What Groton Long Point offers and who should fish there

Groton Long Point is a small residential peninsula on Connecticut's eastern shore, roughly 15 miles northeast of New London. It juts into the Atlantic between the Mystic River and Fisher's Island Sound, giving anglers access to both protected estuary water and open sound conditions. The point itself is private property — homes line most of the shoreline — but public boat launches and nearby shore access make it a practical base for fishing the surrounding waters rather than a walk-up destination.

The fishing here centers on striped bass, bluefish, and summer flounder in the sound, plus weakfish and smaller stripers in the estuary shallows. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons, when larger stripers move through on migration. Summer holds fish but brings crowds and heat; winter is quiet and cold. This is not a remote wilderness spot — you will see residential docks, moored boats, and occasional jet skis — but the fishing pressure is moderate compared to more famous Connecticut locations.

Groton Long Point works best for anglers with a boat or access to one. Shore fishing is limited to a few public spots, and most productive water lies 0.5 to 2 miles offshore. If you fish from shore, expect smaller fish and more variable success. Kayakers can launch from nearby ramps and work the shallower edges of the sound.

Key Takeaways

  • Groton Long Point itself is private, but public boat launches at nearby Noank and Groton town ramps provide access to the surrounding sound and estuary waters.
  • Striped bass and bluefish dominate the catch from April through November, with peak activity in May and September through October.
  • Connecticut saltwater fishing requires a recreational saltwater license for anyone 16 and older; licenses are sold online and at tackle shops.
  • The point sits in a working waterway with commercial traffic and moored boats, so navigation requires attention to channel markers and other vessels.
  • Shore fishing is possible but limited; boat or kayak access opens up the most productive flats and drop-offs around the point.

Boat launches and access near Groton Long Point

The closest public boat ramp is at Noank Village Boat Launch, about 1 mile west of the point. This is a town-maintained ramp with parking for roughly 20 vehicles and trailers. The ramp is concrete, well-maintained, and suitable for trailered boats up to about 25 feet. There is a small launch fee — currently a few dollars per day — and the ramp can get crowded on weekends and during peak season. Arrive early if you plan to launch on a Saturday morning.

A second option is the Groton Town Boat Launch on the Mystic River side, accessible from Route 27. This ramp is farther from the open sound but puts you directly into the estuary, which can be productive for stripers and weakfish in spring and early summer. The ramp is free and less crowded than Noank, though the parking area is smaller.

If you do not have a boat, several charter services operate out of Groton and Mystic, roughly 3 to 5 miles away. These run half-day and full-day trips targeting stripers and bluefish. Expect to pay $75 to $150 per person for a half-day charter. Kayak anglers can launch from either ramp and paddle into the shallower flats east of the point, where smaller stripers and weakfish hold in summer.

Seasons and what fish are present

Spring (April to May) brings the first major striper run as fish move north from wintering grounds. Water temperatures climb from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and stripers become active in the deeper channels around the point and in the sound. Bluefish arrive later in May. This is the most reliable season for larger stripers, and many anglers consider it the best time to fish here.

Summer (June to August) holds plenty of fish, but conditions are hot and crowded. Stripers move into deeper water during the day and feed more actively at dawn and dusk. Bluefish are abundant and aggressive. Flounder move into the sound in June and remain through August. The shallow flats around the point warm up significantly, which can push stripers deeper, so focus on channels and drop-offs. Early morning and evening trips are more productive than midday.

Fall (September to November) is the second peak season. Water cools, stripers and bluefish become active throughout the day, and larger fish move through on their way south. September and October are excellent months. By November, water temperatures drop into the 40s and fishing slows, though dedicated anglers still find fish in the deeper channels.

Winter (December to March) is quiet. Most recreational anglers stop fishing, and the few who continue target stripers in the deeper holes and channels. Water is cold, conditions can be rough, and catches are unpredictable. This is not a beginner's season at Groton Long Point.

Species, regulations, and what tackle to bring

Striped bass are the primary target. Connecticut's minimum size is 18 inches, and the daily limit is two fish per person. Stripers around Groton Long Point average 18 to 28 inches, with occasional fish over 30 inches in spring and fall. Use live baitfish (mackerel, herring, mullet) or soft plastics in the 4- to 6-inch range. Jigging with bucktails also works well in deeper channels.

Bluefish have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. They are aggressive and abundant from May through October. Use small metal lures, poppers, or live baitfish. Bluefish will cut through lighter line, so use a wire or heavy monofilament leader.

Summer flounder (fluke) have a 19-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. They are present June through September in the sandy flats and channels. Drift with live baitfish or use small soft plastics on a jig head.

Weakfish are smaller (8- to 12-inch fish are common) and have a 12-inch minimum with a 25-fish daily limit. They appear in the estuary shallows in spring and early summer. Use small soft plastics or live shrimp.

All anglers 16 and older must have a Connecticut recreational saltwater license. Licenses are sold online through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website, at tackle shops, and at some bait and tackle retailers. A three-day license costs roughly $20; an annual license is around $40. Licenses are required even if you fish from a charter boat.

Bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action spinning rod with 15- to 20-pound braid or monofilament. Pack a selection of soft plastics (4 to 6 inches), metal lures, and live baitfish if you plan to use them. A tackle box with leaders, hooks, and pliers is essential. If you fish from a boat, bring a GPS or chart plotter — the area has submerged rocks and shallow spots that are not always obvious.

Navigation and hazards around the point

Groton Long Point sits in a busy waterway. Commercial fishing boats, ferries, and recreational traffic pass through regularly. The Mystic River channel to the west and Fisher's Island Sound to the east are both well-marked with buoys, but you must pay attention to your position and other vessels.

The point itself has shallow water and rocks on its eastern side. Stay outside the marked channel and watch your depth sounder. The water around the point ranges from 8 to 25 feet depending on location. Submerged rocks and ledges are present but not always charted in detail, so local knowledge or a good chart plotter helps.

Tidal current can be strong, especially around the point during flood and ebb. Plan your drift or anchoring with the tide in mind. Slack water (the period between tidal changes) is often the best time to fish because fish are more active and your bait or lure drifts more naturally.

Weather can change quickly on the open sound. Even on a calm morning, afternoon wind can build waves and make the return trip uncomfortable. Check the forecast before you launch, and do not hesitate to head back early if conditions deteriorate.

Where to stay and what services are nearby

Groton has several motels and inns within 5 to 10 miles of the point. The Groton Inn and Suites and Days Inn Groton are mid-range options with reasonable rates. Mystic, about 5 miles west, has more upscale lodging and restaurants but is pricier. If you are camping, Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme (about 10 miles south) has a campground with water and electric hookups.

Bait and tackle shops are scattered around the area. Noank Shipyard (near the Noank launch) sells live bait and tackle. Groton Bait and Tackle on Route 1 carries a full selection of lures, line, and licenses. Both shops have local knowledge and can tell you what is biting and where.

Fuel is available at the Noank launch and at several marinas in the area. Groceries and restaurants are within a few miles of the point in downtown Groton and Mystic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Groton Long Point?

Most of the point is private residential property, so shore fishing is limited. A small public area near the Noank launch allows some shore access, but it is not ideal. Boat or kayak access is much more productive because the best water lies 0.5 to 2 miles offshore.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

May and September through October are the strongest months. Spring brings large stripers on migration, and fall offers consistent action on both stripers and bluefish. Summer is productive but crowded and hot. Winter is slow and cold.

Do I need a boat to fish Groton Long Point?

A boat makes a big difference, but it is not required. Charter services run trips from nearby Groton and Mystic, and kayakers can launch from the town ramps. Shore fishing is possible but less reliable.

What size stripers should I expect to catch?

Most stripers around Groton Long Point run 18 to 28 inches. Larger fish over 30 inches are possible in spring and fall but less common. The 18-inch minimum means you can keep most fish you catch.

How crowded is Groton Long Point compared to other Connecticut spots?

It is moderately busy, especially on weekends and during peak season, but less crowded than famous spots like the Connecticut River or Housatonic River. The Noank launch can fill up on Saturday mornings, so arrive early if you want a may provide spot.