Category: Fishing NYC

Fishing for striped bass is one of the more exciting fishing trips you can experience in NYC. Hooking a monster 70 striper and successfully bringing it to deck can easily be the day’s most memorable catch. But the demand for this particular fish species has led to significant overfishing in the past and many striped bass fisheries are dealing with decreased numbers, leading this fish to become a threatened species.

In order to preserve striped bass and ensure the enjoyment for future generations of anglers, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation has imposed a few different regulations on striped bass fishing. Being familiar with these regulations means you know what to expect when heading out on a striped bass fishing trip.

Fishing Regulations for NYC Striped Bass Party Boats

One of the main regulations for all fishing in NYC is that, if you will be fishing on your own and are over the age of 16, you are required to have the correct fishing license. This is not required when onboard a licensed party boat as the party boat captain and crew assume responsibility for your fishing and meeting all requirements.

For striped bass in particular, you are limited in what fish you can harvest. When you are in marine waters south of the George Washington Bridge, you are allowed to harvest one fish that meets the following requirements:

• Caught between April 15 and December 15
• Has a slot size between 28 and 35 inches.

All other stripers that you catch must be released.

In order to facilitate catch and release efforts, as of 2021 the DEC requires striped bass fishing to be done using a circle hook when fishing with live baits. These hooks reduce the risk of deep hooking if the fish swallows the hook, and will reduce the risk of fatal injury as you unhook and throw the fish back into the water. The purpose of these hooks is to reduce unnecessary deaths from fish that have been caught and released.

Fishing with a circle hook involves a slightly different process than the standard J hook. When you get a bite, you will need to:

• Lower your rod so that the tip of the rod is pointing at the fish.
• Reel in quickly and continue reeling for an additional five seconds once the line becomes tight.
• Raise the rod and reel more slowly to bring the fish the rest of the way in.

Under DEC regulations, you will need to catch and release any additional stripers beyond the one you want to keep, or those caught outside of the designated season, although you do have time for a quick picture if you catch a trophy fish.

To release the fish, you will need to move quickly and limit time exposed to air. Additionally, keep your hands wet while handling the fish and never hold the fish near its eyes or gills. . Gently remove the hook from the fish’s mouth. If the fish has been deep hooked, cut the line as close as possible and leave the hook where it is.

One benefit of fishing on the Marilyn Jean is that we are familiar with all NYC fishing regulations to help you focus on fishing while we make sure you are following environmental rules. We can help with removing the hook and releasing the fish as well as harvesting any striped bass that your party does intend to keep. This is a great advantage whether you are a new angler or already experienced in the sport.

Striped bass season is coming up, so keep your eye on our online calendar to book your trip when tickets become available.

When you join a party boat fishing trip in NYC, you guarantee yourself a fantastic morning, full day, or evening catching some of the most exciting sportfish in Sheepshead Bay and the waters beyond. Packing the right gear, clothing, and provisions is an important part of maximizing your match and staying comfortable throughout the day.

After years of experience in leading fishing trips in NYC, here are the items we recommend that you bring and what you can expect to have provided – at least when you sail with the Marilyn Jean.

Packing List for Fishing Trips

Fishing gear is a must when you are heading out on the water to catch striped bass, blackfish, scrub, or the other fish in our area. You are welcome to bring your own rod, reel, and tackle, but we also have rods and reels if you are new to fishing, do not have the right equipment for that day’s catch, or don’t want the trouble of carting your equipment down to Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn.

All of our equipment on board is top-of-the-line, and you can expect it to be comfortable to use and provide good results. We also provide high quality bait, including live bait that is right for the fish we are going after.

The items you should bring for your party include:

• Adequate Clothing – Depending on the season and the time of day, your trip could be warm or cool. It is best to bring layers, including a jacket, that you can add and take off to keep you comfortable. Keep in mind that the temperature on the water may differ from the temperature back on land.
• Hats and Sunglasses – It is recommended you bring a hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun and the glare while you are out on the water.
• Sunscreen – Likewise bring sunscreen and apply it regularly. UV rays can be especially damaging when you are out on a boat and sunscreen will help you avoid a painful sunburn the next day. Non-aerosol sunscreen is best to avoid making the decks slippery.
• Food and Beverages – Bring any meals and snacks your party will want to eat while onboard. We have refrigerators and microwaves on board to help you prepare any food that is needed. You can also store your lunch in a small and drinks in a small cooler with you on deck, but avoid any larger, full size coolers as these can clutter up the deck and make it hard to move around.
• Beer and Liquor – You are allowed to bring your own booze onto our fishing party boats. Be sure to indulge responsibly.
• Towel – A small hand towel can clean your hands after baiting any hooks. Our deckhands are also available to help handle any fish you catch and take care of baiting your hook.
• Seasickness Medication – If you are prone to seasickness, or unsure, it can be a good idea to take motion sickness medication or bring a patch with you. Talk to your doctor to be sure that you are choosing a non-drowsy seasickness medication.

Having the right gear with you will make for a more enjoyable and exciting day out on the water whether you are looking to catch as many fish as possible or simply spend time with family and friends. When you are ready to book your trip, go over to our online calendar and purchase your tickets there.

2022 promises to be a good year for fishing off the New Jersey coast and in the waters around New York City aboard the Marilyn Jean. We are monitoring approaching fishing seasons to provide you with the best local fishing for the upcoming year and will continue to watch fish stocks, migratory patterns, and more so that we always have the most up to date information on the top fishing locations in Sheepshead Bay, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Beach, Coney Island, Sandy Hook, and more locations along the New Jersey Shore.

But these are the details we can confirm so far about what to expect from fishing seasons in 2022 in NYC.

NYC Fishing Calendar for 2022

Fishing seasons can vary based on weather conditions, annual migrations, water temperatures, tides, and other factors. But in general these are the expected timelines for the upcoming 2022 fishing seasons:

• Lingcod – We can catch lingcod all year long. The high season will be between February and April of 2022.
• Blackfish – The first tautog season is between April 1 and April 30. The second season for 2022 occurs in the fall between October 15 and December 22.
• Striped Bass – Striper season runs from April 15 to December 15th. Early spring and late fall will be the prime times of year to catch stripers.
• Mackerel – Mackerel are available all year long with high times in the winter months if we are able to find a school of them.
• Porgy – We are able to catch porgies between September 1 and October 31, 2022 when they are expected to be biting heavily.
• Summer Flounder – The fluke fishing season runs May 4 to September 30. Fluke will likely be available throughout the season, although they might move to deeper waters.

Since it is still early in the year, it is not yet clear what fish stocks of these various species will look like during their open seasons, but we are focused on getting you to the heart of some of the best spots for each of the fish we catch. Additionally, keep an eye on our blog and social media for more updates on local saltwater fishing conditions in NYC.

One of the main benefits of fishing – after the experience of fishing itself – is being able to cook up all of your fresh caught fish when you get home. But ensuring your fish taste their best requires the correct cleaning and preparation methods.

While there are some specifics depending on the variety of fish, this general approach works well for most of the fish you will catch around NYC.

Cleaning and Preparing Your Fish

After you hook a fish, there are a few different options to keep the fish fresh until you can clean it. Many anglers will keep their fish alive in a livewell or on stringers until they finish fishing, but it is also extremely effective to put the fish directly into a cooler filled with ice after you take it off the line. This prevents the fish from starting to go bad while you finish fishing and helps keep it as fresh as possible. Chilling the fish on ice also makes it easier to clean and reduces the mess of blood and guts.

There are two ways you can clean your fish for eating. The first is to dress it whole with the head either on or off depending on your preference. A whole fish looks impressive and will be extremely moist after cooking.

For this method, you will start by scaling the fish then cutting off the head if desired. If you are leaving the head, still cut out the gills. The next step is to remove the guts from the fish. Insert the knife in the anus and slice forward. Pull out all the entrails and thoroughly wash the inside of the fish.

You can also fillet your fish, a process which will involve a series of cuts. You can leave the skin on or remove it for this method, but will need to scale the fish if you leave the skin on. To cut your fish:

• With a knife at an angle from the pectoral fins to the fish’s head, cut from behind the gill to the backbone.
• Turn the knife 90 degrees and cut lengthwise along the body against the backbone.
• Repeat on the other side.
• Cut out the rib bones by running the knife at an angle just beneath the bones.

Now that your fish is ready, you can prepare it as desired. Pan frying is a great option for many of the saltwater fish around NYC. Other options include grilling, broiling, blackening, or using this fish in a recipe such as fish chowder.

If you are ready to catch fish for your next meal, schedule an upcoming fishing trip aboard the Marilyn Jean to experience some of the area’s best local catches. Book your trip on our online calendar.

Striped bass make for an exciting fishing trip and an impressive haul, but they can be tricky to find off the coast of New York since striper stocks have dwindled somewhat. Knowing what environments stripers are attracted to is important for finding the local hotspots when you set out on a fish fishing excursion.\

The height of striper season in New York and New Jersey occurs in the spring and fall, but if you are fishing in the right locations, striped bass can be present all year long. Here is how to find them.

Striper Fishing Spots Around NYC

Starting in early April, stripers migrate from their southern habitats to cooler water in the north. During this time, stripers are traveling in large schools and feeding extensively which can make for a strong catch.

When you are considering where to go striper fishing, remember these important facts about striped bass:

• Refer to the Calendar – In the height of summer, stripers move further out to take advantage of cooler deep water. Fishing for stripers in the summer will often require a boat to get you out to their location. Fall and spring striper fishing can be done from a boat or shore.

• Follow the Current – Striped bass thrive in heavy currents. Places where there is whit and other strong currents are more likely to have striped bass living in them. Additionally, near new and full moons when tides are the strongest, resulting in strong water currents, are an ideal time for bass fishing.
• Look for Structures – When not hunting food in open water, bass congregate around structures in their environment. Near shore, this can include piers, docks, bridges, and jetties. In deep water, reefs and shipwrecks are common spots for striped bass.

Although these are general standards for striped bass, these fish are also incredibly opportunistic. When they see a chance for potential food, they will often take it, making it possible to find striped bass at unusual times and in unexpected places. The most successful striper anglers are prepared to catch striped bass at a variety of different times and adjust their approach as needed.

For deep water bass fishing in New York, the Marilyn Jean is the best way you get out to the waters where striped bass are present. Our expert captain and up to date knowledge can take you to local striped bass fishing hotspots. See what upcoming striped bass fishing trips we have available and book your ticket today.

With several more weeks of winter ahead of us, cod fishing season is still going strong. As you wait for other types of fish in NYC, here is a favorite recipe for all the cod you catch.

Fish and chips is a quintessential British dish, but there is no denying that salty french fries compliment a flaking, tender Atlantic cod that has been fried to perfection. Nothing is better than making this dish with fresh caught fish that you hooked earlier in the day.

Cod Fish and Chips Recipe

This is one of our favorite recipes for a fish fry. It can be made with almost any type of white fish, although a meatier fish with a firmer texture will be the best. Cod is one of the most popular options for fish and chips because it is flaky and flavorful.

For this recipe, you will need to start with cod fillets with skin removed. The recipe calls for 1 ½ pounds of cod to serve 4 people, and you can easily adjust that if you have a different number of people or have a larger catch to use up.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1 ½ pounds cod

Directions

1. Peel potatoes and slice them into ⅓ inch sticks.
2. Heat approximately 1 quart of vegetable oil in a heavy bottomed pot with high sides. You can also use an electric fryer. Oil should be at 325 degrees F.
3. Add a handful of potatoes to hot oil and cook until light brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove potatoes and drain on a rack or paper towel lined plate.
4. Repeat with remaining potatoes. Do not overcrowd the pot.
5. Increase oil temperature to 350 degrees F.
6. Beat egg in a large bowl. Then mix in milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
7. Dredge a fillet in the batter, and place it in the hot oil. Fry the fish until golden brown and cooked through. Then allow the fish to drain on a rack or paper towel lined plate.
8. Repeat with remaining fish.
9. Return potatoes to pot and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Remove back to the rack and season liberally with salt.
10. Serve fish and fries with malt vinegar, tartar sauce, and lemon wedges.

Cod has a relatively short shelf life after it has been caught and is best eaten within one to two days. For that reason, plan to make this recipe shortly after you have returned from your fishing trip.

Striped bass is a true trophy fish in NYC, often weighing over 50 pounds and putting up a fight when you reel one in. Depending on the time of year, you can fish for stripers in many of the waters around NYC, including both fresh and saltwater. Boat fishing can get you out to large schools in deep water and shore fishing is often possible in cooler weather and during evenings when bass are closer to shore.

Best Striped Bass Fishing Equipment

Wherever you are fishing for striped bass, you will need the proper gear to attract and handle these impressive fish. The gear you choose will depend on your method and skill level. For instance, ly fishing for striped bass is possible but is an advanced method. Most anglers will instead choose between bottom fishing or shore fishing instead.

The options for tackle for these methods include:

• Spinning Tackle – For the average striped bass, a medium action rod with a 20lb braided line will be enough to handle most fish. You can cast light lures and small live baits with this gear.
• Casting Tackle – If you are going to be bottom fishing, chunking, or trolling, you should opt for a 7’ to 7.5’ medium rod with 30lb braided line. With this setup, you can cast heavier baits and lures and handle some of the larger striped bass.
• Shore Fishing – Shore fishing for striped bass can use any of the shore fishing equipment you already have. For those completely new to the sport, a 12” medium heavy spinning rod is good starter equipment for striped bass.

If you plan on fishing for extremely large bass or trolling, you will need heavier tackle to handle the strength of a larger fish, so consider your plans when purchasing any reels and tackle.

There are a few different rigs that are popular with striped bass. Many anglers particularly like a high-low rig when fishing in striper schools during the migratory season since this allows you to catch more bass. Fish finder rigs are also ideal for larger bass.

The best bait for striper fishing is going to be live bait since this is what bass eat in their natural environment. Some prime baits for bass fishing in NYC include:

• Porgy
• Mackerel
• Sandworms
• Clams
• Squid
• Eels

Chunking your bait by cutting it up into small pieces can also be highly effective in attracting stripers and preventing other fish and crustaceans from stealing your bait off the hook.

Now that you have all your equipment, it is time to get out on the water and start fishing for striped bass. If you want a chance at some of the most impressive bass in NYC and the best fishing experience, head out on the Marilyn Jean to enjoy NYC deepwater fishing. We have public fishing trips almost every day during bass season. See what is available and purchase your tickets on our calendar.

One of the best bottom feeding fish in New York City is the lingcod. Its long body, with a dorsal fin that spans the entire length, and rows of razor blade sharp teeth make it an interesting looking fish while its firm and flaky flesh is ideal for eating.

When you have a chance to get out on a boat for deep sea lingcod fishing in NYC, here are the equipment and tips you will need to successfully hook some of the most impressive lingcod in local waters.

Equipment for Lingcod Fishing

Many rods and reels will work well for ling fish and experienced anglers will have their own preferences. General advice is that you should use a spinning rod and reel if you are going to be casting swim baits and a bait caster for live bait.

For tackle, you should use a braided line that is at least 30 lbs, similar to most bottom fishing. This has a good balance of being strong enough to handle the rocky conditions for bottom fishing, but thin enough that you can break it off if the line does get trapped.

The next consideration is bait. Lingcod will respond well to both live bait and plastic swim baits. For live bait, mackerel and rockfish are a favorite of lingcod. Frozen squid and dead herring will also work. Whatever you decide to use for your bait, do not be afraid to have large bait with lingcod. This is a fierce fish that can get some impressively large baits in its mouth.

Tips for Hooking Lingcod

With your gear assembled, these techniques will help you out on the water to successfully catch lingcod:

• Find a Good Spot – Do your research or go with an experienced party boat who knows where fish can be found. Early morning is often the best time to catch lingcod, although they are active throughout most of the day.
• Cast Your Line – For bottom fishing using live bait, let your line drop slowly to the bottom. If you are using a swim bait, you can cast it near the side of the boat.
• Reeling In – When they bite, lingcod will often hold the bait in a death grip but not be attached to the hook. This affects your retrieval strategy. When you get a bite, go slowly and steadily to avoid having the lingcod release the bait. Keep your net ready on the boat before the lingcod is out of the water and continue to move slowly to avoid startling it until you have the fish secure.

As you take the fish off of the hook, be careful of those sharp teeth to avoid getting cut. After you have gone home with your catch, keep in mind that this is a fish that needs to be eaten quickly for best quality.

If you are looking to try out lingcod fishing in NYC, Marilyn Jean Fishing offers party boat fishing trips that will put you at the center of the action for lingcod, provide high quality live bait and offer, and offer personalized tips to help you catch an impressive array of lingcod. See our upcoming trips on our online calendar.

When you are traveling to New York and need things to do in NYC, there is no shortage of sightseeing, museums, theaters, and restaurants to keep you busy on your trip. But New York is also known for its incredible fishing, and a saltwater fishing trip around New York Harbor, the New Jersey coast, Rockaway Beach, and Jamaica Bay is a fantastic way to experience the city.

Marilyn Jean Fishing runs regular fishing trips around New York with options to suit every angler. We offer a unique activity for NYC visitors to hook a trophy fish, enjoy the NYC skyline and scenery, and escape from the bustle of the city. See our schedule and book your ticket on the online calendar, or contact us with any questions.

Why Experience NYC through Group Fishing Trips

Our fishing trips are open to the public, and you will be fishing alongside professional anglers and first timers, other NYC visitors and locals. Whether you are a seasoned fisherman looking to try out fishing around NYC or want to try a new activity, you will have a fantastic experience. We welcome families aboard as well.

The cost of your ticket includes your rod, reel, and bait, so there is no need to bring your own equipment along. Each boat in our fleet also has the latest amenities and is kept clean and comfortable throughout the journey.

Depending on the time of year, you can build your party fishing boat experience based on your schedule and the fish you want to catch. We offer full day, half day, and evening trips to catch both impressive trophy fish and some of the region’s most delicious fish, including:

• Striped Bass Fishing
• Ling Cod Fishing
• Flounder Fishing
• Blackfish Fishing
• Cod Fishing, and More

With this many options available, we are able to offer public fishing trips all year long, giving you options whenever you are visiting the city.

We also have the opportunity to book a private charter boat for fishing trips, sightseeing trips, or events. This is a one-of-a-kind way to experience NYC and customize your own trip.

About Marilyn Jean – NYC’s Best Fishing Trip

When you are visiting NYC for any length of time, planning a memorable trip is likely one of your top priorities. This is why we recommend visitors to New York consider a fishing trip with Marilyn Jean Fishing. Our goal is always to provide a special experience for everyone aboard with excellent service and a top of the line fleet.

Because we are a licensed party boat in NYC, you also will not need to arrange your own fishing registration to catch the saltwater fish you will hook on your trip. Instead, we make it easy to simply arrive at the dock on the day of your trip and enjoy:

• Comfortable Trip – If it has been a while since you were last on the water, you might not have your sea legs. Our boats have twin diesel engines that let us travel smoothly, even if the water gets choppy, so you will feel more comfortable throughout your journey.
• Friendly Crew – From advice on hooking your first fish to friendly conversation, as well as complimentary fish cleaning for anything you catch, our crew is dedicated to making sure you and your group have a great experience.
• Affordable Rates – A fishing excursion on the Marilyn Jean enables you to experience professional fishing at an affordable cost. With an all-inclusive ticket, we offer an affordable activity in NYC.

Our 70-foot party boat and the rest of our fleet leaves from Sheepshead Bay, a historic port in Brooklyn. Not only is this area known for its deepwater fishing, but it is also a convenient trip from JFK airport and other popular NYC destinations so you can easily fit a half day or full day fishing trip into your travels.

Booking online guarantees your spot on an NYC fishing excursion, although we may have tickets available for walk ups if you need a last minute activity idea. Purchase your tickets in the online calendar or contact us for information about private charters.

Between the saltwater and freshwater bodies of water around NYC, local anglers and visiting fishermen have lots of options when choosing what type of fish they want to hook. Ling, also known as red hake, is one option for bottom fishing around New York City that makes for a great day of fishing and a tasty dinner.

Ling is a member of the cod family. Many anglers admit it does not have the same visual appeal as cod – they are generally a reddish or olive brown color and have a long body with a dorsal fin that runs from head to tail – but fresh ling taste great. If you are planning a fishing trip around NYC, consider spending a morning or full day fishing for ling.

Best Parts of Ling Fishing in NYC

Since it is a type of cod, you will often find ling in the same locations, but you will have no problem differentiating them once you reel in ling. Their long bodies and muddy coloring look different from cod. Their teeth will also set them apart. Ling have rows of sharp teeth that are coated in an anticoagulant. Fun to catch and good to eat, you will want to keep your fingers away from the teeth when you reel one in.

Despite their look, ling offer some great advantages over other fish in the area:

• Active All Year Long – The best times for ling are late summer when the fish are largest and plentiful, but you can catch ling in NYC in any month. Fishing for ling with an experienced crew and captain can help you find the spots where these fish are most active in any season.
• Tasty Fish – Ling has a flaky texture and firm flesh. It is often compared to both cod and lobster in terms of texture, but the taste is stronger than cod. Ling does not freeze well, so it should be kept on ice and eaten as soon as possible after you catch it.
• Easier to Catch – This is not to say ling is simple, but they are not as likely to break your line. If you are newer to fishing or looking for a less active trip, the techniques for ling fishing can be simpler to grasp and most anglers can expect a plentiful catch.
• Same Bait as Cod – In addition to living in the same locations, ling and cod will also go after the same bait. You can often go after both on a single trip to increase your chances of catching fish on your trip.

The main challenge with ling – besides those sharp teeth – is that they can be difficult to hook near shore. They prefer deep waters where they can hunt around rocks, shipwrecks, and other structures with plenty of hiding places.

Getting out on a fishing charter boat in NYC can take you directly to where the lingcod are. At Marilyn Jean Fishing, we lead ling fishing trips all year long, departing nearly every day from Sheepshead Bay. Our trips provide high quality ling bait and we have reels and tackle available for rent.

Our up-to-date fleet is also equipped with all of the features you need to have a comfortable out at sea hooking ling, and our team knows how to get you for the hottest spots to guarantee a successful day. Book your fishing trip here on our website today.