Mudslides Charters, LLC 

4.9
(25 reviews)
 30 Goodsell Point Road, Branford, CT 06405, United States–

Mudslides Charters, LLC 

Branford, CT, United States
–
36 ft
6
4.9
(25 reviews)

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.

Steve Schambach
Captain
Steve Schambach
16 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
6-Hour Fishing Trip - (7:00 - 1:00)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seabass (Black)
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
+3
US $1,495
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seabass (Black)
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
+3
US $1,795
Entire boat: up to 6 people
12 Hour Trip – Nearshore/Offshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
12 hour trip starts at 5:00 AM
Seabass (Black)
Bass (Striped)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Shark (Blue)
+5
US $2,150
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Offshore Fishing Trip - 4 person
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 Day Trip starts at 5:00 AM
Overnight stay, liveaboard
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)
Tuna (Bluefin)
+8
US $3,895
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

4.9
25 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (40)

Reviews (25)

  • Peter Flynn
    Peter Flynn
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great fathers day trip

    6-Hour Fishing Trip - (7:00 - 1:00) on June 20, 2026 • 6 adults

    Captain steve was great my son and i had the best time ever

  • George Hargrove
    George Hargrove
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Time with outstanding weather

    8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on June 29, 2025 • 5 adults

    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!!!

  • Julianna Schirra
    Julianna Schirra
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2025
    4.7
    Verified

    Great birthday trip for 11 year old

    4 Hour Trip on June 13, 2025 • 4 adults • 2 children

    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.

  • FishingBooker Member
    FishingBooker Member
    5.0

    TOG 'TOBER

    8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on October 19, 2024

    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!

  • Aidan Ricciardelli
    Aidan Ricciardelli
    Member since 2025
    5.0

    Fishing with Steve/Mudslides

    8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore on October 5, 2024

    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.

  • Scott Goldsmith
    Scott Goldsmith
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    nice quick trip

    4 Hour Trip on July 19, 2025 • 6 adults

    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.

  • Derek Pisani
    Derek Pisani
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Look no further!

    4 Hour Trip on September 14, 2025 • 4 adults

    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.

  • Matthew Orefice
    Matthew Orefice
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time!

    4 Hour Trip - 2:00 PM on July 20, 2025 • 6 adults • 1 child

    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!

  • Heather Torpey
    Heather Torpey
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    great birthday for my 11 year old

    4 Hour Trip on September 21, 2025 • 6 adults • 1 child
  • Ken Lundquist
    Ken Lundquist
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Mudslides' Charters is an absolute treasure

    4 Hour Trip on June 28, 2025 • 6 adults • 2 children

    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.

FAQs about Mudslides Charters, LLC

Mudslides Charters, LLC offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $1,495 per group - 6-Hour Fishing Trip - (7:00 - 1:00) (6 hours)
  • US $1,795 per group - 8 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore (8 hours)
  • US $2,150 per group - 12 Hour Trip – Nearshore/Offshore (12 hours)
  • US $3,895 per day per group - Offshore Fishing Trip - 4 person (2 days)
When you book a trip with Mudslides Charters, LLC, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Mudslides has a fully enclosed electric head and shower with hot & cold running water.
  • Air conditioning All new AC System installed in 2023.
  • Fighting chair It's more of a fighting Saddle on new Pedestal
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Bed Captain Reserves Stateroom, Additional Beds for 4.
  • Flybridge Seating for 5 or 6, Refrigerator for drinks/lunch
  • Live bait well Large livewell that can be used as Chum spreader
  • Kitchen New Refrigerator, Convection Stove, Air Fryer/Mcwv
  • Refrigerator New in 2025
  • Outriggers Telescoping Taco Outriggers w/2 lines each
  • Ice box Cockpit Refrigerator/Ice-Box and Yeti 210
  • Radar Doppler
Trips booked with Mudslides Charters, LLC include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Each boat set up w/Conventional & Spinning Gear.)
  • Live bait (If live bait is what is working, that's what we'll be using. We're going to use whatever bait is going to give us the best chance of catching the fish we're looking for. Sometimes it's live bait, sometimes frozen, maybe even lures, and on some days we u)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Cleaning and filleting of fish is included in the price of your trip. Please be appreciative of the mate's or captain's work that goes into this. Also, you will want to bring along a cooler or have something at the dock to put your catch into to bring ho)
  • First mate (I only work with the best first mates and they've all been out fishing with me before. They've been chosen because of their great attitude and willingness to help out and great work ethic. They may have tried to out-fish the Captain before but are here )
  • Fishing license (Fishing licenses are also included in the cost of your trip. The Mudslides carries a CT Issued fishing license for all of Long Island sound and the surrounding areas. And, where that leaves off and we get into Highly Migratory Species and Pelagics, incl)
Mudslides Charters, LLC offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing (Anywhere inside of Long Island Sound)
  • Nearshore fishing (Block Island, Block Island Sound, & Montauk)
  • Offshore fishing (Minimum trip duration of 8 hours required)
  • Reef fishing (We fish all around reefs and rock-piles)
  • Wreck fishing
Mudslides Charters, LLC offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Mudslides Charters, LLC include:
  • Bass (Striped)
  • Bluefish (Tailor)
  • Flounder
  • Scup (Porgy)
  • Seabass (Black)
  • Shark (Blue)
  • Shark (Thresher)
  • Tautog
  • Tuna (Bigeye)
  • Tuna (Bluefin)
  • Tuna (Yellowfin)
  • Weakfish

Your captain

Steve Schambach
Steve Schambach
Branford, Connecticut, United States
1 Fishing Report
ID & license verified
30 Customer reviews
Typical response within 8 hours
Member since February 2025
Mudslides is a 36' Chris Craft Convertible, Capt. Steve ensures a great fishing experience in the waters of Long Island Sound as well as Block Island, The Race, Montauk and Offshore. We specialize in Black SeaBass and Tautog in the sound in season and also are often found hunting Stripers, Bluefish, Flounder, Weakfish and other species. Heading offshore we'll be looking for Tuna, Marlin, Mahi and Sharks. Please bring children and beginners, we're ready to show them a great time as well as seasoned fishermen. If you're not fishing but just want to come along, we have very comfortable accommodations.
Our Team
Steve S.
Steve S.
Captain
Joe B.
Joe B.
First mate
Tom P.
Tom P.
First mate
Oliver S.
Oliver S.
First mate
Sam S.
Sam S.
First mate
Jack S.
Jack S.
First mate
AJ R.
AJ R.
First mate
Steve Schambach
Steve Schambach
Fully verified
1
reports
30
reviews
2025
member since
~8h
response
Mudslides is a 36' Chris Craft Convertible, Capt. Steve ensures a great fishing experience in the waters of Long Island Sound as well as Block Island, The Race, Montauk and Offshore. We specialize in Black SeaBass and Tautog in the sound in season and also are often found hunting Stripers, Bluefish, Flounder, Weakfish and other species. Heading offshore we'll be looking for Tuna, Marlin, Mahi and Sharks. Please bring children and beginners, we're ready to show them a great time as well as seasoned fishermen. If you're not fishing but just want to come along, we have very comfortable accommodations.
The crew
Steve S.
Steve S.
Captain
Joe B.
Joe B.
First mate
Tom P.
Tom P.
First mate
Oliver S.
Oliver S.
First mate
Sam S.
Sam S.
First mate
Jack S.
Jack S.
First mate
AJ R.
AJ R.
First mate

The fish you can target

Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Scup (Porgy)
Scup (Porgy)
Black Seabass
Black Seabass
Blue Shark
Blue Shark
Thresher Shark
Thresher Shark
Tautog
Tautog
Bigeye Tuna
Bigeye Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Weakfish
Weakfish
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Bluefish (Tailor)
Bluefish (Tailor)
Flounder
Flounder
Scup (Porgy)
Scup (Porgy)
Black Seabass
Black Seabass

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler proudly displaying a caught Black Sea Bass while fishing on a boat, showcasing a sunny day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Black Seabass
    Peter F.
    Peter F.
    Captain steve was great my son and i had the best time ever
  • A young angler proudly displaying a caught fish while fishing on a boat, showcasing a fun day on the water.
    Heather T.
    Heather T.
  • An angler proudly displaying a freshly caught fish while aboard a fishing boat in calm waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Weakfish
    Derek P.
    Derek P.
    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.
  • Group of anglers aboard a fishing boat, showcasing their excitement before heading out on a fishing adventure.
    Fish 1
    Black Drum
    Matthew O.
    Matthew O.
    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!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a caught fish while fishing on a boat, showcasing a sunny day on the water.
    Scott G.
    Scott G.
    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.
  • Group of anglers celebrating their successful fishing trip on a boat, showcasing a variety of fish caught during the outing.
    Fish 1
    Black Rockfish
    George H.
    George H.
    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!!!
  • A family of four poses on the deck of a fishing boat, showcasing a friendly atmosphere before their fishing adventure.
    Janet O.
    Janet O.
    Captain Steve was terrific along with his boat, fishing supplies etc. best trip ever would highly recommend!
  • A catch tally board displaying various fish species caught by anglers, including Striper, Sea Bass, and Porgy, during a fishing trip.
    Keith H.
    Keith H.
  • A young angler at the helm of a boat, wearing a life jacket and focused on navigating the waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Black Seabass
    Julianna S.
    Julianna S.
    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.
  • Interior view of a fishing charter's seating area featuring a whiteboard for tracking catches, including species like Striper and Porgy.
    Samuel P.
    Samuel P.
    Captain Steve and First Mate Sam were incredible! We booked them for a small group half-day boys' trip, including our five year old son who was going for his first time. Great experience for the kids and we caught a few different kinds of fish including a sand shark! Can't wait to book them again next summer.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
36 ft
Year built
1986
Restored in
2024
Boat manufacturer
Chris-Craft
Boat type
Convertible
Engine model
Yanmar
Powered by
2 x 315HP
Max cruising speed
18 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Mudslides has a fully enclosed electric head and shower with hot & cold running water.
Air conditioning
All new AC System installed in 2023.
Fighting chair
It's more of a fighting Saddle on new Pedestal
GPS
Fishfinder
Bed
Captain Reserves Stateroom, Additional Beds for 4.
Flybridge
Seating for 5 or 6, Refrigerator for drinks/lunch
Live bait well
Large livewell that can be used as Chum spreader
Kitchen
New Refrigerator, Convection Stove, Air Fryer/Mcwv
Refrigerator
New in 2025
Outriggers
Telescoping Taco Outriggers w/2 lines each
Ice box
Cockpit Refrigerator/Ice-Box and Yeti 210
Radar
Doppler
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Each boat set up w/Conventional & Spinning Gear.
Live bait
If live bait is what is working, that's what we'll be using. We're going to use whatever bait is going to give us the best chance of catching the fish we're looking for. Sometimes it's live bait, sometimes frozen, maybe even lures, and on some days we u
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Cleaning and filleting of fish is included in the price of your trip. Please be appreciative of the mate's or captain's work that goes into this. Also, you will want to bring along a cooler or have something at the dock to put your catch into to bring ho
First mate
I only work with the best first mates and they've all been out fishing with me before. They've been chosen because of their great attitude and willingness to help out and great work ethic. They may have tried to out-fish the Captain before but are here
Fishing license
Fishing licenses are also included in the cost of your trip. The Mudslides carries a CT Issued fishing license for all of Long Island sound and the surrounding areas. And, where that leaves off and we get into Highly Migratory Species and Pelagics, incl

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
We love to have kids aboard and it's one of the big reasons why I decided to do charter out the Mudslides. I love taking kids out for their first fishing adventure and teaching them how to fish. Once they've caught that first fish, they're hooked for li
No smoking
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible
We've had motorized wheelchairs on board too.

How you can pay

Pay online in full
Pay online in full through FishingBooker and save on credit card fees at the dock.
No additional fees.
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 PayPal
 Bank transfer

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