What is Apex Angling CT?

A Full-service Fishing Charter and Guide Service based in Fairfield, and Noank Connecticut operated by Captain Ben Burdine. Fishing Western and Eastern Long Island Sound.

Specializing in Light Tackle, Fly Fishing, Topwater, and Sight-fishing, almost exclusively using lures and flies. Targeting Striped Bass, Bluefish, False Albacore and Atlantic Bonito inshore. Targeting Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna offshore.

Captain Ben can comfortably accommodate 1-2 anglers aboard his 20' Seacraft, and 3-4 anglers aboard his 26' Regulator.

The fishery and its seasons

May, June and July are prime months for Striped Bass and Bluefish in Western long Island Sound. July and August we start traveling east more often, launching from Noank, CT targeting Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, as well as Trophy stripers in Eastern Sound and off Block Island. Mid-to-late September and October are prime months for False Albacore, Striped Bass, Bluefish, and ocassionally Atlantic Bonito back in Western Long Island Sound.

What to Bring and what to Expect

Please be sure to bring the following items: 1) Polarized sunglasses, 2) An outer layer or jacket, 3) Appropriate shoes or boots (non-marking), and 4) Any drinks or food which can be stored in the cooler. Ben will have a few drinks in the cooler to ensure Anglers stay hydrated.

Please expect to have a phone call the afternoon or evening prior to your trip in order to discuss the fishing game plan, weather, time and meeting location, and any fishing equipment that you would like to bring. Bringing your own equipment is not necessary-all equipment can be provided.

You should expect to be casting lures or flies the majority of the time we are on the water unless traveling to the grounds or scouting for fish. We use top of the line equipment from Daiwa, Shimano, St Croix, G.Loomis, and TFO. You should not expect to keep any slot sized Striped Bass except for the extremely rare circumstance where they are mortally wounded and have no chance of survival.

Captain Ben Burdine

Born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut, Ben has been fishing Long Island Sound for over 25 years. Many of his earliest memories include spending long hours on his Dad's 1989 20' Sport Craft, "Fish Byte". During the mid-1990's and 2000's, he and his father, David, primarily targeted Bluefish, Striped Bass and Bonito in Western Long Island Sound and around Nantucket.

A Graduate of Fairfield Prep and Indiana University. Ben worked as a Global Marketing Brand Manager in New York City for over 6 years. He led product development and advertising production for Nautica Fragrance and a few smaller brands, commuting daily from Fairfield to the Empire State Building. At work, he became infamous for promptly leaving the office at 5:30pm during the months of June and July to ensure he could make it "from Midtown to Mid-sound" in order to catch the sunset bite.

After March 2020, he began working from home which allowed him to fish even more, thus eventually leading him to pursue his life-long calling to become a full-time fishing guide. Ben currently lives in Fairfield with his Fiancé, Justine, and his 4 year old Beagle, Herman.