What You'll Find at Avery Point

Avery Point sits in Groton at the mouth of the Thames River where it meets Long Island Sound. The area is a working waterfront with a University of Connecticut marine campus, a public boat launch, and direct access to productive saltwater fishing grounds. You can fish from the shore along the rocky breakwater, launch a boat to reach deeper channels, or fish the pier areas during certain seasons.

The water here is a mix of river current and open sound, which creates distinct fishing zones. The rocky structure near shore holds striped bass and bluefish in spring and fall. The deeper channels and flats beyond the breakwater hold flounder, scup, and sea bass through the warmer months. Winter fishing is limited but possible for hardy anglers targeting stripers in the deeper holes.

Key Takeaways

  • Avery Point offers both shore fishing along the breakwater and boat launch access to deeper sound waters, with different species available from each location.
  • Striped bass and bluefish are the primary targets in spring and fall, while summer fishing focuses on flounder, scup, and black sea bass in deeper channels.
  • A Connecticut saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older, purchased through the DEEP website or at local tackle shops.
  • The public boat launch has a fee and limited parking, so arrive early during peak season weekends.
  • Tides and current are strong here, so check tide tables before fishing and adjust your approach based on water movement.

Seasons and Target Species

Spring (April through May) brings striped bass moving into the sound from offshore wintering grounds. Fish the rocky areas near the breakwater at dawn and dusk with live eels, bunker, or soft plastics. Bluefish arrive later in May and stay through early June. Both species feed aggressively as water temperatures rise.

Summer (June through August) shifts the focus to deeper water. Flounder hold on the sandy flats and channel edges, best fished with live or dead baitfish on the bottom. Black sea bass and scup school in the same areas and respond to small jigs and natural baits. Stripers are still present but less predictable during the heat of the day; fish early morning and evening.

Fall (September through November) is peak season. Striped bass and bluefish return to aggressive feeding as water cools. The breakwater and shallow flats near shore become productive again. Baitfish are abundant, and larger stripers move through the area. This is the best time for both shore and boat anglers.

Winter (December through March) is slow but not empty. Stripers hold in the deeper channels and holes where current brings food. You will need a boat to reach them effectively. Shore fishing is possible on mild days but rarely productive. Many anglers focus on other Connecticut locations during winter.

Boat Launch and Access Details

The Avery Point boat launch is operated by the University of Connecticut and is open to the public. There is a launch fee, currently around $10 to $15 per day, though this varies by season and may change. The launch has two concrete ramps and a small parking area. Parking fills quickly on weekends and during peak fishing season, especially in spring and fall.

Arrive early if you plan to launch on a weekend morning. The launch is located at the end of Avery Point Road in Groton. Once in the water, you have immediate access to the Thames River channel and can reach deeper sound waters within minutes. The launch is suitable for center console boats, small cabin cruisers, and trailered boats up to moderate size.

Shore fishing is possible along the public areas of the breakwater and rocky points. There is no formal shore access fee, but parking is limited and street parking in the area is restricted. Check posted signs before leaving your vehicle. The breakwater can be slippery and exposed to wind and wave action, so wear appropriate footwear and watch for sudden swells.

Regulations and Licensing

Connecticut requires a saltwater fishing license for all anglers 16 years old and older. You can purchase a license online through the Connecticut DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) website, by phone, or at tackle shops throughout the state. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license if you fish infrequently.

Striped bass have specific size and bag limits that change annually. As of recent regulations, the minimum size is 18 inches, and the daily bag limit is typically one fish per person. Bluefish have a minimum size of 12 inches with a daily limit of 10 fish. Flounder, scup, and black sea bass all have separate minimums and limits. Check the current DEEP regulations before you fish, as these rules are updated each season.

Catch-and-release is always permitted, and many anglers practice it to maintain the fishery. If you plan to keep fish, have a cooler with ice ready and handle your catch carefully to preserve quality.

Tides, Current, and Water Conditions

Avery Point sits at a tidal junction where the Thames River meets Long Island Sound. Tidal current here is strong and can exceed two knots on spring tides. This current brings food and concentrates fish, but it also affects how you fish and where you can hold position.

Check tide tables before each trip. Slack tide (the period between incoming and outgoing) is often the easiest time to fish from shore or a small boat. Incoming tide typically produces better fishing than outgoing, especially for stripers and bluefish. The current is strongest during the first and last hours of the tide change, which can make bottom fishing difficult but is excellent for casting.

Water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall. Spring and fall often bring clearer water, while summer can be murky after heavy rain. Wind direction and strength affect both water conditions and fish behavior. A northeast wind typically produces better fishing than a southwest wind in this area.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For striped bass and bluefish, bring medium-action spinning or conventional rods rated for 15 to 30-pound line. Live eels are the most effective bait for stripers, especially at night. Bunker (menhaden) chunks work well for both species. Soft plastic shads in 4 to 6-inch sizes are productive for casting and cover water quickly.

For flounder and bottom fish, use lighter rods rated for 10 to 15-pound line with a sensitive tip so you can feel bites. Live or fresh-dead sand eels, squid, or small baitfish work best. Fish on or near the bottom with a simple rig: a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom in the current, a leader, and a single hook or small jig.

Bring multiple rod setups if you can. Having one rod rigged for casting and another for bottom fishing lets you adapt quickly to changing conditions. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a headlamp for early morning or evening fishing are practical additions. A tide table or smartphone app showing local tides is essential.

Nearby Tackle Shops and Resources

Several tackle shops in Groton and nearby New London carry saltwater gear and local knowledge. These shops stock live bait during peak season and can tell you what is biting that week. They also sell Connecticut fishing licenses on the spot, which is faster than online if you are heading out the same day.

The Connecticut DEEP website has detailed information on saltwater regulations, license types, and current fish population data. Local fishing forums and social media groups focused on Connecticut saltwater fishing often post recent catch reports from Avery Point and nearby areas. These reports are useful for deciding when to fish and what to target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Avery Point without a boat?

Yes. The breakwater and rocky shoreline offer shore fishing access. You will not reach the deeper channels where summer flounder hold, but spring and fall stripers and bluefish feed in shallow water near the rocks. Parking is limited, so arrive early.

What is the best time of year to fish Avery Point?

Fall (September through November) is peak season for both striped bass and bluefish. Spring (April through May) is also excellent. Summer is productive for flounder and scup but slower for stripers. Winter is difficult and requires a boat to reach deeper holding areas.

Do I need a boat to fish Avery Point?

No, but a boat opens up deeper water and more consistent summer fishing. Shore fishing works well in spring and fall. If you do not own a boat, charter services and party boats operate from nearby ports in Groton and New London.

What size striped bass can I keep?

The minimum size is 18 inches, and the daily limit is typically one fish per person. Regulations change annually, so check the current DEEP rules before you fish. Catch-and-release is always an option if you want to fish without keeping anything.

How strong is the current at Avery Point?

Tidal current can exceed two knots, especially during spring tides. This makes bottom fishing challenging at peak flow but concentrates fish and brings food. Fish during slack tide if you are new to the area, or adjust your sinker weight and technique to hold bottom in moving water.