There’s no better place to take advantage of this action than Captree
State Park! The full lineup of boats at Captree State Park offers a full slate
of boats to cover all the fishing you can possibly do in, plus fishing piers and even a
dive boat. In total, there are approximately 30 party boat size vessels, half of which are
open boats and the rest private charter boats for large groups. There is a dive boat, the
Wahoo, plus a six-pack boat. Some boats stay in the bay, while others go into the ocean,
so whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice there is a boat for you. There
are half or full day boats to suit your special fishing requirements as well.
PARTY BOATS. Now that you know Captree has party & charter boats,
what’s the difference you ask? Well, a party or open boat is a larger vessel that you
do NOT need a reservation to fish on. You just step aboard and fish for the day. Some of
these party boats will sail full day trips while others sail two half-day trips, depends
on how long you want to fish. The party boats at Captree sail for every specie imaginable
with topnotch service and experienced crews. They truly cater to the family fishing
experience, which is so important in today’s world.
CHARTER BOATS. Charter boats come in two categories, six pack and larger. A
"six pack," is a term used when a charter boat is only licensed for six anglers
or less. While a charter boat may range in size from 20 up to 41-foot,
they’re only Coast Guard licensed for six anglers or less. There are charter boats in
Captree that will charter for groups larger than six and are licensed to do so. These
boats are as large as the party boats and cater to the needs of corporate parties, fishing
clubs, boy & girl scouts, bachelor & bachelorette parties, or any occasion fishing
or non-fishing, where a large group from six to 60 and even more can be accommodated.
Think about it, isn’t this a great way to plan your next business party or fishing
club event.
MY FAVORITES. If you like bottom fishing for blackfish in the bay or diamond
jigging bass in the waters along the beach…get on the Island Princess
(516-587-4054). Capt. Nick Manzari has been piloting the Island Princess for over 20 years
on the two daily half-day trips and will fluke fish through the end of fluke season. He
then switches to porgies, sea bass and blackfish all done in the bay, before switching
over to striped bass with jigging trips and even some night trips with live eels for bait.
If you have the time for a full day trip, then the Capt. Rod (516-587-7316) is
the boat for you. The Capt. Rod has been sailing for over 38 years and will continue fluke
fishing to the end before switching over to full day striped bass fishing with diamond
jigs and/or live eels.
If you’re the adventurous type and want a trip to the canyon to battle with
yellowfin and longfin tuna, then try the Captree Queen II (516-623-0983). Capt.
Gordon Roman sails 24-hour offshore tuna trips three times weekly, starting in mid
September. Reservations are required so call early. Capt. Roman will also fluke half days
in between and then striped bass fish the remainder of the season. Don't over look boats
like the JIB VI, a half day boat or the 3/4 day trips on the Captree
Princess. You can find info and all the phone numbers in the Fishig Reports
section of this website.
As you can see, Captree State Park has it all no matter what you choose to do.
While I obviously can’t list all the boats in Captree or write in depth about the
fishing piers, dive boat and the other great stuff that goes on inside Captree on this one
page, this is one place you have to visit and experience for yourself. Make sure you do it
this fall and get in on the great action I’m always talking about. You’ll be
glad you did!
DIRECTIONS. You can get to Captree State Park by any of the major parkways
without any traffic lights. Pretty
convenient isn’t it? Take any parkway to the Robert Moses Parkway, Captree is located
at the southern end of the Robert Moses Parkway on the barrier beach. Upon reaching the
end of the Robert Moses, head east following the signs. As with any state park, there is a
$4 parking fee, a nominal fee for the tons of fun available at Captree State Park. You can
beat the fee with buying a $39 Empire Pass. This pass allows you as many entries to any
state park as you want in a given year. A great deal and well worth the money,
particularly now that you have become a regular at Captree, and will, after visiting here
just once.
