If you’re planning a family vacation in Montauk, one of the most fun and memorable activities you can add to your itinerary is a family fishing trip. We recently booked fishing lessons in Montauk for our family, and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect adventure.
Step 1: Choose the Right Fishing Lesson or Guide
When it comes to family fishing in Montauk, booking a guided fishing tour is the easiest way to ensure everyone has a great experience. Look for guides who:
- Offer family-friendly lessons suitable for kids and beginners
- Provide all the fishing gear and bait so you don’t need to bring anything
- Have good reviews for safety and fun experiences
We found our guide online and just sent a quick text to reserve our spot. Some companies even let you book in advance for summer vacations, which is highly recommended since spots fill up fast. We used a guy from Instagram called Fish With Magic. I cannot say ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE.
Step 2: Pick the Best Time
Fishing in Montauk can be great year-round, but the best family fishing trips are usually:
- Late spring through early fall for mild weather
- Morning trips when fish are most active
- Check with your guide about tides and local fishing conditions
Planning the timing ahead makes a big difference, especially if you’re traveling with kids. With Fish with Magic, we were able to tell him that we needed to stay off a boat. Two members of my family get seasick, and we preferred to fish from the shore. It was no problem.
Step 3: Pack the Essentials
Even if your guide provides equipment, you’ll want to bring a few items for comfort and convenience:
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses
- Snacks and water for the family
- Camera or phone for photos
- Light jackets or layers if it’s breezy on the water
- Towels or a small cooler if you plan to keep your catch
Step 4: Make It Fun for Kids
The key to a family fishing experience in Montauk is keeping it engaging for kids:
- Let them try different roles: baiting hooks, casting lines, and reeling in fish
- Celebrate every catch, even small ones, to keep spirits high
- Bring a small reward like stickers or a treat after the trip
Our kids loved every minute—from learning to fish to seeing their first catches.
Step 5: Combine with Other Family-Friendly Activities
Montauk has so much more to offer beyond fishing. After your trip, consider:
- Exploring local beaches and tide pools
- Enjoying ice cream shops or casual seafood restaurants
- Walking nearby trails or lighthouses for a mini-adventure
Pairing fishing with other Montauk vacation activities makes your trip even more memorable.
Step 6: Reflect and Enjoy the Memories
Finally, don’t forget to relax and enjoy the experience. A family fishing trip in Montauk isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about spending quality time together, learning something new, and creating lasting memories.
Final Thoughts
Booking a family fishing lesson in Montauk was the highlight of our vacation. It’s simple to plan, fun for kids and adults, and gives you a unique outdoor adventure. If you’re wondering what to do in Montauk with kids, I can’t recommend a guided fishing tour in Montauk enough—it’s the perfect combination of fun, learning, and relaxation.
Have you tried family fishing in Montauk yet? If not, now’s the time to plan your adventure!