BEST BOAT STORE
Long Island Boat Rentals is the Island’s premier boating service. Located on Manhasset Bay in Port Washington, it offers bareboat rentals of 13- to 27-foot Bowriders for experienced boaters plus captained rentals and yacht charters so you can enjoy boating in Gold Coast style. Host your parties or entertain business guests with gatherings on the water. Elixir is its new custom-designed party yacht for 24 guests, an unmatched private luxury-yachting experience, launched in spring 2021. Long Island Boat Rentals’ floating dock party Flarty accommodates 24 guests, also available for rent to private boat owners. Get boat training with semiprivate classes or join the Carefree Boat Club for unlimited boating. Long Island Sound offers some of the best boating in the world and Long Island Boat Rentals loves sharing the experience with its clients. 403 Main St., Port Washington, 516-761-0840
BEST FISHING BOAT
Captree’s Fishiest, Laura Lee Fleet’s open public fishing boats, have been sailing from Captree State Park since 1975. In that time, The Laura Lee Fleet’s popularity has grown tremendously and is a testament to its crew’s unique ability to make its riders feel like honorary shipmates. The team is always prepared to help you haul in the catch of the day and make your fishing voyage simply unforgettable. The fleet has two vessels: the Laura Lee and the superfast Laura Lee Express. Bring your friends or the whole family out on the boat. No matter what your speed, these fishing boats are ready to take you out on a fishing expedition you won’t soon forget! 3500 Ocean Pkwy., Babylon, 631-661-1867
BEST FISHING SUPPLY
There are plenty of fishing-supply stores on Long Island, but when it comes to finding the right one, there’s only one name you need to know: Freeport Bait & Tackle. The shop has been serving the Long Island fishing community since 1984, and it has grown to become one of the region’s most popular fishing-supply stores. It offers more than just the basic rods and reels that many of its competitors do – Freeport Bait & Tackle also sells high-quality tackle boxes, quality rods, and anything else you’ll need to head out on your boat or kayak and start catching fish right away. For all your fishing needs, look no further than Freeport Bait & Tackle. 315 S. Main St. #A, Freeport, 516-378-4988
BEST MARINA
With 140 floating boat slips at a prime location on the South Shore, Freeport Marina is where you want your boat docked for an awesome boating season. The floating slip marina provides water and electricity, plus easy access to open waters through Freeport Creek. Marine vessels of all different sizes can be accommodated at Freeport Marina, which also sells both new and used boats. Freeport Marina and Inn is not only a safe, secure place to dock but the perfect summer hangout spot with many restaurants around. Plus, the staff there know what they’re doing, and they will guide you in your boat-handling as needed. So don’t take your boat anywhere else – go right to Freeport Marina for only the best service and experience. 445 S. Main St., Freeport, 516-623-9100, thefreeportinn.co
BEST WATER SPORT RENTAL
Looking to have some fun or a relaxing day in nature? Empire Kayaks is the best place to find top-notch and reliable water-sport rentals. They don’t have only easy-to-use single and double kayaks. There are also pedal Hobie Outback models, which are great for fishing. Plus, they’ve got stand-up paddle boards if you want to try something new and put your balance to the test. Last-minute planner? Empire Kayaks doesn’t even take reservations so you don’t need to put this adventure on your calendar. Basic instruction is provided with every rental. Begin your wildlife-filled journey from the beach and explore the friendly Middle Bay waters and surrounding creeks and marshes, either solo or with friends and family. 4 Empire Blvd., Island Park, 516-889-8300
To read more Best of Long Island Spotlights, visit longislandpress.com/category/boli-spotlight
