WHAT YOU WILL CATCH
The Fin Chaser is a premier bottom fishing specialist targeting all inshore species in season; Sea Bass, Porgies, Cod, Ling and Blackfish. The areas where we bottomfish also give up other prized species such as Fluke, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish and Triggerfish.
SEA BASS
These represent the finest in table fare. We catch these fish from late June when the season opens all the way through late December. Sea Bass are actually a member of the grouper family. The average size fish are 2-3 lbs., but we quite commonly catch them in the 4-6 lb. class. We generally catch them in 50-100′ of water on reefs, ledges, wrecks, boulder and rock piles. They feast on crabs, lobsters and other crustaceans, but we catch them with fresh clams, squid and jigs.
PORGIES
These are flavorful, fiesty and provide plenty of fast action. These scrappy bottomfish are loads of fun to catch for experienced anglers as well as children and beginners. We catch these fish from early May when the season opens all the way through mid December. The average size fish are 1-2 lbs., but we quite commonly catch them in the 3-5 lb. class. We catch them in anywhere from 15-100′ of water on sand and mussel beds, reefs, ledges, wrecks, boulder and rock piles. They love fresh clams, bloodworms, squid and jigs.
COD
These are flavorful, flaky, excellent eating cold water bottomfish. They are a year-round fishery. The average size fish are 8-10 lbs., with the larger fish in the 20-30 lb. class. We catch them in anywhere from 70-180′ of water on reefs, ledges, wrecks, boulder and rock piles. They love fresh clams and jigs.
FLUKE
These are also known as Summer Flounder, are flavorful flatfish, which are equally rewarding to catch and eat. The average size fish are 4-6 lbs., with the larger fish ranging 8-11 lbs. We catch them in anywhere from 50-70′ of water near ledges and shoals. They love a variety of fresh baits such as squid, spearing, and live snappers, however, jigging is an extremely productive method to catch the big doormats.
BLACKFISH
They are also known as Tautog (or “Tog”) are a crafty, tackle busting member of the wrasse family. Extremely tasty, these fish are often referred to as “poor mans lobster.” They feed on crabs, lobsters and other hard crustaceans, which inhabit the reefs, wrecks, boulder and rock piles where they live. The average size fish are 4-6 lbs., with the larger fish ranging 8-12 lbs. and into the teens. We catch them in anywhere from 35-100′ of water. They love a variety of hard baits such as greencrabs, whitecrabs, and especially hermit crabs. However, jigging can be an extremely productive method to catch the big bruisers.
NEW YORK 2023 SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS (RECREATIONAL)
| SPECIES | SIZE / CREEL LIMIT | SEASON |
| Blackfish | 16″ / 2
16″ / 4 |
Apr 1-Apr 30
Oct 15-Dec 22 |
| Bluefish | 5 per day (licensed party/charter), No size limit | All year |
| Cod | 21″ / 10 | All year |
| Fluke | 18.5″ / 4 | May 1-Oct 9 |
| Porgies | 10.5″ / 30 (May 1- Aug 31, Nov 1 – Dec 31) Sep 1 – Oct 31: 10.5″ / 40 (party/charter boats only) |
All year |
| Sea Bass | 16.5″ / 3
16.5″ / 6 |
Jun 23-Aug 31
Sept 1-Dec 31 |
| Striped Bass | 28″-31″ (slot) / 1 (party/charter boats) |
Apr 15-Dec 15 |
NEW YORK 2023 SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS (RECREATIONAL)
| SPECIES | SIZE / CREEL LIMIT | SEASON |
| Blackfish | 16″ / 2
16″ / 4 |
Apr 1-Apr 30
Oct 15-Dec 22 |
| Bluefish | 5 per day (licensed party/charter), No size limit | All year |
| Cod | 21″ / 10 | All year |
| Fluke | 18.5″ / 4 | May 1-Oct 9 |
| Porgies | 10.5″ / 30 (May 1- Aug 31, Nov 1 – Dec 31) Sep 1 – Oct 31: 10.5″ / 40 (party/charter boats only) |
All year |
| Sea Bass | 16.5″ / 3
16.5″ / 6 |
Jun 23-Aug 31
Sept 1-Dec 31 |
| Striped Bass | 28″-31″ (slot) / 1 (party/charter boats) |
Apr 15-Dec 15 |