Imagine pulling up to a sun-warmed dock on Long Island's North Shore, the smell of salt water in the air, a 70-foot boat waiting at the pier, and a crew already rigging your rods before you've had your second cup of coffee. That's what fishing trips on Long Island can feel like — and for a lot of people doing it for the first time, the reality is so much better than they ever pictured. Whether you're riding the LIRR out from the city, driving in from the suburbs with the family, or simply looking for a really good reason to spend a morning on the water, there's something about a day out on Long Island Sound that gets into your bones in the best possible way.
At Celtic Quest, we've been welcoming people aboard for 25 years — families, first-timers, groups of friends, school kids seeing the Sound up close for the very first time. And no matter who steps onto the dock, the question we hear most often is some version of the same thing: "What's it actually going to be like?" This is our best answer to that question.
Table of Contents
- So What Are Fishing Trips on Long Island Actually Like?
- What You'll Actually Catch (And When to Go)
- Everything Is Included — Here's What That Means
- The Boats — Celtic Quest IV and Celtic Grace
- Frequently Asked Questions
So What Are Fishing Trips on Long Island Actually Like?
You arrive at 118 West Broadway in Port Jefferson — a genuinely beautiful harbor village on the North Shore — and the boat is already there. The crew is moving, gear is getting sorted, and there's that particular energy in the air that only exists at a dock in the morning. Salt water and possibility.
Once everyone's aboard, we ease out through Port Jefferson Harbor and into Long Island Sound. The trip to the fishing grounds takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on where the fish are that day. One thing a lot of first-timers notice right away: the water is calm. Long Island Sound is naturally sheltered, so even on blustery days, the ride tends to be smooth and comfortable. You'll see ospreys overhead, maybe a few cormorants diving alongside the boat, and the Long Island shoreline slowly dropping behind you.
When we reach the grounds and the anchor goes down, that's when things get fun. The crew gets everyone set up — baiting hooks, showing you how to hold the rod, explaining what to feel for. No experience needed whatsoever. Our crew takes care of everything from the moment you step aboard, and they genuinely love helping beginners land their first fish. There is nothing better than watching someone catch their first porgy and immediately start grinning like it's the best thing that's happened all year. Because honestly? Sometimes it is.
Our crew has been doing this for 25 years — these are people who know Long Island Sound the way a good neighbor knows their street. That knowledge shows in every single trip.
What You'll Actually Catch (And When to Go)
Long Island Sound is rich with fish, and what you're likely to encounter changes beautifully with the seasons. Here's an honest look at how the year unfolds.
Spring (May – Early June)
May is when the season really comes alive. Porgy fishing is the star of spring — these fish are abundant, willing, and incredibly fun to catch, which is exactly why this is one of our favorite windows for families and first-timers. Fluke show up in May as well and provide fantastic action through June. The weather is usually lovely, the Sound is at its most inviting, and the fishing is genuinely excellent.
We also run trips out of our Jamesport location in Peconic Bay during May — full-day outings where weakfish sometimes join the mix alongside the porgies.
Late May Through the Third Week of June
If you're planning a group trip, a family outing, or a private charter and you want a window that's almost always wonderful — this is it. Great fishing, beautiful weather, and the kind of Long Island mornings that remind you why you live here. June is actually our busiest month of the year, and for good reason.
Summer (July – August)
As the water warms through July and August, the fishing transitions to deeper grounds. Catch rates moderate a bit compared to spring, but there's still plenty happening — porgies, sea bass, and occasional bluefish and striped bass. Summer trips have their own wonderful energy: warm sun, calm water, and a laid-back pace that's perfect for groups who are as much there for the experience as the catch.
Fall (September – November)
September is a second peak, full stop. As the water cools, the fishing picks back up and can deliver some of the best action of the entire year. Our Mattituck location opens in mid-September with full-day wreck and bottom fishing trips — porgies, sea bass, and then blackfish once their season opens in mid-October. We fish all the way through Thanksgiving at Mattituck, long after most other boats have called it a season.
October can bring spectacular fishing, though the weather is always a bit of a wildcard. If you're flexible and willing to roll with it, the rewards can be outstanding.
Across all seasons, our crew stays current on all New York fishing regulations so you never have to worry about that side of things. And if you want to know what's biting right now before you book, check our latest fishing reports — we keep those updated throughout the season.
Everything Is Included — Here's What That Means
One of the things people appreciate most about Celtic Quest is that everything is genuinely taken care of. Here's what's included on every trip:
- Fishing rods — already rigged and ready to go
- All tackle and bait — whatever's needed for the day
- Your New York fishing license — covered in the ticket price, no separate stop required
- Expert crew guidance — from baiting your hook to landing your fish
- Fish cleaning at the end of the trip — this one surprises a lot of people
That last point deserves a moment. At the end of every trip, our mates clean and fillet the catch right there on the boat. You go home with a bag of fresh fillets, ready to cook. I've seen it happen more times than I can count: someone who never thought of themselves as a fishing person walks off the boat with enough fresh porgy for a real dinner and suddenly they're the hero of the evening. It's one of my favorite parts of the whole day.
What do you need to bring? Not much. A small cooler with snacks and something to drink is always welcome — beer and wine are perfectly fine on board, though we ask guests to skip the hard liquor. Comfortable layers are smart, especially in spring and fall. Children are welcome aboard at age 5 and up, with special rates through age 12. Just leave the strollers at home.
That's really it. No gear to invest in, no guesswork, no running around the night before. Our FAQ page answers just about every question we've heard over 25 years — worth a look if anything's still on your mind.
The Boats — Celtic Quest IV and Celtic Grace
We run two vessels out of Port Jefferson, and both are wonderful in their own way.
Celtic Quest IV is a 70-foot open boat — the classic charter fishing experience. Sturdy, roomy, and built for up to 120 passengers, she's the boat most people picture when they imagine a real day of fishing on the Sound. Open deck, fresh air, rods along the rail. After 25 years on these waters, she belongs here.
Celtic Grace is our 80-foot fishing yacht, and she's something special. With capacity for 129 passengers, a full enclosed cabin, onboard heating, separate men's and women's restrooms, and even a microwave, she offers a level of comfort that catches people pleasantly off guard. The fishing is just as good — she just does it with a little more warmth and style. Particularly nice during the shoulder seasons when the morning air has a chill to it.
Both boats depart from 118 West Broadway in Port Jefferson Marina. Both are available for public open boat trips and private charters. And at 70 and 80 feet, both provide a genuinely stable, smooth ride on Long Island Sound — which makes a real difference for anyone who's wondered how they'll feel on the water.
We started all of this in 2001 with a single 45-foot boat on moorings in Mt. Sinai Harbor. Running two of the largest, best-equipped vessels on the North Shore after 25 years is something we're genuinely proud of. See what's running this season and find the right trip for you — we'd love to have you aboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any fishing experience to join a trip?
Not at all. Fishing trips on Long Island with Celtic Quest are designed to be welcoming for absolute beginners. Our crew will bait your hook, show you how to hold the rod, and walk you through everything in real time. All you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself.
What should I bring on the trip?
A small cooler with snacks and drinks is always a good idea. Beer and wine are welcome on board. Dress in comfortable layers — mornings on the Sound can be cool even in summer — and wear soft-soled shoes. Everything else is provided: rods, tackle, bait, and your fishing license are all included in the ticket price.
Are children welcome on the boats?
Absolutely. We welcome young anglers ages 5 and up, with special rates for children through age 12. Our crew is experienced with kids and loves helping them land their first fish. Just leave the strollers at home — the boats aren't set up for them.
What happens to the fish I catch?
At the end of every trip, our mates clean and fillet your catch right on the boat. You go home with bags of fresh fillets ready to cook. It's one of the best parts of the day.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can, especially for group trips or specific dates in June — our busiest month of the season. Open boat trips can sometimes be booked with shorter notice, but private charters fill up quickly during peak season. Visit our booking page to check availability.
What if the weather is bad on my trip date?
Weather cancellations are made at the captain's discretion. If we need to cancel due to unsafe conditions, you'll receive a full refund or a credit toward a future trip. We want everyone to have a wonderful time — and a safe one.
Can I come even if I've been seasick before?
Many of our guests have had this concern, and it's a completely reasonable one. Long Island Sound is characteristically calmer than open ocean fishing, which makes a meaningful difference. Our larger vessels — 70 and 80 feet — also provide much more stability than a smaller boat. If seasickness is a real concern, we always suggest consulting your doctor about remedies beforehand and arriving on a light stomach. We want you comfortable and happy out there.
Ready to see it for yourself? Give us a call at (631) 928-3926 or book your trip online. We'd love to have you out on the water.
