Extended Half Day Fishing in Stonington, CT
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target bass, tuna, bonito, and tarpon on guided chartersFish prime waters around Block Island Sound and Fishers IslandSmall group trips with maximum three guests per charter
Ready to spend a solid chunk of time on the water? Captain Ryan Sansoucy's extended half-day charters give you 5 to 6 hours to really dial in on some serious fish. We're talking about hitting prime spots around Fishers Island and Block Island Sound, plus working the productive salt ponds that make this stretch of Connecticut coast a magnet for game fish. Early morning departure at 6 AM from Barn Island Boat Launch puts you on the water when the fish are most active, and with just 3 anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Captain Ryan runs a clean 2011 Hewes Redfisher that's built for these waters. This isn't some cramped party boat situation - you're getting a proper guided experience with room to move and fish comfortably. The extended timeframe means we can cover serious ground, from the deeper waters where tuna patrol to the structure around Fishers Island where stripers love to ambush bait. Salt ponds offer a completely different vibe, with calmer water perfect for sight fishing when conditions line up right. The captain knows these waters like his backyard, so expect to hit multiple spots depending on what's biting and where the bait is showing up. Weather and tides dictate the game plan, but that's half the fun - adapting to what the water gives you on any given day.
We're mixing up techniques based on what we're chasing. For the pelagic species like bonito and blackfin tuna, expect to troll with small lures and work the temperature breaks where bait concentrates. Striped bass fishing might mean live lining pogies near structure or working topwater when they're feeding up top. The Redfisher's shallow draft opens up opportunities in the salt ponds where bigger boats can't reach - perfect for stalking tarpon in skinny water or finding stripers that have pushed baitfish into the shallows. Captain Ryan provides all the gear, but if you've got favorites, bring them along. The extended time slot means you're not rushed - if one technique isn't producing, there's plenty of time to switch gears and try something different. Block Island Sound offers deep water opportunities, while the inshore structure provides completely different fishing scenarios all within the same trip.
Blackfin tuna show up consistently during warmer months and fight way above their weight class. These fish typically run 10 to 25 pounds but pull like freight trains, making screaming runs that'll test your drag and your patience. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Best action happens early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding on the surface.
Atlantic bonito are the speed demons of this fishery. They hit trolled lures hard and fast, often jumping multiple times during the fight. These fish are pure muscle, built for speed, and they'll give you an arm workout on light tackle. They show up in good numbers from late summer into fall, following the bait migrations along the Connecticut coast.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of New England fishing, and for good reason. These fish can range from schoolie size up to genuine cows pushing 40+ pounds. They're smart, structure-oriented predators that require different approaches depending on conditions. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities for larger fish, while summer provides consistent action with mixed sizes.
Tarpon in Connecticut waters are legitimate trophies. These silver kings average 50 to 100+ pounds and provide the fight of a lifetime with their aerial acrobatics and bulldogging runs. They typically show up in the salt ponds during summer months, often rolling on the surface in deeper holes. Landing one is a achievement most anglers never forget.
Barracuda bring tropical vibes to Connecticut waters. These toothy predators hit fast and fight dirty, often jumping and thrashing at the boat. They're opportunistic feeders that'll smash lures or live bait, and their razor-sharp teeth make for exciting hookups. Summer months offer the best chances when water temperatures climb.
This extended half-day format gives you the best of both worlds - serious fishing time without committing to a full day on the water. Captain Ryan's local knowledge and the Hewes Redfisher's versatility mean you're fishing smart, not just fishing hard. The $200 deposit locks in your date, and the flexible rescheduling policy shows the captain understands that weather happens. With only 3 spots available per trip, these charters fill up during prime season. Whether you're chasing your first tarpon, looking to tangle with some fast tuna, or just want to experience what makes Stonington waters special, this trip delivers the goods. The early start time and extended duration put you in position to make the most of whatever the day brings.
The 2011 Hewes Redfisher is your ticket to some serious fishing action off Stonington. This 18-footer runs on a reliable 150 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the productive waters around Fishers Island and Block Island Sound without missing a beat. Built tough for Connecticut's saltwater conditions, she handles beautifully whether you're chasing stripers in the shallows or running out for bonito and blackfin tuna. With space for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. Captain Ryan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this Hewes gives him the perfect platform to put you on fish. The shallow draft design means you can slip into those back salt ponds where the big bass like to hang out, while still being seaworthy enough for open water adventures. Whether you're after that bucket-list tarpon or filling the cooler with dinner, this boat delivers the goods.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are like small tuna on steroids - built for speed and capable of hitting 40 mph when they're feeding. Most run 3-8 pounds with silver sides and distinctive dark stripes along their backs. We find big schools of them in open water during summer and fall, often feeding on the surface and creating major commotion with birds diving overhead. They're incredible fighters for their size - pure muscle that'll test your drag and make long runs. While they're not great table fare here in the states, the action is non-stop when you find a feeding school. They prefer water temps in the 60s and will follow bait fish right into the sound. Best trick: when you see birds working, get there fast and throw small metal jigs or soft plastics. Once the school fires up, they'll hit almost anything moving.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are pure aggression with fins - sleek, torpedo-shaped predators that can hit 40+ inches and fight way above their weight class. Around here, we usually catch them in the 18-30 inch range, but they're lightning fast and built for speed. Look for them in shallower waters around structure and grass beds where they ambush baitfish. They hunt by sight, so bright, flashy lures work best - anything that mimics injured fish. Summer through early fall gives us the most consistent action when water temps are in the 60s and 70s. The fight is explosive but short - they'll make blistering runs and jump, then tire quickly. Most folks don't eat them due to the bones, but they're fun on light tackle. Key tip: use a short wire leader - those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono or braid like butter.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 10-30 pounds around our waters. These beautiful fish have dark backs with distinctive yellow finlets and a bright gold stripe along their sides. We find them in the deeper offshore waters around Block Island Sound during summer and early fall when water temps hit the mid-60s or warmer. They school up and feed aggressively on squid, small fish, and crustaceans. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they're pure muscle and will test your drag system. The meat is excellent eating, with a rich flavor perfect for sashimi or grilling. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, scale down to lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. Their eyesight is razor-sharp, so finesse beats power every time.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our fishery here - solid fighters that run anywhere from schoolies up to 40+ pound cows. These silver beauties with their distinctive black stripes love structure like rocks, drop-offs, and current breaks around Fishers Island and the sound. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're feeding heavily on bunker, squid, and smaller baitfish. They're excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. You'll find them in everything from 10 feet of water to 50+ feet, often suspended mid-column or hugging bottom structure. My go-to tip: watch for diving birds - they'll show you where the bait is stacked up, and that's where the bass will be feeding. Live eels at night are absolutely deadly on big fish.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - massive fish that can reach 6 feet and 200+ pounds, though most we see run 80-150 pounds. These prehistoric giants migrate up from warmer waters during summer months, often rolling and gulping air at the surface in our salt ponds and along the sound. They're pure adrenaline when hooked, launching themselves 8 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps. We target them in shallow flats and deeper channels around structure. The fight is what brings people back - it's like hooking into a submarine with wings. Most folks practice catch and release since the meat isn't great eating. Best advice: keep steady pressure but don't horse them. When they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip to give them slack, or they'll throw the hook every time.
Pawcatuck, CT