Access to the Connecticut Shore at Seaside Park

Even though 600 miles of sandy beaches, rocky jetties, and tidal flats stretch across the state of Connecticut, the biggest problem fishing in the Constitution State remains finding access to public land where fisherman can launch a boat or surfcast from shore. According to the 2001 Coastal Zone Management Assessment, sandy beaches, the most highly sought coastal access resource, comprise only 14% of the total shoreline in Connecticut. Little undeveloped large open space remains. Thus the Connecticut shoreline lacks an abundance of the most popular forms of recreation: swimming, boating, and fishing. Fortunately, there are still some places available to the public where one can land a striper or bluefish.

On the western part of Connecticut, Capt. Jeff Northrop of Westport Outfitters recommends launching a boat at Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk for easy access to the Norwalk islands, and Sheffield Island. Also, transient dockage is available at Veterans Memorial Park for those desiring an extended fishing excursion. Another excellent free state boat ramp can be found at Compo Road South, where one access Cockenoe Island.

Other ramps include the Branford River State Boat Launch located at Goodsell Point Road in Branford, which affords easy access to Branford Harbor, the Thimble Islands, and the Long Island Sound. In addition, check out Guilford Town Marina for boat access to Guilford Harbor and the Long Island Sound with scenic views of Faulkners Island. Other boat launches along the Western Connecticut coastline providing access to the Long Island Sound include Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Pear Tree Point in Darien, Light Point City Park and Fort Hale Park in New Haven, and the Saugatuck River State Boat Launch in Westport.