Bay Rats & Buoys

Why is the Stratford Shoal the most haunted lighthouse in the Long Island Sound?

Captain Gaige Season 2 Episode 62

Why is the Stratford Shoal the most haunted lighthouse in the Long Island Sound? 


That’s how Episode 62 of Bay Rats & Buoys kicks off, and from there it only gets wilder. In this special holiday edition of the podcast, Captain Gaige dives into one of the most chilling maritime legends in our backyard — the eerie history, unexplained stories, and spine-tingling reputation of the Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Lighthouse. Whether you’re a boater, angler, or just someone who loves local lore, this conversation will have you looking at the Sound a little differently the next time you pass by.


But the scares don’t stop with ghost stories. Captain Gaige also shares a very real, very intense firsthand experience of getting caught in a severe lightning storm while exiting Huntington Harbor. From the sudden shift in conditions to the split-second decisions every captain dreads, this story turns into a powerful reminder of how quickly things can change on the water — and why preparation, situational awareness, and respecting Mother Nature are non-negotiable.


Joining the conversation is Captain Kory from Kory’s Kustoms, first mate aboard Sand City Charter and a familiar voice to Bay Rats & Buoys listeners. Kory chimes in with his own perspectives, adds some laughs, and helps round out this festive yet hard-hitting episode with real dock-talk from someone who lives and breathes the boating lifestyle. The chemistry is loose, unscripted, and exactly what Bay Rats & Buoys is all about.


With just two weeks left until 2026, the countdown is officially on. Captain Gaige shares his excitement about the upcoming launch of the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club, a community built for anglers and boaters who want more access, more value, and more connection. The question now is — who will step up as the first founding members? If you’ve been thinking about joining, this episode might be the push you need.


Plus, Captain Gaige drops another boating app recommendation that somehow slipped through the cracks in Episode 61 — proving once again that there’s always something new to learn on the water.


Don’t miss this episode. Share it with your fishing buddies, your dock neighbors, and anyone who loves the Long Island Sound. 

https://sandcitycharter.com/podcast/