FAQ

Do I need to make reservations?  What’s up with the online ticketing?

We currently recommend reservations for all trips. You can make a reservation online on our website.  

When you purchase a ticket online, you are fully purchasing the ticket, and agreeing to all terms- this includes giving 24 hour notice if you need to cancel, not receiving a refund if you don’t show up, etc. 

You will still need to come to the ticket window in the morning to sign in, rent a rod & reel if needed, and decide if you want to be in big fish pool. 

What do I need to bring with me on the boat?

Wear close-toed shoes (no flip flops or sandals), bring a cooler if you’d like, snacks, drinks (no glass containers or hard alcohol), sunscreen, a hat, sweatshirt/raincoat, your camera, and your excitement!

Can I rent rods & reels?

Yes! Rod and reel rental is available for $7.00. Rental Does not include lost sinkers, hooks, etc.. The bottom where we fish is rough and rugged. If you lose gear (such as hooks, sinkers, jigs, etc.) it must be paid for and replaced on the boat.

Do you have food on the boat? 

Yes, we have a galley with food available for purchase.  We have hot dogs, burgers, snacks (chips/candy, etc) and soda, water, iced tea, coffee, and hot cocoa.  Although excessive drinking of alcohol will not be tolerated on the Black Hawk, you are welcome to bring a reasonable amount of canned beer on board (please no glass bottles!).

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Yes,  we recommend reservations for all trips.   You can make a reservation online on our website.  

What’s your address so we can put it in our GPS?

We don’t really have an official address, since we’re at a dock.  However, people use Cini Park, Niantic, CT, and that works just fine.  Check out the address if you need them.  

If your GPS does not recognize Cini Park, use the directions from our website.  If you must use  a GPS, use the address 133 Main Street, which will take you to Boats, Inc.  Proceed about 200 yards, then just before you go over the Niantic River Bridge, take a left into Cini Memorial Park and the Black Hawk parking lot.

Do I need a saltwater fishing license?

No, the Black Hawk already has a license from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP).  You do not need a license to fish on our boat.

Can we keep the fish we catch?

Of course you can!  As long as they’re legal (size and season), once you catch the fish, they’re yours to keep!  Our mates can fillet and clean them for you for a nominal charge.  If you don’t want to keep your fish, let the mates know and they can release them unharmed.  You can also have your fish filleted and donate the fillets to local soup kitchens and the Gemma E Moran food bank as part of our “Black Hawk and the Community” program. 

Can the kids fish too?

Yes!  We love to have kids on the boat!  We have dozens of “regulars” who are kids, and we love having them on board.  There is no minimum age for fishing on the Black Hawk.  Maybe they’ll even get to honk the horn or win a free t-shirt!

What about tipping the mates?

As in any service industry, tipping is at your discretion.  Standard gratuities for the mates are between 15-20% of the cost of your trip.

How can I save money on my trip?  Do you have any coupons?

Join our email list! You can also email Heather and ask how you can save money on a future or return fishing trip to the Black Hawk.  And you can save money anytime, even without coupons, by participating in our Black Hawk and the Community program. You can also enter to win free fishing trips, given away weekly to one adult & child– after all, what’s better than free? 

Can I charter the boat for my bachelor party/company outing/child’s birthday?

We do offer private charters on board the Black Hawk.  Charter times are dependent upon our open sailing schedule.  We require a minimum of 15 people for a charter.  Call or email for more info. 

Do you do anything besides fishing?

We offer fireworks cruises, sunset cruises, nature cruises, and seal and eagle watch cruises.  Schedules vary by season and are flexible for private charters.  Again, call or email for more specific information.

Did you catch a tagged trout?

We do a lot of freshwater promotions tagging trout throughout the state. Many businesses are involved. If you catch a Black Hawk tagged trout, please call us at 1-800-382-2824. Some fish are worth big cash and prizes! 

Now that you’ve caught your fish, how will you cook it?

Click here to see our favorite recipes!

Do you have Gift Certificates?

We do have gift certificates available- and they make great gifts! Call or email for more info!

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