Weekday Special - Long Island Sound
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Weekday fishing trips targeting Bass and Sunfish speciesCaptain John provides expert tips and entertainment throughoutSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Skip the weekend crowds and hit the water when Long Island Sound is at its best. Captain John's weekday trips with Bell 8 Charters give you the prime fishing experience you've been looking for, with calmer waters and fish that haven't been pressured all weekend long. This top-rated charter accommodates just three anglers, so you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping into other guests.
Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the kind of local knowledge that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day. You'll be fishing the productive inshore waters of Long Island Sound, targeting structure and drop-offs where striped bass and black sea bass love to hang out. The intimate group size means Cap'n John can focus on teaching you his proven techniques and sharing the kind of insider tips that turn casual anglers into serious fishermen. Pack your own food and drinks to keep the energy up throughout the day – just remember, no glass bottles on deck for safety reasons. The relaxed weekday atmosphere lets you really soak in the experience without feeling rushed or crowded.
Captain John runs a tight ship when it comes to fishing methods that actually produce results. Depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us, you might find yourself working live bait around structure, casting soft plastics to likely spots, or even trolling when the bass are scattered and feeding. The Sound's varied bottom structure – from rocky ledges to sandy flats – means we can switch up tactics throughout the day to stay on the bite. You'll learn how to read your electronics, understand what different bottom compositions mean for fish behavior, and pick up those little details that separate weekend warriors from guys who consistently catch fish. The captain provides all the gear you need, but he's always happy to let you bring your own rods if you've got favorites you like to fish with.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island Sound fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters can range anywhere from schoolie size around 18-20 inches up to genuine keeper bass pushing 30 inches or more. Spring and fall are prime time for stripers, when they're moving through the Sound in good numbers and feeding aggressively. What makes striped bass so special is their fight – they'll make strong runs, dive for structure, and generally give you everything you can handle on appropriate tackle. Plus, they're excellent eating when you follow proper handling techniques. Captain John knows exactly where these fish stage up during different tidal phases and weather conditions.
Black sea bass might not get the same headlines as stripers, but they're customer favorites for a reason. These chunky, dark-colored bottom dwellers typically run 12-16 inches in these waters, with occasional jumbo fish reaching 18-20 inches. They love rocky structure, wrecks, and anywhere with good current flow that brings them food. Black sea bass are scrappy fighters that will try to wrap you up in structure, and they're absolutely delicious table fare. Summer through early fall is prime time for black bass, when they're actively feeding and holding in predictable spots. You'll often find them mixed in with other bottom species, making for variety in your catch.
The weekday schedule is a game-changer for serious anglers who want to fish when conditions are actually good, not just when their schedule allows it. Captain John's approach focuses on putting you on fish rather than just putting in time on the water. His local knowledge runs deep – he's been working these waters for years and understands how seasonal patterns, weather changes, and tidal movements affect fish behavior. The small group size means you're not competing with a boatload of other anglers for the captain's attention or prime fishing spots along the rail. You'll come away with new techniques, better understanding of the fishery, and usually a cooler full of quality fish to take home.
Long Island Sound weekday fishing with Bell 8 Charters delivers the kind of personalized experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Captain John's combination of local expertise, proven techniques, and genuine enthusiasm for putting clients on fish makes this a world-class charter opportunity. With only three spots available per trip, these popular weekday slots fill up fast among anglers who know the value of fishing when conditions are prime. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, explore new waters, or just enjoy a quality day of fishing without the weekend chaos, this charter delivers exactly what you're after. Book your spot now and discover why weekday fishing on Long Island Sound is the best-kept secret among local anglers.
Your fishing platform for Long Island Sound is a reliable motorboat built for productive inshore trips. The GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing spots while the fish finder helps locate bass and sunfish lurking below. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand and runs a clean operation with room for three anglers. The boat handles the sound's conditions well, giving you a stable deck to work from whether you're casting near structure or trolling open water. Pack your lunch and cold drinks - just leave the glass bottles at home. Perfect setup for a weekday fishing adventure without the weekend crowds.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, hard-fighting bottom dwellers that most folks catch around 2-4 pounds, though they can hit 8+ pounds. These gray-to-black fish love hanging around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and pier pilings in depths under 120 feet. Late spring through summer is peak season when they move inshore to feed and spawn - males even turn bright blue during spawning. They're scrappy fighters until they break the surface, then give up quick. What guests love is they're reliable biters on squid strips and easy to clean with sweet, white meat. Here's the trick: use a two-hook bottom rig with squid on both hooks - they often travel in schools, so doubling up is common when you find them.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are what make Long Island Sound famous - these silver-sided fighters with their distinctive black stripes can reach 20-40 pounds and put up serious battles. They love structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and around bridges where they hunt baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is the combination of a strong fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They prefer moving water and moderate temps between 55-68°F, so focus on current breaks and tide changes. Pro tip: cast live eels or bunker chunks near structure during dawn or dusk when they're most active in the shallows.
Old Lyme, CT