Full Day Fishing Adventure in Stonington, CT
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Techniques and Tackle
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.
Target Species Breakdown
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
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.