Figuring out where to go fishing on Long Island is one of the first questions people ask when they call the office — and it's a great one. There's the South Shore, the North Shore, the bays, the Sound, the ocean. There's a lot of water out here. What I always tell people is this: it depends on what kind of day you want to have. If you want calm water, reliable catches, a beautiful harbor town to explore before and after, and a crew that takes care of absolutely everything — Port Jefferson on the North Shore is worth a serious look. We've been running trips out of here for 25 years, and we see people light up the moment they step on board. That's what we're here for.
Quick Answer
- Celtic Quest departs from Port Jefferson, NY — Long Island's North Shore
- Trips run April through November across three locations
- Everything is included: rods, bait, tackle, fishing license, and fish cleaning
- No experience needed — our crew handles everything
- Half-day and full-day trips available; private charters welcome
On This Page
- North Shore vs. South Shore: Which Is Right for You?
- Getting to Port Jefferson from Anywhere on Long Island
- What's Biting — and When
- Who Comes Out on These Trips?
- Where to Go Fishing on Long Island: Come Out and See for Yourself
- Frequently Asked Questions
North Shore vs. South Shore — Which Is Right for You?
Both sides of Long Island offer wonderful fishing. The difference really comes down to the water itself. Long Island Sound, on the North Shore, is sheltered and typically much calmer than the open Atlantic. For families, first-timers, or anyone who prefers a gentler ride, that makes a real difference. You spend your energy fishing and laughing instead of hanging on.
Port Jefferson sits right on the Sound. Depending on where the fish are that day, we're running 15 minutes to an hour to the fishing grounds. And when you're done, you step off the boat into one of the prettiest harbor villages on Long Island. The Steam Room has been feeding anglers right by the dock since 1977. Billie's 1890 Saloon is just up the street. The historic Port Jefferson Ferry to Bridgeport, Connecticut has been running since 1883 — it's right there in the harbor, a piece of living history on the waterfront.
We've been fishing these waters since 2001 — and this village never gets old.
Getting to Port Jefferson from Anywhere on Long Island
Port Jefferson is about 60 miles east of New York City — roughly a two-hour drive following the Long Island Expressway east and heading north. It's an easy ride, and the village makes it feel worth every mile.
Coming from Nassau County or western Suffolk? The LIRR Port Jefferson Branch runs all the way to the station, and it's a short Uber or taxi ride down to the dock. Suffolk County Transit buses 51 and 62 also serve the area if you'd rather not drive at all.
One practical note on parking: arrive about 45 minutes early and drop your gear and your group off at the dock first, then go find a spot. The village has electronic meters and paid lots nearby. It saves a lot of walking, especially if you've got kids or a cooler. Check our full directions and parking tips before you head out.
What's Biting — and When
The season runs from April through Thanksgiving — and it changes beautifully as it goes.
Spring (May–June) is the window we love most for first-timers and group bookings. Porgy fishing is the star — reliable action, fish hitting steadily, gorgeous weather, and a wonderful introduction to what Long Island Sound fishing is all about. Fluke show up in May and run through June as well. June books up fast. It genuinely is our busiest month of the year, and once you've been out in June, you understand why.
Summer (July–August) shifts toward deeper water bottom fishing — sea bass, porgies, and bluefish starting to appear as the season rolls along. The warm days and long afternoons make it a favorite time for parties, birthdays, and group outings.
Fall (September–November) is the second peak of the season, and it's a good one. As the water cools, everything comes alive again. September and October offer fantastic bottom fishing, and bluefish show up in real numbers. Our Mattituck location opens mid-September for full-day wreck and bottom trips, extending the season nicely. We fish all the way through Thanksgiving — one of the few fleets still running that late.
Conditions change year to year, so check our latest fishing reports to see what's happening right now. You can also see our current trip schedule and find a date that works for you.
For official New York fishing regulations — size limits, seasons, and licensing requirements — the New York DEC Saltwater Fishing page is the authoritative source. Our crew stays current on all of it so you don't have to think about a thing.
Who Comes Out on These Trips?
Honestly — everyone. That's one of my favorite things about this job.
Families with kids are a huge part of what we do. The calm Sound water helps, the half-day trips are the perfect length for younger attention spans, and our crew genuinely loves teaching kids how to fish. Children are welcome from age 5 and up. I've watched kids catch their first fish on these boats and light up in a way that's just wonderful to see.
Corporate groups and work teams find something out here that's hard to replicate in a conference room. People who've spent their week in back-to-back meetings completely unplug once the boat leaves the dock. The competition over who catches the biggest porgy tends to get surprisingly spirited — in the best way.
Bachelor parties, birthdays, and milestone celebrations are a natural fit for a private charter. Beer and wine are welcome aboard. The crew handles all the fishing so your group can focus on having a great time together.
First-timers and beginners are always welcome. You don't need any experience at all — rods, bait, tackle, and your fishing license are all included in the fare. Our crew teaches, coaches, and cheers everyone on. You just show up. Our FAQ page has answers to the questions we hear most often if you want to know more before you call.
Where to Go Fishing on Long Island — Come Out and See for Yourself
So — where to go fishing on Long Island? We might be a little biased, but we think Port Jefferson makes a pretty compelling case. Calm water, reliable fishing across a long season, an all-inclusive experience with no surprises, and a beautiful village waiting for you when the boat comes in.
We'd love to have you out. Give us a call at (631) 928-3926, take a look at what's available on the booking page, or drop us a line at Office@CQFleet.com. A great day on the water is waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any fishing experience to come out?
Not at all. Our crew takes care of everything — they'll set up your rod, show you how to cast, explain what you're feeling when a fish hits, and cheer you on the whole way. Complete beginners catch fish every single day out here. Just show up ready to have a good time.
What's included in the ticket price?
Everything you need to fish. Your rod, all the tackle, all the bait, and your New York State fishing license are included in the fare. At the end of the trip, our mates will clean and bag your catch so you're taking home fresh fillets. Just bring food, a small cooler, and your sense of adventure.
How long are the trips?
Half-day trips run about four hours and depart from Port Jefferson throughout the season. Full-day trips are available at our Mattituck and Jamesport locations — those run roughly seven to eight hours and give you a deeper-water experience. Check our trip schedule for current departure times.
Can I book a private charter for a group?
Absolutely — private charters are one of our specialties. We host corporate outings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, family reunions, school trips, and all kinds of special events. Both of our vessels — the 70-foot Celtic Quest IV and the 80-foot Celtic Grace — are available for private bookings. Give us a call at (631) 928-3926 and we'll put something great together for your group.
Is it okay to bring food and drinks?
Yes, please do. Bring whatever food you like and a small cooler. Beer and wine are welcome aboard — we just ask that you leave the hard liquor at home. There's nothing quite like a cold drink on a warm June afternoon with a big porgy on the line.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Captain's call. If conditions aren't safe or the fishing would be genuinely miserable, we cancel the trip and offer you a full refund or a credit toward a future date. Your safety always comes first, and we'd rather reschedule than send you out in weather that ruins the day. We watch the forecast closely and we'll be in touch well ahead of your trip if anything looks uncertain.
How far in advance should I book?
For open boat trips, booking a few days out usually works fine — though popular weekends in June can fill up quickly. For private charters, we recommend reaching out as early as you can, especially if you have a specific date in mind. The earlier you call, the more options we can offer you.
For current marine conditions on Long Island Sound, NOAA's marine forecast is a great resource to bookmark before your trip.