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Inshore Kayak Fishing: Great South Bay's Best
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Captree State Park, NY
- $400 price range
Summary
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Bayside Catches
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Afternoon Kayak Fishing on Great South Bay
Get ready for a laid-back afternoon of kayak fishing on the beautiful Great South Bay. This 4-5 hour trip is perfect for anyone looking to unwind on the water while reeling in some of Long Island's best inshore catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, our expert guides will make sure you have a blast and come home with some great fish stories.
Trip Overview
Picture yourself gliding across calm waters as the afternoon sun warms your face. That's what you're in for with this top-rated kayak fishing adventure. We'll launch from a quiet spot on Great South Bay, avoiding the morning rush and giving you prime access to some of the best fishing holes. Our trips are designed for 1-3 people, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your guide. At $400, it's a steal for a personalized fishing experience that'll have you hooked (pun intended) on kayak angling.
Paddle and Cast
Kayak fishing is all about stealth and mobility. We'll equip you with a stable, fishing-ready kayak and all the gear you need. You'll learn how to quietly approach prime fishing spots without spooking the fish. We use a mix of light tackle and fly fishing techniques, depending on what's biting. Your guide will show you how to work soft plastics, jigs, and topwater lures to entice strikes from sea bass, porgies, and weakfish. The shallow draft of our kayaks lets us access skinny water spots where bigger boats can't go – it's like unlocking a secret fishing map of Great South Bay.
Top Catches This Season
Let's talk about what's swimming around out there. Great South Bay is teeming with inshore saltwater species that'll put your skills to the test. Here's a rundown of what you might hook into:
Species You'll Want to Hook
Striped Bass: These hard-fighting fish are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Stripers, as we call 'em, can grow over 40 inches long and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. They love to hang around structure and ambush bait fish. We usually target them with topwater lures or soft plastics, and there's nothing quite like the explosion when a big striper smashes your lure.
Tautog: Also known as blackfish, these guys are the tough guys of the bay. They love to hide in rocky areas and reefs, and they've got teeth that can crush crabs and shellfish. Fishing for tautog is all about precision – you need to get your bait right in front of their nose. When you hook one, be ready for a battle. They'll try to dive back into their rocky homes, so you've got to turn them quick.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. We drift over likely spots, using soft plastic jigs or live bait to tempt them. The key is a slow, bouncing retrieve along the bottom. When you feel that distinctive thump, set the hook hard – flounder have tough mouths. They might not fight as hard as some other species, but they're delicious eating if you're keeping a few for dinner.
Bluefish: If you want non-stop action, pray for a bluefish blitz. These toothy predators hunt in schools, chopping up bait fish on the surface. When they're in a feeding frenzy, you can catch them on just about anything. We love throwing topwater poppers into the mayhem and watching blues launch themselves at the lure. Just watch your fingers – those razor-sharp teeth are no joke!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing from a kayak that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the peace and quiet, or the way you can sneak up on fish. Or maybe it's just the pure fun of feeling like you're part of the water. Whatever it is, our guests tell us this trip is a highlight of their Long Island visit. You'll get to see Great South Bay from a whole new perspective, and trust me, there's nothing like watching the sun start to set over the water as you paddle back in with a cooler full of fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Our afternoon trips are timed perfectly to take advantage of the best fishing windows. We usually start around 1 or 2 PM, when the water's had a chance to warm up and the fish are getting active again. You'll spend about 4-5 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. We provide all the fishing gear, kayaks, and safety equipment, but feel free to bring your own if you've got a favorite rod or lure you swear by.
Don't worry if you're new to kayaking or fishing – our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. We'll cover everything from basic paddling techniques to reading the water for signs of fish. And if you're an experienced angler, we'll gladly share some local knowledge and maybe a few secret spots.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, this is it. Our afternoon kayak fishing adventures on Great South Bay offer a perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. You'll get to explore hidden corners of the bay, catch some awesome fish, and maybe even discover a new passion for kayak angling. At $400 for a guided trip with all gear included, it's a great value for a unique Long Island experience.
Don't let this chance slip away – the fish are biting, and we've got a kayak with your name on it. Give us a call or book online to reserve your spot. Whether you're a local looking for a new way to fish or a visitor wanting to see the best of Long Island's waters, we can't wait to get you out on Great South Bay. Let's make some fishing memories!
Learn more about the animals
Bluefish
Bluefish are the bad boys of the bay – aggressive, toothy, and always ready for a fight. These speedsters typically run 3 to 10 pounds, though some monsters can top 20. You'll find them chasing bait schools in open water or along shorelines, often creating surface chaos called "blitzes." Summer and early fall are prime times. Blues are popular for their hard strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also good eating when prepared right, with a rich, full flavor. To catch 'em, look for birds working the water – that's often a sign of blues attacking bait below. Topwater plugs or metal lures work great when they're feeding on top. Just be careful handling these toothy critters – they've got a nasty bite. Pro tip: try chunking with fresh bunker to bring in the big ones when they're not showing on top.
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, waiting to pounce. They're typically 15 to 18 inches long, but can reach up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall's the best time as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder are loved for their mild, delicate flavor and the unique challenge of catching them. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with their surroundings. Drift fishing or still fishing work well, using live minnows or shrimp for bait. A light touch is key – flounder often just mouth the bait before committing. Here's a local trick: when you feel that subtle bite, count to three before setting the hook. It gives the flounder time to get the bait in its mouth, improving your hook-up ratio.
Striped Bass
Striped bass are a favorite target in Great South Bay, known for their size and fighting spirit. These fish typically range from 15 to 40 pounds, with some lunkers pushing 70. You'll find them around structure like bridges, jetties, and rocky shorelines. Stripers love moving water, so tides and currents are key. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're migrating. Anglers prize striped bass for their hard-hitting strikes and powerful runs. Their white, flaky meat is also excellent eating. To up your odds, try live-lining bunker or eels – stripers can't resist 'em. Just remember to match your gear to these bruisers. A medium-heavy rod with 30-pound braid should do the trick. Keep an eye out for birds working bait schools – that's often a dead giveaway for feeding stripers below.
Tautog
Tautog, or blackfish, are tough customers that'll test your skills. These bruisers hang around rocky structure and reefs, usually in 20 to 50 feet of water. Most weigh 1 to 3 pounds, but big ones can hit 10 or more. Fall's the prime time, when they're fattening up for winter. Tautog are prized for their tasty white meat and the challenge of catching them. They're not speedsters, but they're masters at diving back into structure and breaking you off. For bait, nothing beats green crabs or Asian crabs – just crush 'em up a bit first. Use a sensitive rod to detect their subtle bites, and don't hesitate to move spots if you're not getting action after 15 minutes. These fish have powerful jaws, so a stout hook is a must. Tautog fishing can be addictive – once you figure them out, you'll be hooked.
About the Kayak
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 1
