There are a hundred ways to celebrate a birthday in New York City. Most of them involve a restaurant, a bar, or a venue that looks exactly like the last birthday party you attended. A private fishing charter on the Marilyn Jean IV out of Sheepshead Bay is something else entirely — a few hours on the water with your group, the NYC skyline behind you, and the chance that somebody pulls up a striped bass or a flounder that becomes the story everyone tells on the way home.
Captain Tony has been running fishing charters out of Brooklyn for years. He knows the waters, he knows where the fish are, and he knows how to run a trip that works whether your group has anglers who’ve been fishing their whole lives or people who’ve never held a rod. Birthday charters are one of the most popular private bookings on the Marilyn Jean IV — and it’s easy to see why.
Looking to reserve your private charter? Reach out to us today.
What a Private Birthday Charter Looks Like
When you book a private charter, the boat is yours for the duration of the trip. Your group isn’t sharing space with strangers or working around a public schedule — it’s your day, your pace, and your celebration. Trips depart from Pier 6 at Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, one of the most historic fishing destinations in the New York area, and head out into New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook, and other productive fishing grounds depending on the season and what’s running.
Everything your group needs to fish is included on a private charter. That covers fish cleaning service, fishing rods and reels, fishing lessons for anyone who wants them, bait, tackle, ice, and coolers. First-timers are fully taken care of — Captain Tony and the crew make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and is having a good time, regardless of experience level.
The Marilyn Jean IV can accommodate up to 80 people, making it one of the more flexible options for group events in the city.
What You Can Catch Depending on the Season
One of the best parts of fishing out of New York is how much variety the waters offer throughout the year. Depending on when the birthday falls, your group could be going after some of the most sought-after species in the Northeast.
Some of what’s available throughout the year includes:
- Striped Bass — One of the most exciting catches in New York waters, available spring through fall and a serious fish for anyone who hooks one.
- Fluke — Summer flounder are a summer staple, active in the inshore grounds and great eating.
- Porgy — Reliable and fun to catch, porgies are a favorite for groups with mixed experience levels.
- Blackfish — Also known as tautog, blackfish are a fall and winter species that put up a solid fight.
- Cod — A cold-water staple running through the winter months, with some of the best eating of anything you’ll pull up.
- Bluefish — Fast, aggressive, and a blast on light tackle — bluefish make for an exciting trip when they’re running.
- Night Striped Bass — For a birthday that goes into the evening, a night fishing trip chasing bass with the city lit up around you is hard to beat.
Captain Tony can walk you through what’s likely to be active based on the time of year when you reach out.
Food, Drinks, and Making It a Party
Private birthday charters on the Marilyn Jean IV are BYOB — you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks to make the trip your own. For groups who want something more taken care of, catering packages are available to make the event feel like a full celebration rather than just a fishing trip. The air-conditioned main cabin provides a comfortable space for the group between fishing sessions, and the gallery gives a good sense of what the boat and a day on the water looks like.
Charter Rates and Booking
Private birthday charter pricing on the Marilyn Jean IV is structured around trip length and group size. Current options include a weekday special of up to 7 hours for up to 30 people, a 5-hour evening trip starting at 7pm or later, and a 4-hour weekday half-day option. Weekend pricing is available by calling Captain Tony directly. The boat holds up to 80 guests, with per-person pricing above the base group size.
For the most current rates and availability, visit the private charter pricing page or call Captain Tony at (347) 952-1442. You can also send a charter request online to get the conversation started.