Celtic Quest Fishing sails from Port Jefferson, on Long Island’s North Shore — one of the easiest real saltwater fishing trips you can make from New York City. Whether you’re coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx, you can be out on Long Island Sound the same day with rods, bait and tackle all supplied and a friendly crew that looks after first-timers and seasoned anglers alike.
Our open (public) boats sail daily in season, so you can grab a single seat or bring the whole crew. Everything is included, and we clean your catch before you head home — nothing to buy, and nothing to haul back on the train. Because Long Island Sound is protected water between Long Island and the mainland, it usually rides calmer than the open ocean — which makes for a gentler day if you’re prone to seasickness, and an easy first trip for kids and beginners.
Getting here from New York City
Port Jefferson is roughly 60 miles east of Manhattan, and you don’t need a car to get here.
By train (LIRR). The Long Island Rail Road’s Port Jefferson Branch runs from New York City out to Port Jefferson station. From Penn Station or Grand Central, take a Port Jefferson–bound train (some departures transfer at Huntington or Hicksville). Port Jefferson station is a short taxi or rideshare from the harbor where we sail, so a car-free day trip from the city is very doable.
By car. From the city, take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) east and head north toward Port Jefferson (Nicolls Road / Route 112). Depending on traffic, plan on about 1½ to 2 hours.
Parking. Public parking is available around Port Jefferson village and the harbor, a short walk from the dock. Give yourself a few extra minutes to park and find us before sailing time.
What you can catch
Long Island Sound serves up a different mix as the season turns — fluke early, sea bass and porgy through the warm months, then striped bass and bluefish pushing into the fall, and blackfish to close it out. On a Celtic Quest trip you might land:
- Fluke (summer flounder) — May and June
- Sea bass — May through October
- Porgy (scup) — May through October
- Striped bass (striper) — May through October
- Bluefish — August through October
- Weakfish — May through October
- Blackfish (tautog) — October and November
We supply the rods, reels, bait and tackle, and the crew helps you rig up and land your fish — a great way to try saltwater fishing if it’s your first time, and enough of a challenge to keep experienced anglers happy.
Rates & sailing times
Every trip is all-inclusive: rods, bait and tackle are provided, and we clean your catch at the end of the day. Bring a cooler if you’d like to take your fillets home.
- Half-Day (about 4 hours) — Adults $70 · Seniors $65 · Kids 12 & under $60
- Extended / Three-Quarter Day, midweek (about 6 hours) — Adults $80 · Seniors $75 · Kids 12 & under $65
- Full Day on the water — Adults $100 · Seniors $95 · Kids 12 & under $85
Veterans save an extra $5 on every trip. Departure times change with the season and the trip you pick, so check the current schedule and reserve your seat online, or call (631) 928-3926. Booking ahead is the surest way to hold your spot on busy summer and fall weekends.
Private groups
Want the whole boat to yourselves? Celtic Quest runs private charters out of Port Jefferson for groups of every size — families, company outings and team building, birthdays, bachelor parties, fishing clubs and more. You get exclusive use of the boat and crew with all gear included, which makes it an easy day-trip from the city for a group celebration on the water. Tell us your group size and the date you have in mind and we’ll put together a quick quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a New York fishing license? No. On our party boats you fish under the vessel’s license, so you don’t need your own New York saltwater registration.
Do I have to bring my own gear? No. Rods, reels, bait and tackle are all included. Just bring a hat, sunscreen, a jacket, and any food or drinks you’d like for the day.
How do I get there from NYC without a car? Take the LIRR Port Jefferson Branch to Port Jefferson station, then a short taxi or rideshare to the harbor.
Are beginners and kids welcome? Absolutely. Our crew helps first-timers and kids bait up and reel in — it’s a genuinely family-friendly day out.
Ready to fish? Check the schedule and book online, or call (631) 928-3926 and we’ll help you plan your trip in from the city.