Fly Fishing - New York City (NYC) Fly Fishing Guide: Any Recommendations?

Fisherone · Location: The Big Apple/ Catskills NY

Hey All,

Anyone have a great experience with a guide in or around New York Harbor? I want to hoist a big slab in front of the Statue of Liberty!!! Thanks!

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Fisherone,

For a long time I have wanted to fly fish and catch a fish with the statue of liberty in view. I've had a few trips planned with my friend Pete but they have fallen through. I sent this post to 3 friends that can definately help you out with some trustworthy advise. My friend Pete Mcdonald of Fishing Jones lives and works in the city and fishes long island and NYC harbor a lot. I can't remember the guide that he fishes with and whom we were supposed to go with .. but, I am sure he will come over here and fill you in on who he recommends and perhaps a couple tips. Also, Kory, is the fly shop manager for NYC's premier fly shop Urban Angler. I know that part of what that shop does is line up guided trips all around NYC and the vacinity with a handful of guides that they recommend. I sent him this post too .. and perhaps he will have some insight for you. And, I sent this to Amanda Switzer a long time and well respected guide in The Hamptons and Montauk, NY and owner of The Angling Post. She should be able to give you some good insight and recommendations. If you do end up going .. and regardless of what guide you use or whatever .. I hope you get into some fish and can get a picture of a nice striper with the statue of liberty in the background .. I always thought that would be so cool and something I have always wanted to do. Good luck!

Pete · Location: New York, NY

Hey Fisherone,

My favorite guide in the NYC Metro area is John McMurray (http://www.nycflyfishing.com/). You may not get a pic in front of the Statue, but if big bass are around he'll know where to find them.

John works with Dave Azar (you can find his name and link on the same site), who is also an excellent guide and a great guy to fish with for a day.

If one of those two guys isn't available, try going through Urban Angler.

Hope this helps,

Pete

kory_k · Location: New York, NY

Just for clarification, I am the inventory manager and buyer i don't actually manage the shop itself. I work in front of the computer and try to make sure we have what people want in stock without exceeding our budget. I also do a lot of the casting lessons in central park and help customers when they are interested in spey casting or trips out west.

We do set up customers with guides in the New York City area quite frequently and there are a few i have been out with. I would recommend getting out with either Bryan Goulart http://www.nysaltfly.com/ or Brendan McCarthy http://www.urbanflyguides.com/ . Both of these guys are excellent and know the New York City area extremely well. Typically in the early season (through July), they fish in and around Jamaica Bay which is the large bay near JFK airport. Brendan was actually in the shop yesterday and was telling me about some great flats fishing he has been having lately. After that as the water there warms they move out east and fish Gardiners Bay and other areas near Montauk where Amanda specializes. I have been with Bryan a few times and had a blast and caught fish in and around Jamaica bay and near the various islands and lighthouses off the tip of manhattan near the statue of liberty. Bryan and Brendan were on the reality show guide house with Amanda. Pete makes a good suggestion with John McMurray who specializes in Jamaica Bay. I haven't been out with him, but know he is very good and knowledgeable especially within the Jamaica Bay area. Another good option for a guy who specifically specializes in the upper New York harbor and the East River is Joe Shastay http://www.nyharborfishing.com/ He basically fishes this area exclusively and knows it well. I have been out with him on the East River at night and caught a bunch of stripers in a true urban setting with New York City skyscrapers looming in the background. He is not a fly fishing specialist though and his boats aren't as set up for fly fishing although we have managed to do very well fly fishing out of his boats. If you need our help feel free to contact us as we are in constant communication with all of these captains.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

amanda · Location: East Hampton, NY

I know quite a few fishing guides in that area, and most of them are very professional, know the area like the back of their hands and are fun to be with on the water. You should try Brian Goulart or John Mcmurray first as they are entertaining, without having any sort of attitude and they generally give you all the attention you need. ( staying of the cell phone, texting, etc).
John has been out there for a long time, he was in the Coast Guard and probably has the most experience on the water out of all the guides. Brian is probably the most fun person to be with on the water, and never has a negative thing to say about anyone!
The fishing usually dies down there during the warm months, but really gets going again in the late fall. ( I think).
There are a slew of other great guides there, and you should call the Urban Angler and have them set up a trip for you!
Good Luck,
Amanda

jeremy · Location: Portland, Maine

Fisherone ... there ya go, hope this helps .... And, others may also have some input to help you make the decision that is right for you. Your post came at an interesting time because Fliesandfins.com is partnering with Theanglingpost.com. Flies and fins has always been about Fish Tales from all around the world and fly fishing discussions, help, questions and gear reviews - Amanda Switzer brings to the table (with The Angling Post), a complimentary resource that focuses on guide and lodge reviews. We feel that Amanda has what it takes to truly make a "guide/lodge" review site work and to monitor it and manage it with the same professionalism and integrity that has made her an accomplished and one of the most well respected fly fishing guides in the ultra competitive world of Montauk, NY guided fishing. Amanda monitors and manages every post on this site to ensure a certain level of authenticity and to ensure that this environment is for fisherman by fisherman. So, anyway hope this helps you out .. and helps you to choose the guide that is right for you . Have fun! Hope to read a fish tale from your adventure. Take care.

Fisherone · Location: The Big Apple/ Catskills NY

Hey All,
Thanks so much for the wealth of great info! Proof once again that the Fliesandfins community is a truly awesome resource. I only hope to one day return the favors and help another member to have a fun and successful outing. My home water is the Beaverkil river in New York. If any of y'all want to get the goods on this beautiful and historic trout stream please don't hesitate to look me up. Rock on!

mwillis · Posted: Mon 07/06/09 10:21 pm Post subject: NYC Guide

I have fished with Chris Hessert (Manhattan Fly) and I would highly recommend him.