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Tom LaCognata
Captain

Tom LaCognata

New York City, United States
Federal waters
Angler's choice
250+ reviews
Capt. Tom has been fishing for more than 45 years, so it's safe to say that he's got plenty of angling experience and knowledge under his belt! He's a local New Yorker, but has fished all over the States, as well as exploring the plentiful fisheries of Costa Rica, Mexico, and Aruba. He decided to turn his passion for angling into a career over 10 years ago, and has been running successful charters ever since. His favorite part of the job is seeing his customers have fun, and helping newbies and little ones learn the tricks of the trade. He loves helping kids reel in their first fish! Your captain also participates in tournaments, and won the prestigious Brooklyn Shark Tournament in 2016. As well as this, he has experience of battling seriously big game fish – he once hooked a whopping 500 lb Black Marlin, which took him 45 minutes to reel in!
Thomas L.
Thomas L.
Captain
Thomas L.
Thomas L.
Captain

Charter

Rating

5.0
304 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish

All reviews (304)

Showing 1 – 5 of 304 reviews
  • Benjamin Cost
    Benjamin Cost
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2021
    6 trips
    5.0

    Shark trip

    7 Hour Trip — "Shark Boss" Special

    Anyone who thinks fishing is boring has clearly never gone with Captain Tom LaCognata. We experienced a veritable Sharknato on the water. Caught twelve total, including some 150-pound-plus bruiser browns, a super rare hammerhead and a spinner for dinner (tasted like leaner swordfish). Everyone caught at least three fish, equating to around one every 45 minutes— a good day for stripers let alone the ocean’s apex predator. Tom and his team worked swift and tirelessly like an angling pit crew, putting out chum bags, snagging bunker and gaffing and roping the sharks — a difficult task—like clockwork. Truly one of the best times I’ve ever had on the water.

    Response from Captain

    Thanks again Ben! That was a good day of shark fishing for sure. You and Your crew did an awesome job on the rods! I hope we get you guys out there again soon.

  • Jack Bingham
    Jack Bingham
    us
    New Jersey, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Outstanding team and fishing charter!

    4 Hour Trip — Captain's Choice - 1:00 PM • 3 adults • 2 children

    Just got back from today’s fishing trip with these guys. My family and I had an awesome experience with this crew. I highly recommend them and give 5-stars all around. Captain Tom really knows the waters and they really care about their guests. Despite today being a choppy day we still had plenty of catches. They were also so giving of their knowledge, experience and were so good with my two sons (age 7 & 5). Definitely go with these guys, you will not be dissapointed!

    Response from Captain

    Thank you Jack. You and the boys were really fun to have aboard. They did great with the rods and fish! We hope to have you all out again. Happy fathers say!

  • Alex Kobak
    Alex Kobak
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    great birthday trup

    7 Hour Trip — Captain's Choice • 5 adults • 1 child

    the captain and gis first mate were lovely. They worked hard toc m find different fishing locations and we caught 5 different species including a baby shark! The one flounder we caufgt that was large enough to keep was fileted expertly and was absolutely delicious for dinner!

    Response from Captain

    Hi Alex! Thanks so much for bringing your family and friends out fishing with us. We had a busy day, a bit sporty at times but that’s the ocean for ya. Glad we had that nice fluke along with all those sea bass. Hope to have you all out again.

  • Harold Fletcher
    Harold Fletcher
    us
    Kentucky, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip with a great Captain!

    4 Hour Trip — Captain's Choice • 2 adults

    This was my wife and I's first ocean fishing experience and Captains choice was the best choice. We caught quite a few fluke, some sea robins, one dogfish shark, and a large skate. If you are looking to target a specific species just reach out and they will advise you honestly abut the best time of year and honest chances of success. Wonderful people and we will be back with our children next time!

    Reported catch:
    Flounder
    Sculpin
    Dogfish
    Skate
    +1
    Response from Captain

    Thanks very much for the great review ! We had a great time as well. Im glad we were able to show you a whole different side of NYC. You both did great with all those fish. Looking forward to having your family out someday!

  • Mecoly Dong
    Mecoly Dong
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great chill day of fishing!

    4 Hour Trip — Captain's Choice • 4 adults

    Took my dad out on a Father’s day fishing trip and we had a great time! Was a nice chill day of weather and we caught a lot of fish from flounder to skate and dogfish and skulpin. Captain Tom and the first mate were great with making sure there were multiple rods going at the same time and our baits were always loaded going from one spot to another. Thanks for a great morning of fishing!

    Reported catch:
    Flounder
    Sculpin
    Dogfish
    Skate
    Response from Captain

    Thank you Mecoly. That was a nice trip. Glad dad enjoyed his Fathers day fishing trip.

Real catches shared by our community

  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    October fishing trip
    Sandra S.
    Sandra S.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    Great experience.
    Peter B.
    Peter B.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    very good trip
    Bianca Z.
    Bianca Z.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    great birthday trup
    Alex K.
    Alex K.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    Great fishing always with Captain Tom
    Ahmed W.
    Ahmed W.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    Great Captn and First Mate!!!
    Frank L.
    Frank L.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    August fishing trip
    Jie L.
    Jie L.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    Fishing with Tom
    Arthur Y.
    Arthur Y.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    Fishing with Tom
    William W.
    William W.
  • Rockaway Fishing Charters
    Rockaway Fishing ChartersNew York City, NY
    Great trip with a great Captain!
    Harold F.
    Harold F.

What's biting with Rockaway Fishing Charters in New York City

The NYC Food & Wine Show presents fine dining from across the globe. Meanwhile, we'll be on the water, catching some tasty Tautog for dinner. We've never really understood nouveau cuisine...

Top catches for October

Fishing reports

Angler proudly holding a striped bass aboard a center-console fishing boat, with another crew member and rods visible on the open water.

One Slot Left This Sunday — Join Us

Oct 25, 2026 • New York City
One slot left open this Sunday! Get on board!
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Angler displaying a small shark-like fish aboard a center-console fishing boat, with rods and tackle visible on the open water.

Striped Bass, Seabass & Dogfish Trips

Oct 25, 2026 • New York City
It was a beautiful weekend on the water. We had mixed results on each trip. Catches were mixed between striped bass, spiny dogfish, and seabass. Everyone had a fun time out there.
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Three anglers proudly display striped bass catches aboard a fishing boat, with rods and open water in the background.

One Slot Open Tomorrow — Join Us

Oct 24, 2026 • New York City
One slot open tomorrow, get on board!
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Young angler holding a freshly caught fish aboard a center-console boat on open coastal waters.

Sunday Open — Good Weather, Get On Board

Oct 10, 2026 • New York City
We are sold out for this saturday, but sunday is open and some good weather expected. Get on board and lets see whats biting!
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Angler reeling in a fish from a bent rod while fishing offshore in choppy coastal waters.

Weekend Availability — Come See What Bit

Oct 6, 2026 • New York City
Availability this weekend, get on board and see whats on the end of your line! You never know whats going to bite!
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Angler proudly displaying a small shark while fishing on a boat, showcasing a successful catch during a coastal fishing trip.

Tough Windy Trip — A Few Keeps

Oct 4, 2026 • New York City
Some lousy weather and wind against tide made for some tough conditions. We managed a few fish but not what we were looking for. We were limited in where we could fish due to the high winds and rough sea. These girls are troopers! Thanks for hanging tough ladies. Our mascot larry bird made an appearance.
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