Welcome to Housatonic

Fishing Tackle,
Outdoor Gear &
Guide Service in Kent, CT

Welcome to Sportsmen’s Connection, your trusted local source for fishing tackle, outdoor gear, and professional Housatonic River guide services in Kent, Connecticut.

Our Services

Explore More with Sportsmen’s Connection

Whether you’re chasing trout on the fly, planning a weekend camping trip, or resupplying for the Appalachian Trail, we’re here to make sure you have everything you need for a successful day outdoors. For more than 20 years, Sportsmen’s Connection has been a cornerstone for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts across Litchfield County and beyond. We offer fly and spin tackle, live bait, camping gear, apparel, and expert advice from those who fish and guide these waters daily. Our team, led by local guide Ethan Raskind, brings unmatched knowledge of the Housatonic River from Canaan to Kent.

20+

Years of Experience

Fly Fishing

Spin Tackle

Live Bait

Camping Gear

Ice Fishing

About Sportsmen’s Connection

Meet Ethan Raskind:
Local Angler, Guide & Outdoor Expert

Founded by lifelong angler and professional guide Ethan Raskind, Sportsmen’s Connection has been outfitting the Kent community and Housatonic River anglers for over two decades. Ethan’s guiding experience in both Colorado and Connecticut, along with his passion for helping others discover the outdoors, shapes our mission: to deliver honest advice, fair prices, and expert local knowledge you can trust.

We’re more than a tackle shop -

We’re a community hub for locals, travelers, and Appalachian Trail hikers passing through Kent.

Learn more about us

Local Expertise & Unmatched Selection

Why Anglers Choose Sportsmen’s Connection

Visit us

Visit Our Brick & Mortar Store

Largest Selection in Litchfield County

Stop by our 1,600 sq ft shop for rods, reels, lures, line, camping gear, and more. Whether you’re restocking for the weekend or preparing for your next guided trip, our friendly team is here to help you find exactly what you need.

Need help getting your Connecticut fishing license? We can assist you in-store or you can apply online!

Book a Guided Fishing Trip

Join one of our Housatonic River fly or spin fishing trips for trout, bass, or pike. We offer drift boat and wading options, and tailor each experience to your skill level and goals. Our local guides know every pool, bend, and run of the river.

Drift Boat & Wading Trips Available!

Gear

Gear Up for the Season

From freshwater and saltwater tackle to reels, lures, and accessories, we stock trusted brands like Temple Fork Outfitters, Douglas Outdoors, Echo, and Abel. You’ll also find camping essentials, hiking gear, and ice fishing equipment to keep you prepared year-round.

Appalachian Trail

Appalachian Trail Hikers Welcome

Just minutes from the Appalachian Trail, our shop is a popular stop for thru-hikers to resupply and restock. We carry lightweight meals, trekking poles, fuel, filters, repellent, and other essentials for your next leg on the trail.

River Report

Check the Latest River Report

Before you head out, get the latest updates on water flow, hatches, and bite activity from the Housatonic River. We post honest, current reports throughout the season.

Shop Online

Shop Online at Rip Lips Fishing

Visit our partner brand, RipLipsFishing.com, for premium fly tying beads and fishing accessories. From tungsten slotted beads to coneheads, our products are crafted for precision and trusted by fly tyers nationwide.

Your next adventure awaits!

Our local guides are ready to help with over 20+ years of experience.

Find Us Across Northwest Connecticut

Serving Anglers in Kent, Cornwall & New Milford & in The Housatonic Valley and Beyond

Whether you’re fishing the Housatonic River or exploring Connecticut’s scenic lakes,

we proudly serve customers from:

Kent, CT

Our flagship store in downtown Kent

Cornwall, CT

Close to the upper Housatonic River drift access

New Milford, CT

Convenient for lake and bass anglers

Stop by on your next trip through Northwest Connecticut to gear up and get expert local advice.

Serving Anglers Across
Northwest Connecticut

Sportsmen’s Connection serves locals and visitors from Kent, Cornwall, Sharon, Litchfield, and New Milford, plus anglers traveling from New York and Massachusetts. We’re your one-stop destination for tackle, bait, gear, and guided trips across the Housatonic Valley.

Testimonials from
Happy Customers

Love sportsmen connection! Has a nice variety of fishing, hunting, camping and apparel. Also, a large selection of custom flies and lures at good prices. The staff is always friendly and happy to help. Definitely our go to spot whenever we are ready to go fishing and hunting. I recommend this spot to any outdoor enthusiast.

Never been fly fishing. Walked in and asked the owner what I needed and he hooked me up with line and flies, explained how to fish off the bottom at a local river I was camping at and I was catching fish that afternoon easier than should be allowed. Highly recommend.

Stopped in yesterday for some thoughts on smallie fishing on the Housatonic as well as popper suggestions and glad i did.Great shop and the advice was right on target. Thanks.

Great staff, Ethan the owner is very knowledgeable about the gear and offers great guiding trips too! Great selection at affordable prices!

I live on candlewood lake in sherman ct and have been there a few times and was pleasantly surprised at the prices, they are equal to or better than bass pro and have everything! Plus they are local

Great amount of fishing gear. Super-friendly lady behind the counter. Best place around for local knowledge.

I had a great experience here. I’m new to fishing and the owner went out of his way to explain things to me and tell me what I did or didn’t need

First time there on May 25 looks like a great store gentleman there working very nice will be going back

Great products and customer service. Highly recommend.

Love going to this place never lets me down got high quality stuff and the staff there is very helpful and very friendly

Housatonic fishing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you sell fishing licenses in-store?

Yes, we can assist you with your Connecticut fishing license and help you understand local regulations.

What kind of live bait do you carry?

We typically stock night crawlers, trout worms, shiners, and salted minnows. Call ahead for current availability.

Can I book a guided trip year-round?

Yes, we guide year-round (weather permitting) and adjust locations based on conditions and fish activity.

Visit Us or Call Today!

Ready to gear up or plan your next fishing trip?

Visit us in downtown Kent

Call Us at (860) 592-0130

Email:

sportsmensconnection@yahoo.com

Store Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Thursday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM