The Long Island Sound offers a unique experience to target diverse species with a fly rod or light tackle gear, all within hours of New York City. Striped Bass, False Albacore, Bonito, Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish can all be caught at various points throughout the season. Right off the coast of Fairfield County lies secluded island chains, rock reefs, rips, mud flats, sand flats, and deep drop offs that makes every day of fishing different. From throwing big flies deep into rips, or stalking fish by sight in inches of water, a unique fishery is next door.

Patrick's vessel is the Maritime Skiff 1690, the quintessential Northeast skiff. Drafting less than a foot, it's able to get into skinny water while providing enough stability and freeboard to keep passengers dry and safe.

Before the boats go in for the season, and after they come out, can be some of the most productive Striped Bass fishing of the season. Tidal swings in this part of the sound can be in excess of 8ft. As this massive exchange of water interacts with geographical features and natural structures, the angler is presented an opportunity to reach the pinnacle of the sport, targeting a saltwater species, with a fly rod, on foot. The challenge is part of the reward and the fly rod offers the angler more than meets the eye when utilized efficiently.

Fairfield County and Neighboring Westchester County are home to dozens of Trout streams and rivers. The State of Connecticut has a robust stocking program which allows easy access to target trout on a fly rod, likely, just minutes from your home. In addition to stocked waters, there are several opportunities to target wild and native trout. Landing a trout born in the stream is a special opportunity as these fish have more robust colors and are much more in tune with their surroundings. I pride myself on being able to utilize the best method of trout fishing for the situation presented and the ability of the angler. Fly fishing for Trout can be done 365 days a year. All trips are catch and release only.

Casting a fly rod is fun, fishing is fun, and that is the number one priority. Learning the technique behind casting a fly rod may seem intimidating and complicated, but anyone can do it. The key is keeping it simple. Whether you’ve never held a fly rod, or have gone once or twice, a session casting and discussing the basics is the first step in pursuit of the fly fishing adventure. Typically, a Basics Session will happen on a pond or a calm stretch of beach so the new angler can get a feel for how a fly line behaves in contact with water.