Full Day New London Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day charter targets fluke, sea bass, and stripersCompletely customizable timing based on tides and weather conditionsProfessional inshore fishing experience for up to four guests
When you're looking for a serious day on the water in Connecticut, this full-day charter out of New London delivers exactly what hardcore anglers want. Set The Hook CT LLC runs a top-rated operation that puts you right where the fish are biting, whether that's working the reefs for fluke or chasing big stripers under the stars. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with space for just four anglers, you get the personal attention that makes the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip where everyone does the same thing regardless of conditions. The captain reads the tide charts, checks the weather, and adjusts the game plan based on what's actually happening out there. Some days that means hitting the fluke grounds at first light with bucktails and gulp baits. Other times, you'll be bottom fishing structure for sea bass and porgies when the bite is hot. The real magic happens when conditions line up for night striper fishing - there's nothing quite like feeling that telltale thump of a 30-pound bass inhaling your live eel in the dark. With seven-plus hours on the water, there's time to try multiple techniques and locations, maximizing your chances at filling the cooler.
The boat comes rigged with quality gear, but serious anglers know the captain adapts the setup based on target species and conditions. Light tackle gets the nod when you're sight fishing for stripers or working shallow structure for tautog. The spinning reels get spooled with 20-30 pound braid, perfect for feeling every tap when you're bouncing jigs along rocky bottom for blackfish. Bottom fishing calls for conventional gear - usually 6-7 foot rods paired with reels that can handle the constant cranking when sea bass and porgies are stacked up on productive wrecks. Live bait gets stored in the wells, while the tackle boxes stay stocked with proven producers like diamond jigs, bucktails, and the soft plastics that Connecticut fluke can't resist. The fish finder stays busy all day, marking bait schools and structure that hold fish.
Striped bass run the show in these waters, and for good reason. These fish push into Long Island Sound from spring through fall, following massive schools of bunker, herring, and other baitfish. Keeper stripers here typically run 28-35 inches, but the bigger fish - those 40-inch-plus cows that every angler dreams about - show up when conditions are right. They're ambush predators that love current breaks, boulder fields, and drop-offs where they can pin baitfish against structure. Night fishing produces the biggest bass, especially during the summer months when these fish move shallow to feed under cover of darkness.
Summer flounder, or fluke as every local calls them, are the bread and butter of Connecticut inshore fishing. These flatfish are pure eating quality and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Keepers need to measure 19 inches, and the better fish here run 3-6 pounds with some doormat fluke pushing 8-10 pounds. They bury in sandy bottom near structure, waiting to ambush passing baitfish. The bite typically peaks during moving water, and these fish have a subtle bite that rewards anglers who stay connected to their sinker.
Tautog, or blackfish, are the bulldogs of the rocky bottom. These fish don't run far or jump high, but they'll test your drag and your patience with their powerful, head-shaking fights. Connecticut tog run 2-8 pounds typically, with bigger fish possible around prime structure. They're notorious bait stealers with crushing jaws designed for eating crabs and mussels off the rocks. The key is keeping tight to bottom and setting the hook hard when you feel that distinctive tap-tap-pull.
Black sea bass school up on wrecks and rocky structure, making them a customer favorite when the bite is on. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight well for their size. Most keepers run 1-3 pounds, but they often bite in numbers that keep the action steady all day. They're excellent table fare and relatively easy to catch, making them perfect for building confidence between shots at bigger species.
Bluefish bring the aggression that gets every angler's blood pumping. These fish hunt in schools, slashing through bait with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude that never quits. Connecticut blues typically run 2-10 pounds, with the occasional chopper bluefish pushing 15-20 pounds. They're not picky eaters - metals, soft plastics, and live bait all produce when you locate an active school. Just remember to bring a wire leader unless you enjoy getting bit off.
Seven hours on the water with an experienced captain who knows how to put you on fish - that's what separates this charter from the crowded party boats and inexperienced guides. The flexible approach means you're fishing when and where conditions are best, not running a set schedule that ignores what the fish are actually doing. Whether you're after keeper stripers for the wall, fluke for the table, or just want to bend some rods on whatever's biting, this charter delivers the goods. Book your dates early, especially for prime summer and fall fishing when the bite is hot and spots fill fast.
Pomatomus SaltatrixThese aggressive predators are pure adrenaline on the line. Blues typically run 3-15 pounds around here, with those razor-sharp teeth and attitude to match. They travel in schools, feeding on anything from bunker to squid, and when you find them, the action gets wild fast. Best months are late spring through fall when they're pushing baitfish around the Sound. What guests love is the non-stop action - when blues are feeding, you'll get multiple hookups and serious fights. They're also great eating if you bleed them right away and ice them down. Pro tip: when you see birds diving or bait getting pushed to the surface, get there quick. Use wire leaders and keep your fingers clear of those teeth when unhooking.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are reliable bottom dwellers that live around hard structure like wrecks, rocks, and jetties. These dark, chunky fish average about a foot long and 1-2 pounds, though we get some nice 3-4 pounders. They school up and are aggressive feeders, making them perfect for families and newer anglers. Best fishing runs May through October in 30-80 feet of water. What people love about sea bass is the steady action - when you find them, you'll usually catch several. They're also outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They travel in groups, so if you catch one, drop right back down. My tip: use a simple high-low rig with squid or clam, and fish tight to structure where they like to hide.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the crown jewel of our local fishery. These powerful fish with distinctive black stripes can range from schoolie size around 20 inches up to massive 40+ pounders. They're structure-oriented, hanging around rocks, drop-offs, and current breaks in both shallow and deep water. Spring and fall migrations offer the hottest action, but we catch them year-round. What makes stripers special is their intelligence and fight - they'll test every knot and make long runs. They're also prime table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Night fishing can be phenomenal when they move shallow to feed. My local secret: focus on moving water during tide changes, and don't overlook the shallow rocks at dawn and dusk when big fish cruise looking for an easy meal.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder, or fluke as we call them locally, are the ultimate ambush predators lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms. Most keeper-size fish run 15-20 inches, but doormat fluke over 5 pounds make for memorable photos. They love structure transitions - where sand meets rocks or around channel edges in 15-40 feet of water. Peak season here is May through September when they're actively feeding. What makes fluke fishing addictive is the technique - you're constantly moving, drifting with the current, and working jigs along the bottom. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters. My go-to method: bounce a bucktail with squid strip or gulp along the bottom, and when you feel that tap-tap-pull, count to three before setting the hook.
Tautoga OnitisAlso called blackfish, these chunky fighters love rocky structure around jetties and wrecks. Most run 1-3 pounds, but we've seen some push 15+ pounds in deeper water. They're ambush feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish - those teeth can crack right through a green crab shell. Best fishing is April through November when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes them special is the challenge - they're picky eaters and strong fighters that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, firm white meat. My tip: use fresh green crabs, remove the claws and legs, then crush them slightly to release scent. Fish tight to structure but be ready to horse them away from the rocks fast.
New London, CT