Have you ever wished you could just show up, hand everything off to someone who knows exactly what they're doing, and spend the next four hours laughing with the people you love? That's exactly what a private half day charter with Celtic Quest feels like. No sharing the boat with strangers, no waiting your turn, no rushing — just your group, our crew, and some of the most beautiful water on Long Island's North Shore. We'll be waiting at 118 West Broadway in Port Jefferson Harbor, everything ready, the moment you arrive.
At a Glance
- 🕐 Four hours on the water — enough time to fish, laugh, and go home with dinner
- 🎣 Everything included — rods, tackle, bait, fishing license, fish cleaning, and bags for your catch
- 👨👩👧👦 Any size group — from a family of six up to 120 guests on Celtic Quest IV or 129 on Celtic Grace
- 🙌 No experience needed — our crew handles everything from first cast to last fillet
- 📍 Departure: 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
Table of Contents
- What's Included in Your Private Half Day Charter
- Who This Trip Is Perfect For
- How It Works: From Inquiry to Dock
- Pricing & Booking Your Private Half Day Charter
- Book Your Half Day on Long Island Sound
- Frequently Asked Questions
What's Included in Your Private Half Day Charter
When we say all-inclusive, we mean it. Here's everything that comes with your charter:
- Full exclusive use of the vessel — your group, nobody else
- All fishing rods, tackle, and bait — we bring it all
- New York State fishing license — covered in your fare
- Expert crew on deck the entire trip — baiting hooks, coaching beginners, keeping everyone in the action from start to finish
- Fish cleaning and filleting at the end of the trip — always a crowd favorite. Someone unexpected almost always ends up going home with a bag of beautiful fillets and becomes the hero of dinner that night
- Bags to take your fresh catch home
- Four hours fishing Long Island Sound
Feel free to bring a small cooler with food and drinks. Beer and wine are welcome aboard — just leave the hard liquor at home. Once we make the run out from the dock, the Sound opens up wide and the real fun begins.
See all of our trip options if you'd like to compare a half day against a full day — we're happy to help you find the right fit.
A Note from Captain Des
"Bring sunscreen, comfortable layers, and a sense of humor. The crew will handle everything else. If someone in your group has never fished before, even better — watching a first-timer reel in their first porgy is one of my favorite things about this job."
— Captain Des O'Sullivan
Who This Trip Is Perfect For
Honestly? Almost anyone. Families looking for a morning the kids will talk about for years. Bachelor parties who want something genuinely memorable. Work teams that need a few hours away from the conference room — there's something about being out on the water together that always seems to bring a group closer in a way that's hard to replicate anywhere else. Birthday groups, friend reunions, scout troops, church groups, fire departments — we've had them all, and we love every one of them.
No fishing experience needed whatsoever. Our crew genuinely loves working with beginners, and there's plenty to keep experienced anglers happy too. Kids ages five and up are always welcome, with child rates available through age 12. And whether your group is a tight-knit family of six or a company of 120, we have the right vessel for you. Family-owned and operated for over 25 years, we've welcomed just about every kind of group you can imagine — and we treat every single one of them the same way.
How It Works: From Inquiry to the Dock
We try to make this as easy as possible. Here's what the process looks like:
Reach out. Call us at (631) 928-3926 or email Office@CQFleet.com to check availability and talk through your group's needs. We're here Monday through Sunday, 9am–5pm, and always happy to answer questions.
Pick your date and vessel. We'll help you find a date that works with your schedule and lines up with good fishing conditions. Late spring through early fall is prime time on the Sound — reach out and we'll walk you through what's biting when.
Confirm your booking. A deposit secures your date. We'll send you a confirmation along with everything you need to know — directions, what to bring, and what to expect.
Show up ready to have fun. Plan to arrive about 45 minutes before departure at 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson. Drop your gear at the dock first, then go park — full directions and parking info are here. Port Jefferson Village has paid parking nearby, so leave a little extra time.
The crew does the rest. From the first line in the water to the last fillet in a bag, your crew handles everything. You just enjoy it.
And after the trip? Port Jefferson Village is right there — the Steam Room has been feeding hungry anglers since 1977, and the whole waterfront is just a short walk from the dock. It makes for a pretty perfect morning.
Pricing & Booking Your Private Half Day Charter
Private charter rates depend on your group size, the day of the week, and the time of season — so the best way to get an accurate number is to give us a call or visit our booking page. We'll get you a quote quickly and honestly.
Worth knowing: weeknight trips are often more affordable than weekends, so if your group has some flexibility, it's always worth asking.
A deposit is required to hold your date. Our cancellation policy is straightforward — cancel with 48 or more hours' notice and you'll receive a full refund. If the captain calls the trip due to weather, you'll get a full refund or credit, no questions asked.
Our mates work hard for your group from the moment you step aboard to the moment they hand you a bag of fillets at the dock. A 20% gratuity is the standard and always deeply appreciated.
Check availability and request your private charter here.
Book Your Half Day on Long Island Sound
We'd love to have you aboard. A private half day charter out of Port Jefferson is one of the easiest, most memorable things you can do with a group — and we've spent 25 years making sure every trip feels that way. Reach out and let's start planning yours.
📞 (631) 928-3926
✉️ Office@CQFleet.com
🗓️ Check Availability & Book Online
We're here Monday through Sunday, 9am–5pm. We can't wait to see you on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a private half day charter include?
Your charter includes full exclusive use of the vessel, all fishing rods, tackle, and bait, a New York State fishing license, expert crew on deck the entire trip, fish cleaning and filleting at the end, and bags to bring your catch home. Beer and wine are welcome if you'd like to bring a cooler — food is bring-your-own as well.
Do we need any fishing experience?
Not at all. Our crew loves working with first-timers and will take care of everything — baiting hooks, coaching technique, keeping everyone in the action. If someone in your group has never held a fishing rod, that's completely fine. We'll have them smiling and catching fish before they know it.
How many people can join a private charter?
We can accommodate groups from a small family all the way up to 120 guests on Celtic Quest IV or 129 guests on Celtic Grace. Just let us know your headcount when you reach out and we'll point you to the right vessel.
Are children welcome on the trip?
Absolutely. We recommend ages 5 and up, and child rates are available through age 12. Our crew is experienced with kids and school groups, and safety is always our top priority on the water.
How much does a private half day charter cost?
Rates are based on group size, day of the week, and season — so the best way to get an accurate quote is to call us at (631) 928-3926 or visit our booking page. Weeknight trips are often more affordable than weekends if your group has some flexibility.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel with 48 or more hours' notice and you'll receive a full refund. If the captain cancels due to weather, you'll receive a full refund or credit. We know plans change and weather happens — we try to make the process as smooth as possible.
What should we know about New York fishing regulations?
Our crew stays current on all New York fishing regulations so you never have to think about it. You can also find the latest rules directly at the New York State DEC Fishing Regulations page — but honestly, just leave that part to us.
Celtic Quest Fishing is a BBB Accredited Business with over 200,000 fishermen served and 100+ five-star reviews. We've been sailing out of Port Jefferson Harbor since 2001.