Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Reservations are required at this time to board the boat.  Tickets can be purchased online under schedule and rates, book your trip, or over the phone with either a Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express. Book early to have the best shot at the day/time you prefer!  A child rate ticket is for children up to and including the age of 15.

What happens if it rains?
Our first and most important concern is that everyone has a safe and fun time. Should there be any issue with really bad weather and we cancel, then you will receive a full refund or credit for another trip.

Please note that we do sail in the rain as long as the conditions are safe and we think we will be able to run a productive and fun trip for you.  Most cancellations only occur due to high winds or severe weather.  These decisions are made by our expert Captains on the day of the trip and should you have any questions or concerns, please by all means just give a call and we would be happy to give you the latest updates.

Is this trip appropriate for children?
Sure! This trip is recommended for children ages 5 and up. Please be advised that stroller’s are not allowed on the boat due to safety issues for our other guests.   A child rate ticket is for children up to and including the age of 15.

Is the trip suitable for pregnant women?
Yes, the fishing trip is suitable for pregnant women.  But we leave this to your discretion!

Is the trip wheelchair accessible?
Usually manual wheelchairs are no problem and can be lifted on board. Electric wheelchairs, on the other hand, may not be able to fit on board. If you need more information, please contact us and let us know details about your particular situation.  We will figure it out from there.

How much experience do I need to have?
None!! We have mates that will help you every step of the way! We welcome everyone from novices to experienced anglers.  Most people who come onboard have little or no fishing experience, so no worries if it is your first time!

I don’t want to fish, can I still go on the trip? Do I get a discount?
If you don’t want to fish, of course you can still join us. If you will not be fishing you can give us a call in the office and we will explain to you in detail if we will be able to accomodate a discount on any trip. If a trip is sold out or close to selling out this is unlikely as spots are still strictly limited for your health, safety & comfort at this time. 

How far is Port Jefferson from New York City?
We are approximately 60 miles east of NYC. Depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, travel time is usually 1 hour – 1½ hours drive time. Please allow more time during rush hour.

———-QUESTIONS ABOUT FISHING, LIMITS, & TRIP SPECIFICS———-

 

What kind of fish will we be fishing for?

We fish for all types of fish in season. Fluke, Porgies, Seas Bass, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish and more!  Each trip is a little different in its focus, so please feel free to ask if you would like to know what your trip will be targeting exactly.

What are the limits? How many fish can we keep?

The limits vary by the type of fish. The limit for Fluke is 4 fish per person per day, 19 inch minimum. The limit for Porgies is 30 fish per person per day, 9 inch minimum. The Limit for Sea Bass is 3 fish per person per day, 15 inch minimum. If you happen to catch a Striped Bass the limit is 1 fish per person per day, 28 inch minimum.

Do we need to get buy a fishing license?

The fishing license is included in the price of your ticket.

Do you guarantee that we’ll catch fish?

No, we don’t guarantee that you will catch a fish. Having said that, over 1000’s of trip that we have run, only a few have come back not catching any fish for the trip. Hopefully you pick one of the “days to remember” that you’ll be talking about for years to come!!

Do I need to keep the fish I catch?

No, you can catch and release if you prefer. We are big on conservation and are more then happy to help you release your catch unharmed :)

What do I do with the fish I keep? Do you provide fish cleaning?

Absolutely!! Our skilled mates will be happy to fillet up your catch for you and send you home with fresh dinner! (Remember the crew does work for tips just as a server or a bartender does, (20% is customary) We will bag the fish up for you and we suggest you bring a small cooler to take your cleaned catch home in.

How far will the boat go out?

It depends on where the fish are! We may go anywhere from 1 to 5 miles offshore depending upon where the bite is best. Usually we fish from 20 minutes to an hour from the dock depending on the trip and where we think we can best produce the trophy fish of your dreams!!

Can we see any wildlife while we’re fishing?

Yes!!! Lots of beautiful sea birds, ospreys, hawks, gulls, and more are seen on a daily basis on Long Island Sound.

———————–FISHING EQUIPMENT  ———————–

 

I have my own equipment – what kind of gear do I need to bring?

For fluke, we highly recommend 15-20 lb fluorocarbon, ½-2 oz bucktails (white is best all around, but pink, chartreuse and bunker also work well sometimes), a light spinning rod or bait caster with 10-20 lb braid is ideal for bucktailing. You can also use a conventional rod and reel, not too heavy, for bait fishing. We usually fish with 2-4 oz of lead. For fluke, you’ll want to use 1/0-3/0 hooks.

For porgies, we will rig you up with a high low rig. You’ll want to fish as light as possible, 4-8 oz of lead is the norm. We will provide you with everything you need as far as hooks and rigs, but if you wish to tiee your own rigs, standard high low rig with small porgies hooks is fine.

Are rods and reels included with the fare?
Yes, all rods, bait and tackle are included with this trip for both types of fishing. Just bring your food, drinks and a small cooler to take your fillets home for dinner.

———————————–WHAT SHOULD I BRING?———————————–

 

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Absolutely! Feel free to bring any foods or drinks you may want during the trip.  We have vending machines on our largest vessel, but the Celtic Quest does not.  So please bring your own snacks and drink to be sure.

Is alcohol allowed?

Yes, by all means, you’re welcome to bring some beer and wine and enjoy yourself! Hard liquor is not allowed, however.

Do you have any foods or drinks available for purchase on board?

It depends which boat your trip takes place on, so we recommend bringing your own food and drinks.  Our largest vessel has vending machines but our smaller vessel does not.

Can I bring a cooler on board?

Yes, small coolers are allowed and recommended. Feel free to bring food and drinks in a cooler, and you can use the same cooler to bring your catch home.

Can I take a stroller on board?

We do not recommend that you bring children ages 4 and under, who may use a stroller, on this trip.

Can I smoke on the boats?

Smoking is permitted, but we ask that you NEVER smoke in front of any of the children onboard nor near those who may be bothered by it. Please ask the crew where the best locations are for you to smoke should you have any questions.

How much should I tip the crew?

The crew works for tips just as a server or bartender does. Typical gratuity is 20%.

———————————QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOAT—————————

 

Are there bathrooms on the boat?

Yes, we have a men’s and a women’s bathroom on board. Our bathrooms are very clean and well maintained throughout the trip.

Do you have life jackets on board?

Yes, we have various sizes of life jackets available on the boat for everyone.  We are inspected and certified annually for all our safety equipment and the boats have everything necessary to insure a safe trip for all onboard,

Is seasickness an issue? What do you recommend?

Though most trips on the Long Island Sound are calm, in the event of rough weather and if you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend speaking with your doctor to take the necessary medication prior to coming out. If you’re unable to speak with a doctor beforehand, we recommend dramamine. These products are not available on board, so if you are concerned about sea sickness please take care of it beforehand. Please feel free to contact us directly by clicking on either our phone or email link located on the left of this page with any questions you may have.

Is there shade on the boat?

Yes, we have an inside cabin that will protect you from the elements if need be.

Is there heat on the boat?

Yes, both boats are equipped with full cabin heat to keep you toasty warm!

——————PRIVATE CHARTERS AND GIFT CERTIFICATES——————

 

Do you offer group fishing charters?

Yes!! We do tons of private charters and parties. Just contact us directly to set this up by clicking on either the Phone or Email link to the left of this page.

Do you sell gift certificates?

We do! Please visit our website and underneath the Helpful Info tab at the top of the page, you’ll be able to click to purchase a gift certificate. You can choose to email the Gift Certificate to yourself or you can email it straight to the recipient along with a message from you.

 

What To Bring With You On Your Fishing Trip

Food and Drinks:

We suggest that you bring lunch with you. We have a microwave on board if you would like to heat something up. Bring plenty to drink especially if it is a hot sunny day

Sun Block and Hat

Jacket or Sweatshirt:

It is often cooler on the water. Always be prepared to dress warmer and dress comfortably too! Best to leave your good nice white sneakers behind. Better to wear an old pair.

Small Cooler:

To keep your food and drinks in and to take your fresh fish fillets home in! Our crew will fillet your catch and send you home with fresh fish ready to eat for dinner!

Camera:

To photograph your Trophy Fish!

A Smile On Your Face!

Tackle

All tackle is included, but if you would like to bring your own, here are a few suggestions:

Fluke:

Go light!!!
15- 20 lb flourocarbon is highly recommended

1/2 oz to 2 oz bucktails (white is best all around, pink, chartreuse, bunker also work well sometimes)

Light spinning rod or bait caster with 10-20lb braid is ideal for bucktailing.

Conventional rod and reel, not too heavy for bait fishing. We usually fish with 2- 4 ounces of lead.

1/0 – 3/0 hooks.

We will be happy to tie up the best rigs for you onboard.

Sunset Special/ Middle Ground Madness Trips:

For the Bass and blues you want a medium action rod for diamond jigging capable of handling some big blues or bass. But don’t go too heavy. 40lb mono or braid on your reel. 3/0 high speed 4:1(or more) is best.

For the Porgies and sea bass, we will rig you up with a high low rig. We recommend fishing light as possible. 4-8 ounces of lead is the norm.

Blackfish:

Minimum #30 mono but braided line, #30 test minimum is strongly encouraged.(power pro, spider wire etc)

A rod that can handle 6-12 ounce sinkers but don’t go too heavy

Hooks: size 3 virginia or comparable.

Cancellation Policy

1. Any trip purchased may be cancelled up to 48 hours in advance for a full ticket(s) refund.

There will be no refunds for any processing fees collected by the reservation software provider.

2. Cancellations made due to weather are to be made solely at the discretion of Celtic Quest INC.