Frequently Asked Questions: Captree Fishing on the Island Princess
What if I don't know how to fish? (for any specific species)
That's ok, we love to teach! The Island Princess Captree is known for having the friendliest fishing boat crew on Long Island. We pride ourselves on having a welcoming and family friendly environment that ALL can enjoy... both experienced fishermen and novices alike (that includes kids as well!!). Our crew is always there to help but if you would like any detailed instruction be sure to let our crew know as you board the boat so we can be sure to make your trip the best experience possible. We can't wait to see you on the Island Princess!
ORDER TICKETS HERE
Are kids welcome to fish on the boat?
Yes! They are some of our best fishermen & fisherwomen! We welcome all ages and have an excellent crew ready and able to teach or assist when needed. For very very young children / toddlers we do ask that you bring a life vest (just to be safe!).
ORDER TICKETS HERE
Please dress all children appropriately, bring your own sunblock and appropriate clothing. All guests should wear rubber soled shoes / sneakers. Remember that at any time it can change from 10 - 20 degrees cooler than on land while out on the water (especially in the evening.)
Please note: Parents / Guardians are accountable for the safety of any child they bring on board of course, the crew of the Island Princess is amazing & helpful but they are there to work on all aspects of the boat and help all patrons and are not able to babysit at any time.
Babies: Babies need to be worn or tended to at all times on any boat. Conditions will vary daily. It is always good to check the weather in advance to ensure it is appropriate for a baby or toddler / young child.
Where is The Island Princess Captree located?
The IP - or The Island Princess is located inside New York's Captree State Park. When you turn into the parking lot, turn to the right and we are right down the main center walkway... Look for the big "IP 3X Daily" Anchor on the sign! Just type "Island Princess Captree" into your google maps app. 3500 E Ocean Pkwy #12, Babylon, NY 11702
If you don't see the boat behind the stairs, that's ok! We will be pulling in from our earlier trip shortly, just wait by the stairs. We sail 7am, 12pm, 6pm. Call if you are running a few minutes late.
The Island Princess and Captree Boat Basin is located directly South then East over the 1st single span Robert Moses bridge (not captree island) or the farthest point east on Ocean Parkway from Jones Beach.
ORDER CAPTREE FISHING TICKETS HERE
Do I need to purchase tickets online or can I pay on the boat? How much do fishing tickets cost?
We always recommend purchasing tickets online in advance (especially due to COVID-19 limited load fishing rules currently / for potentially busier trips) but it is not necessary. CLICK HERE TO ORDER FISHING TICKETS
VIEW CURRENT FISHING TRIP RATES
Please feel free to give us a call to reserve a spot and you can pay on board after you arrive. Please arrive early to get your spot. You can pay with cash or any major credit card on board during your trip.
We have a completely secure paypal credit card processor on board that has an EMV chip reader.
TICKET RATES: Due to NYS Limited Load Covid-19 Regulations (until business / regulations change) You will see 1 ticketing rate for Adults / Seniors. If you have children 12 & under (only) use the appropriate COUPON CODE to receive their child ticket price (minus - $20 each).
2020 CHILDREN'S TICKET AGES 12 & UNDER COUPON CODES*: 1CHILD (for 1 child discount) - 2CHILDREN (for 2 child discount) or 3CHILDREN (for 3 child discount)
*Child discounts may not apply to fall fishing Striped bass trips. Rates to be posted Sept. 2020
Food & Drinks? What about alcohol, is it permitted?
Due to COVID-19 Regulations (as of 08-01-20) we currently do not provide a galley with any packaged snacks or beverages. This will change once regulations are lifted.
ORDER CAPTREE FISHING TICKETS HERE
We do have a galley on board the Island Princess where you can purchase packaged chips, candy, water, soda and coffee (prices on-board) but we of course recommend you bring your own food and drink if possible for any meals you may require during your 4 hour trip.
Beer is premitted on board for of-age guests (cans only please for safety). All guests are expected to drink responsibly and to never drink and drive. Uber and lyft are able to easily pick up and drop off at Captree State Park if you should need a chauffer.
Does the Island Princess fish in the Bay or the Ocean?
We are primarily a calm Bay fishing boat, the IP is very family friendly and we fish in the beautiful waters of the Great South Bay right off Fire Island wherever we know the fish are biting. Certain species / time periods do require ocean fishing to get on the catch so check our site or call 631-587-6024 ORDER CAPTREE FISHING TICKETS HERE
Particular fishing grounds may vary by season / regulations so feel free to give Capt. Bryan or Jimmy a call, we will always be honest about our plans of where we hope to fish for any specific species / trip on any given day.
Do I need to bring my own fishing equipment?
The Island Princess will provide you with all the equipment you need. We supply the rods, bait and tackle* for every trip. You are of course welcome to bring any of your own rods / equipment should you wish. ORDER YOUR FISHING TICKETS - CLICK HERE
(*bait and tackle use within reason on certain trips)
Do I need to tip the crew / mates on board?
The outstanding crew (our IP family) does rely on tipping as part of their income and all gratuities are greatly appreciated. Our crew is very skilled and extremely dedicated to making your fishing trip the best it possibly can be all while tending to the vessel and equipment throughtout each trip. Average tips are based on services rendered (anyway from 15 -20% or more if you wish of course) and is not based on number of fish caught.
ORDER YOUR FISHING TICKETS - CLICK HERE
Note: Should you have any questions about the service you received from our crew be sure to let the captain know during your trip.
Are you definitely sailing today (7am, 12pm or 6pm)? How many people do you need to sail?
All fishing trips are weather permitted on the Island Princess Captree. We always try our best get out for all trips regardless of the weather and as long as there are the required amount of guests on board to sail. The number of guests required to sail varies depending on season and conditions.
If the Captain feels the weather conditions are not conducive to fishing or may put the vessel in jeopardy he may cancel a trip at any time.
If you are driving a long distance to our boat, please call 631-587-6024 and we will do our best to let you know what we can. Cancellations during the heart of the season (June - Sept.) are rare but do happen.
ORDER CAPTREE FISHING TICKETS HERE
What are your Covid-19 Fishing Regulations? Do I Need to Wear A Mask?
The Island Princess follows all current CDC mandated guidelines
ORDER TICKETS HERE
If the weather report looks bad, are you still sailing?
All fishing trips are weather permitting on the Island Princess Captree. We always try our best get out for all trips regardless of the weather (as long as it is safe). In the Summer the forecast is frequently incorrect and showers can be fleeting. Cancellations during the heart of the season (June - Sept.) are rare but do happen for severe weather only. Call us if you are concerned about a particular trip 631-587-6024
Also, Follow Us on
Facebook &
Instagram for latest updates (feed can also be seen on our
home page click here.)
NOTE: If the Captain feels the weather conditions are not conducive to fishing or may put the vessel in jeopardy he may cancel a trip at any time.
If you are driving a long distance to our boat, please call 631-587-6024 and we will do our best to let you know what we can.
ORDER CAPTREE FISHING TICKETS HERE
Am I going to catch any fish? Can I keep my fish? Will you clean my fish?
Am I going to catch any fish?
We would love the answer always to be YES! Our seasoned, novice fishermen and children have all had great trips with a lot caught and kept (based on regulations)... However fish-catching also depends on species migration, weather, tides, water condition, water temperature, time of year and of course some personal fishing ability (we will always teach you!) and sometimes a little luck :)
We are always very honest with our reporting of what we hope to expect for fishing on the Island Princess Captree so feel
631-587-6024 Follow Us for fishing reports on
Facebook &
Instagram (feed can also be seen on our
home page click here.)
Can I keep my fish? Will you clean my fish?
State regulations on each species we fish for varies by year. Your fish size must meet the minimum length requirements to keep it (set by DEC) and if applicable whatever the quantity limit is that year.
We will clean your fish for you. Ask the crew and they will have it ready for you before you leave.
2020 Fishing Size / Regulations:
Fluke Season: May 4, 2020 - Sep 30, 2020
Minimum Length: 19 inches Limit Per Person: 4 fish
Blue Fish Season: Jan 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2020
Length: no size limit
Limit Per Person: 5 fish limit
Striped Bass
Season: Apr 15, 2020 - Dec 15, 2020
Length: 28" - 35"
Limit Per Person: 1 fish limit
slot size 28" 35" (not less then 28" nor greater then 35")
Weakfish Season: Jan 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2020
Length: 16 inches
Limit Per Person: 1 fish limit
16" 10 filleted 12" dressed minimum
Scup (Porgy) Season: Jan 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2020
Length: 9 inches
Limit Per Person: 30 fish bag limit year round / 50 fish bag limit September & October
