Weekend & Holidays Trip Long Island Sound
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Flounder, Scup, Tautog, and Striped Bass inshoreSmall group fishing experience for up to 2 guestsPerfect weekend and holiday fishing adventure available
When you're looking to make the most of your time off, there's nothing quite like getting out on Long Island Sound with Bell 8 Charters. This intimate fishing adventure is built for small groups – just you and one other angler – which means personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowd. Whether you're planning a father-son outing, a fishing date with your partner, or some quality time with your best fishing buddy, this trip delivers the kind of hands-on experience that bigger boats just can't match. Long Island Sound is loaded with structure, drop-offs, and rocky bottom that holds serious fish year-round, and our weekend and holiday schedule means you can chase these prized inshore species when your schedule allows.
This isn't your typical party boat experience – with just two guests max, you'll have room to fish properly and access to the captain's local knowledge that comes from years working these waters. Long Island Sound offers some of the most diverse inshore fishing on the East Coast, with rocky reefs, sandy flats, and structured bottom that attracts everything from keeper stripers to hefty tautog. The trip focuses on the bread-and-butter species that make this area famous: chunky flounder, aggressive scup, hard-fighting tautog, and the crown jewel – striped bass. You'll be fishing in waters that range from 15 to 60 feet, moving between spots based on tide, season, and what's biting. The captain knows where the fish stack up during different tide phases and will put you on the most productive water for the conditions. Expect to use a variety of techniques depending on what we're targeting – from bottom rigs for flounder and scup to live bait presentations for stripers.
Long Island Sound fishing requires adapting to conditions and target species, so you'll get hands-on experience with multiple approaches during your trip. For bottom species like flounder, tautog, and scup, we'll be using traditional high-low rigs with circle hooks and just enough weight to hold bottom in the current. Green crabs and sandworms are go-to baits for tog, while squid strips and spearing work magic on flounder and scup. When we're after striped bass, the approach changes completely – live eels, bunker chunks, or even trolling with umbrella rigs depending on the season and water temperature. The rocky structure that makes Long Island Sound so productive also means you need to know how to work your baits properly – too much weight and you'll hang up constantly, too little and you won't stay in the strike zone. The captain will walk you through reading your rod tip, feeling the bite, and setting the hook properly for each species. All tackle and bait are provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you have favorites.
Striped Bass are the marquee species in Long Island Sound, and for good reason. These fish run from schoolie size up to legitimate keepers in the 28+ inch range, with some true cows mixed in during peak season. Spring and fall see the best striper action as fish move through the Sound on their migration routes. They're aggressive feeders that will hit everything from live bunker to soft plastics, and the fight they put up in the current and around structure is what keeps anglers coming back. When you hook into a solid striper, expect multiple runs and some serious head-shaking – these fish know how to use the current to their advantage.
Tautog might not win any beauty contests, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the Sound. These bottom-dwellers love rocky structure and are notorious bait thieves, making them a favorite challenge for experienced anglers. Tog season runs through late fall and early winter when they're feeding heavily before their dormant period. They average 2-4 pounds with occasional fish pushing double digits. The key to success is keeping your bait right on the rocks where they live – and being ready for their subtle pick-up-and-drop bite pattern.
Scup, or porgy, are the perfect species for non-stop action. These silver-sided fighters travel in schools and when you find them, you can catch them as fast as you can drop your line. They're excellent table fare and range from half-pound snapper size up to plate-sized fish over two pounds. Summer months see the best scup fishing, and they're often caught while targeting other species, making them a great bonus fish that keeps the action going between bigger bites.
Southern Flounder are the flatfish stars of Long Island Sound, and catching one always feels like a small victory. These ambush predators bury themselves in sand and strike with lightning speed. Summer flounder season brings fish from keeper size (19+ inches) up to genuine doormats over five pounds. They require patience and the right presentation – a slow drift with your bait just off the bottom usually does the trick. The fight isn't spectacular, but the satisfaction of fooling one of these clever predators and the excellent table fare makes them a prized target.
Black Sea Bass round out the target list and have made a strong comeback in recent years. These bottom-dwellers are structure-oriented fish that put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're excellent eating and the regulations have stabilized to allow for some consistent harvest opportunities. Sea bass are opportunistic feeders that will take cut bait, squid, or small jigs worked near rocky bottom.
Bluefish bring the aggression factor when they're around. These toothy predators travel in schools and feed with incredible intensity. When the blues are biting, it's fast and furious action with fish that fight hard and jump frequently. They're excellent on the grill when handled properly, and catching them often means you've found bait schools that attract other gamefish too.
Long Island Sound delivers consistent fishing action for anglers who want variety, technique, and the chance at some quality
This reliable motorboat is your ticket to some serious fishing action on Long Island Sound. Built for inshore adventures, she's perfectly sized for you and a buddy to chase after Flounder, Scup, Tautog, and those coveted Striped Bass without feeling cramped. The onboard GPS keeps you on course to the hottest fishing spots, while the fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate where the fish are hanging out below. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or making the most of a holiday, this boat gets you to the productive waters where Long Island Sound's prized species are waiting. Simple, straightforward, and ready to put you on the fish – exactly what you need for a solid day on the water.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the crown jewel of Long Island Sound - powerful fish that typically run 20-40 pounds, with some reaching 50+. These silvery beauties with their signature dark horizontal stripes love structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and around bridge pilings. Best fishing is spring through fall when they migrate through our waters, especially during moving tides at dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll make multiple runs and really test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving or bait breaking the surface, get there fast. The stripers are usually right underneath, feeding hard. Use live eels or bunker chunks near the bottom for the best results.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are the bulldozers of the Sound - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that average 3-8 pounds but can reach 15+ pounds. These blue-green torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth are notorious for their feeding frenzies when they attack baitfish schools near the surface. Summer through early fall is prime time when they chase baitfish into our waters. What gets anglers excited about blues is their savage strikes and powerful runs - plus they're great eating when prepared fresh, with rich, flavorful meat. You'll often see them creating surface commotion as they slash through bait schools. Any shiny lure or fresh bait like bunker chunks works well. Warning: use a wire leader and pliers when handling - those teeth can do serious damage. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools, then cast into the chaos for fast action.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder are the masters of disguise - flat, oval-shaped fish that lie camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, though some reach 8+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow bays, channels, and near structure where they can hide in the sand with both eyes on their left side watching for baitfish. Spring through fall is best when they're most active in warmer water. What's fun about flounder fishing is the challenge - they're ambush predators that require patience and finesse. They're also fantastic eating with delicate, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Best technique is slow-drifting live minnows, squid strips, or bucktails along the bottom. Pro tip: when you feel a flounder grab your bait, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to turn the bait and swallow it properly.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgies as we call them locally, are scrappy little fighters that average 1-2 pounds but can reach 4 pounds. These silver-scaled beauties with their deep, compressed bodies love hanging around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and structure in 20-60 feet of water. May through October is prime time when they move inshore from deeper winter haunts. What guests love about scup is they're cooperative - great for kids and beginners since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. The key to success is bottom fishing with squid strips, clams, or marine worms on light tackle. Pro tip: once you find them, stay put - scup school up tight, so where you catch one, you'll usually find more.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are chunky, aggressive fighters that typically run 1-3 pounds, though some reach 6+ pounds. These dark-bodied fish with white-spotted fins love hanging around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in 30-100 feet of water. Late spring through summer is peak season when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What makes them fun to target is their willingness to bite and their scrappy fight - they'll dive straight for cover when hooked. They're also top-notch table fare with firm, sweet meat. During spawning, males turn bright blue with a prominent hump on their heads, making them easy to spot. Best technique is dropping squid strips or clams to the bottom near structure. Quick tip: use a two-hook rig and be ready to reel fast once you feel the bite - they'll wrap you in the rocks if given a chance.
Tautoga OnitisTautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of Long Island Sound - thick, powerful fish that average 2-4 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds. These mottled brown and black fish with rubbery skin live around rocky structure, jetties, and boulder fields where they crush shellfish with their strong teeth. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're most active before heading to deeper water. Anglers love tautog for their stubborn, head-shaking fight and excellent eating - firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They're tricky though, known for stealing bait without getting hooked. Best bait is green crabs or Asian shore crabs. Here's the secret: keep your bait moving and set the hook fast when you feel that first tap. They'll test your tackle against the rocks every time.
Old Lyme, CT