Karen Ann Charters
⭐ ProCapt. Vinnie Calabro · Howard Beach, NY
NY Bight spring through fall · Winters in Fort Pierce, Florida
Verified with the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center.
Starting from
$400
Verified with the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center.
About Captain Vinnie Calabro
Capt. Vinnie Calabro has fished Jamaica Bay for more than 50 years. He runs the NY Bight from spring through fall and winters in Fort Pierce, Florida. The waters of Jamaica Bay, when the time and season are right, hold trophy size fish, most notably striped bass. In springtime the bay comes alive as bait moves in and big fish forage on them. That is where the Karen Ann begins to stalk its quarry. You will experience first hand what live-lining is all about. Herring, bunker, eels and other baitfish are used to get you that fish for the wall. That is what I like to call our meat and potatoes fishing: "big baits, big tide, big fish." Our preparations begin 2 hours before you arrive at the boat. We fish with live bait such as bunker, herring and mullet that we catch before each trip, so a great deal of work goes into every charter. Upon request, you can come aboard with us to catch bunker before your charter, which is quite an experience if you have never seen it done. Live-lining is not our only forte, and diversity pays off. Light tackle anglers and fly-rodders benefit from our knowledge too. The back bay holds many haunts for fish, and our skiff gives us the speed and access to reach them all, with a live well, custom casting platform and state of the art electronics. As the seasons evolve, so does our repertoire. We fish year round for bottom dwellers like tog, scup and fluke, and offshore anglers can challenge their skills and stamina fishing the deep for shark, tuna and mahi. We fish Jamaica Bay, the New York Bight and Raritan Bay, 7 days a week, with morning and afternoon charters. We promise that aboard the Karen Ann we will work as hard as you to have an enjoyable day fishing. We are minutes from JFK Airport, with convenient pickup from the airport and easy mass transit access, so a trip fits a layover or a morning before work. A day of fishing for you, a way of life for us. Regards and tight lines, Capt. Vinnie
Meet the Crew
John C
Mate
combined we have 100 plus years on the water
Trips & Pricing
Full day (8 hours) · Private boat, up to 6 people
Price for 1 to 4 anglers, all included (gratuity not included). Each additional angler $100, up to 6. Prices may change if fuel prices spike.
4 hours · Private boat
Back bay and Jamaica Bay. Prices may change if fuel prices spike.
Full day (10 hours) · Private boat, up to 6 people
$1,200 to $1,800 depending on range. 30 ft Parker center console, 500 HP. Prices may change if fuel prices spike.
4 hours · Private boat, up to 2 people
On the 19 ft Parker flats boat with a jack plate, built for skinny water. Prices may change if fuel prices spike.
The Boat
Capacity
6 anglers
Location & Departure
City
Howard Beach, NY
Area
NY Bight spring through fall · Winters in Fort Pierce, Florida
Departure point
Shell Bank, 161-03 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, NY 11414
Trip Details
Location
Howard Beach, NY
Trip types
Inshore, Offshore, Fly Fishing, Tournament
Trip lengths
4 to 10 hours
Group size
Up to 6 anglers
Website
Technique
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What's included in the trip?
Rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, and required safety equipment are provided. Bring yourself and anything you'd like to eat or drink. Check the listing for specifics.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, soft-soled closed-toe shoes, and any food or drinks you'd like (no glass). Dress in layers for the conditions.
Do I need a fishing license?
In most cases the charter's license covers everyone aboard. Confirm with your captain for your specific trip and location.
Are kids welcome?
Many captains happily take young anglers. Ask about kid-friendly trips and any age minimums.
Do you clean and bag the catch?
Most captains fillet and bag your catch after the trip, often for a small gratuity. Confirm with your captain.
Do I need fishing experience?
No experience required — captains guide anglers of all skill levels. The more you've fished, the more advanced techniques you can try.
What will we target?
It depends on the season and conditions. Check the target species on the listing; your captain will put you on what’s biting.
When do you fish?
We fish the NY Bight 7 days a week from spring through fall, with morning and afternoon charters, and winter in Fort Pierce, Florida. Call 516-728-6952 for dates.
Can you pick me up at JFK Airport?
Yes. We are minutes from JFK Airport and pickup from the airport is available. Call 516-728-6952 to arrange it. The dock also has easy mass transit access.
Do you take single anglers?
Yes, singles are welcome by reservation. Call 516-728-6952 to book.
How do I book an offshore trip?
Our trip rates are listed on this page, including the tuna jig and pop trip. For occasional shared open-boat dates and other offshore trips, call 516-728-6952.
Can I help catch the bait?
Yes. Our preparations begin 2 hours before you arrive, catching the live bunker, herring and mullet we fish with. On request you can come aboard early and catch bunker with us.
Is gratuity included?
No, gratuity is not included in our prices.
Can I bring alcohol on the boat?
No. Absolutely no drugs or alcoholic beverages. Passengers in violation will be returned to port immediately without a refund.
Cancellation Policy
A deposit holds your date and is non-refundable, but it can be applied to a rescheduled trip within 12 months. If we cancel for weather, your deposit is refunded in full or moved to a new date, your choice.
Contact Capt. Vinnie Calabro
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