Fish on! With three bluefish on one rod, and two bluefish on the opposite side, it was non-stop action and an unforgettable day on the Venture. The Venture, based in Montauk, has been a coveted staple in the charter boat industry since 1984. The 41-foot Hatteras Yacht, originally named the Gray Viking, has been providing memorable experiences on the water for more than four decades. Captain Roger Hart offers fishing charters, lighthouse viewing cruises, as well as Block island excursions departing from the Star Island Yacht Club. The Venture is not a boat for sitting in the marina, but built for purpose with one of the thicker fiberglass hulls you will find out on the water. “It was one of the first boats of its shape and size to be manufactured out of fiberglass,” explains Mate/Co-Captain Bryan Lotufo, “Its extra density allows the Venture to still be in such great shape today.”

Captain Roger Hart (above) has been part of the fishing scene of Montauk since 1986 when his parents bought the boat “Wrecking Crew” which allowed Roger to become completely enamored with the art of fishing in and around Montauk. During his teen years he would go up and down the charter docks asking all the vessels how many they had caught that day. His childhood being so deeply rooted in the Montauk fishing community is an easy explanation for his passion for fishing and being a charter captain. “I purchased the boat to let the history of the Venture live on in Montauk, it means a lot to me,” says Captain Roger. He aims to preserve the history and unique charm of his hometown by carrying out his values during his time chartering the Venture.

The Venture sets out from Star Island Yacht Club. Star Island Yacht Club has a very deep rooted history featuring some of the more famous fishermen and fishing boats in history. For example, this is where Frank Mundus returned in 1986 with the world record 3,427 pound great white shark.  Built in 1928, the club is deeply rooted in the history of Montauk becoming a world famous fishing destination. The original Captain of the Venture also set out from Star Island. Captain Barry (below, right) was the best fishermen around during his tenure and reeled in more than twenty 700-900 pound tuna, along with his mate Bryan, who still works on the boat today.

The views during the charter experience are nothing less than spectacular. There is no shortage of natural beauty surrounding you as well as admiring the iconic Montauk Lighthouse. Joe Gaviola, the keeper of the landmark lighthouse, was actually a mate on the Venture during his twenties. He shared that his time working on the Venture taught him life lessons and how to be a man.

Venture takes you out of Montauk Harbor through the jetties. You then drop your lures once you reach “the elbow” (due East of the Montauk Lighthouse where the ocean floor is at a depth of 24 feet) and set a course parallel to the Hoodoos of Camp Hero State Park. These formations provide a great backdrop for the duration of the charter. There wasn’t much time to take in the views; the sheer amount of fish kept everyone on the boat captivated.

During my experience on the Venture the fish were biting as soon as we first dropped the lures. We set out for Striped Bass and Bluefish primarily. The Bluefish were striking all morning. My friends and I caught seven in total. In the short amount of time there weren’t any fish on the line, Co-Captain Bryan kept us interested with life lessons and local Montauk factoids. The lures are hand-made by Bryan and you can tell immediately that they really work. Every battle with the bluefish was a blast. They put on a real fight that kept us all anticipating the next bite. In all, our charter was packed with fishing action that coincided with the natural beauty and local charm of the coast of Montauk.

To book a charter, visit Venture and be sure to follow on Instagram HERE.

-by Brady Hopkins