Chris,
As Rick pointed out, you can launch from Captree and you don't have to cross the bay from there. Thats about a 7 mile run to Gilgo. Depending on which way the wind is blowing you can still get beat up a bit even in the state channel. You can also launch from Tanner Park in Copiague. You need a permit in season but I have never been questioned in the off season over there. It's less than three miles to Gilgo, straight across the bay. Just pick your days. Thats alot of open water to cross if thing kick up. If you want to hunt that area let me know. I keep my tender in Lindenhurst and have a ramp there as well. I will usually just tow the boat across and hunt over in that area.