Expert-Guided Kayak Fishing on Great South Bay

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Captree State Park, NY
$400 price range

Summary

Picture yourself gliding across the calm waters of Great South Bay as the sun rises, rod in hand, ready for a morning of kayak fishing. This private 4-5 hour trip is perfect for small groups of 2-3, whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience. You'll launch early to take advantage of the cool morning air and active fish. Expect to target species like Fluke, Bluefish, and Bass in one of Long Island's best fishing spots. Your guide, with over a decade of local knowledge, will help you navigate the bay and find the best fishing spots. At $400, the trip includes expert guidance and a chance to see the bay from a unique perspective. Kayaks and gear are available to rent if needed. It's a great way to start your day – peaceful, up-close with nature, and with the potential for some exciting catches.

Expert-Guided Kayak Fishing on Great South Bay

Bay Fishing Action

Striped bass caught at Captree State Park

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Fisherman casting line at Captree State Park

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Sunrise Kayak Fishing on Great South Bay

Get ready for an early morning adventure on the calm waters of Great South Bay. This 4-5 hour kayak fishing trip is the perfect way to start your day, whether you're new to angling or a seasoned pro. We'll launch just as the sun's coming up, giving us prime time to target some of Long Island's most sought-after inshore species. With room for 1-3 anglers, you'll get personalized attention from your guide as we paddle to the best fishing spots. Expect a laid-back vibe with plenty of chances to reel in some impressive catches.

Trip Overview

We'll meet up at the crack of dawn, when the water's like glass and the fish are hungry. This private trip is all about giving you a real taste of kayak fishing without the crowds. We'll paddle out to some honey holes where Fluke, Bluefish, and Striped Bass like to hang out. Your guide's got over a decade of experience on these waters, so you're in good hands. The $400 rate covers up to 3 people, and we can set you up with gear if you need it. It's a sweet deal for a morning of fishing that'll stick with you long after you're back on dry land.

Paddling and Casting

Kayak fishing is all about stealth and getting into those spots bigger boats can't reach. We'll use sit-on-top fishing kayaks that are stable and easy to maneuver. You'll learn how to cast from a seated position and work different lures to entice the fish. We might do some drifting with live bait or toss soft plastics around structure. The beauty of kayak fishing is how quiet we can be – sometimes you'll have fish swimming right under you. It's a totally different ballgame from shore or boat fishing, and once you try it, you might be hooked for life.

Top Catches This Season

Great South Bay is teeming with fish, and we've got a good shot at hooking into some real beauties. Striped Bass are the rockstars of inshore fishing around here. They put up a heck of a fight and can grow to impressive sizes. Bluefish are another favorite – they're aggressive and will really make your reel sing. If we're lucky, we might even land some Fluke or Tautog. The variety is what keeps anglers coming back to these waters year after year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Striped Bass are the crown jewels of Great South Bay. These fish can grow over 40 inches long and put up an epic battle, especially from a kayak. They love to hang around structure and ambush bait fish. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, but you can find keeper-sized bass throughout the summer too. There's nothing quite like the thrill of feeling a striper slam your lure and take off running.

Tautog, also known as blackfish, are the tough guys of the bay. They live around rocky bottoms and reefs, using their strong teeth to crush crabs and other shellfish. Tautog fishing is all about feeling the bite and setting the hook at just the right moment. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but they're a blast to catch and tasty to boot. Fall is the best time to target these bruisers.

Southern Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish bury themselves in the sandy bottom, waiting to ambush prey. Drift fishing with bucktails or live bait is the ticket to hooking these tasty fish. Summer is prime time for fluke fishing, and there's always the chance of hooking into a doormat-sized monster that'll have you retelling the story for years.

Bluefish are the adrenaline junkies of Great South Bay. These toothy predators travel in schools and can create epic topwater blitzes that'll get your heart racing. They hit hard and fight dirty, making for some of the most exciting fishing you can experience from a kayak. Blues show up in force during the summer months, and their aggressive nature means you're in for non-stop action when you find them.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Kayak fishing on Great South Bay is addictive, plain and simple. You're right there on the water, eye-to-eye with your catch. The peace and quiet of the early morning, broken only by the splash of your lure or the screech of your drag, is something special. Plus, you're getting a workout without even realizing it. Every trip is different – you might be in for a slam-fest with blues one day, or a strategic game of hide-and-seek with tautog the next. It's fishing in its purest form, and once you experience it, you'll be itching to get back out there.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, this morning kayak adventure on Great South Bay is calling your name. Whether you're a seasoned angler wanting to try something new or a beginner looking to learn the ropes, you'll find something to love about kayak fishing. With limited spots available and prime fishing season upon us, don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a morning on the water you won't forget. The fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?

Learn more about the species

Bluefish

Bluefish are the rowdy crowd-pleasers of Great South Bay. These aggressive predators usually run 3-10 pounds but can hit 20. You'll find them churning up the water in summer, chasing bait schools near the surface. They're famous for their sharp teeth and fierce fights - hang onto your rod! Anglers love blues for the non-stop action and sporty battle. Try casting metal lures or topwater plugs into feeding frenzies. Here's an insider tip: when you see birds diving, that's your cue to get in on the action fast. Blues can make good eating when prepared right, but be sure to bleed and ice them quickly. Whether you're a beginner or pro, bluefish offer an exciting, fast-paced fishing experience.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30. You'll find them in shallow coastal areas, especially near river mouths. Late summer through fall is prime time as they fatten up before moving offshore for winter. Anglers enjoy targeting flounder for their fight and excellent table fare. Drift fishing with live bait like bull minnows or mullet works well. Here's a local tip: use a light touch when setting the hook - flounder often grab bait and move before fully committing. Their unique flat shape and both eyes on one side make them a fun and unusual catch for any angler.

Striped Bass

Striped bass are a favorite target in Great South Bay, typically running 20-40 pounds but can reach over 70. You'll find them near structures like bridges and rocky shores, especially during dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the bass migrate through. Anglers love stripers for their strong fight and excellent taste. To up your chances, try live bait like herring or menhaden - the movement really attracts them. A local trick is to use a thinner, more sensitive braided line to feel those subtle bites. Just remember, these fish can be picky eaters, so be patient and ready to change spots if you're not getting action after 15-20 minutes. Whether you're after a trophy catch or a delicious dinner, striped bass offer an exciting challenge for any skill level.

Tautog

Tautog, or blackfish, are odd-looking but tasty bottom-dwellers. They average 1-3 pounds but can reach nearly 30. You'll find them hanging around rocky structures, jetties, and wrecks in our bay. Fall is prime tautog time, as they fatten up before winter. Anglers love the challenge - these fish have serious teeth and put up a stubborn fight. Plus, they're delicious. For bait, nothing beats green crabs. Here's a pro tip: crush the crab's legs and let the scent spread to trigger a feeding frenzy. Just remember to change your bait every 5 minutes or so to keep it fresh. Tautog fishing takes patience, but landing one of these bucktoothed brawlers is always satisfying.

About the Kayak

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 1

Rise and shine for a laid-back morning of kayak fishing on Great South Bay. This private trip gets you out on the water early to take advantage of the day's best conditions. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, you'll enjoy 4-5 hours exploring Long Island's rich inshore waters. Cast your line for local favorites like fluke, bluefish, and bass while soaking in the peaceful scenery. Your guide brings over a decade of local knowledge to help you find the hot spots and improve your technique. With room for 2-3 people, it's a great way to share a unique outdoor adventure with friends or family. The $400 rate covers the basics, with options to add gear rentals if needed. Breathe in the fresh morning air, feel the gentle rocking of your kayak, and experience fishing from a whole new angle in one of Long Island's prime fishing grounds.

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