Over 200,000 anglers have come through our dock in Port Jefferson over the past 25 years — and some of the most unforgettable moments we've ever been a part of happened when a child reeled in their very first fish. If you're planning a family fishing trip on Long Island that everyone will still be talking about on the drive home, you've found the right boat. No experience needed. Everything is included. And our crew genuinely loves teaching beginners of every age.
At a Glance:
- ✅ Rods, bait, tackle, and New York State fishing license — all included in your fare
- ✅ Kids ages 5 and up are welcome; child rates through age 12
- ✅ No fishing experience needed — the crew teaches everyone, start to finish
- ✅ Long Island Sound offers calm, protected waters — gentler than ocean fishing
- ✅ Fish cleaning and bagging included — you bring fresh fillets home
- ✅ Located right in Port Jefferson Village, steps from great restaurants and shops
Table of Contents
- What's Included on Every Family Fishing Trip
- Is This the Right Trip for Your Family?
- Planning Your Family Fishing Trip on Long Island — How It Works
- Best Time of Year for Families
- Pricing & Booking
- Frequently Asked Questions
What's Included on Every Family Fishing Trip
We want you to show up relaxed and ready to have fun — so we take care of everything else. Here's what's waiting for you when you step aboard:
- Fishing rods, all tackle, and all bait — fully rigged and ready to go
- New York State fishing license — included in every fare, no extra step required
- Crew guidance for every skill level — especially first-timers and kids
- Fish filleting and cleaning by our experienced mates at the end of the trip
- Bags to bring your fresh catch home — dinner is handled
- Life jackets and full safety equipment on board at all times
One of the best parts of any family trip out here? Watching the mate clean the catch at the end of the day. Someone always goes home with a bag of fresh fillets and becomes the absolute hero of dinner that night.
Adults are welcome to bring beer or wine aboard. Bring your own food and a small cooler — there's always time for a sandwich between bites. (Hard liquor is not permitted.)
See our full list of trip types to find the right fit for your group.
Is This the Right Family Fishing Trip on Long Island for You?
If you've got kids who are five or older and a few hours to spare, this trip was made for you.
Celtic Quest is a wonderful fit for all kinds of families. Parents bringing young kids for their first time on the water. Grandparents and grandchildren sharing something special together. Multigenerational groups where grandma and the grandkids are both casting for the first time. Parents who grew up fishing and want to pass that love on. All of it happens out here, regularly, and it's a joy to be part of.
Long Island Sound offers calmer, more protected waters than the ocean — which makes a real difference for younger kids and anyone who might be a little nervous about the water. Our vessels are large and stable: Celtic Quest IV is 70 feet, and Celtic Grace is 80 feet — there's plenty of room for everyone to move around comfortably.
We run both open boat trips — perfect for smaller families who want to hop aboard with other anglers — and private charters if you'd like the whole boat for a family reunion or a big multi-family outing.
I've watched kids who were almost too nervous to hold a rod reel in a fat porgy and refuse to put it down for the rest of the trip. That first catch genuinely changes everything.
Planning Your Family Fishing Trip on Long Island — How It Works
We keep it simple. Here's how a typical family booking goes from start to finish:
- Browse or call us — Check our schedule and available trips online or give us a call at (631) 928-3926. We're happy to help you find the right date and trip type for your family's size and ages.
- Reserve your spots — Book online or over the phone. Deposit details are provided at the time of booking.
- Get your directions and arrival info — We'll send you everything you need. Getting to Port Jefferson is straightforward — here's everything about parking and arrival. Plan to arrive about 45 minutes before your trip departs.
- Show up and let the crew handle the rest — All gear is set up and waiting. Our mates will get your kids rigged up, show them exactly what to do, and stay right there with them.
- Head home with your catch — The mates fillet and bag your fish right at the dock. Fresh fillets, ready for dinner.
Port Jefferson is about 60 miles east of New York City — roughly a two-hour drive on the Long Island Expressway. Coming from the city without a car? The LIRR's Port Jefferson Branch drops you right in the village, and it's a short walk to the dock.
Best Time of Year for a Family Fishing Trip on Long Island
Any trip between late spring and early fall is a wonderful time to bring the family out.
Late May through the third week of June is a sweet spot we love to recommend for families. The porgy fishing is typically fantastic — lots of action, lots of bites, and kids catching fish is really what makes a trip memorable. The weather is usually beautiful, and the Sound is at its most welcoming before the summer heat sets in.
July is a great time to come too. The weather is warm, the kids are out of school, and it's summer on the water at its most relaxed.
September is another lovely window. The water cools down, the fish tend to get more active again, and the crowds thin out a little. The Sound in September has a magic of its own.
New York DEC regulations vary by season and species — you can find the current rules on the NY DEC website. Our crew stays current on all of that so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Pricing & Booking
Trip pricing varies by date, group size, and trip type — and we always want to make sure you're getting the right trip for your family. Give us a call at (631) 928-3926 or visit our booking page to check availability and current rates. We're glad to help you put together a day that works perfectly for your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages are appropriate for a family fishing trip?
We recommend ages 5 and up. Kids are naturally curious on the water and our crew is experienced at getting even the youngest anglers comfortable and excited. Child rates are available through age 12. We ask that strollers be left ashore — the deck is a working space and we want everyone moving safely.
Do we need any fishing experience?
Not at all. Our crew genuinely loves teaching people who have never held a rod before. They'll get your kids set up, show everyone what to do, and stay close to help throughout the trip. You just have to show up — we take care of everything else.
What should we bring?
Comfortable clothes and layers are a good idea — it can be cooler on the water than on shore, especially in the morning. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and any snacks or lunch you'd like. Small coolers are welcome. Everything fishing-related is provided.
Is the water rough? I'm worried about my kids getting seasick.
Long Island Sound is a protected body of water, and conditions are generally much calmer than ocean fishing. Our vessels are large — 70 and 80 feet — which adds a lot of stability. If you or your kids are prone to motion sickness, an over-the-counter remedy before boarding is always a smart idea. If you have specific concerns, give us a call and we'll talk it through with you.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Yes! Our mates will fillet and clean your catch right at the dock and bag it up so you can bring it home. Fresh fish you caught yourself — there's nothing better for dinner. Our crew stays current on all New York State fishing regulations including any size and bag limits that apply.
Is a private charter an option for a larger family group?
Absolutely. Private charters are a wonderful way for bigger families, multi-family groups, or family reunions to have the boat to themselves. You set the date, invite your group, and we take care of the rest. Give us a call at (631) 928-3926 and we'll walk you through the options.
Where exactly are you located?
We're at 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, right in the Port Jefferson Marina. Port Jeff is a beautiful village on the North Shore of Long Island with great restaurants and shops within easy walking distance of the dock — so you can make a full day of it. Full directions and parking information are here.
Ready to start planning? We'd love to have your family out on the water. Call us at (631) 928-3926, drop us a line at Office@CQFleet.com, or book your trip online. We'll see you at the dock.