Top Rated Inshore Fishing Adventures in Groton CT
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Fluke near Groton shoresAccommodates up to 6 guests on inshore fishing adventuresProfessional charter guides provide equipment and local expertise
Looking for some serious action without the long haul to deep water? Groton's inshore fishing scene is absolutely killer, and Angler Management Fishing Charters II has dialed it in perfectly. These waters are loaded with striped bass, bluefish, fluke, sea bass, and blackfish that'll give you the fight you're after. With spots for up to six anglers, this charter keeps things intimate enough that everyone gets personal attention from the captain. Whether you're bringing your lucky rod or need to borrow some gear, you're in for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Captain and crew at Angler Management know these Groton waters like the back of their hand. You'll be targeting productive structure and current breaks where fish stack up to feed. The boat launches from Groton's marina area, giving you quick access to prime fishing spots without burning half your day getting there. Expect to fish depths ranging from 15 to 60 feet, working rocky bottom, ledges, and weed lines where these species love to hang out. The captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts tactics accordingly - some days you'll be drifting with bait, other days jigging or even throwing lures if the fish are aggressive. This top-rated charter operation keeps detailed logs of what's working, so you're not just hoping to get lucky out there.
The boat comes rigged with quality rods and reels matched to the species you're targeting. For stripers and blues, expect medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with 20-30 pound braid. Bottom fishing for sea bass and blackfish calls for conventional reels with enough drag to pull fish up from structure. Live bait is the go-to method here - fresh pogies, eels, and squid that these fish can't resist. The crew also runs jigs when fish are feeding aggressively, especially productive on bluefish that are busting bait on the surface. You'll learn how to read your fishfinder, feel the difference between a fish and bottom structure, and time your hook sets for maximum success. The captain shares local knowledge about tide changes, current direction, and seasonal patterns that separate the pros from weekend warriors.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Groton's inshore fishery, and these waters consistently produce fish in the 20-40 inch range. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest schools, with fish feeding heavily before moving to deeper water. These bass are ambush predators that lurk around structure waiting to crush baitfish. When you hook into a keeper striper, expect multiple runs and head shakes that'll test your drag system. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back - these fish have serious power and know how to use underwater structure to their advantage.
Bluefish bring non-stop action when they move through Groton's waters in summer and early fall. These aggressive predators travel in schools and attack anything that moves. Blues in the 2-8 pound range are common, with larger gator blues showing up during peak season. They're notorious for their razor-sharp teeth and never-quit attitude. Once you find a school of feeding blues, you can expect bent rods and screaming drags until your arms give out. Pro tip from local captains - bring wire leaders because these fish will slice through mono in seconds.
Summer flounder, locally called fluke, are the flatfish prize of Groton's sandy bottom areas. These masters of camouflage can grow over 25 inches and put up a surprisingly strong fight for a bottom dweller. Fluke fishing requires patience and technique - you're drifting with the current, bouncing bucktails or sinkers along bottom while feeling for that telltale tap-tap-tap of a flounder mouthing your bait. When a doormat fluke hits, the initial run will surprise you. These fish are excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families wanting to bring dinner home.
Sea bass are the reliable producers in Groton's rocky areas, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. These chunky fish average 12-16 inches and fight way above their weight class. Sea bass are structure-oriented and often school up in large numbers around wrecks and ledges. When you find them, it's common to catch multiple fish on each drop. They're curious by nature and will investigate anything new in their territory, making them responsive to both bait and lures.
Tautog, known locally as blackfish, are the bruisers of the bottom. These powerful fish use their thick bodies and strong tails to dive straight into rock crevices when hooked. Tog fishing is all about precision - you need to get your bait right in the rocks where they live, but not so tight that you get snagged on every drop. When a big tautog grabs your green crab or clam, the initial pull feels like you hooked the bottom until it starts moving. These fish are prized for their sweet, white meat and provide some of the best eating you'll find in local waters.
Groton's inshore fishing delivers world-class action right in your backyard, and Angler Management Fishing Charters II has the local knowledge to put you on fish consistently. With quality gear, experienced crew, and access to productive fishing grounds, this charter operation takes the guesswork out of your fishing day. Whether you're after your first keeper striper or looking to fill the cooler with fresh fillets, these waters have what you're looking for. The boat fills up fast during prime season, so don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot. Give them a call and get ready for some serious rod-bending action on Connecticut's best inshore fishing grounds.
This sleek 32' Downeast from Judge Yachts is your ticket to prime fishing waters around Groton. The 330HP Cummins diesel gets you to the hot spots quickly while burning less fuel than gas engines - more money for tackle! Built tough for New England conditions, she handles chop like a champ so you can focus on landing that trophy striper. The spacious cockpit gives all 6 anglers room to work without tangling lines, while the GPS keeps us on the best structure where bass and blues lurk. Whether you're trolling for blues or bottom fishing for fluke and sea bass, this boat's stability means you'll feel every bite. Perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers ready to experience what Connecticut waters have to offer.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive schooling fish that put up a serious fight and have razor-sharp teeth to match their attitude. They typically run 3-15 pounds around here, with silver-green bodies built for speed. You'll find them chasing baitfish in open water, around structure, and right in the surf from late spring through fall. What guests love about bluefish is the action - when you find a school feeding, it's nonstop mayhem. They're also great eating when prepared fresh, with rich, flaky meat. These fish migrate through our waters following bait schools, so timing matters. Watch for diving birds - that's your signal the blues are pushing bait to the surface. Pro tip: bring a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon because those teeth will slice through regular line in a heartbeat. And handle them carefully when landing - they can give you a nasty bite even in the boat.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy bottom dwellers that pack a lot of fight into their compact, dark bodies. Most run 1-3 pounds around here, though bigger ones can hit 8+ pounds. They live around hard bottom structure - wrecks, reefs, jetties, and rocky areas in 20-100 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What guests love about sea bass is the steady action and excellent eating - they school up on structure, so once you find them, you can catch several. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality. They're aggressive feeders that hit both bait and lures hard. These fish have big mouths and sharp teeth, so they can inhale a variety of offerings. Pro tip: use bucktails tipped with squid strips and work them right on the bottom around structure. Keep the boat positioned so your jig stays in contact with the bottom - that's where they live and feed.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the kings of our local waters - powerful, smart fish that can range from schoolie-sized at 20 inches up to trophy cows pushing 40+ pounds. These silver fish with distinct black stripes love structure like rocky points, jetties, and drop-offs, but also cruise shallow flats chasing bait. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, though we catch them year-round. What makes striped bass special is their fighting ability and table quality - they're strong swimmers that make long runs, and the meat is firm and sweet. They're also challenging because they can be selective about bait and lures. Best fishing is early morning and evening when they push baitfish to the surface. Local tip: match the hatch. If you see bunker schools around, throw big swimbaits. When they're on small bait, downsize to smaller lures. Live eels work magic on big fish during low light periods.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them, are masters of camouflage that lie flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, though doormat-sized ones can hit 8+ pounds. They're found in 10-60 feet of water over sand and mud, especially near structure transitions and drop-offs. Peak season runs May through October when they move inshore to feed. What makes fluke fishing addictive is the challenge - they can be finicky biters, but when you hook one, they fight hard with powerful runs. Plus, they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in these waters. The meat is sweet, white, and flaky. Here's a local trick: use a bucktail with a strip of squid or gulp, and keep it moving along the bottom with a slow retrieve. Let it hit bottom, then lift and drop - that's when they usually strike.
Tautoga OnitisAlso known as blackfish, tautog are chunky fighters that love rocky structure around jetties, reefs, and wrecks. These mottled brown fish typically run 1-3 pounds, though bigger ones push 10+ pounds. They're territorial homebodies with crushing jaws built for shellfish - those powerful teeth make them tough to land once hooked. Best fishing runs late spring through fall when they're active during daylight hours. What makes tautog special is the challenge - they're picky eaters and structure-huggers, so you'll lose plenty of tackle. But they're excellent table fare with firm, sweet meat. Here's the key: use green crabs for bait, crush up some crab shells around your spot to get them feeding, and fish right on the bottom near structure. Keep your bait fresh - change it every few minutes or they won't touch it.
Groton, CT