Fish My Bonni Charters

Sportfishing Shows for 2012 - Come visit our booth!!!

2012-01-03T08:46:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

Happy New Year. I hope the Holiday's were great!!! One of the only things that keep fishermen alive during the winter (besides a great day of Cod Fishing!!!) are the terrific annual Sportfishing and Boat shows. I am happy to announce that Fish My Bonni Charters will have booths in two of the top shows in the New York/Long Island area. The dates are as follows:

Long Island Recreational Fishing Expo - (North Amityville Firehouse - 601 N. Broadway, Route 110, Amittyville):

Friday, Jan. 6th (3pm-8pm), Saturday, Jan. 7th (9am-5pm) and Sunday, Jan. 8th (9am-5pm)

NY Sportfishing Federation Forum and Auction - (Freeport Recreational Center, Freeport, NY)

Friday, Feb. 17th (2pm-6pm), Saturday, Feb 18th (8am-6pm) and Sunday, Feb 19th (9am-2:30pm)

So come by our booth for some give aways and of course our annual raffle for a free full day fishing charter worth $750. As we've done in the past, the drawing will take place after the Freeport show and announced in the Fisherman and Noreast.com.

I hope to see you,

Capt. Rick Cohen

Fish My Bonni Charters

Striped Bass Heaven!!!

2011-10-18T04:19:00.000-07:00

This Fall has proven to be a great season for Striped Bass fishing on the south shore of Long Island. We've had a consistant bite with a variety of baits. Last Sunday, the name of the game was clams. We had the Teamster Boys; Joe, Bobby, Mike, Ralph & Gino out for the day. Outside the inlet the seas were horrible. For that matter, inside the inlet, the seas were horrible!!!! But...the bite was on with Bass to 20lbs. As the temp drops, the bite is only going to get better.

Capt. Rick Cohen

Fish My Bonni Charters

516-319-6266

captain@fishmybonni.com

2011-10-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

The BlackFish Season is upon us!!! We ventured out on opening day and were rewarded with Tog to 5lbs. The rods were bent all day with a great mix of Porgy's as well. The Striped Bass and the Blues have also been found under the pods of Bunker and we will be tageting them on every trip. These are just some pictures from Opening day of Blackfish.

Capt. Rick Cohen

2011-09-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

While the weekend was a little crazy weather wise in the ocean, the action in the bay was really great. On Saturday, we had Lenny Judson on the boat. We had constant action at the bridges and drifting the east side of the Big M. We ended up doing really well with Cocktail Blues, Sea Bass, a constant pick of Fluke and a surprise Striper that weighed in at 8 lbs before it was gently released!

Today, I had a family day with my wife, "Bonni" and my daughter Emily. We anchored at the 3rd Wantagh, had lunch and watched Emily have a free for all catching Cocktail Blues and King Fish. She had a blast and I had a blast watching her!!!

Fish My Bonni's BEST day!!!

2011-07-29T10:03:00.000-07:00

Chartering my boat for a living comes with good days and some not so good days but seldom do I experience a day that I can call my BEST day!!! I had the honor this week of taking Marine Justin Gaertner (from the Wound Warrior Organization) and his family on the boat.

Justin was up from Walter Reed Medical Center for some much needed downtime any from his extensive rehab. He and his family had a great time catching plenty of JERSEY keepers in about 60ft. of water.

Giving back to our heroes who allow us to sleep peacefully at night meant everything to me. Thank you Justin for everything you do for our country and please come back anytime for more fishing.

Capt Rick Cohen

Fish My Bonni Charters

Great Summer so far!!!

2011-07-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

So far the Summer has been terrific!!! from a cold Spring, we've emerged with a very hot Summer producing great fishing. For the second year in a row, the Striped Bass have been hot in July on live bunker. We had a consistant bite with fish averaging 30-35lbs. Pictured below are Bree, Carl & Ray, just an example of the craziness that's been going on in just 35ft. of water.

Fluke have also been great in deep waters. With fish to 7.5lbs so far this year, the offshore pieces are still full of doormats. Sea Bass have been pretty well fished on the usual places but there "unknown pieces that we have been targeting have produced 5lb lumpheads.

Capt. Rick Cohen

Fish My Bonni Charters

The My Bonni IV 2011 Season has officially begun!!!

2011-03-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

The My Bonni IV was put back in the water early last week and is ready for the 2011 Season!!! As I promised I would do after the show season, we drew the winner of this years raffle. The winner is Justin Sonsini!!! Congratulations Justin; you've won a full day fishing charter worth $750.

We went out on some preliminary runs last we with varied results. As far as the local reefs are still not producing much. The pieces off Jersey have plenty of action with small Cod and a Ling or two.

I took the family for some good old Long Island Seal Watching and they were out in abundance. As you can see from my crumby picture above, there were about 50-75 just laying on the beach. that was the case on the 3 trips I took.

Please call to make reservations for this season. there are prime days available for the adventure of a Long Island Fishing Charter at it's best!!! You can call, 516-319-6266 or e-mail me at, captain@fishmybonni.com

Thanks,

Capt. Rick Cohen

Fish My Bonni Charters

Raffle Winner will be drawn Shortly!!!

2011-03-02T04:55:00.000-08:00

HI Everyone

I first wanted to thank all of you who stopped by my booth at both the Freeport and Suffolk shows; it was great speaking with all of you.

I had all intentions of drawing the raffle for the free full day charter yesterday but I found out that we may be doing an additional show. If that happens, I will draw the winner the following Monday. If not, I will draw the winner in a few days.

Thanks again,

Capt. Rick Cohen
Fish My Bonni Charters

New Fluke Regulations for New York!!!

2011-02-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

We had a booth at the Freeport Fishing Show, sponsored by the Recreational Fishing Allience last weekend and it was great!!! I want to thank all of you that stopped by to say hello. We're looking forward to a great 2011 season!!!

According to several sources, Fluke regulations have eased up for 2011 by going down to 20 1/2" and allowing 3 fish per person. They have also extended the season from May 1st to September 30th. This is great news for those of us who make our living chartering boats.

We are still waiting on the Sea Bass and Blackfish regs to come in; lets keep our fingers crossed. For more info, go to my website; www.fishmybonni.com

Thanks,

Capt. Rick Cohen
Fish My Bonni Charters
Freeport, NY

2010-12-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone
I wanted to wish all of you a Happy, Happy Holiday!!! And to thank you all for coming out on the My Bonni IV. We had a great year of fishing and cruising and some of the best weather I've seen in years.

Please stop by my booth at the New York Sportmen's Show at the Nassau Coliseum on the 28th, 29th and 30th of January, 2011. We are again doing a raffle for a free full day fishing trip.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Capt Rick Cohen
Fish My Bonni Charters

What a difference a week can make!!!!

2010-11-07T04:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone
Last week we had horrible weather conditions but the fishing was outstanding with Blues to 16lbs and Stripers to 30lbs. This week while the inlet was a mess, the ocean was beautiful with lazy rollers 15-20 seconds apart. Although Paul (All 6'5" of him, holding up his Striper!!!) & John ended up with Stripers to 18lbs, Giant eels and scattered Blackfish, the pick was slow. Luckily, it was a half day charter. I'm waiting on one of the guys to forward me their pictures so I can post it to this blog.

Capt Rick Cohen

2010-11-01T04:54:00.000-07:00

Konrad, Todd, Matt, Chris & Steve on Saturday

Bob, Mike, Ralph & Joe on Sunday

Hi Everyone

The Fall fishing is shaping up big time. The Striped Bass and BlueFish bite is amazing. We've been trolling tube in waters ranging from 35-45ft of water with constant action. The Blackfish bite also been good although the local pieces are being picked apart. For the rest of the season, we'll be going deep for Blackfish.

We had a great bunch of guys on the My Bonni IV this weekend. On Saturday we had Todd Glantz and his friends Konrad, Matt, Chris & Steve aboard. Once we settled a little issue with bananas (Matt)!!!; we were on our way with blues to 14lbs and a Striper to 18lbs.

On Sunday, we had the Teamsters on board!!! Ralph, Joe, Bob and Mike. The bite was steady all day with Blues to 15lbs and Stripers to 22lbs. Thanks for the great food Joe!!!

Thank you all,

Capt. Rick Cohen

All the way from the UK!!!

2010-08-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

We had a great family on the boat yesterday all the way from Manchester, England!!! Mark and his sons Adam, Alex & James had their first fishing experience in our waters and had a great time. With Sea Bass, Porgies and Fluke Galore, we had a none stop action day. Dad became the high hook when he quietly decked a nice 4.5lb flattie!!! Thanks guys and come again; it was great having you on board!!!

Capt. Rick Cohen

Bluefin Tuna Galore!!!!!!

2010-08-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

What a day we had last week. Seven of us headed out about 50 miles to take part in this years great Tuna bite. The hook ups on jigs were constant and we ended up decking two beauties to 125lbs and gently releasing many others.

Capt. Rick Cohen

Hammerheads and Fluke; what a year!!!

2010-08-16T04:48:00.000-07:00

What a crazy August this has been!!! Yesterday we had a Triggerfish caught by Jared and last week while Fluking a Hammerhead pup came up and tried to eat my bounty!!! Check out these pictures; they're very cool.

Capt. Rick

Triggerfish in the Bay!!!!!

2010-08-16T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone.

We had Lenny, his sons Jared and Alex as well as Lenny's dad, Mike on the boat yesterday. The suprise of the day was a 5lb Triggerfish caught right in the bay by Jared. With the "Blue Water" coming in closer this year than most, we are having a strange/fun August!!! Thanks guys for a great time.

Capt. Rick

My Bonni IV is participating in the Woodcleft Fishing Station Fluke Tournament

2010-07-28T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

We are participating in the Woodcleft Fishing Station Fluke Tournament that will start August 1st and end at the conclusion of the Fluke season. If you are on the My Bonni IV, you are automatically entered and therefore eligible to win the top prizes. Please give me a call for all the details.

Thanks,

Capt. Rick Cohen

Fish My Bonni Charters

Fishing Has Been Sick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

The ocean fishing has exploded lately. The Spriped Bass are coming in between 25-40lbs and the Fluke are coming over the rails up to 7lbs. Check out the pictures of just this weekends trips

Come join us,

Rick

2010 Season is starting off hot!!!

2010-06-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Like usual, I haven't been updating my fishing reports as frequently as I should; sorry. I do have to say however, that the 2010 season is getting hot!!! Every charter seems to be producing a consistent bite of Fluke, Striped Bass and Sea Bass.

Quality Fluke are starting to come over the rail on spearing and squid as well as jigging with buck tails.

Striped Bass are being caught on either clam bellies and heavy chumming or trolling spoons.

Sea Bass are starting to show up on the pieces 3-5 miles off the beach.

Send me your e-mail and get on our specials list. This will entitle you to specials ranging from 20% off charters to free gifts including a raffle for a free full day charter.

We can be reached either by phone, 516-319-6266, or by e-mail, captain@fishmybonni.com

Thanks,

Capt Rick Cohen

Fish My Bonni Charters

Winner of the Show Raffle!!!

2010-02-15T05:08:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank again, all the people that stopped by our booth at the Freeport show over the weekend.

As I said throughout the three shows, the winner of the full day fishing charter was drawn from 3 finalists. The 2 finanlists that didn't win the grand prize each won a Gordon Deluxe Rigging Knife.

The Winners are as follows:

Grand Prize - Robert Manos
Finalist Prizes - Jim Hart & Jenna Voughan
(All three winners will be notified today)

I just have to say that it was truly a pleasure meeting all of you over the last three weeks. The passion for fishing in every one of you was terrific. Whether on my boat or someone else's, I hope I see you all "out there" this season.

Capt. Rick Cohen

THANK YOU ALL FOR A GREAT YEAR!!!!

2010-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

I wanted to thank you all so much for a great 2009 season. Considering we had one of the worst runs of bad weather (Second wettest June in history and an average summer temperature 72 degrees!!!). We still got outside more often than not and were rewarded for it.

During the season, our highlights included a great Fluke season with fish to 9lbs. Blackfish came early and were banging our sticks until the bitter end (and I mean bitter with temperatures under freezing most of the times). Many of the Tog were horses averaging 8lbs.

We saw a terrific spring Striped Bass run that started in the back bays and came to a head just off the beaches; many of which were 20-25lbs. We followed the birds for great Bluefish action for a good part of the season many times filling barrels with bounty. Sea Bass and Porgy's always seemed to be there to insure the bite never stopped.

We also had some great sightseeing ranging from Harbor Seals in the Spring, Pods of Dolphin in the summer and the unforgettable experience of seeing the USS New York coming into New York harbor to be commissioned (On the picture there are still no numbers)

All in all, tons of fun. I want to welcome all of you back in 2010 for another great season relaxation and good action

Thanks again,

Capt Rick Cohen

Trinity's big day!!!

2009-07-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I had a great trip tonight with Craig, Alan, Trinity & Brandon. Trinity caught her first fish ever and boy what a first fish; a 13lb Striper. We caught it at the top of the tide on clam and clam chum.

I have to say that the look on Trinity's face when this bad boy hit the deck was priceless.

Come back anytime guys, I had a great time

Capt. Rick Cohen

Me and my bro at the bridges

2009-06-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone
I went out with my brother Paul to the bridges at the top of the tide yesterday for Stripers. As soon as the tide turned it was "Lock & Load". For the next 2 hours it was non stop; mostly skoolies and a couple of nice ones to 18lbs.

Thanks for a great day; I love ya,

Ricky

2009-06-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

I went out Thursday night with Jim and his crew for a mixed bag of Blues, Stripers and even a pregnant Sand Shark!!! The spots that were hot a week ago near the JI Bouy were flat so we followed the diving birds with diamond jigs for a bunch of Blues. When the tide slowed we anchored on the east side of the Big M for one keeper Striped Bass. All in all, a great night.

Thanks guys,

Capt Rick Cohen

Great fishing in our area despite bad regs!!!

2009-06-03T03:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

As we all know, the fluke regulations for 2009 have hindered recreational fishing in New York immeasurably. I'd like to thank all of you who have written letters and voiced your concern not only about the regulations but about the methods of obtaining the data that resulted in these overly restrictive regulations.

That being said, there is still great fishing for the other popular species in our area. This spring, we have had tremendous success fishing for Striped Bass, Sea Bass and Blues. In the early spring we did well fishing for Blackfish and Cod.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though our Fluke season is short, fishing is still hot and as we say "A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at work!!!"

Capt. Rick Cohen

My Bonni Charters

Cod Fishing Blast

2009-02-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone

I have to tell you. Like all of you, the winter has me climbing the walls. I only dry dock the boat for approximately 90 days but they can be brutal. I decided to take a run on the Miss Montauk last week for some Cod action; and what action it was. We left at about 3:45am for spots south of Block Island. We arrived and the wonderful phrase "Fish on" rang out within minutes. We saw constant action for several hours.

By the end of the day, My partner in crime Joe and myself bagged 18 Cod to 18lbs resulting in about 30lbs of fillets each. All in all, it was what I needed to get me through the next 2 weeks of dry dock hell.

The My Bonni IV will be back in the water in the first few weeks of March and we'll be looking to get into some reef action through the early spring.

Keep in mind, we still have dates for Seal Watching, Bring your camera; it's a lot of fun.

Thanks,

Capt. Rick Cohen

Thank you and Happy Holidays

2008-12-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take this time to thank all of the people that chartered the My Bonni IV this year. We had a great season. While the Fluke were restricted as never before, we all did exceptionally well.
Blackfishing, Blues, Seabass, Stripers & porgies were also terrific in the fall months. We even got in a few Harbor Seal watching trips before we dry docked the boat last week.

The boat will be back in the water in the first few weeks of March; weather permitting, and I look forward to seeing you all again.

I will be announcing some "Thank You" days very soon, so if you chartered the My Bonni IV in 2008, expect a call for a day of fishing on me.

Again, thank you and have a great holiday,

Capt. Rick Cohen

2008-10-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone
Well I haven't posted on my website in a while but I have been posting on Noreast.com as well as The Fisherman. I hope you've read them. We went out on te 12th with the GreenSteins; Jonathan, Joey, Max & Isaac. We had a blast. Tog, Sea Bass and Porgies all day. The action came on both the Hempstead and AB Reef's using Green crabs and clam.

Please join me for some fun on the open seas. This time of year is prime for Stripers and Blackfish.

Capt. Rick Cohen

Fluke is back in full swing

2008-07-26T03:08:00.000-07:00

HI Everyone
Just an update on Fluking outside Jones Inlet. It's been terrific over the last week. We had two charters last week that decked 4 and 10 flatties respectively to 5 1/2 lbs.

The action seems to have shifted from the west of Jones Inlet to the east; still in about 55ft. of water. We've done well using both regular spearing and Peruvian spearing.

TIP OF THE DAY: If you feel that you have a Fluke hitting on your rig, slowly lift your rod. when you feel resistance, lower the rod ever so slightly. Repeat if necessary. Make the fluke believe that the bait is alive. The fluke will become more aggressive and go for the kill.

Its been too long!!!

2008-07-21T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

It HAS been too long since the last time I posted a report on this site. I always remember to post in The Fisherman and on Noreast.com but not here; sorry.

Although the regulations are somewhat of a hindrance, we've done quite well. At depths of 50-60 ft, West of Jones inlet, there a large Fluke striking bucktails every trip. If you go to the photo section of the website, you'll see Steve, Sergio, Patty, Joe, John, Danny and many more with their keepers.

Our recent trips include an 8 lb flattie decked by Danny and some 7-8 lb class Bluefish.

See you soon,

Capt. Rick Cohen

April 1st we sail

2008-03-14T04:30:00.001-07:00

HI Everyone
It looks like April 1st, The My Bonni IV will set sail for another season of fun. We'll be out on a few shake down cruises and some exploratory fishing in late March. Give us a call and book a trip. Whether it be fishing, sightseeing or cruising, it's always a great time.

Capt Rick Cohen

Note from the Captain

2008-02-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone
The My Bonni IV is sitting quietly under her shrink wrap for about the next 3 weeks. I usually wake her up in the beginning of March for the Harbor Seal watching that has become very popular in the winter and early spring months. Look for my ads in several publications and online at Noreast.com.

Join us for a day of relaxing fun fishing, sightseeing or just cruising. We also offer charters for some of the holiday events that take place over the summer such as the air shows over the Memorial Day and Independence day weekends.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call, (516) 319-6266 or e-mail me at captain@fishmybonni.com.

Thank you all,

Capt. Rick Cohen