Category: Fishing NYC

Still catching Porgies every day out on Sheepshead Bay. We’ve got a ton of great spots available for those that want to get out on the water.

Throughout the week, we are embarking on porgy fishing expeditions from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, on Saturdays, we offer two distinct sailing slots: one from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and another from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

NEWS: Blackfish season is approaching and kicks off on October 15th. For those looking to catch this sought-after species, we will be sailing every day from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. But that’s not all. If you’re interested in porgy fishing but prefer a nighttime adventure, we’ve got you covered with evening trips from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

For those keeping track of seasonal trends, striped bass have started to make an appearance. We plan to switch over to nighttime striped bass expeditions soon, offering yet another dimension to your fishing experience.

Now is the perfect time to secure your spot. Tickets can be booked either through our website, MJ2Fishing.com, or by calling Capt. Tony at 646-413-1643 or Capt. Anthony at 347-952-1442. Private charter options are also available for those interested in a more personalized experience.

Don’t miss out on the best fishing near New York City; join us on one of our upcoming trips.

At Marilyn Jean Fishing, we schedule fishing times morning, afternoon, and night depending on the season. We know you have busy schedules. We want to be there at a time that is convenient for you.

But we also know that many anglers – both on our boat and those that go fishing socially –  enjoy early morning fishing because it allows them the chance to catch schools of fish before the day gets underway. Choosing when to head out to sea can be a difficult choice when organizing an ocean fishing trip. For those less experienced with the open waters, it may seem odd that fishing trips always seem to be leaving so early in the morning.

Reasons For Early Morning Fishing

There is a long and storied history of fishermen leaving home for the ocean before the sun rises. While it may be simple enough to assume this is so that anglers can get the most out of their workday, there are many other reasons that fishing is best done at the crack of dawn.

Some of these include:

• Better Fish Activity – Fish are generally more active during the cooler temperatures of the early morning, making it a prime time for catching.
• Less Fishing Pressure – Early morning often means fewer people are on the water, resulting in less competition for prime fishing spots.
• Cooler Temperatures – Especially in warmer climates, the morning offers more pleasant, cooler conditions, which can make the fishing experience more comfortable.
• Water Calmness – Winds are often less strong in the early morning, resulting in calmer waters that are easier to fish in.
• Increased Oxygen Levels – The cooler morning temperatures can increase oxygen levels in the water, making fish more active and easier to catch.
• Insect Activity – Many types of baitfish and insects are more active in the morning, which can attract larger fish to the surface.
• Better Light Conditions – The soft light of early morning can make it easier to see into the water, which can be advantageous for spotting fish.
• Less Noise and Disturbance – Fewer boats and less human activity mean a quieter, more peaceful environment, which can make fish less skittish and easier to catch.
• Personal Enjoyment and Solitude – Many people find the peace and tranquility of an early morning on the water to be a perfect way to start the day, providing a sense of solitude and connection with nature.

Fishing before, during, or right after sunrise can create many unique and memorable moments. Despite the early hours, it can be well worth the effort and extra coffee that it takes to get out on the sea. We look forward to beginning the day with you hopping aboard our finishing boat soon, regardless of whether you’re fishing early due to a busy schedule or just because you enjoy early morning fishing.

Of all the potential ways to improve your diet, seafood tends to be a very popular choice. As most fish are low in saturated fats and high in protein, it can be easy to see why. And of these popular choices, the porgy fish has become quite in demand recently.

An east coast saltwater fish, porgy can be caught in a large quantity quite easily and has a similar flavor profile to that of red snapper or tilapia. With delicious meat and skin that crisps well, porgy’s low price, large population, and high quality have made it quite a common restaurant fish in recent years.

Notable Species of Porgy

There are many different types of porgies in the ocean. Depending on what part of the Atlantic Ocean you are fishing in, what you pull out of the water could look or taste significantly different than what you are expecting.

It’s important to know what kind of porgy you are buying, as there is even a specific variety that can be hallucinogenic. We’ll be discussing that variant of porgy, don’t worry. If you would like to learn a little bit more about the different types of porgies out there in the ocean, some of them include:

• Scup – The most common porgy on your plate, Scup is a popular species found in along the east coast of North America. Scup has a reputation for a delicate flavor and is often fished for both its recreational and commercial benefits.
• Sheepshead – This species of porgy can be caught all along the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean, but is commonly found along the eastern coast of the United States like Scup. Unlike Scup however, Sheepshead has firm flesh and boasts a sweeter, mild flavor.
• Jolthead – Commonly fished in the western Atlantic Ocean as well, Jolthead are easily recognized by their large and protruding foreheads. This porgy is known for its fighting strength by different fish anglers, as well as its delightful taste.
• Red Porgy – Red porgy are also found in the western Atlantic Ocean, but specifically in the Gulf of Mexico. With a firm texture and mild flavor, the red porgy is most commonly used for finer culinary meals.
• Salema Porgy – This species of porgy is native to the east Atlantic Ocean, specifically the east coast of Africa. Studies have found that the effect of the Salema Porgy’s toxins are similar to taking LSD, potentially causing days of vivid hallucinations. Salema Porgy will never be served to you or available for purchase at a common fish market, but it is important to know the difference.

Understanding the different kinds of porgies is more than just knowing what part of the ocean your food came from. Porgies have a wide variety of flavors and consistencies, so understanding the different species available to you can help you plan nutrition plans and meals accordingly.

Whichever porgy you go with, you can count on finding an affordable and delicious fish that will play well with the rest of your dietary needs.

A successful fishing trip is all about preparation. The items you pack and the information that you gather ahead of time for your trip can mean the difference between a fun outing for everybody or an ill-prepared excursion out on the water.

There are many different aspects to a fishing trip as well, and they all need your consideration. You need to take in account the weather, what kind of waters you will be sailing on, and whether there is any chance that you may need to call off the trip early? There is also the type of fish that you are actually going to be looking for, and making sure that you have the correct resources to catch that particular fish.

All these aspects make a huge difference in not only your preparation, but also the type of fishing trip that you’re going on.

What Should I Do Before a Fishing Trip?

Every fishing trip is going to have its own unique set of requirements and preparations. These are not necessary for every trip, but it is important for you to know where you are going, what you will be fishing, and what your expectations should be for that trip. If this is a private trip, you can discuss this between you and your friends or family before heading out on the water. If this is a chartered fishing trip, reaching out to the organization hosting it is a great way to find out what to expect.

We can’t explain every different potential ecosystem or situation in one list, but we can go over some of the basic preparations you should take into account before going fishing. These tips make for a great beginners checklist so that you are able to enjoy your fishing trip with a degree of confidence:

• Get a Good Night’s Sleep Before the Trip – Preparing yourself the day before a fishing trip is a fantastic way to get ready. The number one thing you’ll want to do is make sure you get a proper sleep. Besides, most fishing trip starting quite early and this will allow you to be more alert while on the boat. Being well rested can also help fight off seasickness if that is something you are worried about. On top of this, it is also smart to avoid alcohol or caffeine the day before.
• Packing the Right Gear – There are many different items that you can bring on a fishing trip, and it is important to make sure that you pack the correct gear for the day. Make sure you bring sunscreen, as you will most likely be out in the sun for hours if not all day. A solar generator can also be useful if the trip is going to be longer. This can help power smart phones, depth finders, or even coolers if you want to keep your catch fresh for a longer trip. A basic survival kit is also a great addition to your packing list, and of course you will want to make sure that you bring all of your fishing gear. Fishing kits often include baits, lurers, line cutters, fishing line, reels, and several fishing rods as well as the aforementioned coolers for your fresh catch of the day.
• Brush Up on Essential Fishing Skills – Whether you are experienced at fishing or this is your first time out on a boat, it is still important to brush up on the basics of fishing. Going over different knots, and making sure you are at least familiar with them is a smart preparation. It is smart to give water reading an overview as well. Water reading is the term used to describe how those who are fishing are able to gauge not only the presence, but also the location of different fish in the water. Finally, casting and hooking are the basics of any fishing excursion, and it can be important to give them a review before going out. For casting, you can practice by throwing a line six feet out and making sure that your reel settles comfortably underneath your dominant hand. As for hooking, you will need to make sure that the fishing line does not break under the weight of the fish you are attempting to catch. A good way to practice this is to apply moderate pressure onto your line and then move that pressure back up the rod, and watch to make sure your line stays taught the entire time.

A little bit of preparation for fishing trip can go a long way. It is important to always have a respect for the environment you are fishing in. By bringing the correct resources and supplies, you’re able to better ensure that you are not going out unprepared. As we said before, this is only a basic overview for a fishing trip. Once you have more information like where you are going, and what you will be catching, it is important to research those specifics to have a more accurate picture of what your day out on the water will be like.

What a day for porgy fishing in the famed Sheepshead Bay! Our 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. trip was a success with ample catches and lots of excitement. Participants enjoyed the beautiful waters and the abundance of porgy, a true reflection of the area’s rich aquatic life. Private charters and other options are available for those eager to join the fun. For more information, visit MJ2FISHING.COM or call Capt Tony at 646-413-1643 or Capt Anthony at 347-952-1442. It was a day to remember, and we look forward to more unforgettable experiences!

Improperly labeled as a bottom feeder of the East Coast, Porgy is quickly becoming a cornerstone for sustainable seafood. From fish and chips to poke, the Porgy has begun a transformation from the unwanted catch of the day to an undeniable boon as we look for better ways to harvest a livelihood from our planet.

Once referred to as bycatch, restaurants have already spent decades giving Porgy the wayward eye. Its ease to catch and overly populous presence in the ocean strangely became the Porgy’s best defense against the fishing boats and markets of America.

If it was that common and unremarkable, why would anyone want to eat it?

Because it tastes delicious.

Porgy’s inaccurate reputation as a common bottom feeder was misguided. More and more people are cooking up and grilling this abundant fish, and finding that it has an incredible taste when properly prepared. But its reputation also meant that it has largely been untouched. This has allowed the Porgy to remain in the eastern waters without much disruption, breeding and growing in numbers to the point where – during porgy season – you can catch mountains of them and barely touch the local populations.

Now, as we look for new farming strategies, Porgies give us a chance to pull from their population while schools of other seafood find opportunities to breed and repopulate. Sustainable fishing requires a balanced handling of the ocean’s ecosystem, and the Porgy have found their new part to play as we seek to improve our methods of ocean farming.

So, as we pursue a food industry founded in responsible consumption, many chefs are looking to this creature – once referred to as “trash fish,” – as a rising star of culinary cuisine. With a taste that rings with a slight sweetness and less oily texture than many other forms of seafood, Porgy makes a fantastic substitution for many recipes that often call for the dwindling numbers of white fish at our disposal, and can taste delicious in their own right when made the right way.

Recipes

• Porgy Poke by Chef Todd Mitgang: Poke isn’t just for ahi tuna anymore. The healthy and refreshing Hawaiian meal makes a perfect host for the Porgy, where it’s sweet texture is elevated by the mixture of cucumbers, sesame seeds, macadamia nuts, scallions, and basil that are mixed amongst the sherry vinegar, spicy sesame and tamari soy sauce base.
• Baked Porgy: Porgy also know how to be easy, baking to deliciously crispy finish in just about 20 minutes at 400 degrees. After cleaning and descaling the fish simply add the spice mixture on top of the Porgy before baking (be sure to save extra spice mixture for plating). The mix of onions, ginger, pepper, lemon, garlic, cilantro, and soy make a delightful seasoning that not only fill in the gaps of the Porgy’s flavor profile, but also utilizes its lower oil concentration to achieve crispy skin on the outside that is absolutely worth every crunch.
• Chili-Rubbed Porgy: The Porgy isn’t done with the spices yet. A combination of onions, lime, butter, cilantro, Swiss chard, okra, and quinoa creates a bed for the Porgy that balances the meal. Like the baked variety, this pan-fried Porgy recipe also puts the delicious skin of the fish on display right where it belongs.
• Fried Porgies: Last but certainly not least, Porgies know to the fish and chips concept and run with. Nothing fancy here, as we’re utilizing buttermilk, flour, cornmeal, old bay seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon juice and canola oil to fry up sweet little Porgies. With a low carb count on a fried meal, this is delightful guilt-free treat.

If you’re ready to go out on the water, catch porgies, and see why it is increasingly considered one of the most delicious fish to catch in NYC, contact Marilyn Jean Fishing, today.