Fishing License: The Connecticut Legislature may impose a new license requirement on salt-water angelers in our state; however, as this is written, no license is required unless we fish above the Merritt Parkway bridge on the Housatonic River—check with the Captain before the trip

Fishing Rods/Reels: You can bring your own or use equipment provided by Shoo-Fly Charters; let the Captain know. All of our equipment is left-hand crank [you hold the rod in your right hand and crank the reel with the left hand]

Bait: Will be provided if you want to use bait—let the Captain know before the trip

Clothing: It’s colder on the water than on land and wind chill can be a factor as the boat runs at speeds of up to 40 mph. Arrive for the trip dressed in layers, including a windbreaker [see “rain gear” below] with a warm sweater or hooded sweatshirt underneath; warmer clothing than this is necessary in both early and late season. Long pants and long sleeves are good for sun protection as well as warmth

Rain Gear: A hooded Gore-Tex or waterproof nylon jacket can also do double-duty as a windbreaker

Hat: Bring one with a bill or wide brim—best if the underside of the brim is a dark color as this reduces glare

Gloves: A pair of these can make your day much more enjoyable

Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of standing, so comfort is important; also, soles must be white or natural so they will not mark the boat—tennis sneaks work well

Food: It can be a long trip when your stomach is making more noise than the wind and water

Water & Ice: Provided by Shoo-Fly Charters—bring cans or plastic bottles of soft drinks if you wish, but no alcoholic beverages and no containers made of glass

Sunglasses: Polarized are best—be sure you have a back-up pair of glasses

Suntan Lotion: Bring your favorite brand

Binoculars & Camera: At certain times of the year the birds can be spectacular—and you never know what else you’ll see [or catch] that you may want to remember

Attitude: The record for this boat is 146 striped bass in one trip, all caught on artificial lures [and every one returned safely to the water]. But that was one trip in over 700 that this boat has made to date. There’s no guarantee on fish, and while your Captain will do everything in his power to see that you catch fish, some days you just have to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery: The Housatonic River, the 750-acre Nells Island Marsh, Long Island Sound, birds, and boats—even man-made structures—buildings, docks, bridges, and lighthouses—can be fascinating when seen from the point of view of the water.