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Sheepshead Bay

Brooklyn Fishing


One of Brooklyn’s iconic neighborhoods, Sheepshead Bay was named after the sheepshead, an edible fish found in the bay’s waters. For most of its history, the bay has served as a safe inlet for boats to moor and provides a location for fisherman to sell their catch. What was once a simple Brooklyn fishing village has become a prime getaway less than an hour from Manhattan. From its fishing trips to its restaurants and nightclubs, Sheepshead Bay has a lot to offer.


An old photo of boats at a dock by Brian Merlis

Mid Century


More and more boats found their homes in Sheepshead Bay as locals and city folk alike were flocking to Emmons Avenue for the beautiful scenery and access to fishing the open ocean. In the 1950s a fishing trip would cost passengers just $2.50 for six hours.

A photo of sail boats By Nigel Morris

The Early Years


Originally the easterly entrance to Coney Island Creek, Sheepshead Bay mostly consisted of farmland up until the 1870s when homes, hotels, and restaurants began popping up. By 1930 it was a bustling community that showed no signs of slowing its growth. The bay was even widened, deepened, and bulkheaded to accommodate the boats.

Mike's Maritime Memorabilia

Today


In the 1980s and ’90s, Sheepshead Bay hit an economic downturn that threatened the entire community. The local fishermen were hit hard, but stayed strong and weathered the storm. Now the area is more popular than ever and the revitalization can be seen along the piers.


Our captain currently operates his Midnight fleet, comprised of three ships: Captain Midnight, Midnight Star and Lady Midnight. We’d love to welcome you aboard. Book it and hook it!