Category: Fishing NYC

Taking fish home and cooking up freshly caught fish after a day on the water can be one of the best parts of fishing. If you are on a Manhattan fishing trip or participating in any saltwater fishing off the coast of NYC, you need to be aware of the daily catch limits from the Department of Environmental Conservation. These limits detail how many fish you can take home.

The DEC updates these limits from time to time based on current and projected fish populations. As a result, they have updated catch limits for fall and winter 2022 for summer flounder, porgy and black sea bass that all fishermen need to be aware of.

New Daily Catch Limits in NYC from the DEC

Saltwater fishing daily limits are put in place to prevent overfishing and the decimation of fish species. They determine how many fish you can take home, although there is no limit for catch and release fishing.

Many fish, such as striped bass, have already had imposed limits, and the DEC has recently added the following limits:

• Porgy – The limit for porgy, or scup, is 30 fish for individuals and 50 fish for people onboard a party fishing boat like the Marilyn Jean. Party fishing boats also now have a season between the beginning of September and the end of October. All fish must be over 10 inches.
• Summer Flounder – Fluke has a daily catch limit of 4 fish for all individuals with a season that runs from May 1 to October 9. Fish need to measure at least 18.5 inches.
• Black Sea Bass – Individuals can take home 3 black sea bass until August 31 and 6 between September 1 and December 31. At any time, kept fish need to be 16 inches long or more.

On a party boat fishing trip in New York on the Marilyn Jean, our crew can keep track of all these limits for you, as well as clean any of the fish you will be taking home.

Additionally, with our expertise and knowledge of local fish populations, we can often get you to fishing hot spots for the best chance of hitting those daily fishing limits if you are trying to stock up on fish in NYC. View our calendar to see which fish we are currently sailing for and purchase your tickets today.

Beaches and parks around Staten Island offer prime opportunities for fishing. But you can also head off the coast by boat to places like Raritan Bay, Rockaway Beach, Sandyhook Bay, and other locations around NYC. This offers both a unique fishing experience and a chance to catch the many exciting saltwater fish that live around Staten Island and the rest of New York.

Marilyn Jean Fishing offers fishing trips near Staten Island. Our trips depart from Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn and run year round with trips for a range of saltwater fish varieties around NYC. Check our online calendar for our upcoming trips and purchase tickets.

What You Will Fish for on a Staten Island Fishing Trip

After departing from our dock in Brooklyn, Marilyn Jean Fishing travels to a number of locations off the coast of New York and New Jersey. We choose our destinations based on where we know fish have recently been active, the timing of year, and the type of fish we are going after, whether that is a bottom feeding blackfish that thrives in rocky conditions or a striped bass in fast flowing currents.

Some of the locations we most often visit include:

• Raritan Bay
• Coney Island
• Sandy Hook
• Rockaway Beach
• Jamaica Bay

Each of our party boats is equipped with twin diesel engines, making it possible for us to get to our destinations quickly and move between locations throughout the trip to maximize the time that you spend fishing.

Types of Fish We Catch on a Staten Island Fishing Trip

Our fishing trips occur throughout the year and different seasons will offer a variety of experiences. Some of our different trips include fishing for:

• Ling
• Black Fish
• Fluke
• Mackerel
• Striped Bass
• Cod

Every trip generally focuses on two or three varieties of fish. We have full day, half day, and evening trips available, depending on how long you want to be out. All trips provide necessary fishing equipment, including rods, reels, and bait with tackle available for purchase on board.

Why Join a Fishing Trip on the Marilyn Jean?

Whether you live in Staten Island or are visiting on vacation, a fishing trip is a great activity for all ages and experience levels. Sheepshead Bay and our dock are easily accessible by public transit or car, and there is ample parking in the area.

Some of the other advantages to planning your fishing trip on the Marilyn Jean include:

• Experienced Crew – Our captain and crew have been boating and fishing around NYC for many years. We have extensive experience and knowledge about fishing techniques and are able to answer questions and provide pointers while you are on board.
• Updated Fishing Reports – Because we sail so often, we are able to track fish populations closely and know where they are most likely to be.
• Safe and Comfortable Trips – All of our boats are equipped with comprehensive safety and navigation systems, as well as amenities like microwaves, cabin seating, and clean bathrooms so you feel at home while on board.

Fishing on the Marilyn Jean is a great way to catch fish, spend a relaxing day on the water, and potentially take home fresh caught fish for dinner.

Start Planning Your Staten Island Fishing Trip

When you are looking for something to do in or around Staten Island, an NYC fishing trip is the perfect choice. You can see all of our planned trips and sailing times on our calendar and purchase your tickets to reserve a spot onboard.

The waters around NYC offer plenty of great fishing opportunities even as the weather begins to cool.  Many saltwater fish remain active in the winter, and other fish populations peak during these months. This gives local and visiting anglers numerous opportunities to make some great catches in NYC on a winter fishing trip.

Marilyn Jean Fishing offers fishing trips in NYC throughout the winter. During the colder months we regularly sail from Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn to catch a variety of winter fish. Check our calendar for upcoming trips and reserve your spot by buying tickets.

What You Will Experience on an NYC Winter Fishing Trip

Despite colder temperatures, several species of saltwater fish remain active in the waters around NYC and NJ and this can be a rewarding time of the year to fish. We have winter fishing trips for:

• Fluke
• Ling
• Cod
• Mackerel
• Porgy

We run trips for these different fish with half day and full day options based on when fish are active and the experience you want out on the water.

Our dock is located in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, and from there, we can head to locations like

• Rockaway Beach
• Raritan Bay
• Jamaica Bay
• Sandy Hook Bay, and Others

We base our destination on where we expect fish to be active based on our up to date fishing reports, our daily trips, and the signs of optimal fishing locations that our experienced crew can spot. The powerful, twin diesel engines on our fleet mean we also are able to move around throughout the day to track fish without sacrificing too much time to travel.

What Makes Marilyn Jean Fishing the Best Choice for Winter Fishing Trips?

There is no denying that the fishing season in NYC dies down somewhat in the winter, but our crew onboard the Marilyn Jean knows that there are still many fantastic opportunities for fishing even when the weather gets cold. As a result, we are one of a few fishing excursions in NYC that continues to offer our trips throughout the year.

On the Marilyn Jean, you will enjoy all the following amenities during your fishing trip:

• Temperature Controlled Interior – During travel or if the weather gets a little too chilly, you can step inside the cabin where it will be more comfortable.
• Equipment Included – Your ticket includes rental of your rod and reel and all of the bait you need. You can also purchase tackle onboard.
• Experienced and Friendly – We have been fishing in NYC for years and we know how to give our customers the best experience. Our friendly crew is also on hand throughout the fishing trip to help bait hooks in fish, untangle lines, and provide tips if you need them.

Our fleet is also up to date, inspected, and equipped with all safety and navigation equipment for safe fishing in the wintertime in NYC.

Schedule a Fishing Trip in NYC this Winter

Fishing on the Marilyn Jean is a great way to get out and to continue enjoying fishing experiences during the winter. Our fishing trips are ideal for both newer fishermen and pro anglers with a variety of winter fish offering plenty of different experiences. Purchase tickets online for your winter fishing trip.

The fall months in NYC can be a perfect time to go fishing. Temperatures generally remain relatively warm, a number of fish are active in the area just off the coast, and many fish species are feeding voraciously in preparation for winter. This makes for both a pleasant day on the water and a rewarding fishing trip in NYC.

Marilyn Jean Fishing has NYC fall fishing trips departing almost daily in September, October, and November. We sail from Brooklyn with full day and half day fishing trips that will take you to some of the best saltwater fishing spots off the coast of NYC and New Jersey. Check out all of our upcoming fishing trips and book your ticket.

Fish We Catch on Autumn Fishing Trips

There are several fish species in NYC that remain active as temperatures begin to cool. For some fish, months like October can even present the best fishing of the season. Some of the different species we go after on the Marilyn Jean include:

• Striped Bass – Striped bass season officially ends December 15, but fall can be the best time to fish for them before bass start to swim further south for the winter. These late season bass offer a great chance to catch a large trophy fish as they have had time to feed and grow all summer and are putting on extra weight to make it through the winter.
• Porgy – Porgy are most active in the late summer and early fall, but our team is able to track and help you catch them into November and December. This fish provides an exciting fishing opportunity that will test your skills when you go to reel one in.
• Fluke – Summer flounder are still around in the fall and our fluke fishing trips on the Marilyn Jean will have you meeting daily catch limits for fluke until the end of the season in October. Fluke fishing in NYC is a great option for those wanting to try out bottom fishing.
• Blackfish – Also known as tautog, blackfish are fighters that live around rocks, jetties, piers, and other rocky hiding places. Their populations peak twice a year, including in October and November.
• Ling – Ling live in the waters around NYC all year long, but populations begin to increase in the fall and peak in the winter. This makes the fall a great time to head out to catch ling which offer a more relaxing trip and a tasty fish to cook up when you get back home.

The boats in our fleet sail for full day trips that run from 7am to 3pm, half day trips from 8am to 1pm or 2pm to 6pm, and evening trips at 7:30pm depending on the day of the week. These times are subject to change, so always take a look at the current schedule for our up to date times.

Why Go Fishing in NYC on the Marilyn Jean this Fall

At Marilyn Jean Fishing, we offer fishing trips almost every day of the year, including throughout the fall. This gives us up-to -date information on where fish are from day to day and as we move into autumn, increasing the chance that you will be able to catch several fish while aboard.

We go to a variety of NYC’s offshore fishing spots, including Raritan Bay, Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, Jamaica Bay, and others, based on where we know we will get the best bite. Each boat in our fleet is equipped with twin diesel engines as well for a fast and smooth trip so we can spend less time on travel and more time fishing.

The other benefits of enjoying a fall fishing trip in NYC aboard the Marilyn Jean include:

• Included Equipment – Rods reels for saltwater fishing are included in the cost of your ticket, as is bait for any fish species we are going after on a particular trip. Tackle is available for purchase on board.
• Comfortable Fleet – In addition to meeting all safety standards, our Coast Guard-inspected fleet is also equipped with everything you need for comfort during your fishing trip, including clean and spacious decks, cabin, and bathrooms.
• Professional and Friendly Crew – Our crew is here to assist you throughout your trip from baiting hooks and cleaning any fish you choose to keep to sharing expertise if you need assistance.

Joining a fishing trip in NYC this autumn is a great way to hook a trophy fish, try NYC fishing for the first time, or enjoy a beautiful fall day on the water with the best fishing expedition in NYC.

Purchase Tickets for Fishing on the Marilyn Jean

Our fishing trips leave from Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, which is conveniently located to Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and the surrounding area by car or public transit. We accept walk ups on a first come first serve basis, but the best way to guarantee your spot on a Marilyn Jean fishing trip this fall is to purchase your ticket on our website.

When fishing in NYC, catch and release fishing is a valuable technique. There are many fish that are not right for eating and you will not want to take home. For instance, the trophy striped bass, while impressive in photos, will not be very tasty. Other fish may be too small to keep or eat or the wrong type.

Additionally, as you hone your skills with fishing, there may be days where you quickly reach your limit on how many fish you can take home per the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, but you want to continue fishing. In all of these cases, you will need to be able to practice catch and release fishing so that you can safely return fish to the water alive.

Catch and Release Fishing Guidelines

Catch and release fishing is a humane and eco-friendly way to fish. It prevents overfishing so that populations remain strong year over year and people in NYC can continue to enjoy fishing experiences. Handling the process of catching the fish and returning it to the water does require a bit of knowledge to be sure that they are not accidentally hurting or killing the fish. In general, you should follow these steps:

• Don’t Play the Fish Too Long – Land you fish as fast as you can and avoid making it too tired as you reel in. Being tired means the fish will take longer to recover after you release it.
• Minimize Out of Water Time – Keep the time that the fish spends out of the water as short as possible and release the fish as quickly as you can.
• Keep Hands Moist – You should handle the fish as little as possible, and keep your hands wet when you do to be gentle on the fish’s scales.
• Use a Landing Net – A landing net will also decrease the time that you handle the fish. Rubber nets are best since they are least likely to damage a fish’s gills.
• Support the Fish – If holding the fish, cradle it gently in your hands. You should hold a larger fish with a hand underneath its belly.
• Remove or Leave the Hook – Removing the hook is best unless it is deeply logged. In these cases, cut the line closely and leave the hook in the fish rather than trying to pull it out.
• Return the Fish Gently – Let the fish go back into the water head first and slowly. If you can, let the fish jump into the water from your hand itself. Going too quickly here can shock the fish and kill it.

Certain fish species may also have additional requirements in order to facilitate catch and release fishing. For example, striped bass, which are under environmental regulations, require fishing with a circle hook as opposed to an offset hook or J-hook to help reduce the risk that the hook will become stuck in the fish’s stomach.

Additionally, you should be aware of any part you should also be aware of any additional guidelines or local area regulations.

If you are interested in trying fishing in NYC, taking a trip aboard the Marilyn Jean is a great way to get started. Because many of the anglers that sail on our half day and full day fishing trips in NYC enjoy sport fishing, catch and release is a staple – although not required, as long as regulations permit – on board and our crew can help you use the proper procedure to be sure that you are safely handling your fish. Buy a ticket for an upcoming fishing boat trip to experience the best sport fishing in NYC.

Saltwater fishing, whether inshore or offshore, can be an exciting way to experience fishing, but new and even experienced anglers will sometimes shy away from it because of the equipment requirements. Saltwater fishing in NYC does require a different setup from freshwater fishing. This means anglers will need to invest in the right equipment and learn how to use the equipment they are not already familiar with before they can start reeling in impressive catches.

Fortunately, you can often get started with only a few basic items and skills as you go to set up your first fishing rig and start enjoying NYC saltwater fishing.

Choosing Your Saltwater Fishing Setup

Because saltwater fishing includes many different types of fish and locations, there is still going to be some difference in what you need based on where you are fishing. For instance, there are recommended rigs for bottom fishing, surf fishing, fishing from boats, or fishing off the end of a pier. In addition, the type of fish and the day to day conditions in these different environments will also play a part in what you need for your fishing outfit.

Regardless of where and how you fish, there are four basic rigging pieces required in addition to your rod and reel:

• Fishing Line – There are a variety of lines available, including braided fishing lines, monofilament lines, and fluorocarbon lines. The line choice is almost always based on the fish. For instance, a 70 pound trophy striper requires a heavier weight braided line while a thin fluorocarbon line is often a good choice for lightweight mackerel. You will have to choose the right line for both your main line and the leader.
• Swivels or Connectors – Swivels enable you to connect leaders, baits, and lures to the main line. You can also use a knot if you are experienced with saltwater knots.
• Weights – Weights will control where your hook and bait are in the water column. The type of weight and how big it is depends on where your fish will be, whether they are a bottom feeder or prefer to be up in the current. It also matters how rough the water is on any particular day.
• Hooks and Lures – The last piece of your fishing saltwater fishing rig will be a hook if you are using live bait or a lure. Live bait is generally easier to use for beginner saltwater fishing.

One of the easiest ways to manage rigs for saltwater fishing is to make them up before you leave and keep them in your tackle box. This makes it easy to pull out rigs as you need them. It also prevents you from having to assemble rigs when conditions may be less than ideal.

Choosing each of the individual parts is determined by several factors, and you will likely determine what works best for you over time. To get started, a Carolina rig is one of the easiest setups and works in several different locations.

A Caroline rig requires a line of your choice based on the type of fish, a swivel, an offset hook, a bead, and a bullet weight. You begin by putting the bead and weight on the line together, which will create a sound in the water that fish will feel to help attract fish to your hook.

After the weight, use the swivel to attach a leader between 1.5 and 2 feet long. Longer leaders are better for churning water and offshore fishing. At the end of the leader, tie your hook. This rig is easy to complete and will work for a variety of saltwater fish around NYC.

If you want to start saltwater fishing without having to set up an extensive kit, another option is to fish aboard the Marilyn Jean. We provide rod, reels, and tackle so that you do not need to worry about your setup and can simply get started fishing, making the easiest and most efficient way to get into saltwater fishing.

We offer saltwater fishing experiences for many of the area’s different fish types with everything you need to make a memorable catch. To plan a half day or full day saltwater fishing trip on the Marilyn Jean to experience the best fishing in NYC, purchase tickets to sail with us through our online calendar.

Whether you live, work, or simply visit in Manhattan, the city offers endless activities to keep you entertained. But it is also important to get out of the city from time to time and a Manhattan fishing trip offers the perfect chance for a relaxing day on the water while fishing for NYC’s saltwater fish.

Marilyn Jean Fishing runs half day, full day, and evening fishing trips throughout the year with fishing trips almost daily during the spring, summer, and fall when fishing season is at its peak. We dock from Brooklyn, and go out on the water to provide Manhattan saltwater fishing trips that take you to some of the best fishing spots off the coast of NYC for the opportunity to catch a range of exciting fish. See all of our upcoming trips and reserve your tickets online to join us.

Party Boat Fishing Trips near Manhattan

Our ship sets sail often from nearby Brooklyn to take advantage of the wide range of fish species that live in the waters around NYC. We offer trips to catch around 2 to 3 types of seasonal fish, making it possible for us to offer experiences to match all skill levels, ages, and desired experiences, as well as provide you with exciting new trips throughout the year. Some of the fish you can catch aboard the Marilyn Jean include:

• Striped Bass
• Cod
• Ling
• Mackerel
• Blackfish
• Fluke, and More

Because we sail daily, we are always tracking the different fish we catch and our crew on board the Marilyn Jean has the most up to date information on where these fish populations are. We can often take you right to the fish to give you a good chance of a lively day of fishing in Manhattan.

What to Expect on a Manhattan Fishing Trip with Marilyn Jean Fishing

Fishing aboard the Marilyn Jean is the most convenient and fun way to get out into the water for saltwater fishing. We have everything you need for fishing available on board including rods, reels, and tackle. We also have the right bait for the type of fish we will be catching. You can simply arrive with any food and drinks you want for the day, and potentially a small cooler if you plan on taking home any fish.

Your fishing trip in Manhattan will include:

• Departure from Sheepshead Bay – Our pier is located in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn with convenient access from Manhattan via the B or Q train to the Sheepshead Road stop. If driving, you can park in free street parking or pay to park in the Macy’s parking lot across the street from our pier.
• Setting Sail – Our twin diesel engine boats provide a smooth and quick ride out to top fishing locations like Rockaway Beach, Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook, and Coney Island. Depending on whether you are doing a half day or full day fishing trip, we will likely get to 2 or more locations while still providing plenty of time fo fish.
• Dropping Your Line – Once we have reached our location, it is time to cast your line. Your mate on board can help you bait your hook if you like. If you are newer to saltwater fishing, they can also provide some pointers to help you reel in some good catches.
• Return – At the end of a hopefully successful trip, we will clean any of the fish that you will be taking with you.

Onboard, we have a full range of amenities to make sure you enjoy your fishing excursion with clean restrooms, comfortable indoor space, microwaves, refrigerators, and vending machines.

Why Fish Near Manhattan Aboard the Marilyn Jean

Marilyn Jean Fishing consistently offers the best fishing trips in Manhattan. From our destinations that promise red hot fishing to our comfortable environment, you will enjoy your escape from Manhattan to fish with us. You will also benefit from our:

• Advanced Navigation System – We have equipped our fleet with the latest navigation systems that, when combined with our expert knowledge of local fish species, can help us identify the best spots.
• Leading Safety Features – Our fleet is coast guard inspected and meets all the requirements for a safe sailing trip.
• Friendly Crew – The captain and crew aboard the Marilyn Jean are welcoming and glad to have you join us for your fishing experience.

A fishing trip on the Marilyn Jean is a great experience for pro anglers and those trying this sport for the first time, as well as anyone who wants to enjoy an exciting and relaxing day of fishing.

Reserve Manhattan Fishing Trip Tickets Online

When you are ready to trade in the streets of Manhattan for a view of the city skyline from the water and a full day or half day of fishing, a Manhattan fishing trip on the Marilyn Jean is the right choice. While we accept walk ups, spots can often fill up, so we recommend booking your tickets through our online calendar to secure your place on your next fishing trip.

Since the beginning of June, we have been in hurricane season and the entire Atlantic Coast is likely to see several storms as we approach the peak of the season in September. Ideally, none of these storms will make landfall here in NYC, but the intensity of a tropical storm will have a range of effects on local water conditions even when the storm occurs further south.

All of these conditions will directly impact our saltwater fishing season in NYC. These are some of the ways hurricanes along the coast can change fishing conditions and why you should keep an eye on the weather this summer before heading out on your next fishing trip.

Hurricane Conditions that Impact Fishing

A tropical storm can have a large impact on the oceans it moves through. With winds up to 300 miles an hour and waves over 60 feet, it is understandable that fish far beneath the surface will be impacted by hurricane conditions and respond accordingly.

For the summer of 2022 in particular, the NOAA has predicted a higher than average hurricane season that is estimated to contain 14 named storms along the Atlantic coast, making it almost a guarantee that the waters around NYC and the local fish populations will experience at least some hurricane-related effects this summer.

These are some of the changes that you might expect to see preceding and following a hurricane in the waters near NYC:

• Movement of Fish Populations – Depending on the type of fish, particularly with larger fish, an approaching hurricane can prompt them to leave the area. If a hurricane comes through NYC, this could result in a drop in local fish populations. But a hurricane further south could push additional fish northward into local waters.
• Altered Activity Levels – The rise in barometric pressure that precedes almost any storm causes most saltwater fish to become more active in terms of feeding and biting at bait. If a hurricane is passing at a significant distance and therefore causing more limited effects, the rise in barometric pressure could potentially make fishing before the storm extremely rewarding.
• Change in Salinity – The intense waves, wind, and freshwater rainfall will alter salinity levels throughout the water column. This can be damaging to fish that are more sensitive to salinity changes, causing either death or forcing these fish to go elsewhere.
• Change in Water Temperature – Additional rainfall and mixing of water at different heights can cause cooler than usual temperatures near the surface and warmer temperatures at greater depths. This may also force fish to change their locations in the water column.
• Lower Oxygen Levels – With any storm that passes near NYC, there is a potential for a post hurricane fish kill as oxygen levels significantly drop. This is caused by wind and waves that bring sediment from the bottom up to the surface of the water where the bacteria in that sediment will begin to use oxygen to decompose. A long period of cloudy days that often accompanies a storm can also cause oxygen producing plants in the water to falter. This is extremely destructive to fish.

Any effects of a hurricane on fish in NYC or on your fishing experience will depend on multiple different factors, including where the hurricane is, the intensity of the hurricane, and the particular fish that you are trying to catch. A hurricane that moves directly through NYC could potentially cause an early end to the fishing season, but smaller summer storms and more limited effects from nearby tropical storms could provide a potential boost to local fishing for a few days.

For the most rewarding fishing experiences in the summer it is generally a good idea to go often so that you do not miss out on top early season fishing days. But it is also helpful to know what local weather conditions mean for saltwater fishing and the fish species you want to catch so that you can plan your fishing excursions accordingly.

You can also join a fishing trip on the Marilyn Jean for NYC fishing for striped bass, porgy, cod, ling, and more. We have almost daily fishing trips on all of the days when weather is good and extensive expertise in navigating to the best fishing spots based on daily weather conditions to give you the best possible fishing experience without you having to worry about current weather conditions. Book your NYC fishing trip on the Marilyn Jean online to join us for an upcoming excursion.

Fish are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. This is what enables them to migrate from year to year and to find food each day. Many fish are so sensitive to their environments that weather changes from minute to minute can alter their feeding behaviors.

When you know how fish respond to these different changes and can interpret how weather changes their environment, you can determine when are the best days and times to go fishing and which areas will likely give you the best results when you head out.

Weather Data to Track for NYC Fishing

By knowing the characteristics about the fish you are trying to catch, you can get a good idea of how these different conditions can affect your fishing experience:

• Temperature – Many fish are more active in warmer temperatures when food is plentiful. But temperatures that are too warm require fish to move deeper into cooler water. This is why the NYC fishing season is best in the summer. Larger shifts in temperature over the course of the season will also affect whether the fish are close to shore or further away.
• Tidal Clock – Strong tides will create currents that many fish fish species thrive in. The best times for fishing is when the tide is coming in or going out. A stronger tide, measured by the tidal coefficient compared to the average of 70, can provide better fishing.
• Wind Speeds – Like tides, wind will create currents in the water that will cause fish to more actively feed. The wind direction can also determine which areas around NYC fish will travel to.
• Cloud Cover – Many fish prefer dimmer conditions over bright ones. When there is cloud cover, saltwater fish will often come closer to the surface, making them easier to catch.
• UV Index – Similar to cloud cover, a high UV index can send fish into deeper waters further offshore, making them somewhat more challenging to get to.
• Barometer – A barometer tracks atmospheric pressure which can indicate an incoming storm. Fishing when barometric pressure is rising is usually more successful than fishing during low barometric pressure or falling barometric pressure. In other words, fishing before a storm is usually a good time.
• Rain – A light sprinkle of rain will have no effect on fishing but anything heavier than that will temporarily send fish into hiding.

In addition to weather, you should also pay attention to time of day since the time relates to factors like UV index, tides, and temperatures. All of these factors combine to make hours around sunrise and sunset the best opportunities for fishing, although you should still continue to take into account other weather factors during these times as well.

Marilyn Jean Fishing offers saltwater fishing trips in NYC and we can help you take advantage of the best local fishing conditions. We have trips departing early morning and evening almost every day throughout the summer and we pay close attention to weather conditions in order to take you to the top locations around offshore New York that we know will provide fishing for striped bass, ling, cod, blackfish, and other great fishing experiences in the area. Check out our upcoming fishing trips and reserve your tickets in advance online.

If you have a trip planned to NYC and want to take advantage of opportunities for fishing when you get here, you will need your fishing equipment, including rods, reels, tackle, and any other items you rely on. It is possible to travel with all of this on your trip to NYC so you have everything you need when you get here whether you are planning on freshwater fishing in New York in the Catskills or further upstate or saltwater fishing here in NYC or on Long Island.

But traveling comes with challenges and you want to make every effort to protect any fragile equipment in the process. Packing everything correctly is necessary to avoid any damage or having items confiscated by TSA as you are going through airport security. These tips will ensure you have your fishing-related baggage packed correctly for a safe journey to NYC?

Planning Your Packing List

The equipment you bring with you will depend on what type of fishing you will be doing. For any charter boat fishing or surf fishing, you will likely want at least one or two trolling rods. You might also bring a lighter traveling rod for a few more laid back fishing experiences.

You will also need a selection of tackle, including hooks and lures. Limiting what you bring solely for the fish you plan on catching can help save on space. Also read up on any rules regarding allowed fishing equipment so you do not bring something you cannot use.

For saltwater fishing in NYC, most of the best fishing is with live bait that you can purchase once you arrive, eliminating the need to pack your own.

There is always some risk when traveling that something may be broken, lost, or confiscated. This is a good reason to consider carefully what you will bring and potentially leave your more valuable fishing equipment at home.

Packing Fishing Rods on a Vacation

The most difficult piece to travel with will almost always be the rods because of their size and their fragility. There is nothing worse than arriving on vacation to find one of your rods broke in transit, so you will want to be extremely careful during this part.

Getting these rods safely to their destination requires the correct packing methods whether you are driving or going by plane. A hard side rod case is a straightforward solution that you can buy online or at a local tackle shop. A single case can often hold several of your rods and will prevent them from getting broken in transit.

You can also make a DIY rod case by cutting a piece of PVC pipe to size and taping over the ends to keep your rods inside.

Whichever solution you use for a rod case, you will also want to wrap before placing them in the case as this will prevent them from jostling around and breaking. Bubble wrap is always reliable, but if you have the original packing material, that is also a good option. If traveling with multiple rods, you can either secure them all together and wrap them, or wrap them individually.

Most airlines will allow a hard rod case as either a carry-on or checked baggage, although you should check with your airline for specific measurements. If your rod case does fit as a carry-on, this is often the preferred method as you can be sure to handle your rods safely throughout the trip. However, careful packing should keep rods safe even if you do check them.

Traveling with Fishing Tackle

Fishing tackle requires some additional consideration when traveling in regards to going through airport security. If you are going by car or train, simply pack your tackle in a secure place. But if you are traveling by plane, be aware of TSA regulations when packing your bags.

The TSA will allow through reels and smaller fragile tackle that does not “pose a security threat” through security in your carry-on bags. However, there are no definitive guidelines as to what may be allowed through and the final decision rests with the TSA officer on duty. For this reason, it is best to avoid bringing any equipment and risk it being confiscated by the TSA.

Instead, simply putting all tackle into your checked baggage is often the best choice. Still take care in packing to avoid any injury during a TSA search by wrapping any hooks or lures with sharp points so that nothing is exposed.

As another consideration when choosing whether to check or carry on fishing equipment, anything unusual is usually better to check so that you do not face any holdups in TSA while they sort through luggage.

If you do get stopped at any point in security for fishing equipment, answer any questions honestly and do not argue. In the worst case scenario, you can buy tackle and gear when you get to NYC.

Renting Rods and Reels in NYC

With its many fishing opportunities, NYC also has a range of options if you prefer not to bring your own fishing equipment. You can instead rent one when you get here, or join one of the many fishing experiences that will provide them. On the Maryland Jean, a top fishing trip for NYC visitors, we supply rods, reels, and bait with the cost of a ticket, and have tackle available.

This gives you the option to pack more easily and simply show up to fish without needing to worry about getting your own equipment here. The docks for the Marilyn Jean are located conveniently in Brooklyn, with convenient access to all of the major visitor and tourist destinations in NYC.

We depart at different times of the day, offering a wide variety of fishing trips for some of the area’s most popular fish, including striped bass, cod, blackfish, and more. If you are planning a fishing trip in NYC, whether or not you will be bringing your own equipment, plan to join us for a trip aboard the Marilyn Jean for a memorable bottom fishing experience in NYC. Check out our available trips and purchase your tickets online.