Party boat fishing on Long Island: Ahoy!

BY TOM SCHLICHTER
Special to Newsday

June 27, 2008

If you think party boat fishing is for rookies only, think again. Pay-to-play vessels offer the chance to learn new fishing tricks from an experienced crew or preview waters you've yet to fish. They are also ideal for introducing youngsters and novice anglers to the pleasures of fishing.

"Think of these trips as inexpensive, close-to-home mini-vacations, says Desmond O'Sullivan, of the Celtic Quest in Port Jefferson. "Meet new people, taste the sea breeze, share laughs and exchange tall tales. If you take home a few fillets for dinner, well, that's just gravy."

What it costs: Party boat fares vary depending on trip length and distance to the fishing grounds. Expect to pay $40 to $50 for half-day trips, $60 to $90 for full-day adventures. Many boats discount children's and senior citizen tickets. Tip 15 to 20 percent, adding extra for fish cleaning. The optional pool ante, usually $2, goes to the angler hauling aboard the day's biggest fish.

Where to go: Despite rising gas prices and strict fishing regulations, party boats flourish at many Long Island ports. You'll find some at Huntington, Port Jefferson, Freeport, Point Lookout, Captree, Moriches, Riverhead, Mattituck, Greenport, Orient and Montauk. Consider these starting points:

Point Lookout/Freeport

Fish for sea bass, porgies, triggerfish and blues aboard the Super Hawk (516-481-2841, superhawkfishing.com). Catch fluke in Reynolds Channel, or near-shore ocean waters, aboard the Captain Lou Fleet (516-623-5823, captloufleet.com).

Captree

A great family port with gentle waters, exceptionally friendly crews and more than 20 boats. Try half-day fluke aboard the Laura Lee (631-661-1867,captree.com) or make a full-day run on Tradewinds II (631-419-1212, www.oceanfluke.com).

Evening trips for bluefish and stripers are productive aboard the Capt. Gregory (631-957-6855, captaingregory.com). Swim at nearby Robert Moses beach after your fishing trip.

Port Jefferson

Long Island Sound fishing is less intense than probing the ocean, but you still have an excellent chance at keeper fluke and porgies in summer and blackfish in the fall. Try bluefish for a real tussle aboard the Celtic Quest (631-928-3926, celticquestfishing.com) or Osprey IV (631-331-4153, ospreyfishing.com).

North Fork

Captain Bob in Mattituck (631-298-5522, captbobfishingfleet.com) offers summer action with fluke, porgies and blues. Prime Time III in Orient (631-484-3273, www.primetime3.com) is a top striper, bluefish and porgy boat. Greenport's Peconic Star (631-289-6899, peconic star.com) serenades fluke, porgies and customers with great jazz.

Montauk

A favorite for serious anglers but suitable for families on calm days. Lazy Bones (631-668-5671), Marlin VI Princess (631-668-4700, marlin6princess.com) and Viking Fleet (631-668-5700, vikingfleet.com) target fluke. The latter two also run special striper trips and offshore excursions for codfish, should you need an Adrenalin rush.

What you'll catch: Party or "open" boats usually target easily caught fish such as fluke, bluefish, sea bass and porgy. Some target more challenging species like striped bass, blackfish or cod.

When to go: Except for special trips (e.g., overnight wreck fishing), reservations are not required. Most boats sail a half- or full-day schedule, and a few offer evening trips. All provide free bait and offer rods, hooks and tackle for a nominal charge.

What to bring: Bring your own tackle, or use the boat's gear. Clean rags and a Leatherman tool for unhooking fish and cutting bait or lines, are a plus. A hat, polarized sunglasses and sunblock are musts. Some boats sport a galley, but packing lunch saves money. A gallon jug of frozen water makes for long-lasting ice for the cooler.

Copyright 2009 Newsday Inc.