Mudslides Charters, LLC
The Branford area of Long Island Sound is central and offers a lot of options for finding different types of fish depending on the time of year. The duration of the trip will also dictate where we can go and what can be caught.
Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Black Seabass, Tautog, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Scup (Porgy), Weakfish, or Flounder. If you're looking to go offshore, then Bluefin Tuna, Thresher Shark, Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, and other species can be targeted. Various methods will be used to give you the best opportunity to boat the fish you're looking for. We specialize in Black SeaBass and Tautog.
Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Two child-sized life vests are available, as well as 6 adult-size. Also remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets grumpy on an empty belly! Nothing makes Captain Steve happier than getting someone their first fish and getting them hooked on fishing for life.
Your adventure begins aboard a 36' Chris-Craft convertible that can carry up to 6 passengers. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures or bait. Sometimes we even catch the bait to get it fresh, depending on what's biting.
A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly and to clean your catch for a nice dinner afterwards. It's customary to tip the Mate 15–20% to show your appreciation.
Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, just show up ready for some fishing! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.
Don't leave home without sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, and bottled water. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
The Mudslides is also equipped with a 6-man Life raft, an EPIRB and all USCG Required safety gear.
The Branford area of Long Island Sound is central and offers a lot of options for finding different types of fish depending on the time of year. The duration of the trip will also dictate where we can go and what can be caught.
Depending on the time of year, you might hook into Black Seabass, Tautog, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Scup (Porgy), Weakfish, or Flounder. If you're looking to go offshore, then Bluefin Tuna, Thresher Shark, Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, and other species can be targeted. Various methods will be used to give you the best opportunity to boat the fish you're looking for. We specialize in Black SeaBass and Tautog.
Families making a day of it will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Two child-sized life vests are available, as well as 6 adult-size. Also remember to bring snacks so that nobody gets grumpy on an empty belly! Nothing makes Captain Steve happier than getting someone their first fish and getting them hooked on fishing for life.
Your adventure begins aboard a 36' Chris-Craft convertible that can carry up to 6 passengers. There's a toilet on board for your convenience. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures or bait. Sometimes we even catch the bait to get it fresh, depending on what's biting.
A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly and to clean your catch for a nice dinner afterwards. It's customary to tip the Mate 15–20% to show your appreciation.
Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, just show up ready for some fishing! Keep in mind that some fish may have harvest limits or closed seasons. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.
Don't leave home without sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, and bottled water. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
The Mudslides is also equipped with a 6-man Life raft, an EPIRB and all USCG Required safety gear.

| Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
















Captain steve was great my son and i had the best time ever
When we first cast off for our fishing adventure the morning was perfect for fishing. It was our first spot to cast for fish that had my attention, I felt the captain should have made some adjustments to the first stop. The captain did adjust after observing the spot, water drifts, and lobster traps lines. Before the adjustment we're caught up in, fishing lines being tangle, the loss tackle and maybe the potential of fish. We caught a lot of fish, only to return them to the water Because of length or size. But I notice at the end of our trip getting larger bait lured in the larger fish. Giving us big action, the limit was 25 per species of fish. Thus, we caught a nice total for the day and Captain, to me you still deserve 5 stars. Enjoyed my time. THANK YOU!!!
My sons- 11 and 13, husband and I went for my son’s belated bday present. I picked this captain and his boat for a few reasons. The boat was a double decker so you can be up top and see down below. It also had a rest room on board and a place to keep cool if needed. It also had all the equipment for unexperienced fishers like us. I let the captain know we were going to need help and they assisted us. Took a little bit to find a spot and us to know when to tug but we bought some. My bday son caught a shark and myself and other son caught flounder, sea robins and a porgy. My kids wished he was a close friend because they wanted to do a bunch of time this season. They loved the whole thing. Maybe next year.
Great experience fishing on MUDSLIDES! Captain Steve is a great fisherman, charter captain and an amazing person to be around. He knows the waters very well and will put you on the FISH!!! I left bags full of fish! Most importantly, Captain Steve takes safety very seriously, which made my experience that much more special. Feeling safe while fishing, relaxing, enjoying the ride, and sipping a cold one; made my trip memorable and I will definitely be back. Thanks Captain Steve!

I have been fishing with Steve on his boat for a very long time and I am excited that he is able to offer his knowledge of Long Island Sound to others looking for an amazing charter experience. Steve is a very experienced operator and has the ability to do many different types of fishing/day trips. Our best days on Mudslides were catching sea bass at six mile reef, stripped bass at Branford beacon, and black fish at the wall in New Haven harbor.
The Captain and deck hand were friendly as can be. Was a perfect day to be on the water, and we all caught a few each. Making ceviche with a tautog right now. 4 hours goes to fast. Would recommend for locals for a quick blast in the sound and still have the rest of the day.
We went fishing with Captain Steve Schmbach last weekend for my boy's birthday. Best fishing excursion I've ever been on. The boat was awesome and the fishing was great. Will not hesitate to call captain Steve the next time we go.
The captain and his first mate were great people and very accommodating! They made sure we all caught at least 1 fish. Boat was beautiful and had a great time!

Our family had the pleasure of enjoying an unforgettable fishing trip that spanned three generations—and every single one of us had a blast. Captain Steve is nothing short of outstanding. Friendly, easy to talk to, and clearly passionate about boating and fishing, his excitement is infectious. He made even the youngest aboard—our two children, ages 8 and 10, with zero fishing experience—feel like seasoned pros. I honestly believe he was just as thrilled (if not more so) watching them reel in their catches! First mate Sam was also fantastic—a courteous and capable young man who patiently answered my son’s many questions and stayed one step ahead of the action with ease. Fishing, like the weather, can be unpredictable. But Steve clearly has "a spot"—each of us hauled in multiple fish, including Striped Bass, Porgy, and Weakfish. After they were filleted, we took home pounds of fresh catch that made for an incredible meal with plenty of leftovers. Despite our group being mostly novices, Steve and Sam operated with the seamless coordination of a seasoned crew in a high-paced kitchen. Their efficiency, patience, and good humor made the experience smooth and stress-free. Mudslides' Charters may be a professional operation, but it feels more like you're out on the water with buddies than booking a commercial trip. Thank you, Captain Steve and Sam, for giving our family a day we'll always remember.






