There's a moment that happens on almost every private charter we run. The lines are in, the Sound is flat and blue, and someone in the group — usually the quietest one — catches the first fish. The whole group erupts. Not politely. Loudly. Genuinely. That's what a private fishing charter on Long Island does that almost nothing else can: it puts your whole crew together, out on the water, with nowhere to be and nothing to check, and something real to compete over. We've been running those moments out of Port Jefferson for 25 years, and they never get old.
On This Page:
- What's Included on Your Charter
- Who Private Charters Are Perfect For
- How It Works — From First Call to First Cast
- Pricing & Booking Your Private Fishing Charter on Long Island
- A Captain's Tip for First-Time Charters
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Book Your Day on the Water?
What's Included on Your Private Charter
Everything. That's the short answer. When you book a private charter with Celtic Quest, you're not renting a boat and figuring out the rest — we take care of it all.
Every charter fare includes:
- Fishing rods and all tackle
- Fresh bait, rigged and ready
- New York fishing license — required by law, and we handle it completely
- Full crew guidance for every skill level, beginners especially welcome
- Fish filleting and cleaning by our experienced mates at the end of the trip
- Bags to take your catch home
One of my favorite parts of every trip? Watching the mates clean fish at the dock. Every group has at least one person who came along just to be social — and they're the one who ends up going home with a bag of beautiful fillets and becoming the office hero.
Our fleet gives you two great options. Celtic Quest IV is a 70-foot open boat that carries up to 120 passengers. Celtic Grace is our 80-foot fishing yacht — she carries up to 129 passengers and features a full cabin with heating, men's and women's restrooms, and a microwave onboard. Celtic Grace is especially popular for full-day groups and shoulder season trips when the October air gets crisp.
Beer and wine are welcome aboard. Bring your own food and small coolers — we love when groups pack a great lunch. Hard liquor isn't permitted on the boats.
See all our trip types and options →
Who This Is For
The honest answer is: a lot of people. We've run private charters for bachelor parties and retirement celebrations, corporate team-building days and family reunions, church groups and scout troops, fundraisers and memorials, fire departments and police departments. We've even helped families scatter ashes on the water — a deeply meaningful way to say goodbye to someone who loved Long Island Sound.
Groups as intimate as 10 and as large as 100-plus are all welcome. If you're bringing a crowd, we have the boats for it.
No fishing experience needed — not a little, none at all. Our crew genuinely loves teaching beginners. They'll bait hooks, show everyone how to hold a rod, cheer for every catch, and make sure nobody feels out of place. Kids ages 5 and up are welcome aboard, and we offer child rates through age 12.
I've watched corporate groups — people who spend long hours at their desks — completely transform the moment we clear the harbor. They relax. They laugh. They compete fiercely over who caught the biggest porgy. Something about being out on Long Island Sound just shakes everything loose in the best possible way.
For anyone who's a little nervous about being on the water: Long Island Sound is typically much calmer than the ocean. No ocean swells, no rolling seas. Most first-timers are genuinely surprised at how comfortable and stable it feels from the moment we leave the dock.
How It Works
We try to make this as easy as possible. Here's the whole process from first call to first cast:
Reach out to us. Call us at (631) 928-3926 or email Office@CQFleet.com. Tell us your group size, your preferred date, and what kind of trip you have in mind. We'll help you figure out the rest.
We build your trip. We'll recommend the right vessel, talk you through the best season windows for your goals, and walk you through any logistics. Late May through June and September are wonderful windows for charters — great fishing, beautiful weather — but we're running trips most of the season and we'll find the right fit.
Reserve your date. A deposit holds your boat. We handle the license, the gear, and the crew. You just need to show up.
Head to the dock. We're at 118 West Broadway in the Port Jefferson Marina. Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early. Full directions and parking info →
Fish, laugh, eat well. Your crew handles everything on the water. At the end of the trip, the mates fillet and bag your catch. You go home with dinner.
After the trip, Port Jefferson Village is right there at the dock. The Steam Room has been feeding hungry anglers since 1977, Billie's 1890 Saloon is a great spot for a celebratory drink, and Main Street has plenty of waterfront dining and shops to keep the day going.
Pricing & Booking Your Private Fishing Charter on Long Island
Pricing for a private fishing charter on Long Island varies based on a few things: the vessel, your group size, the type of trip, and the day of the week. Weeknight charters are significantly more affordable than weekend dates — worth knowing if your group has any flexibility.
What stays the same is that the fare is all-inclusive. No gear rental fees, no tackle charges, no license add-ons. Everything in the "What's Included" section above is in the price.
For a custom quote, give us a call or visit our booking page. We're happy to walk you through the numbers and find something that works for your budget.
Cancellation policy: Full refund for cancellations 48 or more hours before departure. If the captain cancels due to weather — which we take seriously for everyone's safety — you'll receive a full refund or a credit toward a future trip. Our crew stays current on all New York State fishing regulations so you never have to worry about the paperwork side of things.
A Captain's Tip for First-Time Charters
If you're organizing a private charter for the first time, here's the one thing I always tell people: book earlier than you think you need to. June is our busiest month by far — groups come to us eager and ready for summer, and weekends fill up fast. If you have a specific date in mind, especially for a larger group, reach out as soon as you can.
September is a wonderful alternative if summer gets away from you. The fishing picks up beautifully as the water cools, the crowds ease up a little, and the fall light on the Sound is something you have to see to believe.
Either way, we'll find you a great day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need any fishing experience?
Not at all. Our crew takes care of everything — baiting hooks, setting lines, and teaching anyone who wants to learn. We love working with first-timers, and we've spent 25 years making sure every person on the boat has a wonderful time, regardless of experience level.
How many people can join a private charter?
Celtic Quest IV accommodates up to 120 passengers, and Celtic Grace accommodates up to 129. Whether you're organizing an intimate gathering of 10 or a large event of 100 or more, we have the right boat for your group.
Can we bring kids?
Absolutely. Children ages 5 and up are welcome aboard, and child rates are available through age 12. Our crew is patient, experienced with young anglers, and genuinely delighted when a kid reels in their first fish.
What should we bring?
We handle all the fishing gear, bait, and licensing — just bring yourself. You're welcome to bring your own food and small coolers for drinks. Beer and wine are permitted; hard liquor is not. Dress in layers for spring and fall trips, since mornings on the Sound can be cool. Sunscreen and sunglasses are always a smart call.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The captain makes the final call on weather — always with the safety of our guests as the top priority. If your trip is cancelled due to weather, you'll receive a full refund or a credit toward a future trip.
Where exactly are you located?
We're at 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson Marina, Port Jefferson, NY 11777. Full directions and parking information are on our directions page. Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before your trip departs.
Do you handle the fishing license for our whole group?
Yes — the New York fishing license is included in your fare for everyone aboard. Nothing to do on your end. Our crew stays current on all New York State DEC regulations so you can focus entirely on having a great time.
Ready to Book Your Day on the Water?
We'd love to have your group out on the Sound. Give us a call, shoot us an email, or head straight to the booking page — we're happy to answer questions, talk through your options, and help you put together a day your group will be talking about for a long time.
📞 (631) 928-3926
✉️ Office@CQFleet.com
🗓️ Book Your Trip Online
We're at 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 — and we'll see you at the dock.