Full Day New London CT Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day charter targeting stripers, fluke, and sea bassCompletely customizable trips based on tides and weather conditionsProfessional guided fishing for groups of four passengers
When you're looking for a serious day on the water, Set The Hook CT LLC delivers exactly what Connecticut anglers have been searching for. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip – we're talking about a fully customizable 7+ hour charter that adapts to what the fish are doing, not what some rigid schedule says. Captain and crew know these New London waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish whether that means working the flats at dawn or chasing big stripers under the cover of darkness.
Your group of four gets the boat to yourselves for the entire day, which means no fighting for rail space or dealing with other people's drama. The beauty of this charter lies in its flexibility – if the morning bite is slow but the evening tide looks promising, that's when you'll be fishing. Captain reads the conditions like a book, whether it's wind direction, tide movement, or water temperature, and adjusts the game plan accordingly. One day you might be drift fishing for fluke over sandy bottom, the next you could be working structure for tautog or running to deeper water for sea bass. The boat's equipped for whatever technique the day calls for, from light tackle jigging to serious bottom rigs that can handle the current and put bait where the big fish live.
This charter covers the full spectrum of inshore fishing techniques that make Connecticut waters so productive. Light tackle fishing is a blast when conditions allow – feeling every head shake from a decent striper or the steady pull of a quality fluke on 15-20 pound gear gets your heart pumping. When you're targeting bottom dwellers like sea bass and porgies, expect heavier sinkers and circle hooks that can punch through current and stay planted on structure. Night fishing for stripers is where things get really interesting – working topwater plugs in the dark or drifting live eels takes patience, but the payoff can be massive. The boat carries a full selection of rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait, though experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own gear if they prefer. Captain knows which techniques work best during different tidal phases and seasons, so you're always fishing the most productive method for current conditions.
Tautog are the bulldogs of the bottom, and New London's rocky structure holds some real quality fish. These guys hug tight to rocks, pilings, and wrecks, making them a technical challenge that rewards anglers who can feel subtle bites and react quickly. Spring and fall offer the best tautog action, with fish in the 3-6 pound range common and occasional double-digit bruisers possible. They fight like freight trains once hooked, using their powerful bodies and the structure to try breaking you off.
Bluefish bring non-stop action when they're around, especially during their summer and fall runs. These aggressive predators travel in schools and attack anything that moves, making them perfect for light tackle fishing. Don't let their reputation as a "trash fish" fool you – a 5-8 pound blue on appropriate gear is a legitimate fight, with blistering runs and aerial displays that keep things exciting. Fresh bluefish also make excellent table fare when handled properly.
Summer flounder, or fluke as every local calls them, represent the gold standard of Connecticut inshore fishing. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand waiting to ambush prey. The state's minimum size limit ensures most fish you keep are legitimate dinner-plate sized specimens, while the occasional doormat over five pounds creates memories that last a lifetime. Fluke fishing requires patience and skill – working bucktails, spoons, or live bait along the bottom while feeling for that distinctive tap-tap-weight of a fish picking up your offering.
Striped bass are the crown jewel of Northeast fishing, and New London waters host both schoolie action and legitimate trophy opportunities. Spring and fall migrations bring consistent fishing, while summer offers night fishing opportunities that can produce fish over 40 inches. These fish are incredibly strong, making long runs and using their broad sides to fight in the current. Whether you're casting plugs at breaking fish or drifting live bait near structure, stripers provide the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Sea bass might be the most underrated fish in these waters, offering steady action when other species are finicky. These colorful bottom dwellers live around structure and fight harder than their size suggests. A good day on the sea bass grounds can mean non-stop action with fish in the 1-3 pound range, perfect for filling the cooler while enjoying constant rod-bending entertainment. They're also outstanding table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who enjoy eating their catch.
This full-day charter represents serious value for groups who want personalized attention and the flexibility to fish when conditions are prime. Set The Hook CT LLC has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, not just taking them for a boat ride. The captain's willingness to adapt tactics and timing based on real-time conditions means you're always fishing when and how success is most likely. With space limited to four anglers, spots fill up quickly during peak seasons. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family outing, or corporate fishing adventure, this charter delivers the kind of authentic Connecticut fishing experience that creates lasting memories and full coolers.
Pomatomus SaltatrixBluefish are aggressive predators that show up in our waters from late spring through fall, typically weighing 3-15 pounds. You'll find them in schools, often feeding in shallow water where they create those famous "bluefish blitzes" - churning water as they tear into baitfish. They're drawn to structure and moving water, especially around inlets and along the beaches. What guests love about blues is their fight - they're strong, fast, and don't give up easily. Plus they're great eating when prepared fresh, with flaky white meat. The action can be non-stop when you find a feeding school. Peak season here is mid-summer into fall when they're fattening up for their southern migration. Pro tip: when you see birds diving and water boiling on the surface, get there fast. Use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through regular line in seconds.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom dwellers that live around hard structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas in 20-80 feet of water. They average about a foot long and 1-2 pounds, but we catch plenty of bigger ones up to 4-5 pounds. These fish are aggressive feeders that travel in schools and aren't particularly spooky, making them great for anglers of all levels. Season runs late spring through fall, with summer being peak time. What guests like about sea bass is the consistent action and excellent eating - they're a staple at high-end restaurants for good reason. The meat is firm, white, and mild. They'll hit both bait and jigs readily, and once you find a school, you can usually catch several before they move off. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't rush to bring it up. Work the same spot for a few minutes since sea bass school up tight, and there are likely more down there.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the premier gamefish around here, with those distinctive black stripes running down their silver sides. They range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to trophy fish over 40 pounds. You'll find them around structure - rocks, jetties, drop-offs - but also cruising open water chasing baitfish. They're here year-round but fishing peaks during their spring and fall migrations when big schools move through. What makes stripers special is their combination of size, fight, and intelligence - they can be picky about baits and presentations. The night bite can be outstanding, especially for larger fish. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. These fish have made a great comeback after being overfished years ago. Best tip for our waters: focus on moving water during tide changes. Stripers position themselves in current breaks to ambush bait, so work your lures along those edges where fast water meets slow.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of our local waters - flatfish that change color to match the bottom they're lying on. Most run 15-20 inches, but we regularly see keeper-sized fish up to 5-6 pounds, with occasional doormat fluke pushing 8+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in sand and mud bottoms, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Best fishing is late spring through early fall in 15-50 feet of water over sandy areas and drop-offs. Guests enjoy fluke fishing because it's accessible for all skill levels, and they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The fight isn't spectacular, but finding good numbers and working for that trophy fish keeps it interesting. Key tip: use a slow retrieve and pause your drift regularly. Fluke often grab bait on the drop, so keep that rod tip up and feel for that distinctive tap-tap bite.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, tautog are tough fighters that hang around rocks, jetties, and wrecks. These chunky fish average 1-3 pounds but can grow much bigger - the record is nearly 29 pounds. They've got powerful jaws designed for crushing shellfish, which makes them tricky to hook but rewarding once you do. Best fishing is spring through fall, especially around structure in 15-40 feet of water. What makes tautog special is their fight - they use that bulk and those rocks to their advantage, trying to wrap your line around anything they can find. The meat is excellent eating too, sweet and firm. Here's a tip that works well around New London: use green crabs for bait, but crush up some crab shells and toss them over your fishing spot first. That scent trail gets them feeding, and change your bait every 5 minutes - fresh crab is key.
New London, CT