Full Day Fishing Trip in Stonington, CT
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday guided fishing targeting bass, tuna, and bonitoEarly morning departures from Barn Island Boat LaunchSmall group charters accommodating up to three guests
Captain Ryan Sansoucy knows these Connecticut waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking a full 7 to 8 hours of prime fishing time aboard his 2011 Hewes Redfisher, hitting spots around Fishers Island, Block Island Sound, and those productive salt ponds that most anglers never get to see. You'll be targeting some of the best gamefish the Northeast has to offer, from hard-fighting striped bass to lightning-fast Atlantic bonito. With space for just three anglers, this trip gives you the personal attention and elbow room you need to really focus on your fishing.
Your day starts early – 6:00 AM sharp from Barn Island Boat Launch – but trust me, that's when the magic happens. The Hewes Redfisher is built for exactly this kind of fishing, shallow enough to work those salt ponds where big stripers love to cruise, but tough enough to handle the open waters of Block Island Sound when we're chasing tuna. Captain Ryan's been working these waters for years, and he's got the local knowledge to put you where the fish are feeding. You'll cover serious ground during your 7-8 hours out there, moving from structure to structure, working different depths, and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling us. The intimate group size means you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn – when fish are biting, everyone's in the action.
This is inshore fishing at its finest, which means we're using a mix of techniques depending on conditions and what we're targeting. Expect to throw everything from topwater plugs at first light to jigs and soft plastics when we're working structure. The shallow-draft Redfisher lets us get into spots where bigger boats can't follow – those back-country salt ponds and skinny flats where trophy fish feel safe to feed. Captain Ryan provides all the gear you'll need, but if you've got favorite rods or lures, bring them along. We'll be sight-casting when conditions are right, blind-casting structure, and working tide lines where baitfish stack up. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're working a topwater bite in three feet of water, the next you're dropping down for blackfin tuna in 60 feet. Your $200 deposit locks in your spot, and if weather forces a cancellation, you can reschedule without losing that deposit.
Blackfin tuna are absolute rockets when they hit, and these Connecticut waters hold some beautiful fish in the 10-20 pound range. They school up in deeper parts of Block Island Sound, usually relating to bait balls, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. These fish fight way above their weight class – that first run will test your drag and your arms. Best fishing is typically late spring through fall when water temperatures are right and bait is abundant.
Tarpon might surprise you this far north, but Connecticut gets a decent run of smaller "baby" tarpon in the 20-40 pound range during summer months. These silver kings are pure dynamite on light tackle, jumping and tail-walking like their Florida cousins. They're drawn to the warmer salt ponds and estuaries where baitfish concentrate. Landing one in these waters is something special – most anglers associate tarpon with tropical destinations, but Connecticut's summer fishery is a well-kept secret.
Striped bass are the backbone of Northeast fishing, and for good reason. These waters produce everything from schoolies to 40-pound cows, depending on season and location. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest fish through, but resident populations keep the action going all summer. Stripers are smart, strong fighters that will test every aspect of your angling skills. They'll hit topwater at dawn, suspend over structure during the day, and move shallow to feed at dusk.
Barracuda bring a tropical feel to Connecticut fishing, with their impressive teeth and aggressive strikes. These ambush predators love structure and drop-offs, hitting lures with explosive speed. They're not huge here – typically in the 5-15 pound range – but they make up for size with attitude. That first strike will wake you up fast, and their razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leaders to land them consistently.
Atlantic bonito are speed demons that travel in schools and feed aggressively when conditions are right. These fish are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies and incredible stamina. They're fantastic on light tackle, making long runs and fighting hard right to the boat. Bonito often mix with other species like false albacore, creating feeding frenzies that get your heart pumping. They're drawn to areas with strong currents and baitfish, making spots around Fishers Island perfect habitat.
This kind of fishing doesn't happen every day, and Captain Ryan's local knowledge makes all the difference between a good trip and an amazing one. With only three spots available per charter, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of space to fish comfortably. The variety of species and fishing styles keeps things interesting all day long – you never know if the next cast might connect you with a jumping tarpon or a screaming bonito. Weather can change plans in a hurry on the water, but Captain Ryan's flexible rescheduling policy means you won't lose your deposit if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when all these species are active and feeding.
Captain Ryan's 2011 Hewes Redfisher is your ticket to some serious fishing action in Connecticut waters. This 18-footer runs on a reliable 150 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots around Fishers Island and Block Island Sound without missing a beat. Built tough for saltwater fishing, she handles choppy conditions while keeping you comfortable during those long 7-8 hour days chasing stripers, bonito, and blackfin tuna. The shallow draft design is perfect for sneaking into local salt ponds where the big bass like to hide. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the water without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Whether you're casting topwater lures at dawn or bottom fishing for whatever's biting, this Redfisher gives you a solid platform to land your next trophy fish.
Sarda SardaOften called "false albacore," bonito are the speedsters of our local waters, capable of hitting 40 mph. They're built like small tuna but with a thinner body, usually running 3-8 pounds with distinctive wavy lines along their backs. These schooling fish cruise the open waters of Block Island Sound during late summer and early fall, feeding on sand eels and small baitfish. You'll spot them by the surface commotion - they feed aggressively in large schools, often with birds diving overhead. While they're not great table fare due to their oily, dark meat, they put up a fantastic fight on light tackle. They're perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing since they're so willing to bite. Once you locate a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Here's the key: fish fast-moving lures and keep your boat moving - bonito are constantly on the hunt and won't sit still for slow presentations.
SphyraenidaeThese torpedo-shaped predators are built for one thing - speed. With their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature, barracuda can hit 35 mph when they strike. Most run 2-4 feet long around here, and they're ambush hunters that lurk near structure and grass beds. You'll find them in shallow waters around the salt ponds and rocky areas during warmer months. What makes barracuda fishing exciting is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs. They hunt primarily by sight, so shiny lures work best on bright days. The meat is actually pretty good eating when prepared right, though many folks are put off by the bones. One thing to remember: use a wire leader or they'll bite through your line in a heartbeat. I've seen countless fish lost because someone tried to cheap out on terminal tackle. When you hook one, keep steady pressure - they love to throw the hook during those wild jumps.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, blackfins are built for speed with their sleek, torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 10-30 pounds around here, though they can hit 45+. These guys love warm waters above 68°F and hunt in schools near the surface. You'll find them moving through Block Island Sound during summer and early fall when the water temps are right. What makes them special is that fierce tuna fight - they'll peel drag and make multiple runs. Plus, blackfin meat is some of the best eating you'll find, with that rich, red tuna flavor. When targeting them, scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders - they've got sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy wire. I like to chum with live pilchards to bring schools up to the boat, then drop live bait right into the mix.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the bread and butter of our local waters - you can spot them by those distinctive dark stripes running down their silver sides. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, though they can hit 50+ pounds. These structure-loving fish hang around rocky points, drop-offs, and tide rips throughout Block Island Sound and Fishers Island. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily on bunker, sand eels, and squid. What makes stripers special is they're both great fighters and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They migrate up from the south each spring and stick around until water temps drop in late fall. Here's something most people don't know: stripers often feed better on the outgoing tide when baitfish get swept out of the shallows. Look for birds working the surface - that's usually your best sign that stripers are feeding below.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are the ultimate bucket-list fish - nothing beats watching a 100-pound tarpon launch itself 6 feet out of the water. They're prehistoric fish that can live 50+ years and grow to 8 feet, though most we see are 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds. Tarpon love warm, shallow coastal waters and move north from Florida during summer months. You'll spot them rolling on the surface in the salt ponds and around Fishers Island when conditions are right. What draws people to tarpon isn't the eating - they're full of bones and rarely kept. It's purely about the fight and those acrobatic jumps. They'll test your drag system and your patience. Here's a local tip: when you see one jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This slack prevents the hook from getting thrown during those aerial displays. Most tarpon battles are won or lost in those first few jumps.
Pawcatuck, CT