Captain
Tom LaCognata

Member since November 2018 New York City, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
Bottom, trolling, drifting.

Hey, I'm Captain Tom LaCognata

New York City, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
Bottom, trolling, drifting.
Anglers Choice
Verified
Our Team
Thomas L.
Captain
Thomas L.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(263 reviews)
Angler's choice
New York City
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 263 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (1559)
Amazing Day with Tom and Rob
Amazing Day with Tom and Rob
Amazing Day with Tom and Rob
+1556
Angler rating
260
3
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
96%
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Showing:
5 of 263 reviews
Kristal W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Birthday Fishing Trip Success

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip โ€“ Captain's Choice (AM) on September 7, 2025
I really enjoyed the fishing trip. My husband was surprised because he thought he was going on a big charter boat like we usually...
Kristal W. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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DEREK T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing first time fishing experience

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip โ€“ Captain's Choice (AM) on August 31, 2025
After a failed self-taught fishing attempt a few years back, our family decided to leave it to the pros. Did. Not. Disappoint....
DEREK T. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Benjamin C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Sharknado

VERIFIED   7 Hour Trip โ€“ "Shark Boss" Special on August 9, 2025
Went on two sharking trips with Tom, both of which rank among the best fishing trips of my life. During the first one, hooked...
Benjamin C. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Joanne B.
Yorktown Heights, NY
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Capt. Tom Lacognata

4 Hour Trip โ€“ Fluke (PM) on July 11, 2025
We booked a charter for seven adults for my husbandโ€™s birthday. Since he was the only one with fishing experience, Capt....
Joanne B. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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JANELLE J.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Unforgettable First-Time Fishing Trip with the Family!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ 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...
JANELLE J. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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