New Haven Harbor, a triangular, four-mile-long bay, is the second largest commercial port in Connecticut. Three breakwaters mark the harbor's entrance, inside of which the waters are shallow except for a deep, well-marked channel running north through its midline to I-95.On New Haven Harbor's west side is the West Haven Sandbar, also called "Sandy Point." This is an excellent striper location for anglers without a boat. Bass are attracted to the area because of the confluence of the Quinnipiac, Mill and West rivers, which dump baitfish into the harbor just above the sandbar. New Haven Harbor is known for its schoolies and trophy stripers. The 75-pound, 6-ounce state record was caught here in 1992.
The sandbar juts into mid-harbor from the West Haven beach, and the entire bar is above water at low tide. However, although you can walk almost one-half mile out, be prepared for the flood tide with a pair of chest waders for the return trip. Expect rough, roiled water and loose seaweed with an east wind, which blows across the harbor into your face. The best times to fish the bar are early morning and evening near a high tide with a west wind. The water is very shallow at low tide.
To reach the West Haven Sandbar, take I-95 to Exit 43, head southeast on First Avenue (Route 122), which becomes Beach Street. Park in a special lot across from the restaurant. Signs mark the parking and access areas.
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