Open Boat Day Fishing Trip from City Island

What Is Not Included?

Meeting Location

How has the catch been lately?

Porgies everyday except Fluke every Thursday 8am-4pm; Porgies doing good jumbos, sea-bass and a few weak-fish. Night fishing Stripers & Blues 6:30-12:30; chum-line fishing, slow , boring and good fishing a few Stripres & a bunch of Blues. Sunday Night Boatrides to NY Harbor 6:30-10:30. Fishing is fantastic this time of year. Get your friends together, give us a call. Thanks John!--Remember, always plenty of FREE parking on site!!!

----------------QUESTIONS ABOUT TICKETS/POLICIES----------------

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as trips often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please buy your tickets well in advance. Advance tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard or American Express.

What is the difference between the Open Boat Day Fishing and the Open Boat Night Fishing trips?

Both fishing trips are fantastic. The main difference is that on the day fishing trip we fish for flounder, fluke, porgies and blackfish depending on what is currently in season. On the night fishing trip we exclusively fish for bluefish and striped bass and use a chunking bait method.

What happens if it rains?

We still go out. The rain is of no consequence; we are concerned with wind and sea conditions and they are not necessarily bad during the rain. We also have 2 covered areas on the Riptide III that will provide shelter from the rain. In fact, some of our best conditions can be on a rainy day, so dress appropriately and bring extra foul weather gear. In the case of severe weather, we may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in which case you will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Are children allowed?

Yes! We have no age limit for our day time fishing trips. Everyone is welcome, and our boat is very safe with high rails. Children between the ages of 4 and 15 may attend with a discounted child's ticket. Children under three years of age are free of charge, but require a ticket because our boat can only hold up to a certain amount of people and we cannot exceed that number even for toddlers or infants.

Are children allowed on the special 12 hour East End Porgy fishing trips?

Yes, people of all ages are allowed, but there are no discounted tickets available on these trips. All attendees must have a ticket, and all tickets are priced at $130 for the 2008 season.

Is the trip suitable for pregnant women?

While we don't put a limitation on who may or may not attend, pregnant women should always consult with their doctors before participating in any active activities.

How experienced do I have to be?

You don't have to be experienced at all! We encourage everyone, from novices to experts, to come and join us! We have a very knowledgeable, family oriented captain and crew on every trip to assist anglers of all skill levels.

I don't want to fish; can I still go on the trip?

Yes, people who do not want to fish are welcome to attend the trip, but you must also purchase a discounted RideAlong ticket. If you are not planning to fish, you will not need a rod and reel. However, if you plan to help your child fish, or hold a rod and reel at any time, you should purchase an Adult ticket.

If this trip is sold out can I get on a waiting list?

Unfortunately we do not have waiting lists for our trips. While cancellations are rare, you may try to purchase tickets at the start of the trip. However, we cannot guarantee that there will be any room left! To maximize your chance of getting the day and time of your preferred trip, please buy tickets in advance.

How early should I arrive to check in before the trip?

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure for check in, especially because the tickets are non refundable. Our trips generally leave right on time!!!

------------QUESTIONS ABOUT FISHING, LIMITS, & TRIP SPECIFICS------------

Do you guarantee that fish will be caught?

We can guarantee fishing but not catching. Our crew will do everything in its power to put you where the fish are. We cannot control what does or does not bite the hook. We do encourage you to come back and fish with us another time if you did not catch as many fish as you wanted to.

How many fish can I keep?

The captain and crew are up to date with the most recent New York Department of Fish and Game size and possession limits, and will inform you of these at the start of the trip. Regulations will vary depending on the season.

Do I have to keep the fish I catch?

While you are welcome to keep any legal sized fish, you can also release your catch. You may also give your legal sized fish to another angler or a member of the crew if you so choose.

What do I do with the fish I decide to keep?

Fish cleaning services are included in the price of your ticket on all day fishing trips except for our June to October porgy fishing trips. The cost for porgy fishing cleaning services is a mere 50 cents per fish. Our mates will expertly clean and bag your catch for you. A cash gratuity for each fish the mates clean for you will be appreciated!

Can I sell the fish I catch?

NO! It is illegal to sell fish that are caught by way of "Recreational Sport Fishing." If you are caught violating this law, you will be ordered to appear in court, fined, and items can be confiscated. Our crew can legally sell the fish that are caught during the trip, so feel free to give any fish you don't want to the crew!

What happens when everyone catches their limits?

If everyone catches their limits of the fish we're targeting for the day, we will simply pull up and start fishing for something else. For example, if the boat limits out on flounder, we might go farther out and troll for fluke or porgies. In any event, we do not simply end the trip early.

How much of the trip will be spent fishing versus riding?

The typical day trip last for 8 hours. This includes between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 hours of actual fishing time, depending on the bite and the day's conditions. On rare occasions the trip will last 9 hours in order to allow additional time for fishing.

How far does the boat go out?

Typically the day fishing trip stays within 10-15 miles of the Long Island Sound and will fish up to 1 mile away from shore.

What do I see when I'm not fishing?

When we're not fishing, you'll enjoy the stunning New York and Connecticut coastlines, birds, breaking fish, other fishing and sail boats, depending on the day, conditions and season.

What is the voluntary jackpot?

The voluntary jackpot is an optional pool that is organized by the mates for the biggest fish of the day. If you choose to participate and put $5 into the pool, the person with the largest fish at the end of the day wins the pot!

-----------------FISHING EQUIPMENT AND LICENSES------------------

Will I need a license to go fishing?

No - in New York State no one is required to have a license to go on our day fishing trip.

Can you provide me with fishing gear, bait, and tackle?

You can rent a complete fishing rig for $3 at the start of a day fishing trip. This price includes a 7 foot rod, conventional reel, 2 hooks, 1 sinker and bait. If you lose the rig during the trip it is $1 for a new one. Bloodworms, which are great for porgy fishing, can be purchased for an additional $5 per dozen.

What type of bait is used on the trip?

For flounder we use sandworms as bait. For fluke we use spearing and squid. For porgies we use clams and for an additional fee of $5 per dozen bloodworms are available for purchase. For blackfish we use clams and green crabs.

I have my own equipment. What type of gear do I need?

If you want to bring your own, the gear you will need will depend on the type of fish we are fishing for. Shore species like porgies, flounder, and fluke require a light saltwater outfit with the appropriate hooks for each fish type and 3 to 8 ounce sinkers. For blackfish you will need a heavy saltwater outfit with the appropriate blackfish hooks and slightly heavier sinkers. If you want to be really prepared, bring both!

-------------------------WHAT SHOULD I BRING?-------------------------

Can I bring my own food and/or beverages?

You are welcome to bring food, including soft drinks or water. Coolers and alcoholic beverages are allowed on board and must be stowed on the main deck. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board as well.

How much extra cash should I bring?

Besides the price of the ticket, you will need approximately 50 cents per fish for porgy fishing cleaning services, $5-10 per adult passenger for a gratuity, $5 per person for the voluntary jackpot, about $10 per person if you plan to eat in the galley. Additional rods, reels and tackle may all be purchased before the trip with either cash or credit.

What is the voluntary jackpot?

The voluntary jackpot is an optional pool that is organized by the mates for the biggest fish of the day. If you choose to participate and put $5 into the pool, the person with the largest fish at the end of the day wins the pot!

The crew was awesome! Can I leave a gratuity?

Tipping the crew members is optional but greatly appreciated, as they work very hard to make your trip as good as can be. General gratuity is $5-10 per adult passenger and can be given to the crew at the end of the day.

Can I bring an ice chest?

Yes, plastic and metal coolers are allowed on board but must be stored outside on the main deck. No coolers are permitted inside the main cabin.

---------------------QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOAT----------------------

Will there be room on the boat to stow my belongings?

There is ample room to stow your belongings on the main deck. Unfortunately, coolers cannot be brought into the main cabin of the boat.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Our boat is wheelchair accessible. Our crew will be happy to assist you to board and navigate the boat as needed, but we do kindly ask that you notify us of your situation upon purchasing your tickets.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes, the main deck of the boat has a spacious cabin that will provide shade. The upper deck also has a canvas top that will provide shade.

Which boat will we be going on?

All fishing trips take place on the one and only Riptide III. The Riptide III is 90 feet long and 24 feet wide and comfortable holds 110 fishermen and women. The Riptide III comfortable holds 149 people for boatrides and private events.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, There are four clean bathrooms on board. Two bathrooms are available for men and the other two are available for women.

Is the boat safe?

Absolutely, in addition to modern safety equipment our vessels are constantly maintained and inspected once a year by the United States Coast Guard, a Division of Homeland Security.

Are there life jackets on the boat? Do I have to wear one?

The Riptide III is outfitted with safety equipment for both adults and children. While you are not required to wear one, you may do so if you choose. The captain will explain and demonstrate all safety equipment before the trip.

Will I get seasick?

While our vessels are very safe and stable, we will be in the ocean. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, you may consider taking preventative measures beforehand, although we cannot officially advise you to do so.

------------PRIVATE CHARTERS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES------------

Can I book a private fishing trip?

Absolutely! Custom dates and times are available for all of our vessels. Please "Contact Riptide" to inquire further.

Are gift certificates available?

YES! If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please click the "Contact Riptide" link.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Participants must have a rod and tackle to fish on the trip.

Participants fishing on the trip must have a rod and tackle suitable for the day's fishing, which are not included in the regular price of the trip. If you do not have your own, you can rent a rod, as well as purchase tackle at our shop prior to departure.

Riptide III Fishing and Cruises