Full Day Fishing Trip in Stonington, CT
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
7-8 hour guided trips targeting bass, tuna, and bonitoCaptain Ryan leads charters from Barn Island Boat LaunchMaximum 3 guests per trip with 6 AM departure
When you're looking for a serious day of fishing off the Connecticut coast, Captain Ryan Sansoucy knows exactly where to put you on the fish. His 2011 Hewes Redfisher is built for these waters, and after years of working Fishers Island and Block Island Sound, he's dialed in on what makes for a memorable charter. You'll launch at 6 AM from Barn Island Boat Launch, giving you seven to eight solid hours to chase some of the best inshore species the Northeast has to offer. With room for just three anglers, this isn't a cattle boat situation—you'll get the personal attention that makes the difference between going fishing and actually catching fish.
The Hewes Redfisher is perfect for this kind of fishing—shallow draft means Captain Ryan can get you into spots bigger boats can't touch, while still being stable enough to handle the open water around Block Island Sound. You'll start early to beat the boat traffic and hit the fish when they're most active. Depending on conditions and what's been biting, you might find yourself drifting the edges of Fishers Island, working the structure around the sound, or slipping into the salt ponds where stripers like to ambush baitfish. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety—one minute you're trolling for tuna, the next you're sight-casting to cruising striped bass. Captain Ryan reads the water and adjusts the game plan throughout the day, which is exactly what you want in a guide who knows his stuff.
This is primarily light tackle fishing, which means more fight in every fish and a lot more fun on your end. You'll be using everything from topwater plugs when the bass are busting bait on the surface, to live bait when the tuna are being picky. Captain Ryan provides all the tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or reels, bring them along—he's always happy to see anglers who are serious about their gear. Techniques vary with the target species and conditions. For stripers, you might be throwing soft plastics around structure or working bucktails in the current. When the bonito and blackfin tuna show up, it's often small lures and fast retrieves. The salt ponds offer a completely different game—sight fishing in shallow water where presentation and stealth matter more than anything else. You'll learn to read the water, watch for bird activity, and recognize the signs that put fish in the boat.
Striped Bass are the backbone of fishing around Stonington, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely beautiful. Fall is prime time when the big cows are moving south, but you'll find keeper bass throughout the season around the rocky structure and drop-offs. What makes stripers so special is their intelligence—they'll test your skills and your tackle. A 30-pound striper on light tackle will give you a fight you'll remember all winter.
Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of the sound. These fish hit hard and run harder, often jumping clear out of the water. They typically show up in late summer and early fall when the water temperature is just right. Blackfins are smaller than their bluefin cousins, usually running 10-20 pounds, but they're perfect eating and put up an incredible fight for their size. When you hook one, hang on—they'll take line faster than you can imagine.
Atlantic Bonito might be the most underrated fish in these waters. They're built like bullets and hit lures with the kind of aggression that will straighten your back and wake you up. Bonito arrive with the warm water and feed heavily on small baitfish. They're incredible on light tackle and excellent on the table when prepared fresh. These fish travel in schools, so when you find one, you've often found many.
Barracuda are the wild cards of the sound. These prehistoric-looking predators have mouths full of razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match. They're ambush predators that lurk around structure and strike with lightning speed. A barracuda will test your wire leaders and your nerves—they're known for spectacular jumps and last-second runs that can catch you off guard.
Tarpon are the ultimate prize fish when they show up in Connecticut waters. These silver kings are rare this far north, making any encounter special. Tarpon are famous for their aerial displays and bulldog fights. Even a small tarpon will give you a battle you'll talk about for years. They're catch-and-release fish, but the photos and memories last forever.
Captain Ryan's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak season when all five target species are in the area. The $200 deposit holds your spot, and trust me, it's worth every penny for a full day with a guide who knows these waters like his backyard. You're getting access to prime fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and the kind of personal attention that only comes with a three-angler maximum. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or someone wanting to experience world-class inshore fishing, this trip delivers. The 6 AM start might seem early, but when you're fighting your first fish as the sun comes up over Block Island Sound, you'll understand why the best fishing happens when most people are still sleeping. Book now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Captain Ryan's 2011 Hewes Redfisher is your ticket to some serious fishing action around Stonington's prime waters. This 18-footer runs smooth with a reliable 150 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots fast - from Fishers Island to Block Island Sound and those productive salt ponds where the fish love to hide. Built tough for Connecticut's saltwater conditions, she handles like a dream whether you're chasing striped bass in the shallows or running offshore for bonito and blackfin tuna. The boat's designed for serious anglers who want to get after it without the crowds - just you and up to 2 buddies working the waters where these fish feed. Perfect size for covering ground quickly and getting into those tighter spots where the big boats can't reach.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are like small tuna on steroids, usually 3-8 pounds but incredibly fast and strong. These silvery speedsters with dark stripes school up in open water, chasing bait near the surface. You'll spot them by the birds diving and the commotion they make feeding. Late summer into fall is peak season when they're following bait south. They're not great eating here - very oily and strong-tasting - but the action is non-stop once you find a school. What guests love is the constant bent rods and that tuna-like fight. They hit hard and make blistering runs. The secret is finding the feeding schools, then throwing anything that moves. Small metals, plastics, or even bare hooks work when they're fired up. Keep your lures moving fast and be ready - when bonito are feeding, you can catch dozens in an hour.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda around here typically run 2-4 feet long and are built like torpedoes - pure speed and aggression. You'll find them in shallow water around structure, grass beds, and anywhere small baitfish are schooling. They're most active during warmer months when water temps are in the 70s. These fish hunt by sight and will absolutely slam anything shiny that moves fast. What makes them fun is that vicious strike and their ability to jump and make screaming runs on light tackle. They're decent eating when bled properly, though many folks release them. The trick with cuda is speed - they want fast-moving lures or baits. I like to troll small spoons or cast flashy plugs around structure. Use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono or braid in a heartbeat. When you see one following, speed up your retrieve.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 20-30 pounds around here, though they can hit 40+ pounds. These beauties have dark backs with that signature golden stripe that fades once they're boated. You'll find them in deeper waters offshore, usually 30-100 feet down around structure and temperature breaks. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit the upper 60s. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they're incredibly fast and strong for their size. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that rich, red meat perfect for sashimi or searing. My local tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders. These fish have sharp eyes, so lighter gear and smaller hooks often make the difference between watching them swim by and getting that screaming drag.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are our bread and butter fish here in Connecticut waters, running anywhere from schoolies at 18 inches up to trophy fish over 40 pounds. You'll find them around rocky structure, rips, and drop-offs from 10-60 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime time during their migration, but we catch them year-round. These fish hug structure and love moving water where baitfish get pushed around. Guests love them because they're strong fighters that make great runs, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, flaky meat. The key to consistent success is reading the water and finding the bait. When you see birds working or bait breaking the surface, get there fast. Use live eels or chunk bait near the bottom during tide changes for the biggest fish.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of shallow water sport fishing, commonly running 80-150 pounds in our area, though they can push 200+. These silver giants love our warm salt ponds and shallow flats, especially around structure like bridge pilings and channel edges. Late spring through early fall is when they show up, preferring water temps above 75 degrees. What hooks guests is that raw power and those famous jumps - nothing compares to a 6-foot tarpon going airborne right next to the boat. They're terrible eating with all those bones, so it's pure sport. The fights can last 30 minutes or more. Here's the key: keep steady pressure but don't horse them. When they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip - it keeps them from throwing the hook. Most tarpon are lost during those spectacular leaps.
Pawcatuck, CT