Expert Guided Connecticut Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesAll fishing equipment and gear provided by experienced crewSmall group experience with maximum four guests per charter
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't eat up your entire weekend? One More Drift Charters CT has you covered with their popular 3-hour inshore fishing adventure. This customer favorite gives you just enough time to get into the fish without the commitment of a full-day charter. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to fishing, groups of friends looking to blow off steam, or anyone who wants to squeeze in some rod-bending action without breaking the bank. The best part? You don't need to stress about gear, licenses, or knowing where the fish are biting – that's all taken care of for you.
Captain and crew know Connecticut's inshore waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish in spots that most weekend warriors never find. These aren't just random GPS coordinates either – we're talking about productive structure, current breaks, and seasonal hotspots that have been producing consistently. The boat holds up to 4 anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for elbow room or getting tangled up with a dozen other lines. Weather plays a big role in where you'll fish, but that's part of what makes each trip unique. Some days you'll be working the rocky structure for black sea bass, other times you'll be drifting over sandy bottom targeting summer flounder. The crew reads conditions and adjusts the game plan accordingly, which is exactly what you want from a top-rated charter operation.
All rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait come with the trip, so you can leave the gear headaches at home. The crew sets you up with appropriate tackle for the target species – lighter spinning gear for scup and smaller fish, beefier setups when striped bass and bluefish are the focus. You'll learn different techniques depending on what's biting: jigging for sea bass around structure, drifting with bait for fluke, or even some light trolling if conditions call for it. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're bouncing jigs on bottom, the next you might be working topwater for breaking fish. Don't worry if you're new to fishing or haven't been out in years. The crew takes time to show you proper technique, help with hook sets, and coach you through fighting fish. Experienced anglers appreciate the quality gear and the crew's willingness to let you fish your own style while offering tips to improve your success.
Connecticut's inshore waters serve up an impressive variety of gamefish, and this charter targets five species that'll keep your rod bent and your adrenaline pumping. Striped bass are the crown jewel of Connecticut fishing – these silvery fighters can range from schoolie size up to legitimate keepers pushing 30+ inches. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but summer fishing can be outstanding when you find them chasing bait in deeper water. What makes stripers special is their fight: long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Bluefish bring pure aggression to the equation. These toothy predators hit hard and fight dirty, making screaming runs that'll leave your arms burning. Summer is prime time for blues, especially when they're feeding on the surface in blitzes that you can see from miles away. Black sea bass might not be the biggest fish in the ocean, but pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. These bottom dwellers love structure and will try to cut you off on rocks and wrecks the second you hook them. Spring through fall produces steady action, with the bigger fish showing up as water temperatures climb. Summer flounder, or fluke as locals call them, are the ultimate challenge for light-tackle enthusiasts. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and require finesse to hook consistently. The bigger "doormat" fluke are pure gold – they fight with surprising strength and make excellent table fare. Scup, also known as porgy, might be smaller than the other target species, but they make up for size with numbers and willingness to bite. Perfect for kids and beginners, scup help keep the action steady between shots at larger fish.
Three hours gives you a real taste of what Connecticut inshore fishing has to offer without the fatigue that comes with longer trips. The crew's experience shines through in their ability to put you on fish quickly and keep the action going throughout the trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a convenient fishing fix or a family wanting to create some memories on the water, this charter delivers the goods. The fact that everything's provided means you can make the decision to go fishing and actually be on the water the same day – no gear shopping, no bait runs, no guessing where to fish. Contact One More Drift Charters CT now to check availability and lock in your dates. The calendar fills up fast during peak season, and the best fishing days book first. Don't let another weekend slip by wondering what you missed – get out there and find out why Connecticut's inshore fishing keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
This 2018 24' Key West center console is built for serious Connecticut fishing adventures. With a reliable 250HP Yamaha pushing you through local waters, you'll reach the best fishing spots quickly and comfortably. The spacious deck gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Modern GPS navigation gets you to productive waters while the fish finder helps locate schools below. When nature calls during your 3-hour trip, the onboard toilet keeps everyone comfortable. The center console design offers excellent visibility for spotting birds working baitfish and easy access to tackle storage. Whether you're targeting stripers, blues, or whatever's biting in Connecticut waters, this boat handles choppy seas and delivers a smooth ride back to the dock with your catch.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are one of our most reliable bottom fish here in Connecticut waters. These chunky, dark-colored fish typically run 1-4 pounds, though we occasionally see them up to 8 pounds. They love hanging around structure - wrecks, rocks, jetties, and reefs in 20-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore to spawn and feed. What makes them special is they're born female and change to male as they grow, plus the males turn bright blue during spawning season. They put up a solid fight until they break the surface, then give up pretty quick. The meat is fantastic - firm, white, and sweet. My go-to tip: drop your bait right to the bottom, then reel up just a few cranks. Sea bass rarely chase bait up high, so keep it low where they live.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are voracious predators that show up in Connecticut waters from mid-June through October, making them a favorite target during summer months. These aggressive feeders typically run 3-15 pounds, with their signature blue-green backs and razor-sharp teeth. You'll find them attacking schools of baitfish in shallow water, often creating what we call "bluefish blitzes" - churning water that looks like a washing machine. They hit hard and fight strong, making them great for anglers wanting action. Blues are excellent eating when prepared fresh, especially the smaller ones under 10 pounds which have milder meat. Pro tip: use wire leaders since their teeth will cut through regular line, and when you see birds diving on baitfish, head straight there - the blues are usually right underneath feeding.
Stenotomus ChrysopsScup, or porgy as old-timers call them, are underrated fish that show up in good numbers from May through October. These silver, deep-bodied fish typically run 8-14 inches and make great family fishing since they're easy to catch and excellent eating. You'll find them around rocky bottom, pilings, and structure where they use their strong jaws to crush shells and crabs. They're true bottom feeders, so fishing right on the deck is key. What guests appreciate is their willingness to bite - kids especially love the steady action scup provide. The meat is firm, white, and sweet when cooked fresh. They also make outstanding live bait for striped bass and other gamefish. Best tip: use small hooks with squid, clam, or marine worms, and fish a simple bottom rig. When scup are around, you'll know it - they bite consistently and travel in schools.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of Connecticut fishing, and for good reason. These silvery fighters with distinctive black stripes run anywhere from schoolie size up to 40+ pound cows. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and moving water throughout our coastline, from shallow surf to deeper channels. While they're here year-round, spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they're actively feeding on bunker, herring, and other baitfish. What makes stripers special is their combination of size, fight, and intelligence - they can be finicky but reward patient anglers with powerful runs. The meat is excellent too, with sweet, flaky texture. They're also anadromous, spawning in rivers but living in salt water. My best advice: fish the edges of structure during moving tides, especially early morning or evening. Live eels work magic, but fresh bunker chunks are hard to beat.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are Connecticut's most popular flatfish. These "chameleons of the sea" change color to match the bottom and ambush prey from their sandy hideouts. Most run 15-20 inches, but doormat-sized fish over 5 pounds make the trip memorable. You'll find them on sandy bottoms near structure, drop-offs, and channel edges from spring through fall. September to November is prime time when they're feeding heavily before heading offshore. What guests love is the challenge - fluke bite light and require finesse, but they're outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They also get surprisingly big, with potential for trophy fish over 10 pounds. Key tip: use a slow drift and let your sinker bounce bottom while jigging softly. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - fluke need time to turn the bait.
Clinton, CT