Premium 6 Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure Port Chester NY
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour fishing trip on Long Island SoundAccommodates up to six guests with all gear providedCustomized instruction for beginners and experienced anglers
Captain Danny's 6-hour extended half-day fishing charter puts you right in the heart of Long Island Sound's best fishing grounds. Unlike those rushed 4-hour trips, this extended format gives you real time to settle in, try different techniques, and adapt when fish are finicky. The 32-foot Custom Downeast handles these waters like a dream, and with just six anglers max, everyone gets personal attention and prime fishing spots along the rail. Whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or looking to put some serious fish in the cooler, this top-rated charter delivers the goods without the all-day commitment.
Your day starts with a quick departure from Port Chester – no long runs burning daylight. Captain Danny keeps travel times short so you're fishing within minutes, not hours. The 32-foot Downeast gives everyone plenty of elbow room, with a stable platform that handles chop without beating you up. All tackle and bait come included, from light spinning gear for flounder to heavier rigs for stripers. The captain adjusts spots and techniques throughout the day based on what's biting – maybe starting with bottom fishing for sea bass in the morning, then switching to drift fishing for fluke as the tide changes. This flexibility is what makes the extended trip format so productive. Families love it because there's no pressure to rush, and experienced anglers appreciate having time to really work an area when fish are cooperating.
The boat comes rigged with everything from light conventional reels for bottom fishing to spinning tackle for casting lures. Captain Danny matches the gear to conditions – maybe high-low rigs with squid and clams for sea bass, or bucktails tipped with Gulp for summer flounder. When stripers are in the area, you might switch to live eels or chunk baits. The captain provides hands-on instruction for beginners, showing proper drift fishing technique or how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom structure. More experienced anglers can bring their own rods if they prefer, but the boat tackle handles these inshore species perfectly. Techniques vary with the season – spring often means bottom fishing structure for sea bass and early stripers, while summer brings excellent fluke fishing on sandy bottoms and channel edges. The extended time frame lets you try multiple approaches in a single trip.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Long Island Sound fishing, and these waters consistently produce keeper-sized fish from spring through fall. These fish average 24-32 inches here, with plenty of slot fish that make excellent table fare. Stripers are most active during moving tides, feeding on bunker, eels, and smaller baitfish around structure. What makes them so exciting is their fight – they'll make multiple runs and really test your drag. Spring and fall offer the best action as fish move through the Sound during migration.
Summer Flounder, or fluke, are the bread and butter of warm-weather fishing in these waters. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush prey. Most keeper fluke here run 18-24 inches, though doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds show up regularly. They're fantastic table fare and provide steady action from late spring through early fall. The key is drifting with the current over sandy bottom, keeping your bait just off the deck. Kids love fluke fishing because the bites are usually obvious.
Sea Bass are the reliable producers when other species are finicky. These chunky bottom dwellers love rocky structure and wrecks, where they feed on crabs and small fish. Most sea bass in the Sound run 1-3 pounds, with occasional jumbo fish pushing 4-5 pounds. They're excellent eating and provide great action on light tackle. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're perfect for beginners since they bite aggressively and fight hard for their size.
Red Porgy are the lesser-known gems of these waters, offering excellent eating and surprisingly strong fights. These pinkish fish prefer deeper structure and are most active during cooler months. They average 12-16 inches but pack a punch on light tackle. Red porgy have excellent table quality – many consider them superior to sea bass. They're not as common as other species, making them a prized catch when conditions align.
This extended half-day format hits the sweet spot for serious fishing without the full-day commitment. Six hours gives you real time to find fish and put together a solid catch, while the small group size ensures personalized attention from Captain Danny. The 32-foot Custom Downeast provides comfort and fishability that bigger head boats can't match, and the short runs from Port Chester mean maximum time with lines in the water. With all gear provided and techniques tailored to current conditions, this world-class charter works for everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers. Remember the 72-hour cancellation policy, and book early – the best fishing dates fill up fast as word spreads about Captain Danny's consistent results on Long Island Sound.
Captain Danny's 32' Custom Downeast is built specifically for Long Island Sound fishing adventures. This spacious motorboat handles choppy waters with ease thanks to its stable hull design and powerful 370hp Yanmar engine. The roomy layout comfortably fits six anglers with plenty of space to move around while fighting fish or casting lines. You'll appreciate the onboard fish finder for locating productive spots, plus GPS and radar to navigate safely in any conditions. The boat comes equipped with a marine VHF radio and includes a toilet for longer trips on the water. Whether you're targeting stripers, fluke, or whatever's biting that day, this well-maintained vessel provides a smooth, dry ride that gets you to the fishing grounds quickly and keeps you comfortable throughout your extended half-day adventure.
Pagrus PagrusRed Porgy are beautiful fish with pale red, metallic coloring and typically run 13-30 inches, averaging around 4 pounds but can reach up to 35 pounds. They're not picky eaters, going after crabs, shrimp, clams, worms, and small fish. You'll find them in 30-260 feet of water around rocky areas and structure, though they're often closer to the surface than you'd expect. These fish are a bit shy and won't come right up to the boat, so we use longer lines to keep our distance. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps are right. What guests love most is the sweet, flaky white meat - some of the best eating fish in the Sound. Pro tip: keep your bait small, under 2 inches, and be patient around the rocks. They'll take clams, squid, or worms, but don't rush the hookset.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are scrappy bottom dwellers that pack a punch for their size. Most run around a foot long and 9 pounds, but we see plenty pushing 26 inches. They've got jet-black scales, big mouths full of sharp teeth, and an attitude to match. These fish live on hard bottom around wrecks, reefs, and jetties throughout the Sound. They travel in schools and are aggressive feeders, making them perfect for families and beginners. The season runs strong from late spring through fall when they're in shallow water. What makes them special is the sweet, firm meat - restaurant quality fish that's always in high demand. They'll hit anything that moves, but squid strips and clams are deadly. Since they've got sharp teeth, don't hesitate on the hookset. Here's a local trick: when you catch one, work that same spot hard because where there's one sea bass, there's usually a whole school waiting below.
Morone SaxatilisStriped Bass are the kings of Long Island Sound, with those distinctive seven or eight dark stripes running down their silver-green sides. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, but they can push 70 pounds and 5 feet long. These fish love structure - you'll find them around jetties, bridges, drop-offs, and anywhere current meets obstacles. They're most active during dawn and dusk, feeding in moving water near the surface. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, especially when baitfish like bunker and silversides are thick. Guests love stripers for their powerful fights and excellent eating - sweet, meaty flesh that's hard to beat. They can be finicky though, preferring live bait like herring, eels, or chunks of fresh bunker. Here's the key: watch for diving birds or baitfish breaking the surface. When you see that chaos, get your lines in fast because the stripers are feeding below.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators - these flatfish lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms waiting to strike. They average 15-20 inches but can grow massive, with females reaching 26 pounds. Both eyes are on their left side, and they bite sideways, which takes some getting used to. We find them in both shallow inshore waters and deeper offshore spots, always on the bottom near structure or drop-offs. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're actively feeding before winter. Guests love the challenge of reading the bottom and the excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. These fish are active hunters despite their lazy appearance, chasing down baitfish with surprising speed. My local trick: use a circle hook and let them run with live minnows or sea worms. Hook small baits through the eye, larger ones through the lips.
Port Chester, NY