There's a moment on every Celtic Quest trip — rod bending, mate calling encouragement, the whole group leaning over the rail — where you think: I need to do this again. That feeling doesn't belong to one season. It belongs to both. But summer fishing vs fall fishing on Long Island does feel different, and if you're trying to figure out the right time to book a trip out of Port Jefferson, here's an honest, captain-voiced look at what each season actually delivers on the water.
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison: Summer vs. Fall at a Glance
- What Summer Fishing on Long Island Sound Is Really Like
- What Fall Fishing on Long Island Sound Is Really Like
- The Species Breakdown: What's Biting and When
- Which Season Is Better for Groups and Private Charters?
- A Word About October
- Our Mattituck Location Opens Up the Fall Season
- So Which Season Should You Book?
- Book Your Trip with Celtic Quest
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Comparison: Summer vs. Fall Fishing on Long Island
| Summer | Fall | |
|---|---|---|
| Season Window | July through late August | Mid-September through late November |
| Primary Species | Porgies, sea bass, bluefish, weakfish | Sea bass, porgies, blackfish, bluefish |
| Fishing Depth | Warmer water; fish push deeper (up to 100 ft) | Cooling water; fish feed actively and closer in |
| Trip Length | Half-day (4 hrs) from Port Jefferson | Full-day (7 hrs) at Mattituck; half-day available at Port Jeff in September |
| Locations | Port Jefferson Harbor | Port Jefferson + Mattituck (opens mid-September) |
| Best For | Families, warm-weather events, first-timers | Serious fishing, fall charters, extended-season anglers |
What Summer Fishing on Long Island Sound Is Really Like
There is something genuinely wonderful about a July morning on Long Island Sound. The water is calm — the North Shore is sheltered in a way the open ocean simply isn't — and by the time you've cleared Port Jefferson Harbor aboard the Celtic Quest IV or Celtic Grace, the city feels very far away. Summer is warm and relaxed, and that matters more than people realize when you're planning a day out.
Porgies and sea bass are the reliable workhorses of summer. Both species provide steady action at the rail, and both are absolutely delicious once the mate runs them through the cleaning station at the end of the trip. As midsummer arrives and the water warms up, fish tend to push into deeper water — sometimes down to 100 feet or more — and our wreck and bottom fishing shifts to match. The crew knows these waters. We follow the fish, not the calendar.
Around the full and new moon in August, something shifts. Striped bass and bluefish start showing up in real numbers. Those moments aren't guaranteed, but when they happen, they're something special.
"Summer bottom fishing gets a bad rap in some circles, but I'll tell you — a cooler full of porgies and sea bass at the end of a July day is nothing to complain about. The fish are there. You just have to go find them, and that's exactly what we do."
— Captain Des O'Sullivan
When you get back to Port Jefferson Harbor, the village is buzzing. Restaurants are open, the historic ferry to Bridgeport is running, and the Steam Room right by the dock — feeding anglers since 1977 — is a perfect way to end the afternoon. For families and groups who want a great day on the water and a great evening afterward, summer delivers both.
What Fall Fishing on Long Island Sound Is Really Like
September changes everything. As water temperatures drop, fish that spent the summer slow and deep start feeding aggressively again. There's an energy shift on the boat — you feel it in the way the rods load up, in the way the crew gets a little more focused, in the size of the fish coming over the rail. Fall is the second peak of the season, and for a lot of our regulars out of Port Jefferson and Mattituck, it's their favorite time to be on the water.
The species mix broadens out beautifully. Sea bass, porgies, and bluefish are all active. Mid-October brings blackfish (tautog) season — strong, deliberate fishing that's deeply satisfying for anyone who loves a challenge. The fall run can also bring striped bass to Long Island Sound when conditions align.
The atmosphere is genuinely different from summer. Fewer crowds. Crisp air. The Suffolk County shoreline turning gold. A full-day trip in October feels more like an expedition — quieter, more focused, and rewarding in a way that's hard to put into words until you've experienced it.
The Species Breakdown: What's Biting and When
Both seasons offer excellent fishing — they just offer different fishing. Here's the honest picture:
Summer (July–August)
- Porgies (scup) — reliable all season, great action at any experience level
- Sea bass — steady bottom fishing as fish push to deeper water and wrecks
- Bluefish — start showing up as summer progresses, stronger toward late August
- Weakfish — occasional catches, especially earlier in the season
- Striped bass — possible around moon phases in August; special moments, not guarantees
Fall (September–November)
- Sea bass — excellent through the fall run
- Porgies — still active and feeding well through September and into October
- Bluefish — strong in September and into October
- Blackfish (tautog) — opens mid-October at Mattituck; a fall favorite for serious anglers
- Striped bass — the fall run can be outstanding when conditions align
Our crew stays current on all New York State DEC fishing regulations so you never have to think about that side of things.
Which Season Is Better for Groups and Private Charters?
Both seasons work beautifully for private charters — the experience is just shaped differently.
Summer charters are ideal when the social experience is the priority. Warm days, relaxed pace, families and corporate groups who want a wonderful outing with reliable action. June is actually our busiest month of the year, and July and August stay lively because that's when people are in the summer swing. If you're organizing a team event, a birthday, or a family reunion and warm weather matters to your group, summer is your window.
Fall charters tend to attract groups where catching fish is a real part of the goal. September is a particularly strong charter window — solid fishing, usually lovely weather, and the added bonus of our Mattituck location opening up. If your group includes serious anglers, a fall trip is one they'll be talking about for a while.
For anyone deciding between an open boat public trip and a private charter, this breakdown of party boats vs. private charters is a helpful read. And if you're new to charter fishing, what to expect on your first trip is a great place to start.
A Word About October
October fishing on Long Island Sound can be absolutely spectacular. Some of the best days of the entire year happen in October — bigger fish, aggressive feeding, fall colors along the shoreline, and a quiet on the water that summer never quite offers.
But October is also when the weather starts playing games. It can be cold and rough, and we do see more cancellations in October than any other month. I'd rather tell you that upfront. Our cancellation policy protects you — if conditions aren't safe or fishable, you get a full refund or a credit. We never push out in weather that isn't right.
If your group has some flexibility on dates and can roll with a reschedule, October is absolutely worth booking. The reward when conditions cooperate is real. Just go in with open eyes and you'll be in great shape.
Our Mattituck Location Opens Up the Fall Season
One thing that makes Celtic Quest different in the fall is our Mattituck location, about 30 miles east of Port Jefferson on Long Island's North Fork. We open there in mid-September and run full-day trips through Thanksgiving — when most charter operations have long since wrapped up.
Full-day wreck and bottom trips run from 7am through early afternoon. Once blackfish season opens in mid-October, the day extends a bit and the species mix shifts. If you've never done a full-day trip out of Mattituck in October or November, it's a more immersive experience than a half-day Port Jefferson run — more time on the water, deeper fishing, a broader catch. Private charters are available at Mattituck throughout the fall. Reach out to us and we'll put the right trip together for your group.
So Which Season Should You Book?
Here's the honest answer, after 25 years of running both:
Book summer if:
- Warm weather, a relaxed vibe, and a great day out are the priority
- You're bringing kids, first-timers, or a mixed group where comfort matters
- A half-day trip from Port Jefferson fits your schedule
- Your group's availability is tied to summer
Book fall if:
- Catching fish is a genuine priority — the fall run is real and impressive
- Your group is comfortable with cooler weather and has some date flexibility
- A full-day experience at Mattituck sounds appealing
- You're booking for experienced anglers who want the best fishing of the season
Both seasons are worth it. There's no wrong answer here — there's just your answer. The debate over summer fishing vs fall fishing on Long Island is one I've been happily having with customers for 25 years, and both sides always make a compelling case once they get out on the water.
Book Your Trip with Celtic Quest
We've been running Long Island Sound fishing charters since 2001, and every season has its own kind of magic. Our crew is all-inclusive — rods, tackle, bait, fishing license, and fish cleaning are all part of the fare. All you need to bring is yourself and maybe a sandwich.
Our boats, the 70-foot Celtic Quest IV and the 80-foot Celtic Grace, are stable, comfortable, and well set up for groups of all sizes.
Browse available trips and dates here, or give us a call at (631) 928-3926. We love talking fishing, and we love helping people plan a great day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is summer or fall better for fishing on Long Island Sound?
Neither season is objectively better — they offer genuinely different experiences. Summer tends to be warmer, more social, and wonderful for families and group events, with reliable porgy and sea bass action throughout. Fall brings a second peak of activity as water temperatures drop and fish start feeding aggressively again, with a broader species mix that includes blackfish from mid-October on. If catching fish is your top priority, fall typically delivers more action. If warm weather and a relaxed atmosphere matter most, summer is a great choice.
What fish are biting in summer out of Port Jefferson?
Porgies and sea bass are the reliable species through July and August, with solid bottom fishing out of Port Jefferson Harbor. As midsummer progresses and the water warms, fish push deeper and wreck fishing becomes the focus — our crew knows exactly where to find them. Bluefish typically start showing up as the season advances, and around the full and new moon in August, striped bass and bluefish can appear in real numbers. Conditions vary year to year, so we always recommend checking our current fishing reports before your trip.
What fish are biting in fall out of Port Jefferson and Mattituck?
September through November offers an exciting mix. Sea bass, porgies, and bluefish are all active and feeding as water temperatures cool. Once blackfish (tautog) season opens in mid-October, our Mattituck full-day trips shift to include those as a primary target — strong fighters and a fall favorite for serious anglers. Striped bass can also make appearances during the fall run when conditions align. Our crew follows current NYSDEC regulations and will always put you on whatever is biting that day.
Does Celtic Quest run trips in the fall?
Absolutely — and we run longer into the fall than most charter operations on Long Island. Our Port Jefferson location runs through October, and our Mattituck location opens in mid-September and runs all the way through Thanksgiving. That's a solid six weeks of extended-season fishing that most local charters simply don't offer. Full-day trips at Mattituck run from 7am through early afternoon, and private charters are available there as well.
Is October fishing on Long Island worth it?
For the right group, October is some of the best fishing of the entire year. Fish are feeding hard, the species mix is at its broadest, and there's nothing quite like being on Long Island Sound with fall foliage on the shoreline. The honest caveat: October weather can be unpredictable, and we do see more weather-related cancellations in October than any other month. If your group has some schedule flexibility and can roll with a reschedule if conditions aren't right, October is absolutely worth booking. We'll always take care of you if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Can I book a private charter in the fall?
Yes, and fall charters are genuinely wonderful. Private charters are available at our Port Jefferson location through the fall season, and at our Mattituck location from mid-September through late November. Fall is a great window for corporate groups, serious angling groups, and anyone who wants a full-day experience with excellent fishing. Visit our booking page or call us at (631) 928-3926 and we'll help put the right trip together.
What is the difference between summer and fall fishing trips at Celtic Quest?
The biggest practical difference is trip type and location. Summer trips out of Port Jefferson are typically half-day (four hours). Fall opens up our Mattituck location with full-day trips — more time on the water, deeper fishing, and a wider species mix including blackfish. The fishing itself also changes: summer is warmer and more relaxed with reliable porgy and sea bass action, while fall brings more aggressive feeding and a broader catch as the season peaks before winter.
When does the fall fishing season end at Celtic Quest?
We typically fish through Thanksgiving at our Mattituck location, making us one of the last charter operations running on Long Island Sound each year. Port Jefferson usually winds down in October. Exact end dates vary with weather and conditions, so the best thing to do is check our current schedule or give us a call — we'll tell you exactly what's available.
Questions? Call us at (631) 928-3926 or email Office@CQFleet.com. We're happy to talk through the options and help you find the right trip.