Category: Fishing NYC

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Tips and Tricks to Prepare for a Fishing Trip

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.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Fishing Report – August 6th, 2023

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!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Answers to Common Porgy Questions

For many years porgy, also known as scup, was largely ignored by local fish catchers on the east coast. Much more similar to snapper than anything else, porgy has since become a favorite selection for its ability to adapt to most flavor profiles and its current large and wild population.

7 Things You Should Know About Porgy

There are still a lot of questions many have about porgy however. Because it has become the catch-of-the-day so recently, many of the cooking facts we know about salmon, halibut, tuna, snapper, and other seafood are not commonly understood about this east coast fish. Thankfully, those answers are easily found here:

  • What is the Flavor of Porgy? – Porgy, also called scup, has a mild and sweet flavor with white, tender meat. The skin easily crisps and flakes with a delicious finish, and the fish overall is commonly compared to snapper in terms of flavor and quality.
  • Does Porgy Have a Lot of Bones? – It is important to know that porgy does have a lot of small bones. When choosing your fish, it is good to try and buy larger porgy. This will result in a better meat to bone ratio, and make the bones much easier to remove when preparing.
  • Is Porgy Good for You? – Rich in vitamins B6 and B12, as well as niacin and phosphorus, porgy has quite a bit of nutritional value. As a lean fish it is also low in sodium, while a great source of low-fat protein.
  • Is Porgy a Red Snapper? – While commonly referred to as white snapper along the gulf coast, porgy itself is not a true snapper. Despite having many similarities to red snapper, porgy is part of over 100 species of fish called seabream, while snappers are part of an inland variation referred to as bream.
  • How Long is Porgy Good For? –Cooked porgy can be stored for roughly three days in most household refrigerators. However, if you want to freeze your porgy, it will last a little over a month before the texture and flavor are affected by the cold.
  • Where are Porgy found? – Abundant from Massachusetts and Long Island down to Cape Canaveral in the Florida Keys, porgy is a populous east coast fish. They prefer reef habitats, ranging from 100 to 240 feet deep.
  • How Do You Cook Porgy? – Any way you want to, honestly. We have a great recipe guide here that covers some of the more classic uses of scup, but truly if there is a seafood dish you enjoy, porgy can most likely be used in the recipe with minimal tweaking.
  • Is Porgy Hallucinogenic? – Salema porgy can contain hallucinogenic toxins. Native to the African east coast, these are not the porgy or scup we are discussing in this article, but they are commonly mistaken for our porgy in conversation, so we feel it is important to make the distinction. Scientists have equated the effect of these toxins to the same as taking LSD, causing days of potentially scary and vivid hallucinations. Salema porgy is not a fish you will ever be served, but it is important to know the difference.

So, as the food industry pursues new flavor profiles and recipes based upon the once overlooked but always delicious porgy, it is important that we understand the seafood we are working with. Our friendly scup makes a delightful substitution when snapper or tilapia is unavailable or overpriced. We hope you find many ways to enjoy this slightly sweet finish as it makes its way to your fish markets, restaurants, home kitchens, and plate.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

About Eating Porgy: One of the Most Popular Fish in NYC

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.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Views from the Boat – July 4th Fireworks on the Water

The Marilyn Jean is a fishing boat. We take guests out on the water, seeking out the best fishing spots in all of New York City, and making sure that most of those aboard the Marilyn Jean come home with at least a few delicious catches.

But July 4th is for fireworks, and the best way to watch the fireworks is out on the water. So we took guests out to see the fireworks from the most beautiful spots we could find. Take a look.

Don’t worry, we kept a bit of distance. But the views were still spectacular. If you’re ready to enjoy some amazing fishing, or have some other reason you want a night out on the water aboard the Marilyn Jean – with our air conditioned cabins and beautiful boat – contact us today.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Weather Patterns and Fishing Success in New York City

NYC has amazing waters for fishing. Rain, wind, snow, or sun, we can almost always go out on the water and help you come home with some amazing fish. We encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment no matter the weather, because as long as it’s safe to go out, we’ll have a great time on the water.

But there’s no denying that weather can affect fishing in NYC. The following are a small portion of the ways that weather can play a role.

Weather Effects on Fishing

  1. Wind – Wind has a fascinating effect on fishing. Baitfish move in the direction of moderate, but not unsafe levels of wind. Baitfish also attract the big fish that you love to catch – the predatory fish. Fishing in the direction of wind can help you bring home a lot more bites.
  2. Water Temperature – Weather affects water temperature, which in turn affects which fish you are more likely to find. Blackfish, for example, prefer warmth. Striped bass. Knowing the weather helps you also determine which bait is necessary to catch the fish you want.
  3. Seasonal Variations – One of the reasons that many visitors choose to fish with Marilyn Jean is because we know what seasonal fish to expect, when, where, and how to get to the best fishing spots to catch them. Different seasons offer different fish, and we help you know where to get them.
  4. Rain – Rain changes how we catch fish. It can make it a bit more uncomfortable out on the water, but it also increases the activity of some fish, washing food into their gathering spots and making them more likely to bite.
  5. Low Pressure Systems – When there is a low pressure system passing through, you are more likely to see fish acting hungry, which in turn makes them easier to catch.
  6. Warmth – Fish are more active and hungrier when the weather outside is warmer. When it is cooler, fish may be more prone to feeling sluggish, and less likely to respond to bait.

Finding the Right Places and Times to Fish

Fishing is as much a science as it is a hobby. You have to know where to go, know when to go, and know how to make sure that you have everything you need to catch fish when you get there. Join us today to catch fresh, right here aboard the Marilyn Jean.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Spring Fishing in NYC Aboard the Marilyn Jean

Spring is here, and that means that the fish are biting way more often. If you’ve been following our fishing reports, you’ve probably seen some of the many fish in the region that are being caught by some of our guests about the Marilyn Jean. Spring fishing in NYC is some of the best in the entire region, and our guests often come back with loads of delicious fish for themselves and their families.

Depending on where we go, you can find a number of different fish in NYC in spring. We try to make sure that you’re getting all different types of fish from a variety of species. Our spring fishing trips are popular with both locals and tourists, and we encourage you to book with us today to get a spot. We have gear rentals available if you need it.

What Can You Catch?

You never know what fish you’re going to catch when we go out on the water. But at any time you might find:

  • Striped Bass – We’ve caught some huge striped bass on the Marilyn Jean and have cooking tips if you’d like help making yours taste its best.
  • Bluefish – Bluefish are especially common in the spring as they migrate to NYC waters. These aggressive fish can be especially fun to catch.
  • Flounder – Flounder, also known as “Fluke,” may be small but they are absolutely delicious. Your tastebuds won’t regret walking away with flounder.
  • Blackfish – Blackfish can be tough to catch, but the sense of pride and victory you have once you grab one is second to none.
  • Weakfish – Extremely tasty, weakfish are native to the region and are a fun addition to our spring catches – although these fish are also common all year.
  • Porgy – Porgy is also more common to catch in spring, even though they’re another all-year fish. We catch a lot of Porgy about the Marilyn Jean, and our pictures show how happy our guests are when they are brought aboard.

There are other less common fish you may catch as well. Mackerel, for example, and are less common but we do catch them here and there on the boat.

Come Visit!

The weather also starts to get warmer in spring. Our cabin is air conditioned, so no matter how hot it feels, you can still come inside and cool down any time you want.

If you’ve been thinking about spring fishing in New York City, come aboard the Marilyn Jean, today. We’re sure you’ll have a great time.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Tips for Cooking Freshly Caught Striped Bass

2023’s fishing season in NYC is incredibly strong this year. A few days ago, we were able to catch an entire full boat of striped bass, with our fishing trip guests bringing home dozens of fish to cook with their families.

With freshly caught fish, simple is almost always better. But everyone has their own preference. The following are some tips for cooking freshly caught striped bass:

  • Keep it Simple – Salt, pepper, and maybe some lemon juice (if you like) is all that is usually needed for some really tasty striped bass. Garlic and butter are very popular too. If you’re not sure, start with just salt and pepper and add based on taste.
  • Avoid Overcooking – First and foremost, make sure you are carefully monitoring your striped bass as you cook it and avoid overcooking. Striped bass is delicate, and overcooked striped bass can really ruin the flavor experience and profile. Grilling should be on medium high heat with about 5 minutes or so per side. Baking should be 375 for no more than 20 minutes.
  • Pair it With Food – Striped bass pairs well with many other foods and wines. Roasted vegetables taste great with striped bass, and many people enjoy it with rice pilaf or quinoa. Foods with a citrus taste also popular, especially if you enjoy lemon juice on your striped bass.
  • Pair it with Beer or Wine – Traditionally, beverages with a citrus-y mouthfeel tend to be popular for pairing with striped bass. Belgian ales, wheat beers, and wines like chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are all great choices.
  • Eat it Fast – You can store freshly caught striped bass in the freezer if you like, but it is much better tasting if you eat it on the same day you caught it. Since we do a lot of night fishing, you can eat it the next day, storing it in your refrigerator, and it should still have a great taste.

Everyone has their own preferences, and there are many ways to cook striped bass that may be different from the norm. For example, many Asian inspired dishes used striped bass with soy sauce and other flavorings. Most people tend to prefer the natural flavor, but there’s nothing wrong with experimenting – especially if you walk away with a lot of fish during your expedition.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Saturday 3/18/23 – Fishing Report for Marilyn Jean Fishing

Marilyn Jean Fishing continues to offer some great fishing trips for both locals and visitors. It’s still early season, and we’re still seeing a lot of weather issues that are affecting the schedule. Sunday (today), for example, had to be cancelled due to high winds. We were disappointed, but our top priority is your safety.

But we were able to get out on the water Saturday and had some pretty good results given the weather so far and it still being early season. Out on the water, our guests were able to catch a fairly decent amount of market cod and ling. The fish weren’t biting as much as we want, but given where we are in the season, it’s a really promising sign for next week’s trips.

Check out some of the pictures from Saturday’s trip, and come join us on our next adventure!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NYC Vacation Activities for Summer: Fishing

There is so much to do in New York City. It is one of the most active, most vibrant, and most diverse cities in the world. Anyone looking for a vacation will have an opportunity to enjoy a wealth of activities so vast, it would take months to get through even a small fraction of what Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the rest of NYC has to offer.

But what NYC vacation activity ideas interest you? If you’re like many out of town visitors, the activity with the most appeal isn’t in the city itself. It’s on the water, fishing aboard the Marilyn Jean.

Why Consider a NYC Fishing Vacation?

New York City is known for its tall skyscrapers, fancy restaurants, and so much more. But what many people forget is that it is also right on the water. Manhattan is quite literally an island, Brooklyn is almost entirely surrounded by water. Staten Island is also an island and Queens and The Bronx also touch the Hudson River and the Long Island Sound.

That means there are plenty of opportunities for some amazing fishing, and while we all love the look of the ocean, there is something very beautiful about being out on the water and seeing all the buildings and monuments from the boat. You may not traditionally think of fishing when you think of NYC vacation activities, but it is a thriving and enjoyable activity all year for both locals and visitors alike.

It is especially fun in summer, at least if you choose the right boat. Summer in NYC can be very hot, and exploring places like Times Square can be exhausting with the humidity and people. But on a boat like ours at the Marilyn Jean, where we have an air conditioned main cabin and cooler air while out on the water, you can enjoy better weather and a more comfortable temperature while you fish our active waters.

At Marilyn Jean Fishing, you also have everything you need to enjoy the trip on vacation:

  • All the fishing equipment and gear for rent.
  • All the bait you need for the fish that are available.
  • Optional snack bar (you can bring your own food and drinks).

Marilyn Jean Fishing is one of the most popular NYC vacation activities all throughout the year, but it is especially enjoyable in the hot summer months when walking around in the sweltering heat doesn’t sound quite as fun for most visitors.

Sign Up Today

We gladly take walk ins if spaces allows, but our adventures fill up quickly, especially in the popular summer months. We know how many NYC vacation activities there are to enjoy, but this is one that we are confident that fishing lovers are going to appreciate. Book your spot now.