Bell 8 Charters home base is the Black Hall Outfitters and Marina located at 132 Shore Rd (rte. 156) Old Lyme, Ct. 06371

Your charter can be arranged to suit your pleasure:

birdwatching, fishing,  or just cruising!

Birdwatching:

The Black Hall River is a tidal river within 2 miles of the Saybrook Breakwater. Cruise the Connecticut River Estuary and Long Island Sound while watching osprey dive for fish and witnessing thousands of bait fish swim under the boat. Seasonally, bald eagles and great egrets migrate through our area as well.

Don't forget the fall phenomenon of "Murmuration": Tens of thousands of tree swallows appearing as a vortex of moving tornadoes as they return to sleep in the marshes. This only happens in the late summer at sunset at Goose island, near the mouth of the Connecticut River. 

There are many avian foci for which Bell 8 Charters can orient boat trips. There are twenty or more species of shore birds, marsh sparrows, wrens, kingfishers, gulls, terns, in addition to eagles and herons.

Birding tours are a real deal: Bell 8 Charters is always environmentally sensitive and aware of the impact that the tour has upon the nesting.   

Fishing:

The pictures speak for themselves! Do your homework! Check the tide chart,  weather and wind predictions before you finalize on a time.

Fly Fishing:

Bring your own gear and a maximum of 2 anglers for this technique.

Swimming:

On weekdays, with calm winds, you can visit, swim and walk on three deserted beaches within five miles. You will not believe you are in Connecticut!

Cruising:

Long Island Sound is rich in history and beauty. Explore destinations only accessible by water. Fall foliage tours in the Connecticut River can be spectacular!

Memorials at Sea: Available by request

What to bring:

Non marking, soft soled shoes. Windbreaker. Sunscreen. Beverage of choice in a plastic or can: Please, No glass bottles!

No fishing license is required for clients on a Connecticut registered charter boat. 

Life preservers will be provided for all aboard . Please  bring correct fitting PFD's if your child weighs less than 90 lbs, and all children under 12 are required to wear their PFD at all times when underway.

​