PM Half-day Trip - Danbury, CT
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water without burning your whole weekend? Terry Baksay's got you covered with this 4-hour fishing trip that hits two of Connecticut's top bass lakes. You and one buddy will work the productive waters of Candlewood Lake and Lake Lilinonah, chasing largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie. All your tackle's included, so just grab your fishing license and show up ready to cast. This isn't some crowded charter boat – it's just you, your fishing partner, and some seriously good bass water.
What to Expect on the Water
Terry knows these lakes like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish fast. Candlewood Lake stretches over 5,420 acres with plenty of structure to work – fallen trees, rocky points, and weed beds that hold bass year-round. When the bite slows down on one lake, you'll hop over to Lake Lilinonah, which offers a completely different fishing experience with its deeper channels and varied bottom structure. The afternoon timing is perfect since bass activity often picks up as the day cools down, especially during summer months. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with all the electronics needed to locate schools of fish and structure that holds them. Don't worry if you're new to bass fishing – Terry breaks down techniques as you go and adjusts the approach based on what the fish are telling you.
Techniques and Tackle
All your gear comes with the trip, from rods and reels to a full tackle box of proven lures. Depending on conditions, you might be throwing soft plastics around structure, working topwater baits over shallow flats, or dragging jigs along drop-offs. Terry stocks everything from Texas-rigged worms and creature baits to crankbaits and spinnerbaits that produce on these waters. The boat's equipped with a fish finder and GPS so you can mark productive spots and work them thoroughly. If you've got your own lucky lures, bring them along – local knowledge combined with your favorite tackle often produces the best results. The key is staying versatile since bass behavior changes throughout the afternoon as light conditions shift and water temperature fluctuates.
Target Species Breakdown
Largemouth bass are the main attraction here, and both lakes produce some real chunky ones. These fish love the abundant cover – brush piles, fallen timber, and weed edges where they can ambush prey. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but summer evenings can be explosive when bass move shallow to feed. Largemouths in these lakes average 2-4 pounds, with plenty of opportunities for fish pushing 5 pounds or better. They're aggressive fighters that'll test your drag and give you that heart-pumping hookset moment every angler lives for.
Smallmouth bass bring a different kind of fight to the table – pound for pound, they're the scrappiest fish you'll encounter. Lake Lilinonah's rocky structure and deeper water suit smallies perfectly. They tend to school up more than largemouths, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. These bronze-backs average 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, with acrobatic jumps and bulldogging runs that'll keep your rod bent. Fall is prime time for smallmouth when they feed heavily before winter.
Crappie might not have the flash of bass, but they make up for it in numbers and table fare. Both lakes hold healthy populations of slabs that suspend around structure in 8-15 feet of water. Spring spawning periods produce fast action when crappie move shallow, but they're catchable year-round if you know where to look. These paper-mouths require a lighter touch, but when you dial in a school, you can fill a cooler quickly. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged since the action stays steady once you locate them.
Time to Book Your Spot
This half-day trip delivers everything you want from a Connecticut fishing experience – top-notch lakes, proven techniques, and the kind of local expertise that puts fish in the boat. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to bass fishing or just want to squeeze in some quality time on the water, Terry's got the setup to make it happen. The 2-person limit keeps things personal and ensures everyone gets plenty of rod time. Remember to grab your Connecticut fishing license before you head out – it's required for anyone 16 and older. Ready to feel that first bass of the day slam your lure? Book your afternoon on Candlewood and Lilinonah now.