If you’re planning a Montauk fishing trip, “how much does it actually cost” is usually the first real question after “what will I catch.” The honest answer: it depends on what kind of trip you want, how long you’re out, and how many people are splitting the bill. Below is a full breakdown of real 2026-season pricing for inshore, tuna, and sunset charters with Moondance Charters, plus what’s actually included so you’re not surprised at the dock.
Montauk Inshore Fishing Charter Costs
Inshore trips targeting striped bass, fluke, and sea bass are the most accessible way to fish Montauk, and they’re priced accordingly.
| Trip | Duration | Price |
| Half Day Inshore | 5 hours | $900 |
| Full Day Inshore | 8 hours | $1,500 |
| Magic Hour Trip | 4 hours | $900 |
| Shark Fishing Trip | 8 hours | $2,100 |
Each trip accommodates up to 6 anglers, which means a half-day inshore trip can run as low as $150 per person split six ways — one of the better values in Montauk sportfishing. Inshore season runs May 1 through December 31, so pricing above holds for most of the year. Check the fish calendar to time your trip to peak striper or fluke runs.
Montauk Tuna Charter Costs
Tuna charters cost more than inshore trips because they run farther offshore, burn more fuel, and require a faster boat and more specialized tackle.
| Trip | Duration | Price |
| Full Day Tuna | 8 hours | $2,400 |
| Extended Day Tuna | 12 hours | $2,800 |
| Canyon Trip | By request | Price on request |
The sweet spot for a tuna charter is 4–5 anglers (max 6), which keeps the per-person cost reasonable while still giving everyone real rod time on bluefin or yellowfin. If you’re new to offshore fishing, a full-day trip is the standard starting point — enough time to reach productive grounds without the added cost of an extended or canyon run.
Montauk Sunset Cruise & Non-Fishing Charter Costs
Not everyone in your group fishes, and Moondance also runs sunset cruises aboard the 42′ Grand Banks “Liberty” for a different kind of Montauk experience.
| Trip | Price | Notes |
| Champagne Sunset Cruise | $425 for up to 4 people ($75/additional person, $575 for 6) | No fishing required |
| Day Trip to Block Island | $1,800 + gratuity | Full day, 4 hours on the island |
| Weekend Block Island Getaway | $3,495 | Saturday–Sunday, max 4 people, breakfast included both days |
| Burial at Sea | $400 | — |
| Custom Adventure | By arrangement | Call the captain directly |
What’s Included in the Price
Every fishing charter price above includes rods, reels, tackle, rigs, and bait rigged and ready to fish, ice for your catch, full cleaning and bagging at the dock, USCG-compliant safety gear, and an experienced crew. You’re not paying extra for gear rental or last-minute tackle — it’s built into the quoted rate, which isn’t always true with other Montauk operators.
What Affects Your Total Cost
A few factors move the number up or down:
Group size. Since most trips are priced as a flat rate for up to 6 anglers, the real driver of your per-person cost is how many people you bring. A full-day inshore trip at $1,500 is $250/person for six anglers but $750/person for two.
Trip length. Half-day trips exist for a reason — if you’re short on time or budget, they’re a legitimate way to fish Montauk without committing to a full 8-hour day.
Season and species. Tuna trips cost more than inshore trips because of fuel, distance, and gear, not because of arbitrary pricing. If cost is the main factor, an inshore striped bass or fluke trip delivers a full Montauk fishing experience at a lower price point.
Deposit and cancellation terms. A deposit is required to hold your date. If weather forces a cancellation, Moondance will reschedule when possible; if that’s not workable, your deposit is refunded or applied to a future trip. For any non-weather cancellation, 10 days’ notice is required. Worth knowing this upfront when you’re comparing operators, since cancellation policies vary a lot in this industry.
How to Get the Best Value
Book with a full group of 6 if cost-per-person matters most — that’s when Montauk charter fishing becomes genuinely affordable per angler. If you’re newer to offshore fishing, start with a half-day inshore trip rather than jumping straight to a full-day tuna charter; it’s a lower-cost way to fish with an experienced Montauk captain before committing to a bigger trip. And if you’re flexible on dates, ask about timing your trip around the fish calendar — hitting a run at its peak means a better trip for the same price.
Have more questions about pricing, deposits, or what’s included? The Montauk fishing charter FAQ page covers most of the common questions we get.
Ready to Book Your Montauk Fishing Charter?
Whether you’re after striped bass close to the lighthouse or bluefin tuna offshore, Moondance Charters has a trip and a price point that fits. Book your inshore or tuna charter online now, or call (917) 601-4548 to talk through the right trip for your group, budget, and experience level — our crew is happy to help you plan it out before you commit to a date.