Jamaica Bay

8 Fishing Charters

Top Jamaica Bay Destinations

Top Fishing Charters in Jamaica Bay

Fishing in Jamaica Bay

Escape the city and come fishing in Jamaica Bay. In the shadows of the New York skyline, you’ll find solace as you battle it out with monster fish in productive waters. Straddling Queens and Brooklyn’s coastline, Jamaica Bay spans over 10,000 acres, offering flats fishing like no other. Come to this secluded oasis, and see what all the fuss is about!

Inshore Fishing

It’s hard to believe that such incredible nature lives so close to one of the world’s busiest urban areas. The murky waters of Jamaica Bay provide incredible fishing year-round, with its status as a nature reserve protecting it from any disturbance.

Bottom or fly fish these productive waters and you’re in for a serious treat. Trophy-sized Rockfish, delicious Seabass, Tautog, and Triggerfish, and beautiful Bluefish and Weakfish call these waters home, giving you plenty to target during your time aboard.

Spend anywhere from four hours to a full day on the water, targeting whatever species you’d like. Beginners and experts alike can revel in these productive fishing grounds, as the calm waters will let you get to grips with a rod and reel, or get you filling the fridge.

Offshore Fishing

Due to the bay’s proximity to the Atlantic, plenty of fishing charters also offer trips beyond to the deep waters. Offshore fishing out of Jamaica Bay takes place aboard purpose-built downeast boats that cut through the choppy offshore waters, giving you a smooth ride.

Despite that, you’ll want to have some experience with a rod and reel, and have your sea legs ready, as fishing here is not for the faint-hearted. Not only will you spend at least a full day on the water, you’ll also be going up against some of the ocean’s most vicious creatures.

Troll the open waters anywhere from 30 to 100 miles offshore, and attract the bite of Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna, and Mako and Thresher Sharks, each of whom promises an incredible battle.

How to Prepare

Depending on where you go, your fishing experience may be completely different. On the bay, you could fish in a group as small as three people aboard a skiff or you can join a shared party boat with space for over 50 anglers. Choose what suits you best, and get your fish on!

No matter which charter you choose, you’ll be given some drinks and snacks to stay refreshed, but bring your own lunch on longer trips. If you want to go fly fishing, you should also let your captain know beforehand, so that they can prepare the gear for you.

Other than that, you’re good to go. Just a 30-minute cab ride from downtown Manhattan, a different world exists. Come any time of the year and escape the city with a Jamaica Bay fishing trip!

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Jamaica Bay Fishing Seasons

January

You won’t find much in the way of fishing charters on the Bay come January, with Tautog (Blackfish) the only creature really showing for your bait. Head to NYC and shop for gear before the season.

February

It’s still quiet on the Bay, but you can enjoy the solitude of the calm waters and the nature reserve. Escape the city and spend some time by the water to gather your thoughts, or even plan your next trip.

March

Winter Flounder make their way into the Bay come March, giving you the chance to get back on the water in search of plenty of delicious fish to fill the fridge. Along with Blackfish, Flounder is a great warm-up fish.

April

Now the season hits its stride as some other prized inshore fish make their way into the bay to feast on the bottoms that are full of nutrients. Get ready to spot Weakfish, Porgy, Seabass, and Rockfish in April.

May

The Bay comes alive in May as the inshore season hits its peak. With an abundance of fish, the local fishing authorities organize the “Kayak Classic,” so why not join in and show off your skills to the world?

June

When summer hits, you’ll face a dilemma over where to go. Bluefin Tuna and Sharks make their way past New York’s coastline, tempting you offshore for the fight of a lifetime, while the Bay is as productive as ever!

July

The question still remains over where to go, as Yellowfin Tuna join the offshore party, giving you an even better chance of landing something delicious offshore on a full day (or more) aboard a charter.

August

You’ll learn the meaning of the term “peak season” when August comes around, with boats filling up the Bay and plenty of offshore charters too. Make use of the warm weather, leave the city behind, and come aboard!

September

While the kids have gone back to school, there’s still plenty of fishing to keep you entertained. As the crowds die down, you’ll appreciate the water even more as you fill the boat with anything from Tautog to Tuna.

October

There’s no sign of the fishing dying down, as you focus your attention on bay fishing with the changing weather. Bottom fish for Porgy, Seabass, Rockfish, and many more on what promises to be a fun trip.

November

There may be fewer fish in the water, but the ones that remain are just what you want to go after. Rockfish, Blackfish, and Seabass will provide the pick of the fishing, so get ready for one last hurrah on the water.

December

Most of the boats retire to the dock as the year closes in. If you manage to find one hardy captain to take you out, then you can still go after Rockfish and Blackfish for a warming winter treat.