Gateway’s Mini Charter Fleet
If you’re around the marina on a busy weekend you’ve probably run into our two professional charter captains, Don Cartright and Joe Greco. Both are extremely knowledgeable about fishing local waters and are usually willing to answer questions from fellow dock mates.
Don owns the sleek 35’ center console Bill Chaser berthed on D Dock. It’s a limited production, carbon fiber model by famed sportfishing yacht builder Revenge Boats. A Florida native, he ran privately owned billfish tournament boats in the Sunshine State and the Caribbean and started taking charters as far back as 1992. The last yacht owner he worked for brought him to New York where he fell in love with the fishery in the New York Bight. After leaving the big boat scene in 2011, he started his current charter business which he has run from Gateway Marina for the past 14 seasons.
Don is a seasoned striped bass specialist who consistently puts his clients on fish but also offers trips for fluke and bottom fish. Two years ago, his team won the prestigious Manhattan Cup Release Striped Bass Tournament with a 50-pound plus striper, and he came within a hair’s width of repeating this year. He also fishes for fluke and bottom fish upon request and has a long list of regular clients who enjoy his fishing expertise and easy-going personality. He is a great captain to learn from and just spend time on the water with.
At 30 years old, Joe Greco is a standout among the next generation of Jersey charter captains and new to the Gateway family this year. His 28’ Drakkar center console Chasing Tail is in a slip on C Dock and his experience fishing local waters is extensive as both an angler and captain. Prior to purchasing the Drakkar, he fished the waters of Raritan Bay and the surrounding tidal rivers for striped bass from his 19’ Ranger bayboat. Kept on a trailer, he can meet charter clients at various launch ramps or pickup points wherever the striper fishing is best. He still has the Ranger available for charter along with his new boat at Gateway.
The 28-footer has given Joe the range and seaworthiness to chase inshore bluefin tuna, mahi mahi, false albacore, bonito, bluefish, tautog and sea bass on offshore structure expanding the experiences he can offer his clients.
Joe is an enthusiastic fisherman who works hard to make sure his clients have a great time on the water and a successful trip. He is easy to talk with back at the dock and always happy to share information and tips.
“I love taking anglers of all experience levels fishing,” he says. “First time fishermen, experienced anglers, kids and families who want to enjoy a day on the water and learn about the great fisheries we have in the shadow of New York City.”
He recalled a trip from this spring with a client who had never fished for stripers before and his first bass taped out to 49-inches. Obviously, he was ecstatic and Joe told him to curb his enthusiasm a bit because that fish was going to be tough one to beat! They both had a good laugh over that.
With two great charter boats with top-notch captains among the Gateway family, you have the opportunity to meet and discuss the fishing action with professionals. If you’re among the marina customers who are new to fishing, I strongly encourage you to book a charter or two along with some friends and get an education from these two skippers. If you have friends interested in a charter, pass along Don and Joe’s contact information because they are among the very best in the New York Bight area.
Bill Chaser Charters – Captain Don Cartwright – 516-248-8218
Chasing Tail Charters – Captain Joe Greco – 201-783-6246 https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/26746
We are honored to be your Gateway to boating fun and great fishing.
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