Ready for a serious day on the water? Rising Tide Fishing's 9-hour charter is the real deal for anglers looking to max out their time and chances at landing trophy fish. We're talking both tides, tons of prime spots, and the expert know-how of Captain Pete to put you on the fish. Whether you're after stripers, blues, or maybe even a shot at some offshore action, this trip's got you covered from sunrise to sunset.
This ain't your average harbor cruise. We're hitting the water hard for a full 9 hours, giving you the best shot at experiencing Connecticut's diverse fishery. Captain Pete's got the local knowledge to read the tides, weather, and seasonal patterns like a book. We'll start by targeting the morning bite, then adjust our strategy as the day progresses. Expect to cover serious ground, from shallow flats to deeper structure and everywhere in between. With just two anglers on board, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your magic when the fish are biting.
On this charter, we're pulling out all the stops. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might be chunking for blues, tossing topwater for stripers, or even jigging deep for bottom dwellers. Captain Pete's boat is rigged with top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky streak going. We'll be switching up tactics throughout the day, so be ready to learn some new tricks. From finesse presentations with light tackle to battling bruisers on the heavy stuff, this trip's got it all.
Striped Bass: The crown jewel of Northeast inshore fishing, stripers are the main event for many anglers. These hard-fighting fish can top 50 pounds in Connecticut waters. We'll target them around structure, rips, and bait schools. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer can produce some epic topwater action at dawn and dusk.
Bluefish: When the blues are in town, hold onto your rod! These toothy predators hit like freight trains and fight all the way to the boat. We often find them busting bait on the surface, creating exciting "blitzes" that'll get your heart racing. They're most abundant from late spring through early fall.
Little Tunny (False Albacore): If you're lucky enough to hit the "albies" run in late summer or early fall, you're in for some of the fastest action in the Northeast. These speedsters will test your drag and your stamina. They're here one day and gone the next, so timing is everything.
Blue Shark: While not as common inshore, we might venture a bit further out for a shot at these sleek predators if conditions are right. Blues are known for their acrobatic jumps and can reach impressive sizes. Late summer is prime time for shark encounters.
Shad: Often overlooked, shad provide excellent light tackle action in the spring. These "poor man's tarpon" are known for their spirited fights and are a blast on light gear. We target them in rivers and estuaries as they make their annual spawning run.
Let's be real - a 9-hour trip isn't for the faint of heart. But for serious anglers looking to make the most of their time on the water, it's hard to beat. You're not just paying for fishing time; you're tapping into Captain Pete's years of local knowledge. He knows where the fish are holding, what they're biting on, and how to adapt when things get tough. Plus, with both tide cycles covered, you're essentially getting two trips in one. It's a chance to really dial in your techniques and potentially experience multiple types of fishing in a single day.
Look, if you're on the fence about booking this charter, here's the bottom line: Connecticut's waters are teeming with world-class fishing opportunities, and this 9-hour trip is your best shot at experiencing it all. Whether you're a local looking to up your game or a visitor wanting to make the most of your time here, Captain Pete will put you on the fish. Just remember to bring your A-game, some snacks, and maybe a lucky hat. The memories (and hopefully some trophy pics) will last a lifetime. Don't wait - prime dates fill up fast, so give Captain Peter a call at 203-306-7258 to lock in your adventure. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're battling that fish of a lifetime.
Bluefish are aggressive predators that'll test your skills and gear. They average 3-5 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them in open water and near shore from spring through fall, often in large schools churning up the surface as they feed. Bluefish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth and willingness to strike just about any lure or bait. Anglers love their hard fights and acrobatic jumps. While not the best eating when large, smaller "snapper" blues make excellent table fare. For best results, try trolling with shiny lures or casting topwater plugs into feeding frenzies. Watch for birds diving on bait schools - that's a good sign blues are around. Here's a local tip: Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs, and be careful handling them in the boat. The action can be fast and furious when you find a school of hungry blues.
Shad start running up our rivers in spring, usually peaking in April and May. These silvery fish average 3-5 pounds and put up a great fight on light tackle. Look for them in deeper channels and eddies as they migrate upstream to spawn. Anglers target them for their acrobatic leaps and tasty roe. The meat can be bony but is delicious when prepared right. To catch shad, try small brightly colored jigs or flutter spoons. Fish them deep and slow in the current. Early mornings are often best. Here's a local secret: Shad love chartreuse lures. When you find a school, it's not uncommon to catch dozens in a day. Just remember to check regulations, as limits can be strict to protect the spawning run. Whether you keep them or practice catch-and-release, shad fishing is a springtime tradition around here.
Striped bass are the kings of our local waters. These powerful fish can grow up to 50 pounds, with most catches in the 20-30 pound range. You'll find them near structure like reefs, sandbars, and drop-offs, usually within a few hundred yards of shore. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the bass migrate along the coast. Anglers love stripers for their hard-fighting spirit - hooking one feels like you've snagged a freight train. Their sweet, flaky meat makes great table fare too. To boost your chances, try live eels or chunked menhaden as bait. Fish the tide changes, especially dawn and dusk. My best tip: Look for diving birds working bait schools. That's often where you'll find big stripers feeding underneath. Be ready for some sore arms, but the thrill of landing one of these beauties is worth it.
Blue sharks are sleek, beautiful predators we sometimes encounter offshore. They average 6-10 feet long but can reach over 12 feet. You'll find them in the open ocean, usually in cooler, deeper waters 20+ miles out. Summer and early fall offer the best chances to see them. Blues are known for their curiosity - they'll often investigate boats and baits. Anglers target them for their acrobatic fights and sheer power. Most practice catch-and-release due to regulations and conservation efforts. To hook one, try drift fishing with oily fish like mackerel or bluefish as bait. Chum helps attract them too. Here's an important tip: Use circle hooks to make release easier and safer for the shark. Keep your line at least 20 feet from the boat - blues can jump! It's an unforgettable experience to see one of these ocean predators up close.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 37
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150