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
272
Reviews
327
Fishing Reports
Verified
Our Team
Thomas L.
Captain
Thomas L.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Rockaway Fishing Charters

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(272 reviews)
Angler's choice
New York City
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $500

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 272 reviews
See details
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (1641)
Captain Tom and Rob were great!
Captain Tom and Rob were great!
Captain Tom and Rob were great!
+1638
Angler rating
269
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 272 reviews
Kevin L.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Very good
4.0 / 5
Overall

Great experience

VERIFIED   July 20th noon on July 6, 2025
My son and I had a fun time hanging with Captain Tommy and the mate. We caught a bunch of fluke but unfortunately none of them...
Kevin L. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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James K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing day

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour Trip โ€“ Captain's Choice (PM) on October 18, 2025
Tom provides a tremendous fishing experience on the water.ย  We will definitely do it again soon.ย  Great fishing day!
James K. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Jackson K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing Day with Tom and Rob

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Captain's Choice (AM) on September 13, 2025
My girlfriend and I went out for a morning session with Tom and Rob and it could not be better! We caught fish all morning...
Jackson K. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Scott K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day fishing!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Captain's Choice (AM) on July 27, 2025
Captain Tom had us on fish all day!ย  They took great care of my family and helped us learn a lot about fishing and the fish...
Scott K. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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Charissa C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Perfect day out

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Captain's Choice (PM) on September 20, 2025
We had a great trip- our group was a mix of kids, adults, both experienced and inexperienced with fishing.ย  Tom and Rob were...
Charissa C. recommends Rockaway Fishing Charters
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