Striped Bass Fishing in Long Island Sound
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target striped bass weighing 555 pounds in Long Island SoundVeteran guide provides equipment and expert fishing knowledgeSmall group experience accommodates up to 3 guests maximum
Long Island Sound is hands down one of the Northeast's hottest spots for striped bass, and this charter puts you right in the thick of the action. You'll be fishing with a veteran captain who's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where the big stripers are holding. We're talking fish that range from schoolies around 5 pounds all the way up to massive 55-pound bruisers that'll test your drag and make your arms burn. This is pure inshore fishing at its finest – close enough to shore that you're not dealing with rough seas, but far enough out to hit the structure and current breaks where the big bass love to ambush baitfish.
Your day starts early when you meet the captain at the marina, and right away you'll notice this isn't some cookie-cutter operation. The boat is rigged specifically for striped bass fishing, with quality rods, reels, and tackle already set up and ready to go. You're fishing with just two other anglers max, so there's plenty of room to work and no fighting over prime spots at the rail. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every reef, every drop-off, every tide change that gets the bass feeding. Don't worry if you're new to this; he'll walk you through everything from how to work the bait to setting the hook when you get that first solid hit. The Sound can be productive year-round, but the best action typically runs from late spring through fall when the bass are actively feeding and putting on weight.
In Long Island Sound, success comes down to reading the structure and matching your presentation to what the bass are doing. Your captain will likely start by working live bait around rocky bottom and drop-offs where stripers like to stage. Eels are absolute money here, especially when fished near structure during moving water. You'll also throw plenty of artificials – bucktails tipped with pork rind, soft plastics, and topwater plugs when conditions are right. The Sound has incredible structure diversity, from rocky reefs to sand flats to deep channels, and each spot requires a different approach. When the bass are schooled up and feeding aggressively, you might find yourself casting into boiling water where birds are working and fish are busting bait on the surface. All the gear is included, from rods and reels to terminal tackle and bait, but make sure you've got your Connecticut fishing license sorted before you show up.
Striped bass are what make Long Island Sound legendary, and for good reason. These fish are built for power – thick shoulders, broad tails, and an attitude that'll make you respect the species real quick. The smaller schoolies in the 5 to 15-pound range are perfect for honing your technique and building confidence, but they're just the warm-up act. The real show starts when you hook into a 30 or 40-pound cow that decides to make a run for deeper water. These big bass are smart, having survived years of fishing pressure, and they'll use every trick in the book to shake your hook. They'll wrap you around structure, make powerful runs toward the bottom, and test every knot in your rig. Peak season runs from May through November, with the biggest fish typically showing up during the fall migration when they're feeding heavily before heading south. What makes striped bass so special is their versatility – they'll hit everything from live bunker to small jigs, and the fight varies depending on the size of the fish and where you hook them.
This charter sells out fast, especially during prime time when the bass are thick and the bite is hot. With only three spots available, you're getting a personalized experience that the big party boats just can't match. Your captain brings decades of local knowledge, top-shelf gear, and the kind of work ethic that keeps clients coming back season after season. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience what Long Island Sound striped bass fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The Sound's close proximity to shore means you're spending more time fishing and less time running to the grounds, and the protected waters keep the ride comfortable even when it's breezy. Book now and get ready to see why Connecticut's striped bass fishing has such a devoted following among serious anglers.
Hartford