Captain Dan
While receiving his degrees at the University of Alaska, Capt. Dan Wood received his U.S. Coast
Guard Captain's License in 1980, and currently holds a 100 Ton Master's License. As the
owner/operator of Connecticut Woods and Water Guide Service, Dan brings with him over 40 years
of in-depth knowledge of the local waters. He is one of the only full-time guides in the Northeast,
guiding saltwater fly and light tackle fishing trips during the spring, summer and fall.
An Orvis Endorsed Guide from 1995 to 2007, Dan was honored with the coveted award from the Orvis
Company as Northeast Guide of the Year in 1997. He is a long time member of the IGFA. In 2006 and
2007 Dan participated in the FLW Striper Series where he had numerous top 5 finishes, placing 4th
in the 2006 National Championship Tournament. As a member of Atlantic
Outboard and Robalo Pro Staff, Dan is currently running Robalo's flagship
2023 30' 302CC Center Console powered with twin 300 HP Yamaha outboards.
Capt. Wood has been guiding on the saltwater for over 40 years and has earned the respect of his
fellow captains in the area. He fishes Eastern Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound, Block
Island Sound, Connecticut River and southeastern Connecticut's coastline. Focusing mostly on the
area's numerous inshore islands, ledges, rips and estuaries for striped bass, bluefish, bonito,
and false albacore, Wood has a reputation for his uncanny ability to consistently put his clients
onto fish.
The Boat
Robalo's R302 Center Console combines fish-ability and bluewater performance in a boat that never
backs down. This flagship vessel features a bow casting platform, two oversized livewells, massive
fishbox capacity, a large enclosed head and transom seating. As far as electronics, this Robalo
is equipped with the latest in Raymaine electronics. Auto pilot, GPS, Radar, FLIR, chartplotting
and fish-finding sonar technology including down vision and side vision technology. Fishability on
the R302 is second to none with padded bolsters, high gunnels, and tons of rod holders and storage.
The Robalo 302 is powered by twin 300 hp Yamahas. It will get you to the fishing grounds fast.
Beam:
10' 6"
Deadrise:
21°
Fuel Capacity:
300 gal
Dry Weight W/O Engines:
8200 lbs
Rates & Reservations
| Time & Duration | Rate |
| Sunrise (4 hours) | $550 |
| Sunset (4 hours) | $550 |
| Half Day (6 hours) | $750 |
| Full Day (8 hours) | $900 |
| Lower CT River (4 hours) | $400 |
Guiding can be done on your boat or mine. Same rates apply. A 50% deposit is required to reserve a date. Rates are for two people, each additional person is $50.00.
Places To Stay
Harbor Hill B&B,
Website |
Call
Niantic Inn,
Website |
Call
Sleep Inn & Suites,
Website |
Call
Recipes
Browse some recipes which have been collected over the years to learn some new ways to prepare seafood which is available in the local area.
What To Bring
Recommended Tackle
Spin/Light Tackle:
We carry some of the finest spin and light tackle equipment available for you to use. Most rods are
7 1/2' light to medium action with reels loaded with 8-15 lb. Power Pro spectra. Of course you are
always welcome to bring your own tackle if you prefer.
Fly Rods & Reels:
For fly fishing in the Northeast, we suggest a 8, 9, or 10 weight rod, usually 8 1/2' to 9 1/2' in length.
The reels should have a good drag system and be capable of holding a minimum of 200 yards of 20 or 30 lb. backing.
Fly Lines & Leaders:
Orvis Depth Charge fly lines in 300 and 350 grains are our mainstay. Although we do use density compensating
and intermediate, especially when shallow water fishing. We recommend leaders of 6' to 9' in 12, 16, or 20 lb.
test, preferably flourocarbon. (Flourocarbon is a must for false albacore and bonito.)
Flies
Bass & Blues:
Squid patterns, Deceivers, Clousers and bunker patterns in assorted colors and sizes from 1/0 to 4/0.
Bonito & False Albacore:
Bonito Bunnies, Surf Candy, small olive colored epoxies, Mystic Bay hard body shiners, and other bay
anchovie and silverside imitations.
If you prefer light tackle we supply a full complement of the latest spin, plug, and drifting tackle
available for you to use. Of course you are welcome to bring your own tackle if you would like.
***We can not stress enough the importance of practicing your fly casting before you join us for a
day on the water. Ten minutes a day will pay big dividends during your trip.***
Things To Remember
- Hat
- Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
- Warm/dry clothing, dress in layers - it's usually cooler on the water
- Foul weather clothing
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Soft soled shoes, no black soled shoes of any kind allowed. Complimentary soft drinks and bottled water are provided. Lunches will be provided on full day trips if requested ahead of time for an additional fee.
