False Albacore Fishing Charters in New London, CT
When you're looking for some of the most heart-pounding fishing action off the Connecticut coast, False Albacore (locally called "Albies") deliver like few other species can. Captain Peter Corrao runs top-rated charters out of New London aboard his 23-foot Jones Brothers center console, and these fish will test every bit of your angling skills. From mid-April through late October, these speed demons show up in our waters, and trust me—once you hook into one, you'll understand why seasoned anglers get addicted to targeting them. Whether you're a fly fishing purist or prefer spinning tackle, Captain Peter has you covered with premium gear and the local knowledge to put you on fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts at 8:00 AM sharp from New London's harbor, where Captain Peter will have his rig ready to roll. The 250HP Yamaha gets you to the fishing grounds fast, which matters when you're chasing migratory species like Albies. You've got three trip options depending on how much fishing you can handle: Half Day runs 4 hours for $475 (up to 2 anglers), ¾ Day gives you 6 hours for $625, and Full Day means 8 solid hours on the water for $750. The boat handles up to 4 people total, with a small upcharge for those extra spots. Captain Peter knows these waters inside and out—from the race at Fisher's Island to the deeper drop-offs where baitfish stack up. He'll adjust the game plan based on conditions, tides, and where the fish are showing. The beauty of fishing out of New London is you're close to both inshore structure and open water, giving you shots at multiple species throughout the day.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
False Albacore fishing is all about speed and precision. These fish cruise fast, feed aggressively, and disappear just as quickly as they show up. Captain Peter comes loaded with both fly rods and light spinning tackle—whatever matches your style and the conditions. When you spot birds working or see those telltale splashes on the surface, it's game time. You'll be casting small lures, streamers, or live bait into the mayhem and hanging on tight. The key is getting your presentation in front of the school before they move on. Captain Peter's got the boat positioning dialed in, so you'll get clean shots without spooking the fish. Between Albie schools, you might switch tactics for Striped Bass around structure or pick up some Bluefish if they're in the area. The 23-foot center console gives you plenty of casting room and the speed to chase down moving fish. All the premium gear is included—rods, reels, tackle, and terminal gear—so just bring your food, drinks, and whatever personal stuff you need for the day.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Little Tunny (False Albacore) are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These miniature tuna relatives typically run 5-12 pounds in our waters, but don't let the size fool you—they fight like fish twice their weight. Albies show up when water temperatures hit the sweet spot, usually from late spring through fall, following massive schools of small baitfish like peanut bunker, silversides, and bay anchovies. What makes them so addictive to target is their surface feeding behavior. When they're up and active, you'll see explosive surface action as they crash bait schools, often with birds diving overhead. They're incredibly fast swimmers—capable of hitting 40+ mph—and they use every bit of that speed when hooked. The runs are blistering, and they'll strip line off your reel faster than you'd expect. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few, with firm, red meat that's perfect for searing or making into sashimi. The Connecticut waters provide perfect habitat with the right mix of structure, current, and baitfish that keep these fish coming back year after year.
While chasing Albies, you'll often encounter Striped Bass, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Connecticut's Striper fishing is world-class, and Captain Peter knows all the productive spots from rocky shorelines to deeper channel edges. Bluefish also frequent these same areas, particularly when baitfish are thick, and they'll absolutely destroy lures with their razor-sharp teeth. Atlantic Bonito occasionally show up mixed in with the Albie schools—they're similar in size but even faster, with a slightly different fighting style that keeps things interesting. The variety keeps every trip fresh, and you never know what might grab your lure next.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Peter's False Albacore charters book up fast, especially during peak season when these fish are most active. The season runs from April 15th through October 28th, but the hottest action typically happens in late summer and early fall when baitfish are thick and the Albies are feeding heavily before their southern migration. Whether you're a serious fly angler looking to test your skills against these speed demons or a family wanting to experience some of Connecticut's best fishing action, this trip delivers. The combination of premium gear, local expertise, and access to some of the most productive Albie waters in New England makes this a customer favorite year after year. Don't sleep on booking your dates—once word gets out that the Albies are in, these trips fill up quick.