When planning your city break in New York, you might be surprised to hear how great the fishing is. There are plenty of spots to head to that can offer freshwater and saltwater fishing. A top fishery is Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. Known for its productive waters and proximity to top fisheries, Sheepshead Bay fishing charters are regaining their popularity and regaining the attention of anglers worldwide.

Sheepshead Bay Fishing Spots

One of the reasons this mile-long bay is so great is the flexibility it offers to continue your fishing trip. Areas such as Sheepshead Bay, Raritan Bay, Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook, Breezy Point, Ambrose Channel, and Coney Island all combine to make up the New York Bight, and are the best places to fish before heading offshore into the North Atlantic Ocean.

Sheepshead Bay

If you decide to stay and fish in the bay, you’ll want to arrive early to get a space, before the commercial fishermen come in. With widths of 300 feet, you’ll find your hotspot in no time. You can begin your trip from one of the 10 piers here, and fish for Mackerel. Ironically, there are no Sheepshead in Sheepshead Bay anymore.

Lower Bay

The Lower Bay is great in late summer and early fall. Located southwest of Sheepshead Bay, you’ll be able to target Bonito, False Albacore, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Herring, and more. Each species has its preferred season and weather conditions – trips can run late into the year chasing the fish. The best time to fish the Lower Bay is early morning on weekdays when it’s not as crowded

Jamaica Bay

One of the most famous bays to fish, this bay is the closest to Sheepshead Bay. Leave Sheepshead Bay and head east, past the Marine Park Bridge, and you’ll find yourself in the bountiful waters of Jamaica Bay, which offers excellent saltwater fishing. Schools of Stripers head into the bay in spring, chasing the grass shrimp hatch. As the season continues, expect to catch Bluefish, Fluke, and Atlantic Menhaden (or Bunker to the locals) as well as great-sized Bass.

Gravesend Bay

Fish love structures, so it’s no wonder that fishing in Gravesend Bay is so great. By the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge you’ll be able to catch Fluke, Flounder, Striped Bass, and Bluefish. Look carefully, and you’ll probably see a seal or two, and maybe even a whale! Have your camera ready.

Fishing Tips

• The waters in the bays are murky, so bright colors are best to use for your baits. Top colors to use include white and bubblegum-pink!

• When fishing for Striped Bass, your fishing charter will likely be very early in the morning or at night. You’ll want a flask of coffee at hand.

• During the summer and early fall, live eel is the top bait to use in the bay.

Need to Know

Although the waters are cleaner than they used to be, you’ll want to keep your consumption of fish caught in the bays down to 0.5 pounds per week. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation recommends that women of childbearing age and children should not eat the fish caught in the bays at all.

Regulations

You’ll need to buy a fishing license before going on your trip, as well as enrolling in the state’s free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry.

Check the season for each fish, as well as the size limit and quantity that can be kept. Your captain will keep you informed if fishing on a charter boat.

Budget

Prices can vary depending on where your charter is heading. The further the trip, the more expensive. An eight-hour trip will cost around $750, and a four-hour trip between $350–$550. Species-specific trips can cost over $1,000, especially if you’re heading out of the bays to find them.

Getting There

Fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport, and head along the Belt Parkway for 20 minutes to get to Sheepshead Bay.

The Sheepshead Bay fishing opportunities on offer are varied and awesome. A fishing charter heading out of the bay will take you to some top fisheries. Can you imagine reeling in a huge Striper in the Statue of Liberty’s shadow? Well, stop dreaming and make it a reality today!