New London Fishing Charters
New London fishing charters put anglers on prime inshore grounds, nearshore reefs, and deep-sea waters teeming with striped bass, fluke, blues, and more.
Top Rated Charters in New London
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in New London, Connecticut —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
New London, CT Fishing Guide
New London sits at the mouth of the Thames River, offering direct access to some of Connecticut’s most versatile fishing grounds. Charter trips here typically range from half-day inshore adventures to full-day deep-sea excursions. Inshore trips often target the prolific rocky shorelines, estuaries, and river mouths, where striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish thrive. For anglers looking offshore, quick runs of 10–20 miles place boats onto productive wrecks, reefs, and humps loaded with sea bass, fluke, and scup.
Most local captains launch from the Thames River Boat Launch or from marinas along Pequot Avenue, giving easy access to productive spots like Bartlett Reef and The Race—a legendary rip current area loaded with baitfish. Depending on your trip, run distances are typically short, with prime fishing available just a few miles from port. Longer offshore charters can target sharks and tuna on extended runs, usually 30–50 miles out.
The bite in New London varies with the seasons, peaking in late spring and summer with massive runs of striped bass and bluefish feeding aggressively near shore. Fall brings abundant false albacore and bonito chasing bait balls, providing excellent opportunities for sight casting and light tackle action. Techniques frequently employed include drifting fresh bunker or eels near rocky points for bass, jigging bucktails and soft plastics for fluke and sea bass, and trolling umbrella rigs or spoons for blues. Live-lining baitfish is another effective strategy, especially around structure and current breaks.
Whether you’re after big stripers or family-friendly bottom fishing, New London charters provide reliable, year-round opportunities to get hooked up on quality fish.
Fishing Seasons in New London
Spring
Spring in New London signals the start of striped bass and bluefish season. Anglers begin targeting these aggressive fish as they move inshore chasing migrating baitfish. Early spring often means casting soft plastics, swimming plugs, and bucktail jigs near river mouths and rocky shores. Fluke also become active, with charters drifting squid strips or spearing around sandbars and flats. Blackfish (tautog) arrive by late spring, drawing anglers to rocky reefs armed with crabs and heavy bottom rigs. Fishing in spring is dynamic, with the bite quickly heating up as water temperatures rise and bait floods into local waters.
Summer
Summer delivers peak action to New London waters. Inshore grounds teem with blues and stripers feeding aggressively on bunker schools. Surface action is common, making topwater plugs and live-lining bunker extremely effective. Offshore, charters target fluke, sea bass, and scup on local reefs like Bartlett Reef and Black Point. Mid-summer also offers opportunities to venture farther offshore for bluefin tuna, sharks, and mahi-mahi, typically 30–50 miles out. Techniques vary widely, from chunking and trolling offshore to drifting bait or jigging bucktails inshore, ensuring plenty of action no matter your fishing style.
Fall
Fall fishing in New London is famous for blitzes of false albacore and bonito, offering adrenaline-filled action on spinning gear. These fish push bait into frenzied balls, providing exciting sight-fishing opportunities close to shore. Striped bass and bluefish continue feeding aggressively, though bass begin to stage around deeper structure as temperatures drop. Blackfish season peaks, drawing bottom-fishing enthusiasts armed with crab baits to rocky reefs and wrecks. Fall conditions mean calmer seas and more predictable fishing patterns, making it an ideal season for charters targeting trophy fish and memorable days on the water.
Winter
Winter fishing around New London slows but remains productive for hardy anglers. Cod and pollock become primary targets on deeper offshore wrecks and rocky ledges, usually accessed through extended offshore trips. Bottom fishing with clam baits or jigging metal spoons works best in colder waters. Nearshore, some charter captains target holdover striped bass in rivers and estuaries, using slow retrieves with soft plastics or small swimming plugs. While weather can be challenging, dedicated anglers find winter trips rewarding, with reduced fishing pressure and ample chances at sizable catches.
Gamefish in New London
- Striped Bass – 15–50 lbs Caught spring through fall near rocky points, river mouths, and reefs using live eels, bunker, or artificial plugs.
- Bluefish – 3–15 lbs Aggressive feeders targeted spring to fall with topwater plugs, spoons, and live bait around bait schools and nearshore rips.
- Fluke (Summer Flounder) – 2–10 lbs Drifted with squid strips, spearing, or bucktail jigs along sandy flats and drop-offs from late spring through early fall.
- Black Sea Bass – 1–5 lbs Caught over nearshore reefs and wrecks using squid-tipped jigs and bottom rigs from late spring into fall.
- False Albacore (Albies) – 5–12 lbs Targeted in fall with small metal jigs, epoxy flies, and soft plastics near surface-feeding bait blitzes.
- Tautog (Blackfish) – 3–12 lbs Fished in spring and fall over rocky reefs and wrecks with crabs on heavy bottom rigs.
- Bonito – 3–10 lbs Chased down in late summer and fall with small casting jigs, spoons, and plugs during surface feeding frenzies.
- Cod – 5–25 lbs Winter catches on offshore wrecks and reefs using clam baits or jigging metal spoons at depths exceeding 100 feet.
New London Fishing FAQs
What species are commonly targeted on New London charters?
Striped bass, bluefish, fluke, sea bass, blackfish, false albacore, bonito, and cod are all popular species.
Are fishing licenses included on New London charters?
Yes, all necessary fishing licenses and permits are included with your charter.
What are typical run distances from New London marinas?
Inshore spots are usually within a few miles, while offshore reefs are typically 10–20 miles out.
What's the best season to fish for striped bass in New London?
Late spring through early fall provides prime action for big stripers.
Do I need to bring my own tackle for a New London fishing charter?
No, all charters provide rods, reels, bait, and tackle suited to local conditions.
Where do fishing charters in New London typically launch?
Most trips launch from Thames River Boat Launch or local marinas along Pequot Avenue.
Can we target tuna or sharks from New London?
Yes, longer offshore trips typically running 30–50 miles out target tuna and sharks in summer months.
Are family-friendly fishing trips available in New London?
Absolutely—many charters offer easy-going, family-focused trips targeting bottom species like fluke and sea bass.
What techniques are commonly used for bluefish in New London?
June through August is considered peak season, with ideal weather and the widestBluefish are targeted effectively with surface plugs, spoons, trolling umbrella rigs, or live-lining bunker near bait schools. variety of species available.