Clinton, CT Fishing Charters – One More Drift Charters Create lasting memories with family and friends aboard One More Drift Charters a full-time fishing charter business departing from Cedar Island Marina in Clinton, Connecticut.
"Captain Joe and his mate Josh showed us a great time. We have lived in the area for a long time and had fished the Duck Island Rhodes waterway a lot." — Thomas,
Come fish the productive waters of Western Long Island Sound aboard Viking Fly, a 20’ SeaCraft built for an active, hands-on experience. Whether you’re fly fishing or using spinning gear, each trip is tailored to your skill level.
"Great captain who knew where the fish were at! Brought my little brother, who's decent at casting, on a charter." — Alec,
If you’re searching for the ultimate sportfishing adventure in Connecticut, Hudson Fishing Charters is your go-to destination. Let Hudson Fishing Charters, with over 30 years of experience, guide you to an unforgettable day on the water.
"Capt. Mike made our fishing trip very enjoyable and special, we had family members from Georgia come together and enjoy catching stripes for the first time." — Calvin,
If you're ready to have fun fishing in New london, book a trip with Weidele's Hunting & Fishing. Captain Allan will be your guide, which allows you to benefit from years of professional experience.
"I know this never happens but the second that we showed up and I put my line in the water." — Gina,
Make some memories in Connecticuts beautiful long island sound and go fishing with Baytime Charters. With Captain Samuel at the helm, you'll benefit from years of knowledge and experience.
"We had an amazing experience! I brought my 12-year-old son, and it was the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together and make some great memories." — Myra,
There's a fish with your name on it in Waterford and Drifter Charters will help you catch it! Striped Bass, Bluefish, Skipjack, Mahi Mahi, Flounder, Scup (Porgy), Black Seabass, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and more can be found in these waters, dep
"We had an amazing experience with Drift Charters! Captain Beers and Drew were absolutely amazing—professional, friendly, and incredibly informative." — Tushar,
Welcome aboard the Kelly Marie! It's Black Fish season! Book a trip for the most fun fish to catch in Block Island and Fishers Island Sound! This ground fishing trip is an exciting opportunity for anglers of all experience levels.
"The Captain of Kelly Marie Charter was attentive, showed extensive knowledge of the area, including fishing spots, and he is a person who provides great company on the boat." — Brad,
Welcome aboard the Lady Jo. With 50+ years of experience, we strive to deliver an experience you and your friends/family won't forget.
"We had an amazing time aboard the Lady Jo! The service was excellent from start to finish." — Victor,
Book your next trip with Fishing and Nature and find out what keeps anglers coming back to Clinton for more.
"Had the absolute best time on the water with the girls! 🛥️🎣 We were on the fish all day and reeled in some serious keepers!" — Cynthia,
At the start of the year, you'll find very little action in the Long Island Sound, but many of Connecticut's rivers and streams are bustling with Atlantic Salmon as well as Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout.
Average temperatures are between 20–37°F in February. Those who are willing to brave the cold will be rewarded with some of the excellent Trout fishing that the state is known for.
Spring is on its way, and things are slowly picking up both in the sound and inland. Fluke appear in the Long Island Sound while Bass are starting to bite more in the lakes.
April is an excellent time to cast a line in the Connecticut River. The American Shad run is in full swing, and your chances of catching Trout and Salmon are still strong. There are also quite a few Striped Bass swimming around.
Come May, charter boats all over Long Island Sound are fully up and running. Fluke and Black Seabass are feeding near reefs and rocky shorelines, while Striped Bass are at their peak in the coastal streams.
June is a great time to experience the sheer variety Connecticut has to offer. Wrestle with monster Sharks offshore, make the most of nearshore fishing in the sound, or enjoy local Trout fishing.
Now is the time to head offshore if you're in the market for Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Marlin, and other big game beasts. Meanwhile, there's plenty of Porgy, Fluke, and Black Seabass for everyone fishing the sound.
You'll find local Trout and Bass fishing to be slower in the heat of summer, as these fish do their best to stay cool and survive. Meanwhile, the fishing has never been better in the sound.
As fall approaches, Striped Bass and Shad re-appear for a second peak season in the rivers. The offshore action for Tuna can still be good, but you'll need to travel quite a bite before you get to the fishing grounds.
With Tautog at their peak, the Long Island Sound is the place to be! You can catch anything here, from Seabass and Fluke to Bluefish. Try your luck near Block Island or one of the many local reefs.
As average temperatures inevitably plummet toward 30°F, the fishing scene is shifting once again. Many charter boats will soon shut down for the winter, but until then fishing in the sound is excellent.
By December, some of the best fishing in Connecticut is in the streams and rivers. Atlantic Salmon are on the rise, joined by Trout and many other fish. To get to the best bite, you'll need to brave the freezing December mornings, but it will be worth it.
Private half-day (around 4 hours) fishing trips in Connecticut typically cost $600–$800, while private full-day (around 8 hours) trips run $800–$1150. Prices vary based on factors such as the length of the trip, the type of fishing experience offered, the equipment and services included, and the overall scope of the trip. Longer trips, more specialized fishing styles, and packages that include additional services or amenities generally cost more than shorter, more straightforward outings. Multi-day trips are typically priced higher than standard day trips.
Connecticut charters often focus on nearshore action for Striped Bass and Black Seabass, with days also turning into fast Bluefish (Tailor) fishing when conditions line up. Local captains get people on the right spots for the tide and water drift, and crews stay hands-on with bait, gear, and guidance so beginners and kids can fish confidently. If you want a productive trip, look for a boat that’s clean and well-maintained and a team that actively adjusts during the day to keep the bite going.
Striped Bass is what anglers come for in Connecticut, with action peaking in June and July. Bluefish (Tailor), Black Seabass, and Scup (Porgy) are also common catches, and they’re strongest in August and July. If you’re planning around the cooler months, Tautog bite best in October and November, while Flounder fishing heats up in June and July.
Connecticut’s fishing really hits its stride in late spring and again in early fall, when migratory fish move through the Sound and the inshore bite stays active. May through July is the most reliable stretch, with Striped Bass, American Shad, and Smallmouth Bass all helping build a strong season before summer heats up. If you want a slightly later window, September keeps the action going with Bluefish (Tailor), Weakfish, and Little Tunny (False Albacore) pushing through.
Striped Bass is a prime target in November in Connecticut for anglers who want a hard-fighting run that tests your drag and patience from shore or by boat. Tautog and Black Seabass are also in season, often drawing anglers to deeper, rocky water for steady bottom action. Brown Trout and Cod round out the options in Connecticut right now, giving you a chance to switch between freshwater-style pursuit and colder-water fishing.
Connecticut is a great place for kids to fish because families consistently report that they get plenty of chances to reel in fish, and the trips are set up for mixed experience levels. Many parents say the crews are accommodating and helpful with younger anglers and beginners, and kids tend to get excited when the cooler fills up with Striped Bass, Black Seabass, and Bluefish (Tailor). Reviews also mention that crews help with instruction and that catches are cleaned for the group.
Fishing in Connecticut tends to work well for beginners because local trips often focus on simple inshore fishing around places like New London and Clinton, where you can get straight into the action. First-timers commonly find it approachable because crews handle basics like baiting hooks and helping with what to do next, and they’ll often target species such as Striped Bass, Bluefish (Tailor), and Black Seabass.
Connecticut trips can mean cool mornings on Long Island Sound, river runs, or lake fishing, so it pays to dress in layers and bring a light waterproof jacket if the forecast looks unsettled. The sun can still be strong on open water, and a pair of sunglasses plus sunscreen will make a long day out much easier. Nearly all local charters provide fishing gear, and the large majority also provide bait and lures, so you can usually travel light on tackle. A small cooler for drinks and any snacks you want on a full-day trip is a smart addition, and if you are heading offshore or spending a long time on the water, motion-sickness medicine is worth packing.
Yes - you can go fly fishing in Connecticut: a large share of the local charters run fly fishing trips. Many local charters also offer jigging, bottom fishing and trolling.
Connecticut offers a diverse and exciting fishing experience, blending productive saltwater action in Long Island Sound with well-managed freshwater fisheries. The state's coastal waters are renowned for Striped Bass, the most sought-after species that can grow over 50 pounds and even hold the world record. Anglers also regularly land Black Seabass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog, and Scup, with inshore reefs and estuaries providing consistent action from spring through fall[2][4][6].
Inland waters feature exceptional trout stocking programs yielding Brown, Rainbow, Tiger, and Brook Trout alongside thriving populations of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, and Northern Pike[1]. Top destinations like Stamford, Old Lyme, Branford, and New London host experienced charters who handle licensing and provide specialized trips—whether targeting Stripers at dawn or bottom fishing for Seabass[1][3][5].
The Constitution State's comprehensive fishery management ensures sustainable opportunities year-round, with charters offering tailored experiences from light-tackle casting to deep-water trolling. Connecticut's accessibility to both novice and seasoned anglers makes it an underrated gem in the Northeast fishing scene[1][5][7].
