There's something special about having the whole boat to yourselves. No strangers at the rail, no sharing the day with anyone outside your group — just your people, the open water, and a crew that's entirely focused on making your trip a great one. That's exactly what a private fishing charter with Celtic Quest is all about. We've been running private charters out of Port Jefferson for over 25 years, and there's nothing we enjoy more than handing a group a perfect day on Long Island Sound.
At a Glance
- Whole boat reserved for your group — no strangers, no sharing the rail
- All-inclusive: rods, tackle, bait, fishing license, and fish cleaning all covered
- Departs from Port Jefferson, NY — calm, sheltered Long Island Sound waters
- Two vessels available, accommodating groups up to 120–129 passengers
- Beer and wine welcome aboard; bring your own food and a cooler
- Season runs April through November, extended through Thanksgiving at Mattituck
Quick links:
- What's Included
- Who Books a Private Charter
- How It Works — From Call to Dock
- Pricing & Booking
- Book Your Private Fishing Charter
What's Included
When you book a private charter with Celtic Quest, you're getting the full picture — nothing hidden, nothing extra to worry about. Your group boards one of our two vessels (a 70-foot or 80-foot boat), and the whole crew is there for you from the moment you step aboard. That means the captain, the mates, all the fishing rods, every bit of tackle, fresh bait, and your New York fishing license — all included in the fare.
At the end of the trip, the mates clean and bag your catch right at the dock. That moment is one of my favorites of every trip. Somebody in the group — usually the last person anyone expected — walks off the boat holding a bag of beautiful fresh fillets, and just like that, they're the hero of the whole outing. It never gets old.
Beer and wine are welcome aboard, so feel free to bring a cooler with drinks and whatever food sounds good to the group. The crew will make sure everyone's comfortable on the water from start to finish. You can see all the ways we run trips — open boat, private events, seasonal options — over on our trips page.
And when you're back at the dock, Port Jefferson Village is right there waiting. Great restaurants, waterfront spots, shops along Main Street — if the group feels like stretching the day out a little longer, there's plenty of reason to stick around.
Who Books a Private Charter
Honestly? All kinds of people — and that's one of the things I love most about this work. We've hosted bachelor parties, corporate teams, birthday groups, family reunions, church groups, fire departments, scout troops, and memorial trips. The common thread is simple: when you want the day to be yours, a private fishing charter is the way to do it.
I've watched corporate groups who spend their weeks under fluorescent lights step onto the boat and just… exhale. Within an hour, someone's got a big porgy on the line, everyone's cheering, and the whole group is laughing in a way that probably hasn't happened in months. That kind of thing is genuinely hard to manufacture on land. Out here, it just happens.
No experience needed at all — our crew loves working with first-timers and takes care of everything. And for the experienced anglers in the group, there's always plenty to keep them happy too. We've been doing this for 25 years, and we love the range of people who come out with us.
One thing worth knowing: late May through the third week of June is our most popular window for private charters — June is the busiest month of the year for us, every year. If your group has a date in mind, it's worth reaching out sooner rather than later.
How It Works — From Call to Dock
We've worked hard to make booking as easy as possible. Here's how it usually goes:
1. Reach Out
Give us a call or send an email to talk through your group size, preferred date, and what kind of trip sounds right. No commitment at this stage — just a friendly conversation.
2. Reserve Your Date
Once you've settled on a plan, a deposit holds the boat for your group.
3. Get Ready
We'll send you directions and everything you need ahead of time. We recommend arriving about 45 minutes before departure so everyone's settled and comfortable before we head out. Directions and parking info are on our website, and we're always happy to answer questions when you book.
4. Show Up and Enjoy
Bring your group, bring the cooler, and let us handle everything else. That's really it.
Still have questions before you're ready to call? Our FAQ page covers the most common ones — or just pick up the phone. We're always happy to talk it through.
Pricing & Booking Your Private Fishing Charter
Private charters are quoted as a whole-boat rate rather than per person, and the price depends on a few things: trip length, day of the week, the season, and which of our locations works best for your group. Weeknights are generally more affordable than weekends, and spring and fall trips sometimes offer more flexibility than peak summer dates.
Because there are so many variables, the best way to get a real number for your specific group and date is to reach out through our booking page or give us a call. We'll give you a straightforward quote and answer any questions you have.
If June is on your radar, it books up fast. Groups who know what they want are always better off reaching out early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need any fishing experience?
Not at all. Our crew takes care of everything — bait, gear, instruction — so your group can just focus on having a great time. First-timers are always welcome, and our mates genuinely love teaching people who've never held a rod before.
How many people can come?
Our two vessels accommodate groups up to 120 and 129 passengers respectively. Whether you're planning an intimate outing or a large company event, we can find the right fit for your group.
What should we bring?
We cover all the fishing gear, bait, and your fishing license. Just bring food, drinks (beer and wine are welcome — hard liquor is not), and whatever makes the day comfortable for your crew. Small coolers are perfectly fine aboard.
What if the weather doesn't cooperate?
The captain makes the final call on weather-related decisions, and your group's safety always comes first. If we need to cancel due to conditions, you'll receive a full refund or credit. We'll always communicate with you as early as possible if there's a concern.
When is the best time to book a private charter?
Late May through the third week of June is our most popular window — the fishing is excellent and the weather is usually beautiful. September is another fantastic option, with great fishing and comfortable temperatures. If you have flexibility, give us a call and we'll help you find the best fit for your group and the season.
Book Your Private Fishing Charter
We'd love to have your group out on the water. Give us a call at (631) 928-3926, email us at Office@CQFleet.com, or book your trip online. We're in the office Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and always happy to help you plan a day your group will be talking about for a long time.
Our crew stays current on all New York State fishing regulations, so you don't have to think about any of that — just show up and enjoy the ride.
Celtic Quest Fishing — 118 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777