Connecticut · Connecticut Coast
PORGY FISHING
IN OLD SAYBROOK
Old Saybrook is a solid destination for porgy fishing, with good fishing in June, July, August. Book a charter and target porgy with local experts.
About Porgy Fishing in Old Saybrook
Also called Scup, porgy are abundant and reliable pan fish found from New Jersey to Connecticut. These scrappy fighters are excellent eating and provide fast action on light tackle around reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom structure.
Porgy — also called Scup — are one of the most reliable and abundant bottom fish from New Jersey to Connecticut. These small, pan-shaped fish with iridescent silver-blue scales and a distinctive spiny dorsal fin are excellent eating with sweet, mild flesh. Porgy gather in large schools around structure, making them easy to locate and fun to catch in quantity. While not glamorous, they are a bread-and-butter species that provides fast, consistent action for anglers of all skill levels — especially popular for family fishing trips.
Scientific name: Stenotomus chrysops
Porgy Seasonal Calendar — Old Saybrook
Month-by-month availability for porgy in Old Saybrook, CT.
How to Catch Porgy in Old Saybrook
Techniques & Bait
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
Recommended Tackle
Light spinning rod (6-7 ft), 2000-2500 reel, 8-10 lb braid, 10-15 lb fluorocarbon leader, small hooks (size 4-1/0), light sinkers (1/2-2 oz).
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Old Saybrook
Top spots where local captains target porgy and other nearshore species.
Long Island Sound Reefs (Saybrook)
The nearshore waters of Long Island Sound off Old Saybrook feature scattered rock reefs and artificial structure that hold tautog, black sea bass, scup, and fluke. These reefs sit in 15 to 40 feet of water within easy range of the Connecticut River inlet, providing reliable bottom-fishing on half-day trips. The reefs are particularly productive during spring tautog season and summer black sea bass and scup fishing.
Southwest Reef
Southwest Reef is a natural rock formation in Long Island Sound south of Old Saybrook where submerged ledge and boulders create prime habitat for tautog, striped bass, and black sea bass. The reef's hard structure in otherwise sandy bottom concentrates fish in a well-defined area that produces consistent catches for those who know its location. Drift-fishing and anchoring over the reef with jigs and bait rigs produces quality tautog and sea bass.
Cornfield Point Shoal
Cornfield Point Shoal extends south from the Old Saybrook shoreline into Long Island Sound, where shallow water and strong currents create a natural feeding zone for striped bass, bluefish, and fluke. The shoal's sand bars and channels concentrate baitfish during tidal transitions, attracting predators that patrol the edges. Trolling and drifting the shoal during spring and fall produces some of the best nearshore fishing in the central Long Island Sound area.
Plum Bank Surf Zone
Plum Bank is a barrier beach section of Old Saybrook facing Long Island Sound where the surf zone holds striped bass, bluefish, and fluke during seasonal migrations. The beach's sand bars create troughs that funnel baitfish and attract predators within range of surf-casters. Dawn and dusk sessions during spring and fall produce the best action, with stripers feeding aggressively in the shallow, turbulent water close to the beach.
Other Species in Old Saybrook
More fish you can target while visiting Old Saybrook.
Porgy Fishing in Old Saybrook — FAQ
Porgy fishing in Old Saybrook is productive during June, July, August.
Porgy fishing charters in Old Saybrook are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Small pieces of clam, squid, or sandworm on a high-low rig (two-hook bottom rig) with a bank sinker fished near rocky bottom, wrecks, and reefs in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. Small jigs (1/4-1/2 oz) tipped with clam or squid worked near the bottom also produce well. Chum with crushed clam or cat food to concentrate schools. Fish structure transitions — where rock meets sand — for the best catches. Porgy bite aggressively and provide quick, reliable action.
No — when you book a charter in Old Saybrook, your captain provides all required Connecticut fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Porgy regulations in Connecticut include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Porgy in Old Saybrook, you may also catch Tautog, Striped Bass, Fluke, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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