Half Day Fishing Trip in Stonington, CT
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour guided fishing trip targeting bass, tuna, and bonitoSmall group charter accommodating up to three guests maximumEarly morning departure from Barn Island Boat Launch
Captain Ryan Sansoucy knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his 2011 Hewes Redfisher is the perfect platform for chasing some of Connecticut's most sought-after inshore species. This top-rated half-day charter puts you right in the thick of the action around Fishers Island and Block Island Sound, where striped bass, blackfin tuna, and Atlantic bonito are waiting to test your skills. With only 3 anglers per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Your adventure kicks off bright and early at 6:00 AM from Barn Island Boat Launch – trust me, the early bird gets the fish in these parts. Captain Ryan runs a tight ship, literally and figuratively, aboard his reliable Hewes Redfisher that's built for the shallow waters and structure-rich areas where the big fish like to hang out. You'll be targeting prime spots around Fishers Island, cruising through Block Island Sound, and working the productive salt ponds that hold some real surprises. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to hit multiple locations and adapt to what the fish are doing that day. Don't worry about experience level – Captain Ryan works with everyone from first-timers to seasoned anglers, adjusting techniques and locations based on your group's skills and preferences.
This isn't your typical party boat experience where you're elbow-to-elbow with 20 other people. With just 3 spots available, you'll have room to work and learn proper inshore techniques. Captain Ryan switches things up based on conditions and what's biting – you might find yourself casting topwater plugs at breaking stripers one minute, then dropping live bait for cruising bonito the next. The shallow-draft Hewes is perfect for sneaking into the salt ponds where tarpon love to feed, and it handles the open waters around Block Island Sound when you're chasing tuna. Light tackle is the name of the game here, which means every fish feels like a monster when it's pulling drag. You'll learn to read the water, spot working birds, and understand why certain structures hold fish while others don't. It's hands-on fishing education that'll make you a better angler long after your trip ends.
Striped bass are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chrome-sided fighters show up in good numbers from late spring through fall, with fish ranging from schoolies up to legitimate cows pushing 40+ pounds. They're aggressive feeders that'll crush everything from soft plastics to topwater poppers, and watching one explode on a surface plug never gets old. The best action typically happens during moving water, especially around dawn when baitfish are most active.
Blackfin tuna are the speed demons of this trip, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These compact torpedoes rarely exceed 30 pounds in these waters, but they fight way above their weight class. They show up during the warmer months, usually following bait schools, and they're suckers for small jigs and live bait. The key is finding them – once you locate a school, the action can be non-stop until they sound or move on to the next feeding area.
Atlantic bonito might not win any beauty contests, but they're pure adrenaline on light tackle. These miniature tuna relatives are built for speed and endurance, making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They're most active during late summer and early fall, often feeding alongside blackfin tuna. Small metals and wire line trolling are deadly techniques, but the real fun comes from sight-casting to surface-feeding schools.
Tarpon in Connecticut waters are something special – these silver kings are at the northern edge of their range, making every encounter memorable. The fish here are typically in the 30-80 pound range, which is perfect for the light tackle approach Captain Ryan employs. They love the warmer water of salt ponds and protected coves, especially during summer months. When a tarpon goes airborne, shaking its head and gill plates rattling, you'll understand why they're called the silver king.
Barracuda add an element of surprise to every trip. These toothy predators are ambush feeders that strike with lightning speed, often cutting off other fish mid-fight. They're not huge in these waters – most run 2-4 feet – but they're aggressive and always ready to eat. Wire leaders are a must, and they'll hit everything from spoons to plugs to live bait. Just remember to keep your fingers clear when unhooking one!
Captain Ryan's half-day trips fill up fast, especially during prime season when all five target species are active. The $200 deposit locks in your date, and with only 3 spots per charter, you're looking at an intimate fishing experience that's worlds apart from crowded head boats. Whether you're a local angler wanting to learn new water or a visitor looking to experience world-class Connecticut fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The 6:00 AM start time means you'll be back at the dock by 10:00 AM with stories to tell and hopefully some fresh fillets for dinner. Book now and get ready to see why Stonington's waters are considered some of the best inshore fishing grounds in New England.
Captain Ryan's 2011 Hewes Redfisher is your ticket to some serious saltwater action around Stonington's prime fishing grounds. This 18-footer runs on a reliable 150 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast, whether you're chasing stripers around Fishers Island or hunting bonito and blackfin tuna in Block Island Sound. Built tough for Northeast waters, the Redfisher's shallow draft design lets you slip into those productive salt ponds where the big bass like to feed. With room for 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. The boat's stable platform makes it perfect for casting plugs at breaking fish or working live bait for tuna. Early morning departures from Barn Island put you on the water when the bite is hottest.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are like small tuna on steroids - silver bullets with blue-green backs and dark stripes that can hit 40 mph. Most run 3-8 pounds and 18-24 inches, making them perfect light tackle targets. They school up in massive numbers during late summer and fall, chasing baitfish in Block Island Sound's deeper waters. You'll often spot diving birds marking the schools from miles away. Bonito aren't great table fare here - they're oily and strong-tasting - but they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're also prime bait for bigger game fish. When you find a feeding school, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. The key is speed: use small metal jigs or spoons and retrieve them as fast as you can crank. Once that school moves on, follow the birds - they'll lead you right to the next feeding frenzy.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the speed demons of our waters - sleek, torpedo-shaped fish that can hit 35 mph when chasing bait. Most run 2-4 feet long with those wicked teeth and that aggressive attitude that makes them fun to target. You'll find them prowling the shallows around structure, especially near Fishers Island where they ambush smaller fish. They're most active during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. What makes cuda fishing exciting is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll make blistering runs and jump repeatedly. While they're edible, most anglers target them for the pure sport and adrenaline rush. These fish hunt by sight and are drawn to flash and movement. My go-to trick is using shiny spoons or tube lures with erratic retrieves. Keep your retrieve fast and unpredictable - cuda can't resist that wounded baitfish action.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 10-25 pounds around here, though they can hit 40+ if you're lucky. These beautiful fish have dark backs with that signature yellow stripe that fades once they're in the boat. You'll find them in the deeper waters off Block Island Sound, usually mid-column where they chase squid and small baitfish. Summer through early fall is prime time when water temps hit the 70s. What makes them special is that fierce tuna fight in a smaller package - they'll peel drag and make runs that'll surprise you. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that rich, red meat perfect for searing. Here's a local tip: scale down your tackle and use light fluorocarbon leaders. These fish have sharp eyes, so the more natural your presentation looks, the better your chances.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the backbone of our Connecticut fishing - those distinctive black stripes running down silver sides make them unmistakable. Most fish we catch run 20-35 inches, with the bigger ones pushing 40+ pounds. They love structure and moving water, so we target them around rocky points, drop-offs, and the edges of our salt ponds. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during their migration when they're feeding heavily. These fish are strong fighters that make solid runs, and they're absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Stripers can be picky eaters, so live bait like bunker or eels usually outperforms artificials. Local trick: fish the moving water during tide changes, especially early morning or late evening. That's when they're most actively feeding and you'll get the best action.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings - massive fish that can reach 6 feet and 200 pounds, though most we see run 50-100 pounds. These prehistoric giants love our warmer summer months when they push north from Florida waters. You'll spot them rolling in the shallows around the salt ponds and along the deeper channels near Fishers Island. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times, trying to shake your hook. It's pure adrenaline watching a 100-pound fish go airborne. They're not great eating due to their bony structure, so it's all about the fight and the photos. Most anglers practice catch and release. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off the line and prevents them from throwing the hook during their acrobatic display.
Pawcatuck, CT