Full Day Fishing Trip in Port Chester, NY
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8-hour fishing adventure on Long Island Sound watersSpacious 32-foot vessel accommodates up to six guests comfortablyAll fishing gear and hands-on guidance included with trip
Captain Danny's full-day fishing charter gives you eight solid hours on the Long Island Sound, launching right from Port Chester's harbor. This is the kind of trip where you don't have to rush — there's time to work different spots, adapt to what the fish are telling you, and really get into the rhythm of the water. You'll be fishing aboard his 32-foot custom Downeast, a boat that rides smooth even when the Sound gets a little bumpy. With room for up to six anglers, it's built for serious fishing but comfortable enough that families and first-timers feel right at home.
Captain Danny keeps things relaxed but productive. He'll size up the conditions that morning and adjust the game plan accordingly — maybe start shallow for some bass action, then move offshore if the conditions are right for bottom fish. The beauty of an eight-hour trip is flexibility. If the bite's hot in one spot, you can stay and make the most of it. If it's slow, there's plenty of time to relocate and try different techniques. All your tackle is provided, from light spinning gear for schoolie bass to heavier bottom rigs for sea bass and porgies. Danny's the kind of captain who actually wants to teach you something, whether you're learning to read your fishfinder or perfecting your jigging technique. The boat's spacious layout means everyone has room to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
The Long Island Sound offers diverse fishing opportunities, and Captain Danny knows how to work them all. You'll likely spend time bottom fishing for sea bass and red porgy around structure — wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom where these fish love to hang out. The key is keeping your bait right on the bottom and feeling for those subtle bites. For striped bass, expect to drift with live bait or work jigs and soft plastics around drop-offs and current breaks. Summer flounder fishing involves lots of movement — drifting over sandy bottoms while working bucktails tipped with squid or spearing. Danny's got all the right gear rigged and ready, plus he knows the productive spots that locals have been fishing for decades. The Sound's structure is complex, with underwater humps, channels, and rocky areas that hold different species depending on the season and conditions.
Red porgy are one of the Sound's best-kept secrets. These deep-bodied fish hang around rocky bottom and structure, usually in 40-80 feet of water. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat, and they fight harder than their size suggests. Most porgies here run 1-3 pounds, but the occasional 4-pounder will really bend your rod. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they move into shallower water to spawn.
Summer flounder, or fluke, are the Sound's premier flatfish. These ambush predators bury themselves in sandy bottom and attack baitfish from below. A keeper fluke (18+ inches in New York waters) is a prize catch, with larger fish pushing 5-8 pounds not uncommon in deeper water. They're most active during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant, and their white, flaky meat makes them a favorite among anglers who like to keep their catch.
Striped bass are the Long Island Sound's signature gamefish. Whether you're hooking into schoolies in shallow water or battling a 30-inch keeper, these fish never disappoint. They're incredibly adaptable, feeding on everything from bunker schools to bottom-dwelling crabs. Spring and fall produce the best action when fish are staging for their migrations, but summer fishing can be excellent early morning and evening.
Sea bass might be small, but they're scrappy fighters and outstanding eating. These bottom dwellers love structure — wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas where they can ambush small crabs and baitfish. Most run 1-2 pounds, but their firm white meat and mild flavor make them perfect for the dinner table. They're active feeders throughout the warmer months and relatively easy for beginners to catch.
This full-day trip is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the Long Island Sound's diverse fishing without feeling rushed. Captain Danny's approach combines local knowledge with genuine enthusiasm for putting his guests on fish. The 32-foot Downeast provides a stable platform for fishing while covering serious water when needed. With all gear included and hands-on instruction provided, you can focus on what matters most — enjoying a day on the water and hopefully bringing home dinner. Remember the 72-hour cancellation policy, and don't forget to bring your New York fishing license, sunscreen, and whatever snacks you'll want during your eight hours on the Sound.
Step aboard this spacious 32' Custom Downeast motorboat, built specifically for comfortable fishing on Long Island Sound. The 370hp Yanmar engine delivers smooth, reliable power to get you to the best fishing spots quickly and safely. With room for up to six anglers, this well-designed vessel features a stable platform perfect for casting lines and fighting fish. Captain Danny's boat comes equipped with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy morning runs, VHF radio, and a quality fish finder to locate productive waters. The roomy layout gives everyone plenty of space to fish without tangling lines, while the onboard facilities including a toilet ensure comfort during your full 8-hour day on the water. Whether you're targeting stripers, blues, or whatever's biting in the Sound, this motorboat handles choppy conditions with ease and gets you back to port safely with your catch.
Pagrus PagrusRed Porgy are beautiful fish with that distinctive pale red, metallic shine and those bright yellow-orange pectoral fins. Most run 13 inches, but we catch plenty in the 4-pound range, and the bigger ones can hit 19-35 pounds. They hang around rocky bottom and structure in 30-260 feet, though we find them closer to the surface most days. These fish aren't picky eaters - clams, squid, and marine worms all work great. They're a bit shy around the boat, so patience pays off. The meat is fantastic - delicate white flesh that flakes perfectly. Best fishing is during warmer months when they're more active. Here's a local tip: keep your bait small, under 2 inches, and don't be afraid to wait them out near rocky areas. They're worth it for the dinner table.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are scrappy little fighters with jet-black scales and that big mouth full of sharp teeth. They average around a foot long and 9 pounds, but we've seen them up to 26 inches. These bottom-dwellers love hard structure - wrecks, reefs, and jetties in the Sound. They travel in schools and are aggressive feeders, making them great for families and beginners. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when they're spawning from January to July. They're prized in restaurants for their sweet, firm meat. Since they eat everything - shrimp, crabs, clams - they're not hard to catch. Try squid strips or clams on the bottom near structure. Here's the key: use a sensitive rod tip and braided line so you can feel when they pick up the bait and set the hook quickly.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the kings of our local waters - those seven to eight dark stripes down their silver sides make them unmistakable. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, but they can reach 70 pounds and 5 feet long. These structure-loving fish cruise along drop-offs, around rocks, and near bridges where baitfish gather. They're most active during dawn and dusk, especially in spring and fall when they're migrating through. The fight is what gets people hooked - they're powerful and stubborn, making long runs. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Best fishing is early morning or late evening with live herring, eels, or bloodworms. Local trick: watch for birds diving on bait - that's where you'll find feeding stripers underneath. Use braided line for better sensitivity.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the masters of disguise - true chameleons that change color to match the bottom. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can grow much larger, with females reaching impressive sizes. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud, waiting for baitfish to swim by. We find them in estuaries and along sandy bottoms throughout the Sound. Fall is prime time - September through November when they're feeding heavily before moving offshore. They fight smart, not hard, using that flat body to their advantage. The meat is exceptional - firm, white, and sweet. Pro tip: hook your bait through the eyes on smaller fish, lips on larger ones, and use circle hooks. Let them run with it before setting the hook, as they bite sideways.
Port Chester, NY