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
(260 reviews)
Angler's choice
New York City
 Last booking: 2 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 260 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (1513)
Amazing first time fishing experience
Great fishing day!
Awesome charter
+1510
Angler rating
257
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 260 reviews
Yihan P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing experience! The best captain in the world!

VERIFIED   July 20th noon on July 5, 2025
We caught so many large and rare fish! Both captains are so nice to help us with everything about fishing! Definitely will...
Yihan P. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Isaac L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing Trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Porgy/Seabass (AM) on July 5, 2025
Very nice boat, got a couple of small sharks which was really cool and a lot of fluke. Would definitely come back given the...
Isaac L. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Tim Z.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Had a great time

VERIFIED   4 Hour โ€“ Captain's Choice Evening on May 24, 2025
Tom and Rob are experienced and friendly. Took us out on to a few different spots and fished blue fish and flounders. We caught...
Tim Z. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Todd M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing Trip

VERIFIED   7 Hour Trip โ€“ Captain's Choice on May 17, 2025
Captain Tom and Rob were Great! If you planning a fishing trip Captain Tom is the only way to go! Thank you for a great fishing...
Todd M. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Tom LaCognata Captain replied

Kevin W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing charter, highly recommended!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bass and Blues (AM) on November 17, 2024
Captain Tom and first mate Sean took us on a morning trip in mid-November. Everyone in my party had a chance to reel in a striper,...
Kevin W. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Tom LaCognata Captain replied