Connecticut Bluefish Fishing with FlyLight Charters
Looking for solid bluefish action on Connecticut's coast? Captain Peter Corrao knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his FlyLight Charters operation out of New London puts you right where the blues are feeding. From mid-April through late October, these aggressive fighters stack up in Long Island Sound, and Peter's got the local knowledge to put you on them consistently. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or new to the inshore game, this top-rated charter delivers the kind of fast-paced fishing that keeps customers coming back season after season.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Peter runs a clean 23-foot Jones Brothers center console that's built for New London's inshore waters. The 250HP Yamaha gets you to the fishing grounds quickly, and the boat's setup is perfect for bluefish – plenty of room to move around when the action heats up, plus a live bait well that keeps your bait fresh all day. You've got three trip options to choose from: a half-day four-hour trip for $475, a six-hour three-quarter day for $625, or go all-out with the eight-hour full day at $750. All trips accommodate up to two anglers (with room for extras at an additional cost), and everything kicks off at 8:00 AM sharp. Peter provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, so just bring yourself, some food and drinks, and get ready to bend some rods. The GPS and radar ensure you're always fishing the most productive spots, and Peter's constantly adjusting based on what the fish are doing that particular day.
Tactics That Put Fish in the Boat
Bluefish fishing around New London is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Peter typically starts the day looking for bird activity – when you see terns and gulls diving, there's usually a school of blues chopping up baitfish underneath. The boat carries both spinning and conventional gear, matched perfectly to the size of fish you're targeting. Early season blues might be smaller schoolies that hit light tackle hard, while late summer brings the bigger choppers that'll test your drag. Depending on conditions, you'll be casting metal jigs, working topwater plugs, or drifting chunks of fresh bait. The live bait well comes into play when the blues are being finicky – nothing beats a lively bunker or sea robin to trigger strikes from wary fish. Peter's also equipped to target striped bass when they're around, plus false albacore during their fall run. The key is staying mobile and following the action, which is exactly what this setup allows you to do.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Bluefish are the main event here, and for good reason – these Connecticut waters produce some of the best bluefish action on the entire East Coast. Blues typically show up in mid-April as water temperatures climb, starting with smaller "snapper" blues in harbors and bays before the bigger fish move in by late spring. Peak season runs from June through September, when schools of 3-8 pound blues roam the sound aggressively feeding. What makes bluefish so exciting is their pure aggression – they hit lures with authority, fight hard right to the boat, and when you find a feeding school, the action can be non-stop. Their razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws mean every hookup is a battle, and they're absolutely delicious when prepared fresh. Late summer often brings larger "cocktail blues" in the 8-12 pound range that really put a bend in your rod.
Striped bass are the wild card that can make any trip special. These fish follow similar patterns to blues but are generally more structure-oriented, hanging around rocky points, drop-offs, and current breaks. Connecticut's striper fishing peaks in spring and fall, with fish ranging from schoolie bass around 20 inches up to keeper-sized fish over 28 inches. What bass lack in aggression compared to blues, they make up for in fighting ability – a good striper will make multiple runs and test every part of your tackle. False albacore round out the inshore slam during their fall migration, typically showing up in September and October. These mini-tunas are speed demons that hit small jigs and flies, providing some of the fastest fishing you'll experience in Long Island Sound.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Peter's FlyLight Charters consistently delivers the kind of fishing that creates lasting memories and repeat customers. His local knowledge of New London's waters, combined with quality equipment and a genuine passion for putting clients on fish, makes this a world-class inshore fishing experience. The flexible trip options mean you can choose exactly the amount of time that fits your schedule, whether it's a quick half-day to scratch the fishing itch or a full eight-hour adventure to really explore what these waters have to offer. With the season running from April 15th through October 28th, there's plenty of time to experience Connecticut bluefish fishing at its finest. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the best fishing coincides with peak summer season, and Captain Peter's calendar fills up fast with anglers who know quality when they see it.