Private 8 Hour Fishing Trip - Long Island Sound
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour inshore fishing adventure on Long Island Sound watersLight tackle casting with artificial lures and catch-and-release actionExpert captain guidance for up to two guests maximum
When you want to really get after the fish without feeling rushed, this 8-hour private charter is where it's at. We're talking about a full day on Long Island Sound with just you and one other angler, working the productive waters where striped bass, little tunny, and bluefish call home. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with light tackle setups and artificial lures, you'll feel every head shake and run these fish are famous for. Whether you're dialed in on conventional gear or want to throw some flies, we've got you covered for a day that'll have you talking for months.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job where you're just getting warmed up before heading back to the dock. Eight hours gives us the luxury of really working different spots, adjusting to what the fish are telling us, and putting you on the best action of the day. We'll start early when the bite is often hottest, then adapt our approach as conditions change throughout the day. The Sound has incredible structure - from rocky points to sandy flats to deeper channels - and we'll hit the spots that are producing based on tide, weather, and what's been working lately. You'll be casting artificials most of the day, which means you're actively engaged in every fish that comes to the boat. No sitting around waiting for a bell to ring - this is hands-on fishing at its finest.
We fish light tackle here because it's simply more fun, and the fish in the Sound are perfect for it. You'll be throwing topwater plugs, soft plastics, bucktails, and spoons depending on what's happening below. When bass are busting bait on the surface, there's nothing like watching a striper explode on a popper you just cast into the chaos. For the deeper structure work, we'll drop down with jigs and soft baits, feeling for that telltale thump of a fish picking up your offering. The captain provides all the gear, and it's quality stuff that can handle these fish when they decide to make long runs. If you're into fly fishing, just let us know when you book - the sight fishing opportunities here can be world-class when conditions line up right. Light leaders, natural presentations, and reading the water are what separate good days from epic ones out here.
The striped bass fishing in Long Island Sound is what legends are made of, and these fish have been the backbone of Northeast fishing for generations. Bass here run anywhere from schoolie size up to real cows pushing 40-plus inches, and they're aggressive feeders when you find them. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer can produce fantastic action too, especially early morning and evening. What makes stripers so special is their fight - they'll make long runs, jump, and use that broad tail to give you everything you can handle on light tackle. They're also smart fish that will test your technique, especially the bigger ones that didn't get big by being careless.
Little tunny, or "albies" as most folks call them, are the speed demons of the Sound. These mini-tuna are built for speed and when they're around, the action is absolutely electric. They show up in late summer and fall, often feeding in huge schools that will have you scrambling to get a lure in the water. Albies are incredibly fast and will test your drag system like no other fish this size. They're also beautiful fish with those distinctive wavy lines on their backs, and they're one of the best eating fish in these waters if you decide to keep a few for the table.
Bluefish are the ultimate aggressive predator in the Sound, and when they're feeding, it's like a feeding frenzy you have to see to believe. These fish have serious teeth and attitude to match, chopping through schools of baitfish with reckless abandon. Blues here can run from snapper size up to real choppers over 10 pounds, and they'll hit just about any lure you throw at them when they're fired up. They're also excellent on the table when they're fresh, with rich, flavorful meat that's perfect for the grill. The key with bluefish is having wire leaders ready, because they'll cut through mono in a heartbeat.
Eight hours on the water with a top-rated captain who knows where the fish live - that's what you're getting when you book this trip. The Sound has been producing consistent action all season, and with the flexibility of a full day, we can adapt to whatever Mother Nature throws at us. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to fishing or you're a seasoned angler wanting to target these renowned Long Island Sound species, this charter delivers the goods. The catch and release approach means these fish will be here for future generations, but the memories you'll make are yours to keep. Don't wait too long to book - the best days fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is absolutely on fire.
This restored 2004 Sailfish Bay Boat is your ticket to serious fishing action on Long Island Sound. At 20 feet with a center console design, she's built for casting comfort and fish-fighting room. The 150HP Yamaha pushes her up to 50 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast and keeping you stable when the fish are biting. Perfect for two anglers who want space to work without bumping elbows. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on productive structure. VHF radio ensures safety communication, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer days on the water. Whether you're working artificials around rocky points or trying your hand at fly fishing in the shallows, this boat handles both inshore waters and nearshore runs with confidence. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during travel time between spots. Ready for light tackle action and catch-and-release fun across Long Island Sound's diverse fishing grounds.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBlues are aggressive predators that'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Most range 3-15 pounds with razor-sharp teeth that can shred line in seconds. They roam sandy harbors, bays, and open water, often feeding in violent schools that churn the surface. Summer brings the best action, with smaller "snappers" perfect for kids in the fall. What guests love? Non-stop action when you find them, plus they're excellent eating when fresh and properly prepared. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue to get lures in the water fast. Use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon, and keep your fingers clear when unhooking. They'll bite anything that moves.
Euthynnus AlletteratusFalse albacore are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These torpedo-shaped fish average 10-12 pounds but pack serious punch. Look for them in nearshore waters around jetties and sandbars, especially when baitfish are thick. They're migratory, so late summer through fall is your best bet when they're fattening up before heading south. The distinctive wavy lines and spots make them easy to ID. Guests love the blistering runs and acrobatic fights - they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. The meat's dark red and stronger-flavored than regular tuna. Here's the key: when you find feeding birds or surface commotion, get there fast and cast small lures or flies into the chaos.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Long Island Sound fishing. These silvery fighters with their distinctive black stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing 50+. They love structure - drop-offs, rocky points, and tide lines where baitfish get pushed around. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot between 55-68°F. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and you never know when you'll hook into a real trophy. Pro tip: focus on moving water during tide changes - stripers position themselves where the current brings dinner right to them. Dawn and dusk are prime time.
Fairfield, CT