and we ended the day with a twenty minute battle with a sting wray! It was epic! Everything you needed to fish was provided and Tommy and his mate Sean were extremely attentive. They took care of everything and nothing seemed to faze them. They offered tips when asked and were ready to offer a hand if needed. Very easy company and friendly. Tommy seemed to know exactly when to move to a new spot so it seemed like one of us was always reeling something in. The boat was spacious and plenty of room to fish or to take a break and just enjoy the views. The bathroom facilities were clean and easily accessible. Everything was well-maintained and easy to use. We were thrilled to enjoy a private charter at an economical price and have already decided that this will be an annual trip! We cannot wait to get back on the water and highly recommend Capt Tommy Lacognata for your next fishing trip!
We booked a charter for seven adults for my husband’s birthday. Since he was the only one with fishing experience, Capt. Tommy kept us in the calm waters of Jamaica Bay. He knew exactly where to take us and all seven of us caught multiple fish - fluke, flounder, sea robins, sand sharks and we ended the day with a twenty minute battle with a sting wray! It was epic! Everything you needed to fish was provided and Tommy and his mate Sean were extremely attentive. They took care of everything...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Perfect Family Day
4 Hour Trip – Porgy/Seabass (AM) on July 12, 2025
Captain Tom & his 1st mate went above and beyond to make a Saturday morning fishing trip one for the books. He didn’t give up and searched until we found the perfect spot to fish. Absolutely amazing with my 11 year old son while taking time to teach some fishing tricks & educate on various types of fish. Caught some sharks, croaker, flounder, stargazer & even a ray. If you want a day of fun with a great captain and beautiful boat…look no more. Can’t wait to take another trip with Goin’ Fishin’ Charters.
Captain Tom & his 1st mate went above and beyond to make a Saturday morning fishing trip one for the books. He didn’t give up and searched until we found the perfect spot to fish. Absolutely amazing with my 11 year old son while taking time to teach some fishing tricks & educate on various types of fish. Caught some sharks, croaker, flounder, stargazer & even a ray. If you want a day of fun with a great captain and beautiful boat…look no more. Can’t wait to take another trip with Goin’ Fishin’...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Unforgettable First-Time Fishing Trip with the Family!
4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (AM) on June 28, 2025
Rockaway Fishing Charter wa Captain Tom and Rob were truly AWESOME!!!! We booked Rockaway Fishing Charter for our very first family fishing trip, and it was absolutely amazing from start to finish! Captain Tom and Rob was incredibly friendly, patient, and knowledgeable—perfect for beginners like us. They made sure we were comfortable, taught us the basics, and celebrated every catch like it was a big one lol. The boat was clean, well-equipped, and spacious enough for our whole group to enjoy. The captain knew all the best spots, and we caught more fish than we ever expected! The kids had a blast, and we made memories we’ll be talking about for years to come. Whether you’re experienced or trying it for the first time like we did, this charter is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly fishing adventure! My daughter also wanted me to mention that she caught two sharks which we were able to take home. Actually, it was tonight’s dinner along with the fluke we caught. To be honest I wasn’t thrilled about cooking shark for dinner but the kids insisted. Turns out, it was actually delicious. Rockaway Charters thank you again for an amazing experience. We will definitely see you again soon! .
Rockaway Fishing Charter wa Captain Tom and Rob were truly AWESOME!!!! We booked Rockaway Fishing Charter for our very first family fishing trip, and it was absolutely amazing from start to finish! Captain Tom and Rob was incredibly friendly, patient, and knowledgeable—perfect for beginners like us. They made sure we were comfortable, taught us the basics, and celebrated every catch like it was a big one lol. The boat was clean, well-equipped, and spacious enough for our whole group to enjoy....
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Definitely recommend even if it’s your first time
4 Hour Trip – Captain's Choice (AM) on June 22, 2025
The crew was great, they were super helpful and really attentive. Definitely recommend even if you don’t know how to fish. They will bait every hook for you and taking the fish off if that’s not your thing too! If the fish stopped biting, the captain would move to make sure we were getting bites. Only thing I would recommend is to over packing since it started as a nice day and a storm randomly came out of nowhere and we got soaked.
The crew was great, they were super helpful and really attentive. Definitely recommend even if you don’t know how to fish. They will bait every hook for you and taking the fish off if that’s not your thing too! If the fish stopped biting, the captain would move to make sure we were getting bites. Only thing I would recommend is to over packing since it started as a nice day and a storm randomly came out of nowhere and we got soaked.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
CAUGHT THE BIG ONE
Juneteenth Full day on June 19, 2025
My 17-year-old grandson and I have been taking annual fishing tris in hopes of hook a large fighting fish. That desire was fulfilled on "Goin' Fishin" with Capt Tom and mate Rob. They work together like the 40 year team they are. They made the experience of finding, hooking and boating a 200 bound thresher shark the exciting experience we hoped for. They did every helpful thing necessary to give him the independent fight he longed for.
My 17-year-old grandson and I have been taking annual fishing tris in hopes of hook a large fighting fish. That desire was fulfilled on "Goin' Fishin" with Capt Tom and mate Rob. They work together like the 40 year team they are. They made the experience of finding, hooking and boating a 200 bound thresher shark the exciting experience we hoped for. They did every helpful thing necessary to give him the independent fight he longed for.
FAQs about Rockaway Fishing Charters
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
