Over 200,000 people have come aboard Celtic Quest since Captain Des O'Sullivan launched this fleet out of Port Jefferson back in 2001. That's a lot of mornings on the water, a lot of porgies brought over the rail, and a lot of people who searched for a fishing charter near me and ended up having one of the best days they can remember. If you're on Long Island — or making the two-hour drive from the city — there's a very good chance the answer to that search is right here in Port Jefferson Harbor, a few steps from the water's edge on West Broadway.
On This Page
- Right Here on Long Island Sound — What Makes This Place Special
- What's Actually Included When You Book a Fishing Charter Here
- Who Books a Fishing Charter Near Me? (More People Than You'd Think)
- What Are We Actually Catching Out There?
- Open Boat or Private Charter — Which Is Right for You?
- Getting Here from Anywhere on Long Island (or NYC)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Right Here on Long Island Sound — What Makes This Place Special
Stand on the dock at 118 West Broadway on a clear morning in June and take it all in for a second. The boats are rigged and ready. The water in Port Jefferson Harbor is calm and bright. Behind you, the village is just waking up — coffee shops opening, the Steam Room already busy with anglers who've been doing this for decades. Ahead, Long Island Sound stretches out wide and open, all the way to Connecticut on the horizon.
That's where we fish. And it's a pretty wonderful place to spend a morning.
Long Island Sound typically offers calmer, steadier water than the ocean side of the Island — for anyone who appreciates a more comfortable ride, that matters. Our fishing grounds stretch from Smithtown Bay to the west out toward Shoreham to the east, roughly a 15-mile radius from Port Jefferson Harbor. Real geography, real water, real fish. It's the kind of local knowledge you only get from 25 years of running the same stretch of the Sound.
Port Jefferson itself is worth the trip all on its own. The Steam Room, which has been serving anglers right by the dock since 1977, is a natural stop before or after a trip. Billie's 1890 Saloon is a historic landmark if you want a cold drink with a little history behind it. And Port Jefferson Village has no shortage of great restaurants, shops, and waterfront dining all within an easy walk of the marina. We like to think of a day with us as a full day out — not just a boat ride. Check our directions and parking details before you head out, especially if it's your first visit.
What's Actually Included When You Book a Fishing Charter Here
Here's the short answer: everything.
When you book an all-inclusive fishing charter near me with Celtic Quest, your fare covers fishing rods, all tackle, fresh bait, your New York State fishing license, expert crew guidance for the whole trip, professional fish filleting by our skilled mates at the end, and bags to take your catch home. No surprise add-ons waiting for you at the dock. You show up, we take care of the rest.
The fish cleaning at the end of the trip is always a crowd favorite. Someone who's never fished before ends up going home with a bag of fresh fillets and becomes the hero of the family dinner — it happens all the time and it never gets old. Our crew has been doing this for 25 years. They know these waters, they know the fish, and they genuinely love introducing new people to the sport.
Your New York fishing license is included in the fare — no need to purchase one separately before you arrive. As for what to bring: food, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a good attitude. Beer and wine are welcome onboard. Hard liquor isn't. Small coolers are fine. That's genuinely the whole list. See all trip types and options for specifics on what works best for your group.
Who Books a Fishing Charter Near Me? (More People Than You'd Think)
All kinds of people. Families with young kids. Bachelor parties. Corporate groups looking for something genuinely fun. Experienced anglers who've been fishing Long Island Sound their whole lives. First-timers who've never held a rod and aren't sure what to expect. Long Island locals who want a great weekend out on the water. NYC day-trippers who make the 60-mile drive from the city and turn it into a whole-day adventure.
This is not just a trip for "fishing people." Not even close.
I've seen corporate groups who spend long weeks in offices completely transform once they're on the water. They relax, they laugh, they compete over who caught the biggest porgy. The fresh air does something to people. The fact that everyone is slightly out of their element — in the best way — levels the playing field in a way that not much else does.
No experience needed at all. Our crew has spent 25 years teaching beginners and they love every minute of it. If you've never cast a line in your life, you'll be fishing within minutes of reaching the grounds. We've served well over 200,000 fishermen across those years, and a huge portion of them were first-timers who didn't know what to expect and left wanting to come back.
Families with kids are always welcome. We recommend ages 5 and up, child rates apply through age 12, and our crew is experienced and comfortable with young anglers. And if you'd like to learn more about the Celtic Quest story, we're happy to share it.
What Are We Actually Catching Out There?
Long Island Sound is genuinely productive water, and the season runs from April through November. Here's an honest overview of what typically happens across the year — keeping in mind that conditions vary and we always recommend checking our current fishing reports for what's happening right now.
Spring (May–June) is one of the most exciting times on the water. Porgies (scup) are the star of the show — plentiful, fun to catch, and great eating. Fluke show up in May and the action can be red-hot through June. The weather is usually beautiful. It's no coincidence that June is our busiest month of the year — people are eager, summer is just breaking, and the fishing is at a real peak. Striped bass also make a strong showing in the spring, and we run special trips for them when conditions are right.
Summer (July–August) brings warmer water and a natural transition. Bottom fishing takes center stage — porgies, sea bass, and on the right conditions, a mix of bluefish and weakfish. The fishing moderates a bit as the summer heat sets in, but it's a wonderful time to be on the water, especially for groups and families who are more focused on the experience than the count.
Fall (September–November) is when things pick up in a big way again. As the water cools, the fish come alive. Porgies, sea bass, bluefish — everything gets active. Our Mattituck location opens in mid-September for full-day wreck and bottom fishing, and blackfish (tautog) season gets going in mid-October. The weather can be a wildcard later in the fall, but the days when it cooperates are really something special.
Our crew stays current on all New York fishing regulations so you don't have to worry about a thing. For the official details on size limits, bag limits, and season dates, you can always visit the New York DEC Recreational Fishing page directly.
Open Boat or Private Charter — Which Is Right for You?
We run two kinds of trips, and both are wonderful — just in different ways.
Open boat trips are our daily public fishing trips on Long Island Sound. You book your spot, come down to the dock, and join whoever else is fishing that day. It's a great way to meet people, and you'll find everyone from seasoned regulars to complete first-timers all fishing alongside each other. Walk-up reservations are welcome. These are typically four-hour half-day trips that leave in the morning or afternoon — a perfect half-day fishing trip if you want to be back for lunch.
Private charters are exactly what they sound like: the whole boat is yours. Your group, your people, your day on the water. We do private charters for bachelor parties, birthdays, corporate team events, family reunions, church groups, school trips, fundraisers, memorial services, and more. You set the vibe, we take care of everything else.
Our fleet includes two vessels — the Celtic Quest IV, a 70-foot open boat with capacity for up to 120 passengers, and the Celtic Grace, an 80-foot fishing yacht with a cabin, full heating, men's and women's restrooms, and a microwave onboard. Both are well equipped for any group type and any occasion.
We never quote prices here because they vary by group size, trip type, and time of year — weeknight trips, for example, are generally much more affordable than weekends. Reach out to book your trip or give us a call at (631) 928-3926 and we'll find something that works for your group.
Getting Here from Anywhere on Long Island (or NYC)
Port Jefferson is on Long Island's North Shore in Suffolk County, about 60 miles east of New York City. From the city, it's roughly a two-hour drive — or you can skip the traffic entirely and take the LIRR Port Jefferson Branch right into the village. The train station is a short walk from the marina, which makes this one of the more accessible fishing charter near me options for NYC day-trippers who'd rather not deal with the Long Island Expressway on a weekend morning.
We're located at 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 — right in the marina. Parking in the village is paid (electronic meters only — no tokens), so we always suggest arriving 45 minutes to an hour before your trip. A full rundown of parking options and directions is on our directions page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in a Celtic Quest fishing charter?
Everything you need to fish is covered in your fare — fishing rods, all tackle, fresh bait, your New York State fishing license, crew guidance throughout the trip, professional fish filleting by our mates at the end, and take-home bags for your catch. No hidden fees at the dock. Just show up ready to have a great time.
Do I need a fishing license to go on a charter?
No — your New York fishing license is included in the price of your ticket. You don't need to purchase one separately before you arrive. Our crew handles all the regulatory requirements so you don't have to think about it.
How much should I tip the crew on a fishing charter?
Our crew works hard for tips — they're on the water with you all day, teaching beginners, baiting hooks, keeping everyone fishing, and cleaning your catch at the end. The typical gratuity on a fishing charter is around 20%, and it goes a long way toward showing your appreciation for a great day.
Is a fishing charter good for beginners or kids?
Absolutely. No experience is needed — our crew loves teaching people who have never fished before, and they've been doing it for 25 years. Families with children are always welcome; we recommend ages 5 and up, and child rates apply through age 12. Safety is always the top priority, and the crew is experienced and patient with young anglers.
What fish can I catch on a charter out of Port Jefferson?
Long Island Sound offers a wonderful variety across the season. Porgies (scup) are available from spring through fall and are a reliable, fun catch. Fluke show up in May and June. Sea bass are a great bottom-fishing target. Bluefish and weakfish appear as the season progresses into summer and fall. Striped bass make a showing in spring and again during the fall run. Species and availability vary by season and conditions — check our current fishing reports for what's happening right now.
What's the difference between an open boat trip and a private charter?
An open boat trip is a daily public fishing trip where you book one or more spots and fish alongside other guests — a great option for individuals, couples, or small groups. A private charter means the entire boat is reserved for your group only, which gives you complete flexibility over your day. Private charters are popular for bachelor parties, corporate events, birthdays, family outings, school trips, and more.
How far in advance should I book a fishing charter?
The earlier, the better — especially if you're planning a private charter or want a specific weekend date. June is our busiest month and fills up quickly. For open boat trips, you can often book a few days out, but we'd always rather you secure your spot early than miss out. Book your trip here or call us at (631) 928-3926.
Can I bring food and drinks on the boat?
Yes — bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. Beer and wine are welcome onboard. Hard liquor is not permitted. Small coolers are fine. The Celtic Grace also has a microwave onboard if you'd like to bring something warm. Pack light, dress in layers, bring sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes. That's genuinely everything you need.
Celtic Quest Fishing is a BBB Accredited Business and the recipient of the Bethpage Award 2024. We're a family-owned fleet and we hope to see you on the water soon. Questions? Call us at (631) 928-3926 or email Office@CQFleet.com.
