Afternoon Fishing Trip in Port Chester, NY
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 3hour afternoon fishing trip on Long Island SoundSpacious 32foot vessel accommodates up to six guests comfortablyAll fishing gear provided with handson captain guidance included
Captain Danny knows that not everyone wants to roll out of bed at dawn to catch fish. That's exactly why this 3-hour afternoon charter from Port Chester hits the sweet spot for anglers who prefer a civilized start time while still getting their lines wet on prime Long Island Sound waters. You'll fish productive inshore spots where stripers, fluke, and sea bass hang out, all within a short boat ride from the harbor. The 32-foot custom Downeast gives your group of up to six plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably, whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're seasoned anglers looking to add some quality catches to your cooler.
This trip keeps things simple and effective. You'll meet Captain Danny at Port Chester Marina in the early afternoon, and within minutes you're cruising toward productive fishing grounds in Long Island Sound. The beauty of fishing these waters is that you don't need to burn half your trip time getting to where the fish are - prime spots are typically 15-20 minutes from the dock. Captain Danny tailors each trip based on what's biting, current conditions, and your group's experience level. First-timers get hands-on instruction with everything from baiting hooks to fighting fish, while experienced anglers can focus on technique and reading the water. The boat's spacious layout means everyone gets their own fishing space without bumping elbows, and there's plenty of room for coolers, tackle bags, and whatever else you need for a successful afternoon.
All your gear comes included, so you can leave the tackle box at home. Captain Danny runs a mix of techniques depending on what's working best - you might be dropping live bait or chunks for stripers around structure, drifting with squid and spearing for fluke on sandy bottom, or working jigs near rocky areas where sea bass like to hide. The boat carries conventional and spinning tackle matched to whatever you're targeting, from lighter rods for fluke and porgies up to medium-heavy setups that can handle good-sized stripers. Bait selection changes with the season and conditions - fresh clams, squid, and live bait like bunker or eels when available. Captain Danny reads the fish finder and adjusts tactics throughout the trip, moving spots if the action slows down. The afternoon timing often works in your favor since many fish species feed actively as the sun gets lower and water temperatures start to cool.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Long Island Sound fishing, and afternoon trips often produce solid keeper fish between 28-35 inches. These fish are aggressive fighters that'll test your drag and give you a real workout on the rod. Stripers move in schools and feed heavily on baitfish like bunker, herring, and silversides that are abundant in these waters. Summer months bring the best action, though spring and fall runs can be outstanding when fish are migrating through the area. What makes stripers special is their unpredictability - you might hook into a schoolie one cast and then tie into a 40-inch cow the next.
Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the flatfish that keep coolers full during warmer months. These ambush predators bury themselves in sandy bottom and attack baitfish from below, creating exciting strikes that often surprise first-time fluke anglers. Port Chester waters produce fluke from 18-25 inches regularly, with occasional doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds. The key to consistent fluke fishing is covering water and finding the right depth where they're holding, typically 20-40 feet in this area. Fluke season runs May through September, with peak action in July and August when water temperatures hit their sweet spot.
Black sea bass are the bulldog fighters of the bottom, and Long Island Sound has excellent populations around rocky structure and wrecks. These chunky fish punch well above their weight class and provide steady action when stripers and fluke are being finicky. Sea bass in the 2-4 pound range are common, and they're excellent table fare with sweet, firm white meat. They're also perfect for kids and beginners since they bite readily and don't require specialized techniques - just get your bait to the bottom near structure and hang on.
Red porgy might be the surprise star of your trip. These colorful bottom dwellers are becoming more common in Long Island Sound waters and provide excellent sport on lighter tackle. Porgies typically run 1-3 pounds and have beautiful pink and red coloration that makes them stand out in photos. They're curious fish that often bite quickly once you find a school, making them perfect for keeping the action steady throughout your trip.
Afternoon fishing trips fill up fast, especially during prime summer months when families and working anglers prefer the later start time. Captain Danny's local knowledge and commitment to putting his guests on fish has made this one of Port Chester's most requested charters. The 3-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and target different species without eating up your entire day. With all tackle and instruction included, plus the convenience of fishing close to shore, this trip delivers maximum fishing value in a condensed timeframe. Remember the 72-hour cancellation policy and book early to secure your preferred date - good captains and prime afternoon slots don't stay open long during fishing season.
Step aboard our spacious 32' Custom Downeast motorboat, designed specifically for comfortable inshore fishing on Long Island Sound. This stable, well-built vessel handles the local waters beautifully while keeping your group of up to six anglers comfortable during your afternoon fishing adventure. The 370hp Yanmar engine gets you to the fishing grounds quickly, leaving more time with lines in the water. You'll appreciate the modern fish finder for locating productive spots, plus GPS and radar for safe navigation. The roomy layout gives everyone plenty of space to fish without crowding, and the onboard facilities including a private head make longer trips more enjoyable. Whether you're targeting striped bass, fluke, or whatever's biting in the Sound, this boat provides the perfect platform for a relaxed afternoon of fishing near Port Chester.
Pagrus PagrusRed Porgy are beautiful fish with that distinctive pale red, metallic sheen and yellow-orange fins. Most run 13 inches, but you'll occasionally hook into bigger ones pushing 4-5 pounds. They're pretty shy around the boat, so we fish them around rocky structure in 30-80 feet of water where they hunt crabs, clams, and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps warm up. What guests love about these fish is the delicate, flaky white meat - it's restaurant quality. They're not huge fighters, but they're sneaky and will test your patience. Here's the trick: keep your bait small, under 2 inches. Clam strips and squid work great, but don't rush them. Let them take it and run before you set the hook.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are one of our most reliable catches here in the Sound. These dark, stocky fish average around 12 inches and pack a lot of fight for their size. They live on hard bottom near wrecks, reefs, and rocky structure where they hunt crabs and small fish. Spring through early fall is prime season, especially when the water warms up. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters and the meat is absolutely delicious - sweet and firm, perfect for the dinner table. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They're not picky eaters either. My go-to trick: use a bucktail jig tipped with squid or clam. Drop it to the bottom, then work it just off the structure. These fish hit hard and fast, so keep your rod tip up and be ready.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of Long Island Sound fishing. These silver beauties with dark horizontal stripes typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we see bigger ones. They love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration when they're feeding aggressively. What guests love is the fight - these fish pull hard and make screaming runs. Plus, the meat is top-notch when cooked fresh. They're smart predators that hunt in schools, often pushing bait to the surface. My tip: watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the action is. When you see birds working, get your lines in the water fast. Use live bait when possible; nothing beats a fresh bunker or eel.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the chameleons of the Sound - these flatfish change colors to match the bottom perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush baitfish swimming overhead. We find them on sandy bottoms and around structure edges where they can blend in. Fall fishing from September through November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes them fun is watching that "thump-thump" bite as they grab your bait sideways and swim off. The meat is outstanding - sweet, white, and flaky. They're not big fighters but they're smart. Pro tip: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Flounder bite sideways, so give them a few seconds to turn the bait in their mouth before you lift the rod.
Port Chester, NY