There’s nothing quite like catching a fish in the open water – the ageold struggle of man versus nature. And while you can always toss your line from the end of a dock or off a bridge, the real action is farther off shore. Unfortunately, not everyone can own a boat. What’s the best way for a family without a boat to get out there? A fishing charter.
“We take groups of up to six people out fishing for the day,” says Brendan Lorino, owner and operator of Sound Bound Fishing Charters, a two-boat operation based in New Rochelle. “We take out families or groups of guys after work. We’ll all go fishing for a couple of hours and have a good time. Most people just hang out. We catch some fish. It’s different. It’s a day on the water.”
Sound Bound Fishing Charters is just one of a growing number of private charters based in and around Westchester that will take guests out into Long Island Sound for an unforgettable fishing experience. These charters are generally available for full day excursions, as well as half day, evening trips, sunset trips, or by the hour.
“Generally, if it’s their first time we recommend a four-hour dock-to-dock experience,” says Captain Mike Cioffi, owner of Western Sound Charters, also out of New Rochelle. “That way they see if they like it or not and then they can book a longer trip.” The four hours generally consist of about 30 minutes of travel time to reach an optimum fishing spot, followed by three hours of solid fishing and then back to shore.
While a few charters own some larger boats that can accommodate upwards of 100 people, the most common charter is a private, intimate trip of six or fewer guests. This makes it a natural attraction to families looking to experience something new together.
“Most people don’t get to do it every day so it’s something exciting, especially for the kids,” explains Lorino. “You got the saltwater, all types of different scenery. It’s educational too. You see different kinds of sea life and learn about the fish and the habitat.”
No Experience Necessary
Taking your family out on a fishing charter may sound like an overwhelming experience, but it is, in fact, incredibly easy. Many charter companies have boats available for same day rental (though reservations are recommended during the busy months of May and June). There’s no need to have ever fished before, as most charters are done with a two-to-one or three-to-one ratio of guests-to-professionals, so there’s always someone at your side if you have questions, need advice, or need help reeling in your prize. “It’s a great way to test the waters and see if you like fishing,” says Cioffi. “That’s what you’re paying for, you’re paying for us to do the work for you.”
Most charters will take children starting around ages 4 or 5 (assuming they are accompanied by an adult). “We just don’t take infants and toddlers,” says Cioffi. “As long as they can hold a rod, they’re fine. And sometimes we’ll even hold it for you and help you reel your catch in.”
When you’re comparing charter services, there are a few key things you should look for. The number one issue, of course, is safety. “You don’t want to go out on just anyone’s boat,” says Lorino. “My boat is coast-guard inspected. We’re fully insured. Everything’s included on a trip, everything you need to fish.”
Let’s Go
Once you’ve chosen a charter and made your reservation, pretty much all you need to do is show up. Fishing equipment, rods, life jackets – they should come with the charters. Drinking water will often be made available, and some charters will even provide food for an extra fee. “The only thing you need to bring is some sunblock, a cooler, maybe a sweatshirt in case it gets a little breezy out,” says Lorino.
A sweatshirt or windbreaker is very important, even when conditions on shore may not seem to merit the need. “Always pay attention to the weather. There’s about a 10 degree difference [out on the water],” says Cioffi. “Obviously take whatever you would wear for whatever the weather is that day. If it’s going to rain, bring rain gear. Also, if it’s your first time out on a boat maybe take a motion sickness pill – ask your doctor. And obviously suntan lotion is important but we always have water and suntan lotion on board, just in case.”
The crew of the charter takes care of most of the details so that you and your family can focus on what’s important, fishing! “It’s challenging, like a game,” says Lorino. “We usually have a prize for whoever catches the biggest fish on the boat.”
There are a lot of fish in the Sound, and what you’ll find on the end of your line depends largely on the time of year. “Springtime we do flounder,” says Cioffi. “Striped bass are usually around in the spring to early summer. In the summer it’s bluefish, porgies, fluke. In the fall it’s a species called blackfish. The largest fish that we’ll catch, striped bass, gets up to about 50 pounds.”
What you do with the fish you catch is entirely up to you, though Cioffi offers a recommendation. “We always promote catch and release when possible,” he says. “Sometimes we get into a situation where we can come back with hundreds of pounds of fish, so we really try and conserve. Let’s take striped bass. We’ve noticed a large decrease [in the striped bass population] over the past five or 10 years. So we really try to encourage guests to catch and release. Keep one for the table and catch and release everything else. At the end of the day it’s whatever the customer wants to do.”
Whether you’re an ace with a rod or don’t know a reel from a lure, renting a fishing charter can make for an exciting family adventure. And best of all, it’s an adventure you can take without ever leaving Westchester County. “It’s a great experience, I think everybody should at least try it,” says Cioffi. “No need to go to Montauk to fish, you can fish right here in your own backyard.”
David Neilsen is a frequent contributor to Westchester Family.
