Full Day Fishing Adventure in Stonington, CT
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended 1112 hour inshore fishing adventure in Stonington watersTarget bass, tuna, bonito, and tarpon around Block Island SoundPrivate charter accommodates up to 3 guests with experienced captain
If you're looking to spend some serious time on the water chasing quality fish, Captain Ryan Sansoucy's got you covered with his top-rated 11-12 hour fishing trips out of Stonington. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full commitment to fishing some of Connecticut's most productive waters aboard his 2011 Hewes Redfisher. With only 3 spots available, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing real estate that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts early with a 6:00 AM departure from Barn Island Boat Launch, and trust me, those early morning hours are when the magic happens. Captain Ryan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you fishing the renowned spots around Fishers Island, Block Island Sound, and the local salt ponds that consistently produce fish. The Hewes Redfisher is perfectly suited for this kind of inshore work – she's got the shallow draft to get into those productive backwaters and the stability to handle the open sound when we're chasing pelagics. With 11-12 hours on the water, you're not rushed from spot to spot. Instead, you'll have time to really work an area, switch techniques, and adapt to what the fish are telling us.
This extended trip gives us the flexibility to mix up our approach based on conditions and what's biting. We'll be running everything from live bait presentations for striped bass to high-speed trolling for bonito and small tunas. The shallow draft of the Redfisher means we can work the edges of salt ponds with light tackle, then transition to heavier gear when we move offshore for bluefin tuna. Captain Ryan provides all the tackle, but if you've got favorites, bring them along. We'll spend time sight fishing, working structure, and reading the water – skills that separate the world-class guides from the rest. The beauty of a full day trip is that we can chase whatever's hot, whether that's working a blitz of breaking fish or methodically picking apart a promising piece of bottom.
Striped Bass remain the bread and butter of these Connecticut waters, and for good reason. These fish show up in numbers from late spring through fall, with the best action often happening on the edges of deeper channels and around structure. What makes stripers so exciting is their willingness to hit both live bait and lures, plus they put up a solid fight that'll test your drag system. The bigger fish – we're talking 30+ pounders – tend to cruise the deeper edges, while schoolies work the shallows. Captain Ryan knows exactly where to find them based on tide, time of day, and season.
Bluefin Tuna might be the ultimate prize fish in these waters. These powerful pelagics move through Block Island Sound during their seasonal migrations, and when you hook into one, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country for a shot at them. Even the smaller school fish will smoke line off your reel and test every knot you've tied. The key is being in the right place when they're feeding, and with 11-12 hours to work with, we've got the time to chase down reports and work the areas where they're most likely to show.
Atlantic Bonito are customer favorites for good reason – they're fast, aggressive, and absolutely delicious on the table. These smaller tunas typically show up in late summer and early fall, often feeding in schools that create some of the most exciting surface action you'll see. When bonito are around, they'll hit just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action and the chance to try different techniques.
Barracuda bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These toothy predators are ambush hunters that'll explode on a lure with surprising violence. They're not huge in these waters, but they make up for size with attitude. What makes barracuda fishing so engaging is their visual nature – you'll often see them following your lure before they decide to attack, which adds an element of anticipation that keeps everyone on their toes.
Tarpon represent the exotic end of our target species list. While they're not as common as our other targets, when conditions align and the silver kings show up in local waters, it's something special. These fish are pure power and acrobatics, known for their spectacular jumps and long runs that'll have your arms burning. Landing a tarpon in Connecticut waters is something most anglers never forget, and it's exactly the kind of trophy opportunity that makes an extended trip worthwhile.
Captain Ryan's full day trips book up fast, especially during peak season when all these species are active in local waters. The $200 deposit shows he's serious about providing quality trips for committed anglers, and the flexible rescheduling policy means weather doesn't have to ruin your plans. With only 3 spots available, you're getting an intimate experience that larger boats simply can't match. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or someone who wants to experience the best fishing Connecticut has to offer, this 11-12 hour adventure with Hush Fishing Co delivers the kind of day on the water that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
The 2011 Hewes Redfisher is your ticket to serious fishing in Connecticut waters. This 18-foot flats boat cuts through Block Island Sound and Fishers Island like it was built for it - because it was. Captain Ryan knows these waters inside and out, and this Hewes gives him the perfect platform to put you on fish. The 150 HP Yamaha gets you to the action fast and runs whisper-quiet when you need stealth for those spooky stripers. Built tough for saltwater punishment, this boat handles everything from shallow salt ponds where the bonito feed to deeper waters where bluefin tuna cruise. With space for 3 anglers, you've got room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The low-profile design lets you get into skinny water where bigger boats can't go, opening up prime fishing spots that see less pressure. Whether you're casting to tailing stripers or trolling for Atlantic bonito, this Redfisher delivers the stability and maneuverability that serious anglers demand.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are fast, scrappy members of the tuna family that school up in big numbers during late summer and fall. These silver bullets with dark stripes average 3-8 pounds and are built for speed, hitting 40 mph when chasing bait. You'll spot them feeding on the surface in Block Island Sound - look for diving birds and dorsal fins cutting the water. They prefer 60-degree water temps and travel in schools of hundreds. Anglers love them because once you find a school, the action is non-stop on light tackle. They're oily fish, so most folks release them or use them for bait. My tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast with small metal jigs or plastic lures. Work them quickly through the feeding frenzy and you'll hook up instantly.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are lightning-fast predators with razor-sharp teeth and an aggressive attitude. Most run 2-4 feet long with torpedo-shaped bodies built for speed - they can hit 35 mph when chasing baitfish. We find them in shallow waters around structure like reefs and drop-offs, especially during warmer months when they follow bait schools north. They hunt by sight and are drawn to shiny, fast-moving lures. What makes them fun? Their explosive strikes and wild runs on light tackle will keep you on your toes. They're decent eating when prepared right, though many anglers release them. My trick: use bright silver spoons or tube lures retrieved quickly near structure. Cast ahead of cruising fish and reel fast - their predatory instincts can't resist a fleeing baitfish.
Thunnus ThynnusAtlantic bluefin tuna are the ultimate prize fish - these torpedo-shaped giants average 6.5 feet and 550 pounds, with their signature blue backs and silver sides. We find them in deep offshore waters around Block Island Sound, especially during summer and fall when water temps are right. They're incredibly fast swimmers that can dive over 3,000 feet deep. What makes them special? The fight is legendary - expect screaming runs and deep dives that'll test your gear. Plus, bluefin meat is world-class sashimi quality. My tip: when trolling, use fresh herring and be ready with heavy tackle. These fish require federal permits and strict reporting, but landing one is a bucket-list experience that'll have you shaking with adrenaline.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are our bread-and-butter fish here in Connecticut waters. These silver beauties with dark horizontal stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though 50-pounders aren't uncommon. You'll find them around structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and along Fishers Island's shorelines. They love moving water and feed actively during dawn and dusk. Spring through fall is prime time as they migrate along our coast. Stripers are popular because they fight hard, grow big, and taste fantastic - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also reliable fish that bite in various conditions. My go-to tip: fish live eels around rocky structure on moving water during low light periods. The bigger fish can't resist a properly presented eel.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of sport fishing, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though they can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. These prehistoric fighters are known for their jaw-dropping jumps - they can leap 10 feet out of the water when hooked. We target them in shallow coastal waters and salt ponds during warmer months when they migrate north from southern waters. Their large scales and upturned mouth make them unmistakable. What draws anglers? Pure athleticism and aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. They're catch-and-release fish since the meat is bony and tough. My local trick: use live mullet or crabs on medium tackle, and when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it prevents them from throwing the hook.
Pawcatuck, CT