MONTAUK FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Montauk Lighthouse Jumbo Porgies & Knothead Sea Bass — Early‑morning runs with Captain Dave
Daily seasonal trips from Montauk and Block Island that target scup (porgies) and sea bass, with gear rental, a full galley, and child pricing—this guide explains schedules, what to bring, and where the boat goes.
Montauk Lighthouse Jumbo Porgies & Knothead Sea Bass — Early‑morning runs with Captain Dave.
Adventure brief
Montauk Lighthouse Jumbo Porgies & Knothead Sea Bass — Early‑morning runs with Captain Dave
Embark with Captain Dave for classic Montauk porgy and sea bass fishing: afternoon and seasonal runs that chase scup, jumbo porgies and knothead sea bass in the waters around Montauk, the Peconic porgy grounds and Block Island. Trips include rental gear, bait, onboard refreshments, and are run with families and anglers in mind.
Situated along the rugged Atlantic coastline of Montauk and Block Island, Viking Fleet offers an immersive fishing experience in some of the best saltwater angling spots on the East Coast. Captain Dave’s day trips deliver more than just catching—these trips are about soaking in vast ocean vistas, learning savvy fishing techniques, and sharing a memorable day with family, friends, or solo adventurers. The waters here teem with scup, jumbo porgies, and sea bass, with the season commanding a lively, dynamic fishing scene that draws anglers from all over.
What makes Viking Fleet unique is their commitment to customer experience and accessibility. All necessary gear is provided, so no need to fret about bringing your own equipment—just show up ready for adventure. The boats are equipped for comfort and safety, with onboard refreshments that keep you energized for hours of fishing. What sets this destination apart is its prime location—Montauk’s rich marine ecosystem and its proximity to Block Island’s protected waters create ideal conditions for a successful catch.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to saltwater fishing, Viking Fleet’s trips are designed to suit all skill levels. The crew’s expertise ensures a smooth, educational, and fun outing, with plenty of tips on techniques and local fishing lore. The experience is further enriched by the stunning ocean backdrop, craggy coastlines, and the chance to witness local marine life, including seabirds, seals, and pods of dolphins that often accompany fishing trips.
Viking Fleet stands out as a cornerstone of Montauk’s outdoor culture, consistently delivering quality trips that emphasize enjoyment, sustainability, and respect for the ocean. It’s a perfect way to turn an ordinary day into a lasting memory, all while enjoying some of New England’s prime saltwater fishing grounds.
Route Schematic
Typical route schematic
Stops vary by season but commonly include Montauk harbor, nearby porgy grounds and, in fall, Block Island waters.
Montauk / Montauk Lighthouse area
Many sailings begin from Montauk and fish the nearby waters around the lighthouse for early‑season porgies and sea bass.
Peconic Porgy Grouds
Seasonal runs move to the Peconic porgy grouds to work concentrated scup and jumbo porgy marks depending on the calendar.
Block Island waters
From late September through December trips extend to Block Island waters where anglers pursue fall jumbo porgies and knothead sea bass.
Sag Harbor (selected sailings)
Select early‑season scup express trips sail from Sag Harbor Village Marina and run nearby scup grounds for shorter, half‑day fishing.
Routes and destinations shift with the season—operators move between Montauk, the Peconic porgy grounds and Block Island—so plan for early departures and variable time on specific marks.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like at sea
You’ll be aboard a dayboat with early departures—out before first light for many sailings—working reefs and grounds for steady bites. The pace alternates between steady drift or anchored baiting and quick bursts of action when porgies and sea bass take. Expect a full day on the water with rental gear and onboard refreshments available, laid out for families and visiting anglers.
THE CATCH
Scup, Jumbo Porgies and Knothead Sea Bass
The trips focus on scup (porgies), jumbo porgies and knothead sea bass under Captain Dave—species that define Montauk’s nearshore fisheries and anchor the seasonally routed outings.
THE SEA
Montauk, Peconic Grounds and Block Island
Depending on the season the boat works the Peconic porgy grounds, the waters around Montauk and the waters off Block Island—each area offering distinct structure and concentrations of porgies and sea bass.
THE BOAT
All‑day support: gear, galley and parking
Trips come with onboard bait and a full galley for purchasing food and beverages; fishing equipment and boots are recommended but available to rent, and there is free parking in the operator’s lot for Montauk departures.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits (and how the pricing applies).
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Fishing gear and boots are recommended; tackle is available for purchase onboard, fishing equipment can be rented, and bait is included with the trip.
There is a full galley on board where food and beverages may be purchased; bait is provided and rental tackle is available for anglers who need it.
Parking in the operator’s lot is free for Montauk departures, simplifying vehicle logistics for anglers and families.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What species will we be fishing for?
Trips target scup (porgies), jumbo porgies and knothead sea bass in the waters around Montauk, the Peconic porgy grounds and Block Island depending on season.
Are departures early in the morning?
Yes. Typical Montauk departures are around 5am (returns around noon on many sailings); some Sag Harbor scup express sailings depart at 6am and return midday.
How long are the trips?
Trip durations vary by sailing: Montauk spring and lighthouse porgy trips are listed at about 7 hours, Sag Harbor scup express is a 6‑hour trip, and Block Island fall runs are roughly 10 hours.
Is gear provided or available to rent?
Fishing equipment is available for rent onboard, tackle can be purchased, and bait is included with the trip.
Are there prices for children?
Yes. Child rates apply for ages 8 to 12; adult and child rates differ by weekend versus weekday bookings and by season.
Is food and drink available on the boat?
A full galley is onboard where passengers can purchase food and beverages during the trip.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:12:55.386Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.