Full Day Fishing Trip in Port Chester, NY
Captain Danny's got you covered for one heck of a fishing day on the Long Island Sound. This private 8-hour charter gives you the whole boat to yourself or your crew, with plenty of time to hit the best spots without feeling rushed. We're talking about a proper fishing adventure aboard a spacious 32-foot Custom Downeast that rides smooth even when the water gets a little choppy. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to put some serious fish in the cooler, this trip adapts to exactly what you want to get out of your day on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day kicks off from Port Chester with Captain Danny, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is the flexibility – we can chase the bite wherever it's happening, whether that's working the deeper channels for stripers or hitting the rocky structure where the sea bass like to hang out. The 32-foot Downeast gives up to six people plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably, with clean decks and all the space you need to handle whatever decides to grab your bait. Danny provides all the tackle and gear, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The relaxed pace means we can take time to explain techniques, help beginners get the hang of things, and make sure everyone's having a good time. No cramped quarters or rushing from spot to spot – this is fishing the way it should be done.
Techniques & Tackle
The Long Island Sound offers some fantastic inshore fishing opportunities, and we'll be using proven techniques that match the conditions and target species. Bottom fishing with fresh bait is deadly effective for sea bass and red porgy around the rocky areas and structure. For summer flounder, we'll drift the sandy bottoms with bucktails or live bait rigs, covering water until we find where they're feeding. Striped bass fishing changes with the season – sometimes we're throwing topwater plugs at first light, other times we're trolling umbrella rigs or working live bunker around the schools. Captain Danny reads the water and adjusts tactics throughout the day, whether that means switching from artificial lures to fresh bait or moving from shallow flats to deeper channels. All the rods, reels, and tackle are provided, including everything from light spinning gear for the smaller fish to heavier outfits when the big stripers are around.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Red Porgy are one of the real treats in these waters, especially during the warmer months from late spring through early fall. These pink-colored bottom dwellers typically run 1-3 pounds and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. They're smart fish that like structure and rocky bottom, often hanging around the same spots year after year. What makes them special is their excellent table fare – sweet, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. You'll find them in 30-60 feet of water, and once you locate a school, the action can be fast and steady.
Summer Flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the kings of Long Island Sound flatfish. These ambush predators can range from keeper-sized fish around 19 inches up to door-mat fluke pushing 8-10 pounds. Peak season runs from May through October, with the bigger fish typically showing up in late summer. They're masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. The fight might not be as dramatic as other species, but landing a quality fluke requires skill in reading bottom structure and presenting baits naturally. Plus, they're absolutely delicious – firm white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a classic shore dinner.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and the Long Island Sound holds some fantastic populations. These silver-sided gamefish can range from schoolie bass around 20 inches up to cow stripers exceeding 40 pounds. Spring and fall migrations bring the best fishing, but resident fish provide action throughout the summer months. Stripers are incredibly versatile predators that will hit everything from topwater plugs at dawn to deep-trolled bunker spoons. The fight is legendary – long runs, head-shaking jumps, and pure determination. Many anglers consider landing their first keeper striper a rite of passage in Northeast fishing.
Sea Bass might be small, but they make up for size with attitude and numbers. These feisty bottom dwellers rarely exceed 5 pounds, but a school of hungry sea bass can provide non-stop action. They love rocky structure, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where they can ambush small crabs and baitfish. Sea bass fishing is perfect for beginners and kids because the bites are aggressive and the hookups are frequent. They're also excellent eating – sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish and chips or blackened fillets. Season typically runs from late spring through fall, with the best fishing happening when water temperatures are in the 60-70 degree range.
Time to Book Your Spot
This full-day charter represents the best value for serious fishing on the Long Island Sound. Eight hours gives you the time to really explore different areas, try various techniques, and maximize your chances of getting into some quality fish. Captain Danny's local knowledge combined with a comfortable, well-equipped boat makes this a top-rated choice for both novice and experienced anglers. The private charter format means you set the pace and fishing style – no dealing with crowds or being stuck with other people's agendas. Just remember that 72-hour cancellation policy, and consider booking early since prime dates fill up fast during peak fishing season. Whether you're looking to introduce family to saltwater fishing or targeting personal-best fish with your crew, this charter delivers the authentic Long Island Sound fishing experience you're after.