Half Day Bass and Tuna Fishing in Stonington
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour guided fishing adventure targeting bass, tuna, and bonitoSmall group charter accommodates maximum 3 guests per tripProfessional captain provides expert guidance aboard 2011 Hewes Redfisher
When you want solid inshore action without burning a whole day on the water, Captain Ryan Sansoucy's half-day charters out of Stonington hit that sweet spot perfectly. You'll be fishing prime Connecticut waters aboard his 2011 Hewes Redfisher – a boat built for getting into the fish and handling whatever the Sound throws at you. This isn't some crowded party boat deal either. With just three anglers max, you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between going through the motions and actually putting fish in the boat.
Your day starts early with a 6:00 AM departure from Barn Island Boat Launch – trust me, those pre-dawn hours are when the magic happens. Captain Ryan knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the productive drops around Fishers Island to the structure-rich areas of Block Island Sound. The Hewes Redfisher is the perfect platform for this kind of fishing – shallow draft means you can work the salt ponds and backwaters where bigger boats can't go, but she's got the backbone to handle open water when the fish are holding deeper. Four hours gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and adapt to what the fish are telling you that day. Some mornings they're busting bait on the surface, other times you're working structure or drop-offs where the bigger fish hang out.
Captain Ryan's got you covered on the gear front, but the real value is in his approach to reading conditions and adjusting tactics accordingly. Early morning might have you casting topwater plugs to breaking fish, then switching to live bait presentations as the sun gets higher. The shallow-water capabilities of the Redfisher open up options that bigger charter boats just can't access – think working the edges of salt ponds where stripers ambush baitfish, or getting tight to structure where tuna and bonito patrol for easy meals. You'll likely see a mix of artificial lures and live bait depending on what's working, and Captain Ryan's not shy about switching things up if the bite slows down. The key here is staying mobile and covering water until you find where the fish are holding.
Striped Bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are built for fighting – they'll make runs that test your drag and use every bit of structure they can find to try and break you off. In these Connecticut waters, you're looking at fish anywhere from schoolie size up to real trophy specimens pushing 30-plus pounds. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily during migration, but summer holds fish too, especially around dawn and dusk. What makes stripers so addictive is their unpredictability – one cast you might be working deep, the next you're watching them crash bait right on the surface.
Blackfin Tuna bring a completely different energy to the fight. These fish are pure muscle and speed, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. They make blistering runs and fight way above their weight class. Blackfins typically show up in these waters during the warmer months when baitfish are thick, and they're often mixed in with other species. The cool thing about targeting them here is that you never know what size you're going to hook – they can range from 15 pounds up to fish that will really test your tackle and your arms.
Atlantic Bonito are like the speedsters of the inshore scene. They travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be absolutely electric. These fish are built for speed and they fight with an intensity that's surprising for their size. They're also great table fare if you're looking to take some fish home. Bonito fishing often involves a lot of covering water until you locate the schools, but once you do, it's game on.
Barracuda add an element of excitement that's hard to match. These fish are aggressive predators with serious teeth and an attitude to match. They'll absolutely destroy a lure and put on an aerial display that'll get your heart pumping. In these waters, they're often found around structure or drop-offs where they can ambush prey, and they're not picky about what they'll hit.
Tarpon are the holy grail when they show up – these are the fish that legends are made of. Even smaller tarpon are incredible fighters, known for their jumping ability and long, powerful runs. They're not always around, but when conditions are right and they move into the area, it's an opportunity you don't want to miss. Landing a tarpon, even a smaller one, is something every angler remembers.
Captain Ryan's half-day trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and everyone wants to get out there. The $200 deposit locks in your spot, and honestly, it's a small price to pay for what you're getting – top-notch guiding, prime fishing grounds, and a boat that can get you to the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in on some specific species or someone newer to the saltwater game who wants to learn from a pro, this trip delivers. The early start time means you'll be back on shore by mid-morning with the rest of your day free, but trust me, you'll be thinking about the next trip before you even leave the dock.
The 2011 Hewes Redfisher is your ticket to some serious fishing action off the Connecticut coast. This 18-foot flats boat runs on a reliable 150 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the hot spots around Fishers Island and Block Island Sound without breaking a sweat. Captain Ryan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this shallow-draft boat lets you chase striped bass into places bigger vessels can't reach. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want to target everything from Atlantic bonito to blackfin tuna without dealing with crowds. The stable platform gives you room to work when that tarpon decides to make a run, and the clean layout means your lines won't get tangled when multiple fish hit at once. Built tough for saltwater fishing, this Hewes handles both open water runs and sneaking into those productive back bays where the big bass like to feed.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are the speedsters of our waters - silver bullets with dark stripes that can hit 40 mph. They typically weigh 4-8 pounds and school up in massive numbers during summer and fall. You'll spot them feeding on the surface, often with their fins showing like small sharks. They prefer mid-water areas off Block Island Sound where baitfish congregate. Guests enjoy the fast action when schools are feeding - they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. They're oily fish, so most people release them or use them for bait. Best fishing happens when you see birds diving on baitfish. Here's my trick: once you find a feeding school, work fast with small metal jigs or soft plastics. Keep moving because the schools travel quickly.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are pure aggression with teeth - torpedo-shaped predators that can hit 35 mph when they strike. Most around here run 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth in powerful jaws. They cruise shallow flats and structure areas, hunting by sight more than smell. Summer months bring them into our warmer waters consistently. What guests love is the explosive strike and initial run - they fight hard but tire quickly. Not great table fare due to strong flavor, but the action more than makes up for it. They're attracted to shiny objects and fast-moving lures. My tip: use a wire leader always, and work your lures fast with erratic retrieves. When you see one following your lure, speed up rather than slow down - that sudden acceleration triggers their predatory instinct.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 20-40 pounds around here. These beautiful fish have dark backs with gold stripes that fade quickly once landed. You'll find them in deeper waters off Block Island Sound, usually mixed with skipjack schools. They're incredibly fast swimmers and put up a solid fight for their size. The meat is excellent - much better table fare than people expect from smaller tunas. Best fishing happens during warmer months when water temps hit the mid-60s. They have sharp eyes, so downsize your tackle. I always tell guests to use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. When you see birds working over baitfish, that's your cue to get lures in the water fast.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are our bread and butter fish here - those distinctive dark stripes make them easy to identify. Most run 20-40 pounds, though we see some real cows pushing 50. They love structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and the edges of our salt ponds. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, especially during moving water. These fish are excellent eating with firm, flaky white meat. They're smart and can be picky about baits, but that's what makes them fun to target. Early morning and evening bites are usually most productive. Here's a local trick: when fishing the salt ponds, watch for nervous water or bait getting pushed around. Stripers often feed just under the surface, and a quiet approach with live bait works best.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver kings that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh 80-150 pounds. These prehistoric giants prefer warm, shallow waters around our salt ponds and nearshore areas during summer months. What makes them special is their aerial show when hooked - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times. Most folks don't eat them due to the bony meat, so it's all about the fight and photos. Best action happens on warmer days when water temps climb above 70 degrees. They're surprisingly spooky for such big fish. My go-to tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This prevents the line from going tight and snapping when they crash back down.
Pawcatuck, CT