More than 200,000 anglers have come through Celtic Quest Fishing over the past 25 years — and a good number of them started exactly where you are right now, wondering what a first deep sea fishing charter actually looks and feels like. Here's the honest answer: by the time the boat heads back to Port Jefferson Harbor, most people are already thinking about coming back.
This guide walks you through everything, start to finish. What the day looks like, what to bring, what you might catch, and why Long Island Sound is one of the friendliest places in New York to try this for the first time. We've been doing this out of Port Jefferson since 2001, and we love nothing more than putting a first-timer on their first fish.
Table of Contents
- What "Deep Sea Fishing" Means Out of Port Jefferson
- No Experience? That's Exactly Who This Trip Is For
- Step-by-Step: What Your Day Looks Like
- What You Might Catch on Your First Trip
- Will It Be Rough? The Honest Answer
- Everything's Included — Here's What That Means
- What to Bring (The List Is Short)
- How to Book Your First Deep Sea Fishing Charter
- Frequently Asked Questions
What "Deep Sea Fishing" Means on a First Deep Sea Fishing Charter Out of Port Jefferson
The term "deep sea fishing" probably brings to mind big ocean swells and choppy water. The good news: that's not what we do here, and it's one of the reasons so many first-timers love their experience with us.
Celtic Quest fishes Long Island Sound — the beautiful, protected waterway that stretches between the North Shore of Long Island and the Connecticut coast. Depending on the season and where the fish are running, we're typically working depths of 30 to 100 feet. The Sound is sheltered by the Connecticut shoreline, and the North Shore generally offers calmer, more manageable conditions compared to ocean fishing, where open-water swells can sometimes be uncomfortable for people who don't spend a lot of time on boats. It's a genuinely lovely body of water, and our crew has been reading it for a long time.
Both of our vessels — the 70-foot Celtic Quest IV and the 80-foot Celtic Grace — are large, stable platforms. You're not on a small skiff. There's plenty of room to move around, find a comfortable spot, and take in the view. From Smithtown Bay to the waters off Shoreham, these are rich, productive fishing grounds that Captain Des O'Sullivan and the Celtic Quest crew have been working since 2001.
No Experience? That's Exactly Who This Trip Is For
No fishing experience required. None at all. Our crew takes care of everything — the rods are rigged, the bait is ready, and a mate is right beside you to show you exactly what to do. You don't need to know anything going in. That's genuinely what we're here for.
The mates on our boats love working with beginners. Getting someone to their very first fish — watching the whole thing click — is one of the best parts of the job. You're not left to figure anything out on your own. From the moment you board, someone has an eye on you and is happy to help.
Kids are welcome too. We recommend ages 5 and up, and families are some of our favorite groups on the water. The short version of everything you need to know: just show up. We'll take it from there.
Step-by-Step: What Your Day Looks Like
Step 1: Arrive at the Dock
We're at 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY — right in the Port Jefferson Marina, on a beautiful harbor in a village full of great shops and waterfront restaurants. Plan to arrive 45 minutes to an hour before departure. That gives you time to get settled, meet the crew, and take in the scenery. Paid parking is available nearby in the village, and we'll send you full directions and parking details when you book.
Step 2: Board the Boat and Meet the Crew
The crew welcomes everyone aboard, gets you oriented, and makes sure you know where everything is — restrooms, where to stow your cooler, where the best spots along the rail are. The Celtic Grace has a full heated cabin with men's and women's restrooms, which is a real comfort on a brisk morning. The mood on the boat is relaxed and social right from the start. This is the moment the day starts to feel like a real adventure.
Step 3: Head Out to the Fishing Grounds
The ride out is one of the underrated pleasures of the day. Port Jefferson Harbor opens into the Sound and you're surrounded by open water and sky. Depending on where the fish are, travel time typically runs anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. On a clear morning, the Connecticut shoreline is visible across the water. Keep an eye out for ospreys and sea birds — we see them on nearly every trip.
Step 4: Start Fishing
Once the captain is happy with the spot, the mates get everyone set up. First-timers go first — someone is right there with you. This is the heart of the day. The Sound is full of life, and there's something genuinely exciting about that first bite. Rods, tackle, and bait are all provided. Your fishing license is included in your fare. All you have to do is hold on and enjoy it.
Step 5: Enjoy the Day on the Water
Four hours goes faster than you think. Between the fishing, the fresh air, the views, and the conversation, the time simply flies. There's always something happening on the rail — a nice fish comes up, someone gets a little help from the mate, and the whole boat gets involved. Complete strangers become fast friends over a shared cooler and a good run of porgies. It's that kind of day.
Step 6: Head Back to the Dock and Get Your Fish Cleaned
When we bring the boat in, the fun doesn't stop at the rail. Our skilled mates fillet and clean your catch right there at the dock, and you go home with a bag of fresh fillets. Someone in your group — it's almost always someone unexpected — walks away with enough fish to cook dinner and becomes the hero of the evening. It's one of my favorite parts of every trip.
What You Might Catch on Your First Trip
Long Island Sound is home to a wonderful variety of fish, and what's running depends on the season. From April through October, porgies (scup) are the most reliable catch out of Port Jefferson — they're abundant, they fight well on light tackle, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. Fluke show up in spring and are caught into July. Black sea bass are a favorite on bottom trips. Striped bass make their runs in spring and again in the fall. Later in the season, bluefish arrive and fish hard when they're here.
Our crew stays current on all New York State fishing regulations, so you never need to worry about that side of things. For the most current picture of what's biting right now, check our fishing reports page.
Will It Be Rough? The Honest Answer
Long Island Sound is generally much calmer than the open ocean. The Connecticut coastline to the north provides real shelter, and the Sound's protected character makes it a friendlier environment for people who aren't sure how they'll feel on the water. That said, every day out here is a little different — wind and weather always have a say.
If you're at all concerned about seasickness, the most practical advice is to eat a light meal before you go, stay on the open deck where you can see the horizon, and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter remedies like Dramamine work well for many people when taken the night before and morning of the trip. Captain Des makes the final call on weather — safety always comes first, and we'll never put people on the water in conditions we're not comfortable with. A weather cancellation means a full refund or trip credit, no questions asked.
Everything's Included — Here's What That Means
All-inclusive isn't a marketing phrase for us — it's just how we operate. Every trip includes:
- Fishing rods and all tackle
- Fresh bait
- Your New York fishing license (covered in the fare)
- Expert crew guidance for every experience level
- Fish filleting and cleaning at the dock
- Bags to take your catch home
You don't need to bring a single piece of gear. Just show up.
What to Bring (The List Is Short)
- Comfortable layers — mornings on the Sound can be breezy even in summer, so bring a light jacket regardless of the forecast
- Sunscreen and sunglasses — the water reflects a lot of light
- Non-slip, closed-toe shoes — sneakers are perfect; leave the sandals at home
- Food and drinks — bring your own snacks and a cooler; beer and wine are welcome aboard; hard liquor is not
- A hat — always a good idea on the water
- Motion sickness medication if you're at all concerned — take it the night before and morning of for best results
- Your camera — you're going to want photos
How to Book Your First Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Booking is easy. Head to our trips and booking page to see what's available and reserve your spot. If you have questions — about group size, trip type, what's running, or anything else — call us at (631) 928-3926 or email Office@CQFleet.com. We're happy to help you figure out the right trip.
A first deep sea fishing charter doesn't have to be complicated. Pick a date, show up at the dock, and let the crew take care of the rest. We've been doing this for 25 years, and we genuinely love every trip. We'd love to have you aboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need fishing experience to go on a deep sea fishing charter?
Not at all. Our crew handles everything — the rods, the bait, the setup, and the guidance. A mate will be right there with you from the first drop. Beginners are some of our favorite people on the boat, and getting someone to their first fish is genuinely one of the highlights of our day.
Is everything included, or do I need to bring my own gear?
Everything is included in your fare: fishing rods, all tackle, fresh bait, your New York fishing license, crew guidance, and fish filleting and cleaning at the dock. Just bring yourself, some food and drinks, and comfortable clothes for the weather.
Do I need a fishing license for a charter trip?
No. Your fishing license is included in the price of your ticket when you fish with Celtic Quest. It's part of what all-inclusive means for us.
How long are the trips, and what time do they leave?
We run half-day trips (approximately 4 hours) and full-day trips depending on the location and season. Departure times vary by trip and time of year. The best way to see current schedules and availability is to visit our booking page or give us a call.
What fish can I expect to catch out of Port Jefferson?
Long Island Sound is home to porgies, fluke, black sea bass, striped bass, bluefish, and more — depending on the season. What's biting changes throughout the year, and our crew stays current on all New York State fishing regulations. For the most up-to-date picture of what's running, check our fishing reports.
Will the water be rough — should I worry about seasickness?
Long Island Sound is a sheltered body of water and generally much calmer than the open ocean. That said, every day on the water is different. If you're prone to motion sickness, it's worth taking an over-the-counter remedy the night before and morning of your trip. Eating a light meal before you board and staying on the open deck helps most people feel comfortable.
Can kids come on a fishing charter?
Absolutely. We welcome children aged 5 and up, and families are some of our very favorite groups on the water. Our crew is experienced with kids and always makes sure the younger anglers are having a great time. Child rates apply through age 12.
What should I bring on my first fishing charter?
Dress in comfortable layers — mornings on the Sound can be cool even in summer. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, non-slip sneakers, and your own food and drinks. A small cooler fits easily on board. You don't need to bring any fishing gear whatsoever.
How do I book a trip with Celtic Quest Fishing?
Visit our booking page to see schedules and reserve your spot online. You can also call us at (631) 928-3926 or email Office@CQFleet.com — we're glad to answer any questions and help you pick the right trip. We're open Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Celtic Quest Fishing — 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 — (631) 928-3926