Connecticut's Best 7-Hour Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sevenhour charter explores Connecticut's finest fishing grounds offshoreSmall group capacity of four guests ensures personalized fishing experienceSwimming break available at Duck Island during the trip
Looking for a serious day on the water? One More Drift Charters CT delivers exactly what Connecticut anglers have been asking for – a full seven hours to really work the best fishing spots without feeling rushed. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're heading back just when the bite gets hot. We're talking about real time to explore different depths, try multiple techniques, and give you the best shot at filling the cooler with quality fish.
Your captain knows these Connecticut waters like the back of his hand, and with seven hours to work with, you'll hit multiple productive zones throughout the day. We start early to catch the morning bite, then adapt our strategy based on what the fish are telling us. The beauty of this extended trip is flexibility – if the stripers are crushing bait in one area, we can stay put and work them hard. If the action slows, we've got time to relocate and find where they're feeding. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers, so you won't be fighting for rail space or stepping on each other's lines. Around midday, when the sun gets high and fishing typically slows, we'll cruise over to Duck Island where you can cool off with a swim if you want. It's a local favorite spot that most visitors never see, and the change of pace actually helps reset your fishing mindset for the afternoon bite.
Connecticut's inshore waters demand versatility, and that's exactly how we approach each trip. We'll be working everything from shallow flats to deeper channels, adjusting our methods based on tide, weather, and what the fish want that day. Live bait fishing with eels and bunker is deadly for striped bass, especially around structure and drop-offs. When the blues are around, we'll switch to cut bait and wire leaders – trust me, you don't want to lose a good fish to those razor teeth. For the bottom dwellers like sea bass and scup, we'll drop rigs with fresh clams, squid, or whatever's working best. The captain provides all the tackle you need, from heavy spinning gear for the big stripers to lighter setups perfect for targeting flounder in the shallows. We carry multiple rod types so you can match your gear to the target species. The key to success out here is reading the water – watching for bird activity, bait schools, and current breaks where predators like to ambush their prey.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Connecticut fishing, and for good reason. These silver-sided fighters can range from schoolie size up to true cows pushing 40+ inches. Spring and fall offer the best action as they migrate along our coast, but summer fishing can be fantastic too, especially early morning and evening. What makes stripers special isn't just their size – it's their intelligence and fight. They'll test your drag, make long runs, and keep you guessing right up to the boat. Scup might not get the glory, but they're incredibly fun to catch and make excellent table fare. These feisty little fighters are abundant during summer months and will bend your rod tip all day long. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged while waiting for larger gamefish. Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal. Summer through early fall is prime time, and there's something deeply satisfying about fooling these smart fish with a perfectly presented bait. Bluefish are pure aggression on a hook – when they're feeding, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them. Their razor-sharp teeth and bulldogging fight make them a favorite among anglers who love fast action. Finally, black sea bass are the perfect combination of fun to catch and great to eat. These bottom dwellers love structure and will test your skills around rocks and wrecks where one wrong move means a lost fish.
Every species in these Connecticut waters brings something different to the table. Striped bass are what most people come for – they're smart, strong, and can grow to impressive sizes. The best part about striper fishing here is the variety of techniques that work. You might catch one on a live eel drifted along a rocky shoreline, then hook another on a topwater plug during an early morning feeding frenzy. Scup fishing is pure fun, especially when you find a good school. These fish are curious and aggressive, often competing with each other to grab your bait first. They're also one of the best eating fish in our waters – sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for a shore lunch. Southern flounder require patience and finesse, but landing a nice "doormat" flounder is incredibly rewarding. They typically hold in sandy areas near structure, and the key is keeping your bait moving just enough to attract attention without spooking them. Bluefish provide non-stop action when they're around. These voracious predators travel in schools and can turn a slow day into chaos in minutes. They're also excellent smoked or grilled fresh. Black sea bass might be the most underrated fish we catch – they're beautiful, fight harder than their size suggests, and are absolutely delicious. They love hanging around rocky bottom and structure, so you'll often catch them while targeting other species.
Seven hours on the water with an experienced captain who knows exactly where to find Connecticut's best fishing – that's what separates this charter from the quick trips that barely scratch the surface. You'll have time to really learn these waters, try different techniques, and hopefully head home with some great fish stories and a cooler full of fresh fillets. The extended time means we can adjust to conditions, chase active fish, and give you the complete Connecticut fishing experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new waters or someone wanting to really commit to a day of serious fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't settle for a rushed half-day when you could have the luxury of time to do it right. Book your spot now and get ready to
This sleek 2018 24-foot Key West center console is your ticket to Connecticut's best fishing grounds. Powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha outboard, she'll get you to the productive waters quickly and smoothly. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. You'll appreciate the onboard fish finder that helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hang out. GPS navigation keeps you on course to the hotspots and safely back to port. There's even a head aboard for those long days on the water. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for when the action heats up and fish are hitting from all sides. Whether you're targeting stripers, blues, or bottom fish, this boat has the range and stability to get you there and back with your cooler full.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are structure junkies - find a wreck, rocky bottom, or old piling and you'll likely find these chunky, dark-colored fish. They average 2-4 pounds with the occasional 6-pounder that'll make your day. Part of the grouper family, they've got that classic deep body and will change color during fights, sometimes flashing brilliant blues. Best season is late spring through summer when they move into shallower water around 40-80 feet deep. Guests love them because they fight hard initially, then give up once you get them moving upward. The meat is firm, white, and sweet - some say it's the best eating fish in our waters. Here's the secret: use a simple bottom rig with squid or clam pieces, but don't just let it sit. Give it little lifts off the bottom every few seconds to get their attention.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are pure aggression on fins - these blue-green predators with razor-sharp teeth put up fights way above their weight class. Most run 3-10 pounds, though we occasionally hook into 15-pounders that'll test your drag. They travel in schools, feeding on anything that moves, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Best fishing is mid-June through October when they follow baitfish into our waters. What makes them special is their incredible speed and the way they attack lures - no hesitation whatsoever. Fresh blues are fantastic eating if prepared right, with firm, flavorful meat. Here's what works: when you see birds diving and baitfish getting slammed on the surface, tie on anything shiny and cast into the chaos. Spoons, poppers, or even bare hooks will work during a blitz.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as the old-timers call them, are one of the most reliable fish in Connecticut waters. These silvery, deep-bodied fish average 1-2 pounds and are perfect for families since they're easy to catch and great eating. They hang around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and pilings where they feed on clams and worms with their strong jaws. Best fishing is May through October when they move inshore from deeper winter waters. What guests love about scup is they're always willing to bite - kids especially get excited pulling them up. The meat is white, flaky, and mild, similar to snapper. Pro tip: use a simple high-low rig with small hooks and pieces of squid or clam. Keep your bait on the bottom and give it little jigs. When you find one scup, there are usually more in the same spot.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are one of our more unique catches - these flat, oval fish have both eyes on one side of their head and can change color to match the bottom. They typically run 15-18 inches and around 3-5 pounds, though we've seen some real doormat-sized fish over the years. These ambush predators bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries, waiting to grab passing baitfish. Best season is late spring through early fall in water under 20 feet deep. Guests enjoy the challenge of finding them since they're masters of camouflage, and the meat is absolutely delicious - white, flaky, and sweet. Here's the key: drift slowly over sandy flats with live minnows or small jigs bounced right along the bottom. Watch for that subtle tap - they don't slam baits like other fish.
Morone SaxatilisConnecticut's stripers are the reason many folks get hooked on fishing. These silver beauties with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds, though we see plenty of smaller schoolies too. They're strong fighters that follow the baitfish migration through our waters from spring through fall. You'll find them around structure - rocks, drop-offs, and especially near the moving water around our islands. Peak season is late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily. The meat is sweet and flaky, making them excellent table fare. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the surface, get there fast. The stripers are usually pushing bait up from below, and that's when you can have some of the best action of the day. Use live eels or fresh bunker chunks for the bigger fish.
Clinton, CT