Weekday Special - Long Island Sound
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Weekday fishing trips targeting Bass and Sunfish speciesCaptain John provides expert tips and local guidanceSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboard
Skip the weekend crowds and join Captain John for some serious fishing action on Long Island Sound. This weekday special puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast, where striped bass and black sea bass are waiting to test your skills. With just three anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows with other fishermen.
Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing the knowledge that's made him a top-rated guide in the area. You'll launch into Long Island Sound where the mix of structure, current, and baitfish creates perfect conditions for both stripers and sea bass. The beauty of fishing weekdays is having your pick of the best spots without fighting other boats for position. Pack your own food and drinks – whatever keeps you fueled for a day of fishing – just leave the glass bottles at home. Captain John's got the cooler space and ice to keep everything fresh while you focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
This isn't a one-trick-pony trip. Captain John switches up techniques based on what's working and what the fish are telling him. You might start the morning drifting live bait over rocky bottom for black sea bass, then move to casting plugs or jigs along structure when the stripers start feeding. The Sound's varying depths and structure mean you'll work everything from shallow flats to deeper channels. If you're new to these techniques, don't sweat it – Captain John's tips and tricks aren't just talk. He'll put you on fish and teach you why certain presentations work better in different conditions. Experienced anglers will appreciate his local knowledge about seasonal patterns and which baits produce when the bite gets tough.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island Sound, and for good reason. These silvery fighters can range from schoolie size up to legitimate keepers pushing 30+ inches. Spring through fall, they cruise the Sound following massive schools of bunker, herring, and other baitfish. What makes stripers so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute you're working the bottom and suddenly they're crashing bait on the surface. They hit hard, run strong, and know how to use the current to their advantage. The Sound's stripers are particularly known for their stamina, often making multiple runs before coming to the boat.
Black sea bass might be smaller than stripers, but they're scrappy little fighters that always seem hungry. These bottom dwellers love the rocky structure and wrecks scattered throughout Long Island Sound, where they ambush crabs and small fish. They're perfect for anglers who like steady action – when you find them, you'll usually find a bunch. Sea bass are also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're most active during warmer months, and Captain John knows exactly which structures hold the biggest fish. Don't let their size fool you; a good sea bass will give you a solid fight and they're notorious for trying to dive back into the rocks when hooked.
This weekday special gives you everything a weekend trip offers, but with better fishing conditions and Captain John's undivided attention. Three-angler max means more fish per person, more coaching time, and the kind of personalized service that turns good fishing days into great ones. Long Island Sound's reputation as a world-class fishery isn't just hype – it's built on consistent action and the kind of variety that keeps every trip interesting. Whether you're looking to land your first keeper striper or add to your sea bass count, Captain John's local expertise and proven track record make Bell 8 Charters the smart choice for your next fishing adventure.
Jump aboard our well-equipped motorboat for some quality fishing time on Long Island Sound! This reliable vessel comes loaded with GPS navigation to hit the best fishing spots and a fish finder that'll help you track down those bass and sunfish hiding below. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast your lines without bumping elbows. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand and loves sharing his local fishing secrets to help you land the big ones. The boat handles the Sound's conditions beautifully, giving you a stable platform whether you're jigging for bass or working the shallows for panfish. Pack your favorite snacks and drinks (just skip the glass bottles), and get ready for some solid fishing action on the water. Perfect setup for a productive day targeting the Sound's best fish!
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, scrappy fighters that love hanging around bottom structure in 20-80 feet of water. Most run 1-4 pounds with the occasional 6+ pounder mixed in. They're gray to black with white-centered scales, and the big males get a bright blue tint during spawning season. Late spring through summer is your best bet when they move shallow to feed around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and pier pilings. These guys put up a solid fight for their size and are outstanding table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. They're pretty aggressive and will hit squid strips, clams, or small jigs readily. Pro tip: use a two-hook rig and keep your bait right on the bottom - they rarely chase anything more than a foot off the rocks.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Long Island Sound fishing. These silver beauties with their distinctive dark horizontal stripes typically run 20-40 pounds here, though we've seen some monsters push 50+. They're powerful fighters that'll test your drag and give you a real workout. You'll find them cruising around structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and near the shoreline where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time, especially early morning and evening when they feed actively. The meat is fantastic - sweet and flaky, perfect for the grill. My tip: watch for diving birds - they'll point you right to feeding stripers chasing bait to the surface. These fish follow the tide, so timing your trip with moving water makes all the difference.
Old Lyme, CT