Norwich Bulletin, 9/23/05

1. The false albacore is pound-for-pound, the hardest fighting fish an in-shore angler can catch, and it's also the most frustrating species there is to cast a lure at. Not to be confused with the true tuna species -- the excellent tasting, long-fin albacore that are caught miles off shore this time of year -- the false albacore is a very small distant cousin.
2. Most of the tuna clan and their relatives -- such as Spanish mackerel -- are pelagic species, fish that live in the blue waters of the open ocean. They also may venture closer to shore as water temperatures warm up every summer. Every summer, almost tunas including, Atlantic bonito, Spanish mackerel , and false albacore are drawn in shore by warm surface temperatures and an abundance of the small bait fish on which they feed.
3. During this short window anglers can, with some effort, catch any and all of these fish from a small boat or even a jetty or breachway on light tackle. Because of their fighting abilities, false albacore also called Little Tunny, falsies or more commonly, albis, are a favorite among light tackle anglers who anticipate their arrival in our waters some time late every summer or early fall.
4. This year's oddball weather patterns, despite a hot, dry summer, seem to have delayed the influx of many warm-water species by three to four weeks.
5. For a while, when these fish were expected to show up, a much bigger, harder fighting and better tasting cousin, the bluefin tuna, took their place. From Newport to the Race, the coast was inundated by schools of little baby football bluefin tunas of 20 pounds until mid-August.
6. These fish are baby bluefins, the tuna equivalent of snapper bluefish, but in 20 years these little footballs can weight more than half a ton and eat the 10 pound bluefish that many anglers consider to be a trophy catch.
7. An interesting fact is that these giant bluefins -- or horse mackerel as the old timers called the biggest adult bluefin tuna -- were once caught in the waters off Nebraska Shoal, near Charleston, R.I., off Rosie's Ledge and commonly off the East Grounds and Coxes Ledge near Block Island on a regular basis.
8. For some reason, during the past three decades, false albacore have been increasing in abundance in our in shore waters from Montauk Point, in the Sound west to Falkner Island, in the Race, Plum Gut, Sluiceway and up along the Rhody beaches to the Cape. They are now a common species in these waters.
9. When I first started fishing the ocean in the late '60s, we occasionally saw schools of fish we couldn't identify that we believed to be uncooperative bluefish that were in fact hard-to-catch albis.
10. In time, anglers learned some techniques to catch these hard-to-hook fish, and as they have increased to the point that we can count on at least some sort of fish able run every year. Now false albacore are a highly anticipated part of the fall fishing menu in this corner of the angling world.
11. Up until the remnants of Hurricane Ophelia passed south of us last weekend, anglers were reporting a few bonito in the area and only occasional rumors of the false albacore. According to my sources, the false albis finally moved into this area. That there is so much bait around means unless the weather sours they should remain for at least a month to six weeks.
12. As always they are hard to catch but will strike metal lures like Deadly Dicks, Needle Eels and small soft plastics such as Slug-Gos, Fin-S Fish and shad bodies on jig heads. I've also caught them on Mambo Minnows, Suspending Husky Jerks and even large-mouth sized, Rattle Trap-type fast-vibrating crank baits as they rip through the waters of Long Island Sound.
13. According to "Q" of River's End, Montauk Point was loaded with albis last weekend and so far this week, with an over flow of fish being caught in Plum Gut, the Sluiceway, the coast guard station at Block Island and even in the Race to a lesser degree. Joe Balint of the Fish Connection said that he heard of albis showing up off the Watch Hill Reef Complex and scattered schools between Bluff Point and Niantic Bay since the weekend.
14. The fact is, the false albacore have finally arrived in the area. Just how good the fishing is or will be is yet to be determined. One thing I have learned after years of both chasing and being frustrated by these critters is, every report you hear is old long before you hear it, because they move around so rapidly. All you can do is get as recent a report as possible and start searching the usual spots from there. [org pub Norwich Bulletin, by Bob Sampson Jr.]

On The Water, 9/23/05

1. The big story this week is the arrival of false albacore in the eastern end of Long Island Sound and along the south shore beaches of Rhode Island. It is far from a sure bet with these fast-moving fish, but apparently they are around in sufficient numbers that a scouting trip of likely spots should at least produce some sightings. The best, most consistent catches are coming from Montauk Point, with other “inside” areas the usual hit or miss.
2. Since the storm, bass and bluefish activity have improved as these fish moved inshore to chow down on the super abundance of bait that seems to be everywhere in the region.
3. Cheryl Fee of Shaffer’s Marina, Mystic said the full moon tides, combined with a miserable weather forecast for Saturday, kept many people away from the docks, so she didn’t see much to report this time around. Everyone tried to get out Sunday, but between local sports games and the beginning of football, there was not much angling activity this weekend.
4. Lots of bluefish are around, and one customer took a good batch off the East Clump where he said that bluefish and short bass were abundant and hitting well. Small bass have moved back into the river. There is plenty of bait around, drawing in fish.
5. Fluke fishing has definitely slowed. Cheryl has heard of fluke but not seen anything lately. There are still huge amounts of big scup around, based on the two-pounders being brought in by guys tube-and-worming for stripers. Bonito have b een reported as far east as Charlestown, but again she has not had any firsthand reports in a few days.
6. Snapper bluefish are thick in Mystic Harbor and around all the bridges and trestles in the area. Blackfish season reopens on September 22, and many Shaffer’s customers are anticipating the bite to start picking up anytime now.
7. Joe of The Fish Connection, Preston on the Thames River said there were bluefish of all sizes running up and down the Thames with the tides. Norwich Harbor was holding good-size fish feeding on a small school of adult bunker that showed up a couple of weeks ago. The bite is best during the early morning hours when Norwich Harbor lights up with bass of about 30 inches, mixed in with bluefish up to 6 pounds.
8. Fluke are still available in the lower river for those who want a last fillet or two. The Thames has been better for fluking than outside in the Sound or along the beaches of Rhode Island. They are not big, but it’s possible to take a limit of fish to about 18 or 19 inches with some effort. The river is still full of snappers, along with peanut bunker and other small stuff to hold the bass and bluefish.
9. Joe was in New Jersey over the weekend and said the bass, bluefish and weakfish are thick and hitting well along the beaches near Barnegat Inlet where, he said, there are absolutely tons of bait to feed the predators, just like here. Joe said things are shaping up for an excellent fall run of bass and bluefish all up and down the coast, based on the people he has been talking to. Crabs are few and far between in the Thames, but those around are big ones. Look for them hanging off pilings and abutments after dark.
10. Matt at Hillyer’s Bait and Tackle in Waterford said that bluefish are all over the place. They are in strong this year, with fish of all size classes, from one-pounders to big choppers, running around in the Sound and The Race. Matt said you can’t get away from them in some areas, saying how lately he’s caught bluefish while fluking and fishing for porgies and bass.
11. Blackfishing opens today, and everything is shaping up to be a great fall for this species. Matt noted that his customers who are hard-core tautog fishermen were targeting and successfully catching these fish all summer long, which generally means there will be a strong run later in the fall.
12. There have been false albacore and bonito in the sluiceway and Plum Gut, where they are thick most days, with a few reported off Race Rock on the end of the ebb tide over the weekend. I was out that way on Sunday, and it was just snotty enough that I didn’t want to run the rip to check out the birds I saw working off the lighthouse. We opted to continue casting the calmer waters along the south side of Fishers Island.
13. Considering it was a sunny, bluebird day, we did a lazy man’s trip that ended late in the afternoon and caught about 20 stripers up to 17 pounds by casting to pods of bait (with no birds on them) and tube-and-worming. We also logged in a half-dozen big scup on the tubes and a pair of bluefish that were both big. One pulled the Boga Grip to 10 pounds, and the other got off, but was notably larger than the 10-pounder when it grabbed the Slug-Go five feet out from the boat.
14. Porgy fishing is excellent around all the rock piles and reefs in the area.
15. Every morning, anglers are taking big bass from shore between the bridges in Niantic where they are chasing baby bunker and, on occasion, hickory shad. Matt said one customer came in reporting big blues between the bridges on Monday, ripping into a large herring of some sort that he thought was probably gizzard shad.
16. There are unbelievable amounts of bait around, so it’s a matter of getting the weather to go out and catch the big stuff that’s feeding on this super abundance of forage.
17. “Q” of River’s End Tackle, Saybrook said the albies finally showed up in sufficient numbers to get their fans excited. Montauk Point is loaded with them. The best bite has been right off the point, rather than out near Shagwong Rock. The Gut and Sluice have had them, as well, but you can hit them one time and miss them the next. He has heard of catches ranging up to as many as 18 per person on a boat, on down to zero. Not very dependable at this point but they are certainly worth looking for. “Q” also said there have been reports of scattered albie schools ranging around from Pine Island, Groton to Black Point. It’s a search-and-destroy mission for these things as is usually the case for this fast-moving and fickle species.
18. The bite is great for big slammer porgies around all the reefs and rock piles in the Saybrook and Lyme area, with sea bass mixed in when you fish deep. The problem is getting through all the scup to catch an occasional sea bass.
19. There have also been some fairly consistent evening blitzes of bluefish along the Lyme shoreline, created mostly by small bluefish. They are occasionally mixed in with schoolie stripers along the Old Lyme Beaches from Black Point to the mouth of the Connecticut River. These fish are being taken on soft plastics, flies and poppers. There has not been much chatter lately about big-bass catches. A couple of anglers did manage to catch a striper of about 48 inches over in Plum Gut on live hickory shad that they caught in Niantic between the bridges.
20. The Race has been good for bass by fishing eels after dark on three-way rigs. During the day this would not be advisable due to the hordes of bluefish ripping around its waters at all depths. They will even get in the way after dark, but not quite at such a high rate as during the day when they are about all you’re likely to catch.
21. Captain Jerry Morgan of Captain Morgan’s Tackle, Madison said that bluefish are around in great numbers, with decent ones off Falkner, Six Mile Reef and Kimberly Reef.
22. A few sea bass have been caught in deep waters and around wrecks south of Falkner Island. Right now there are lots of anglers champing at the bit for blackfish to reopen, and it does today. Expect to hear more reports on this species in the coming weeks.
23. There are huge schools of peanut bunker around, with bass and bluefish on them just about everywhere. With the west-southwest wind midweek, the bait should be pushed up tight to the beaches and creating a good surf-fishing bite by the weekend. No sign of let-up from the fish or bait, so things look great for the next few weeks. There are a few bass around but not the big numbers that will come through sometime in the next couple of weeks as the migrations to the Hudson and the south begin to kick in.
24. Porgies are excellent around all the local reefs, and snapper blues are thick enough to kill with a rock in the harbors.
25. Chris Fulton, owner of Stratford Bait and Tackle, Stratford reported that conditions are about the same as they were last week, with lots of small bass and bluefish around to play with. One of his friends caught bonito off Old Lyme, but there is no word of this species in the western end of the Sound.
26. The bass they are catching in the Housatonic River and out to Charles Island are maxing out at about 33 inches, but no big stuff yet. The water temps are still kind of warm, but the bait is abundant and will hopefully be waiting for them when they finally arrive over the next few weeks.
27. No crabs, but snapper bluefish are thick enough to walk on in the river and local harbors. Little snappers are hitting the poppers anglers are casting for big blues and are occasionally being snagged or caught by the mouth. One customer said he caught six small weakfish in the six- to eight-inch range while chasing snappers in one of the local marinas. This bodes well for the future of this species.
28. Burt from Fisherman’s World, Norwalk told us that every day there have been tons of bluefish on top blasting poppers or taking chunk baits in the waters around Cockenoe Island. The fish are mostly small, but choppers up to 10 pounds have been caught. Buoy 11-B has been producing blues by jigging with diamond jigs between 40 and 60 feet. Tons of baby bunker are in and around the area to attract the bluefish. Calf Pasture Point has been producing mostly smaller harbor blues lately, with no catches of note being made in a couple weeks. The fish seem to be more out around the islands and in the channels where the bait is.
29. Bass up to 36 inches have been caught in the Westport and Saugatuck rivers by anglers tossing chunks after dark, but they have been working for these larger fish.
30. Porgies are big, abundant and in deep water out along the outside of the islands.
31. There are tons of blue crabs in Westport and Norwalk harbors where crabbers are scraping them off the pilings in large numbers. This year the crabs have been thick. One guy caught two buckets of blue crabs on Tuesday, brought them in and went out for more. Crabbing is having a banner year in this area, while it peters out fairly rapidly once you reach the waters east of Madison.
32. This week, it looks like a trip to search for false albacore might be worthwhile, especially if you have the boat and gas to make the run across the Sound to Montauk Point. Otherwise, look for the fish from Niantic Bay out to the sluiceway and Plum Gut; in The Race, Watch Hill and up the beaches, concentrating off the breachways; and, of course, out in the channel near the Coast Guard Station at Block Island. [org pub On The Water, Bob Sampson]
    

TheDay, 9/23/05

1. We're seeing more false albacore and bonito in our waters from Black Point to Montauk to Watch Hill and back to Black Point. Unfortunately these fish are proving hard to hook at times. I watched four boats working over a school on top off Watch Hill on Tuesday morning, casting away but in a half hour none of the people hooked a single fish despite some hectic feeding.
2. Jack at the Fish Connection said his customers had the best luck with these two species using a 3-inch Zoom Super Fluke, pearl-colored Swedish Pimple or epoxy fly rigged as a teaser ahead of a Deadly Dick. Try those the next time and see if your hookup ratio doesn't improve.
3. In other news, a school of big bunkers were off Millstone Point yesterday with blues and some bass chasing them. Small blues and schoolie bass can be caught at daybreak and off and on during the day between Harkness and Groton Long Point. Porgy catches remain very good. Shore fishermen along the Thames River landed small blues, porgies, a few fluke and too many sea robins. Those in small boats found bass to 35 inches and some blues in Norwich Harbor and the lower Shetucket River before daybreak and then later in the day between Lehigh Oil and Trading Cove.
4. Al Golinski of Misquamicut fished in an American Striper Association Tournament over the weekend with Captain Ben DeMario. Using live bait between the Watch Hill Reefs and Race Rock they landed 36 bass in two days with the two biggest 38 and 46 pounds, the latter caught by Al was good enough to come in second, that prize $1,600 cash. A 48-pounder took the top spot.
5. Capt. Don's in Charlestown said he's seeing more and more people arrive for the start of the fall surf season. Some of these are coming from as far away as New Jersey. Yo-Zuri darters are working at times along the Quonnie beaches and well as white pencil poppers. People are also seeing more bonito, prompting them to come in to buy green Deadly Dicks, a lure great for the inshore speedsters as well as bluefish. Frank from Patty's Restaurant had a couple good trips to the Mud Hole on the east side of Block Island for blue sharks and school bluefin. Fluke are just about done for the year but porgy fishing is still very good.
6. Bill at King Cove said they fluke are harder to find, the last seem to be larger fish coming from ever-deeper water. There's been lots of bait dropping out of the Pawcatuck River, drawing both bass and blues around Sandy and Stonington Points. Blackfish season has started with mainly shorts and small keepers the norm right now. Some of the live bait boats had good trips within the last week or so along the south side of Fishers Island.
7. Allen at Shaffers called it a quiet week but not because of lack of fish, mainly lack of people, perhaps to due with the high price of gas? John Paradis of Mystic got out to the Middle Clump on Wednesday, casting for schoolie stripers and bluefish. Kids are catching snappers around the Mason Island Bridge and at spot along the Mystic River. Blue fishing is still red hot in The Race and bass coming from Valiant Shoal on drifted eels after dark.
8. Capt. Brad Glas of the Hel-Cat sent in his regular e-mail about more good catches of blues from the day trips to The Race. They only slow day was last Monday. The night trip to Alligator Ledge was also a winner thanks to the passage of Ophelia being a “non-event.” Big fish of the week was a 12.8-pound blue by Sury Seijas of Meriden.
9. Stephanie Cramer is back in her usual slot, saying in her e-mail she had a close call wading along the upper Thames in water up to her waist in a strong moon tide. She tripped over a rock and ended up with waders full of water, carried down river. At first she tried to use her hands to get back to shore then realized she needed to get her feet down current after which she was able to stand and wade safely ashore. People who fish in rivers or wade parts of Quonny Breachway should take heed and watch where they wade.
10. Matt over at Hillyers Tackle called this one of the better bluefish years in the last five seasons. The blues are so numerous they bother bottom dunkers looking for porgies and the last of the fluke. If you want bass, the best time in The Race is from dusk to daybreak when the blue are not as strong. Interest in black fishing is growing, especially since all the large porgies still around will not grab a green crab. If you want scup, try the rocks on the south side of Fishers. Matt said you should get some over 2 pounds if you hit the right spot. He closed by saying the boat launch behind the store was half-full yesterday, probably some playing hooky from work on such a nice, fall day.
11. J&B Tackle reported their charter boat is getting lots of blues and some bass in The Race on drifted bucktails. Big porgies are around most of the rockpiles and the last of the big fluke being caught in deep water.
12. Pat down at River's End in Old Saybrook said some of the bass sharpies were getting live bunker in Clinton Harbor and then running it to Valiant Shoal for stripers, apparently able to keep the prize baits away from blues long enough for a bass to find it. They also landed some bass at Southwest Reef but not as many as from The Race. Surf casters caught schoolies after dark on the Old Lyme beaches on worms on the bottom and small boaters found sporadic schools of blues on top around the mouth of the Connecticut River. [org pub The Day, by Tim Coleman]

Conn Post, 9/23/05

1. Connecticut anglers are enjoying very nice late-summer weather. Sunny skies, light breezes and pleasant temperatures have made fishing both comfortable and enjoyable. In some cases, the fish are adding to the outdoor fun.
2. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have been keeping freshwater anglers alert as they are striking spinnerbaits, topwater lures, live minnows and small-to-medium size jigs. The best smallmouth bass reports have come from the Housatonic River between the Route 4 bridge in Cornwall and the Route 202 bridge in New Milford, the Connecticut River between the Massachusetts border and Hartford, Gardner Lake, Candlewood Lake and the Shepaug Arm of Lake Lillinonah. Largemouth bass have been cooperating in the smaller lakes and ponds like Lower Moodus Reservoir, Powers Lake, Long Meadow Pond, Pickerel Lake, Silver Lake, Hop Brook Flood Control Impoundment, Ball Pond, Lake Housatonic, Mamanasco Lake, Lake Kenosia, Nells Rock Reservoir, Winchester Lake, Burr Pond, Highland Lake, Park Pond, Lake Saltonstall and Wood Creek Pond.
3. Walleye and northern pike are biting well, too. The best pike action has come from Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Quaddick Reservoir and Pachaug Pond. Also, a few incidental pike catches have been reported from Lake Lillinonah. Walleye fishing is fair to good at Squantz Pond, Lake Housatonic, the Saugatuck Reservoir and Gardner Lake. Mike Vasilescu of Shelton found the walleye bite at Lake Saltonstall to his liking last week. He caught five walleye longer than 23 inches. His largest walleye was 25.75 inches long and weighed 6-pounds, 9-ounces.
4. Trout anglers received a gift from the state Department of Environmental Protection this week when biologists stocked about 800 large Seeforellen-strain brown trout into the upper trout management area on the HousatonicRiver. These trout averaged about one pound each. This unscheduled stocking is designed to replace the fish lost during the hot weather this summer. Other noteworthy places for trout angling are East Twin Lake, Highland Lake, the Farmington River Trout Management Area and Hogback Reservoir.
5. Saltwater anglers are finding plenty of striped bass and bluefish around. Big fish are a tad scarce, but the smaller fish make up for their lack of size with volume. These fish are cruising around the harbors and tidal rivers looking for "peanut bunker," so called because the baitfish is about the size of a large peanut. Artificial lures, like poppers, swimming plugs and spoons, that mimic the baby bunker in size and color will score.
6. Bottom fishing throughout Long Island Sound offers a mixed bag and review. Fluke fishing is slow to fair. If you are looking for fluke, spend your time in New Haven Harbor, along Long Sand Shoal, at the mouth of Niantic Bay and around Watch Hill Point. Porgy are not producing the numbers of fish that we were spoiled with last year, but the individual fish size in considerably larger. Also, a few black sea bass are mixed in with the porgy. Blackfish season re-opened Thursday after a three-week shutdown. The water temperatures are still high, so don't expect to catch a lot of blackfish until the weather breaks. [org pub Connecticut Post, by FRANK MCKANE JR]

CT DEP Weekly Fishing Report 9/19/05

1. INLAND REPORT: LARGEMOUTH BASS and SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing has improved, reported as generally fair to good throughout the state with reports for largemouth from Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar (several 3-4 lb bass), Upper Moodus Reservoir, Candlewood (catches include a 5-lb fish), Bantam (12 bass for one angler), Congamond, East Twin, Highland (5.6 lb bass), Beach (7.25 lbs bass), Pachaug Pond and Mudge Pond (25 fish, largest a 4.9 lb). Smallmouth reports from the Housatonic River (very good), Shetucket River (good), Lake Lillinonah (fair), Lake Zoar (good action for smaller fish), Squantz Pond (fair), Candlewood Lake (much improved over the past several weeks, at least 4 smallies over 4 lbs reported), Lake Waramaug (20" smallie) and Gardner lake (mixed results).
2. NORTHERN PIKE action reported from Bantam Lake, Winchester Lake, Hopeville Pond, Pachaug Pond and Lake Lillinonah.
3. Good reports for YELLOW PERCH from Candlewood Lake, Gardner Lake, Squantz Pond (plenty of catches, no bigger perch) and Crescent Pond.
4. WALLEYE fishing has improved dramatically at Lake Saltonstall (5 fish over 23", best is 25.7", 6.75 lb walleye) and Squantz Pond (14 fish all over 22" including a 30", 9.4 lb beauty), also some walleye showing up in catches at Coventry Lake and Batterson Park Pond. Anglers can expect Saugatuck Reservoir fish to be found in the shallower, near shore areas as water temperatures drop.
5. TROUT: SPECIAL NOTE: DEP EXPECTS TO BEGIN ITS FALL STOCKING PROGRAM NEXT WEEK. Approximately 45,000 rainbow trout are currently scheduled to be stocked into 25 lakes and ponds, 10 Trout Parks and 20 rivers and streams. Trout Parks and lakes and ponds will be stocked first due to low flows in many of the rivers and streams typically stocked in the fall. Should flows not improve, trout scheduled to be stocked in rivers and streams with marginal flows may instead be stocked into more suitable waters (lakes, ponds).
6. LAKES & PONDS – Excellent trout fishing reported for those targeting morning and evening activity. Success is reported from East Twin Lake (25 fish from 11 pm to 5 am for one angler), Highland Lake (13 fish from 4 pm to dark on corn), Crystal Lake in Ellington (trolling at 4 colors of lead line), Beach Pond and West Hill Pond (corn/worm combination in the evening).
7. FARMINGTON RIVER. Trout fishing has been good on the Farmington River (mornings & evenings best). Morning West Branch water temperatures are in the mid 50's °F below Hogback, increasing to the mid 60’s °F as you go downstream to the TMA. West Branch flows continue to be clear and low (about 85 cfs from Hogback and an additional 20 cfs from the Still River). Lake McDonough is currently releasing approximately 200 cfs into the East Branch. It is expected that this additional flow into the mainstem Farmington will continue through at least Friday (9/23). Current hatches continue to include Isonychia (#12-14, fast water, evening), tiny Rusty Spinners (#22-26), Blue Wing Olives (#18-26, mornings and evenings), Caddis (tan #18-20, all day), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mornings and mid day, when windy/humid), Stenonema (#18-22, evenings) and Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day).
8. HOUSATONIC RIVER- Morning water temperatures in the TMA are in the mid 60’s °F. Flows remain clear and low, about 120 cfs at Falls Village and about 170 cfs at Gaylordsville. In these low flow conditions, light line and leaders should work best. Current patterns include flying ants (#18-22, mid-day, when windy/humid, September is peek month), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening, September is again peek month), Rusty Spinner (#10-24), Cahill/Stenonema (#12-16, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day). Streamer patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
9. Connecticut River – NORTHERN PIKE fishing remains good in the coves and mainstem (one angler got 4 fish up to 28" from Rocky Hill to Haddam). LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing remains fair (best in lower river coves). Fair to good reports for SMALLMOUTH BASS north of Hartford (Enfield/Windsor Locks area). Angling for CATFISH is fair in the Hartford area (6 lb cat among the catches.). Excellent BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS action was reported by anglers who did very well from I-95 bridge to the mouth of the river.
10. MARINE REPORT: The surface water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) remains in the high 60’s to low 70’s °F.
11. STRIPED BASS fishing is fair to good on the major reefs and rip areas. The tube and worm combination and live lining scup, menhaden, hickory shad or eels, cut chunk bait on three way bottom rigs, and diamond jigs have been productive. Fishing spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Plum Gut, Thames River, Millstone Point, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor breakwaters to Charles Island, Penfield Reef, and around the Norwalk Islands.
12. Schools of BLUEFISH can be seen chasing peanut bunker in many of the harbors and river mouths. SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing remains good along the coastline.
13. SUMMER FLOUNDER (FLUKE) fishing is fair.
14. SCUP (PORGIES) fishing is good at any of the major reefs with some jumbos being caught (17+ inches).
15. Niantic River and Clinton Harbor are the hot spots for HICKORY SHAD.
16. Reports of BLUEFIN TUNA in the Race area are still being reported.
17. BLUE CRABBING is improving daily.

On The Water, 9/16/05

1. Cheryl Fee of Shaffer’s Marina, Mystic said that two of their regulars, Sean Ross and Larry Strickland, caught a 4-pound sea bass, a pair of 7-pound blues and a 20-inch fluke off the south shore beaches and saw tunoids of some sort ripping around in the reefs on their way back to Mystic on Wednesday afternoon.
2. Keeper-size fluke were on the wane over the weekend, and Cheryl said that even the porgies were slower this week than they have been lately. Those big waves last week were probably a factor in the reduced angler activity and catches.
3. There are loads of snapper blues inside the river and all the harbors in the area, with high concentrations of bigger blues in The Race, along the south side of Fishers Island and locally out off The Dumplings, and occasionally pushing into the mouth of the Mystic River.
4. Shaffer’s didn’t hear anything about albies or bonito over the weekend – a sign they are still not around at levels anyone can get excited about.
5. Right now many of their bottom-fishing fans are patiently waiting for blackfish season to reopen on September 22. By then the fishing for this species should be improving as fall approaches. So far, all indications are that this fall’s run of tautog is going to be a good one.
6. Joe Balint of The Fish Connection, Preston said things have been red-hot in the Thames River for both schoolie bass and bluefish. These fish are chasing baby bunker all over the place. The blues in the river are mostly little rats, but they are a ball to catch. Joe says that after work he’s catching five fish in five casts in some places on poppers when they are bunched up and feeding. Norwich Harbor is holding big bass and chopper bluefish that are feeding on a small school of adult bunker that moved into the river a couple of weeks ago. These fish are being caught by local sharpies from the harbor downriver to the oil docks. The river is absolutely full of snapper bluefish if all else fails.
7. The Race and vicinity are loaded with bluefish that are spilling out into adjacent reefs and rip lines. It’s a matter of cruising until fish are encountered, then having some fun with them.
8. Joe says there are still a few fluke coming off Sara’s Ledge, Harkness Park and Vixen’s Ledge. But they are getting harder to catch every week.
9. With all the bunker in the river, I’d take a run up the Thames with some small jigs, squid strips and live mummichogs or freshly caught peanut bunker, and drift the channels from Buoy 27 on down to the mouth. There may well be many fluke to be caught with a small investment in gas and effort.
10. Bass action is pretty much an evening bite out in The Race if you can get through the bluefish. In along the island and area reefs the best bass catches are being made from dusk through dawn due to the bright sun and warm water temperatures.
11. Not much word on false albacore and bonito. There are no real hot spots to talk about, but fish have been seen or caught off Bluff Point and west to the Millstone Outflow, although not in consistent patterns so far this season.
12. There are still the occasional school bluefin tuna catches being made in The Race, but other areas are empty of these fish till you get nearly to the Cape.
13. Freshwater has been fair to slow due to the heat and low water levels. Rennie Robinson has fished bass hard lately, with only a few small fish to show for his efforts in both Bashan Lake and Gardner Lake. Some launch sites are hard or almost impossible to use due to the extremely low water levels in many lakes. Rogers Lake is a pole your way to the lake if you want to fish deal, same thing for other shallow launch sites such as Bashan Lake and across the border in Watchaug and Worden Ponds.
14. The Fish Connection is celebrating its 15th anniversary from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the shop. There will be food and drinks all day, and everyone is invited to stop by. There will be factory reps from Shimano, Berkley/Fenwick, Pelican Rods and more. I plan to be there to tell fish stories and sign books for anyone who wants them. The event will go on rain or shine and all are welcome.
15. Lou at Hillyer’s Bait and Tackle, Waterford said an angler caught a 42-pound striper between the bridges at high noon Wednesday, using a live hickory shad he snagged. A short while later this lady’s partner caught a 40-incher. Looks like the big bass have found the hickory shads’ hiding place once again this year. The bass are lying right in there as of Wednesday, providing a great chance for shore-based anglers to catch a big striped bass. Two years ago a 50-pounder was caught in this area on a live shad.
16. A few anglers are doing well using leadcore line and live eels off Bartlett Reef. But the guys fishing The Race are working hard for fish because they are having such a problem getting their baits and lures through all the bluefish. Bluefish were thick off Hatchett Point all weekend. There are always a few ripping around in the Millstone Point Outflow, as well.
17. Fluke were still being caught between the Connecticut River and Hatchett Reef over the weekend. Rich from the shop told Lou that one angler was snorkeling up inside the river and saw big fluke lying there, probably chasing peanut bunker as predicted in the nearby Thames.
18. Pleasure Beach was loaded with blackfish, according to Shane, who works at the shop. He was snorkeling this area with a class from his high school the other day and said the blackfish were thick around the rocks at the launch area.
19. No albies in Niantic Bay, yet. Black sea bass are the best bottom-fishing alternative, with Block Island producing nice catches for one guy who fishes out of Hillyer’s on a regular basis. That same person said the porgies they caught off Block Island while fishing for sea bass were the biggest he’s ever caught. Nothing on bluefins from The Race in about three days, but they are apparently still in the area.
20. The shore-fishing has been slow in most areas, other than between the bridges, due to the heat and bright skies.
21. Lou said that finally he had reports of a few blue crabs showing up in Niantic River, the lower Thames and lower Pattagansett River. I have been hearing scattered reports of crabs that appear to be moving west to east through the Sound, so all might not be lost as far as crabbing is concerned for this season. It may be worth a look at your favorite crabbing spot the next time the tides are low around dark.
22. Mark Lewchik of River’s End, Saybrook said he’s been on vacation for two weeks and doing a good deal of fishing near his home on Hatchett Point. He said Hatchett Point has been very spotty. There was a big school of peanut bunker coming through Tuesday morning that was totally unmolested by anything, even bluefish.
23. Bass and blues, mostly schoolies are in the lower Connecticut River early and late in the day chasing baby bunker like they are everywhere else. There are rumors of bonito off the West Wall, but they are reportedly not feeding very well.
24. The Race is loaded with bluefish, with the occasional bluefin tuna being caught accidentally. These fish apparently show up so briefly that it’s a real hit-and-miss deal in The Race, the only place in this region that still holds schoolie tunas.
25. Captain Jerry Morgan of Captain Morgan’s Tackle, Madison told us there is plenty of bait, both adult and peanut bunker, snapper blues and hickory shad moving in and out of the rivers and bays that have schools of bass and bluefish following them all the way.
26. Crabbing is peaking in the Madison area and has been good for two or three weeks. It looks like the crabs in Niantic Bay may have been part of this local influx of crabs.
27. Bluefish of all sizes are all over the place from Long Sand Shoal out to Six Mile Reef and Falkner Island.
28. Bass are starting to stir but nothing really solid as far as striper catches at this time. The fish are being caught after dark on eels, but that’s about it. No one has brought anything in to the scales much over 20 pounds.
29. Porgy fishing is crazy, with fish up to nearly three pounds. There are also good numbers of small fluke out off the local beaches. Rhode Island has been slower than Hammonasset Beach, according to customers who have fished both areas. Locally the fluke are still hanging around and catchable, but most are small.
30. The conditions are right for bunker kills in the rivers as temperatures continue to soar and fish pour into these shallow areas from the Sound.
31. Chris Fulton, owner of Stratford Bait and Tackle, Stratford, told us that his area is loaded with small bluefish. There were good bass around until things heated back up, now it’s small blues on poppers. Chris himself caught four bass and three bluefish on Tuesday evening after work. One angler caught a 2.9-pound porgy on a tube and worm. His customers have been fishing The Race and loading up on diamond jigs.
32. Fluke fishing is still good. Many are small – there may be one keeper out of 15 to 20 fluke. One angler caught two keepers out of 16 on Sunday.
33. Nick Mola from Fisherman’s World, Norwalk said there are tons of bluefish all over the surface along the back side of the islands from Cockenoe to Greens Ledge.
34. Tube-and-worm fishing is taking most of the bass in close to the islands. Bigger fish are being caught by chunking and three-waying worms in 100 feet or more of water. Porgies are hitting well off can #1 in 30 feet of water. Fluke are hit and miss in 60 feet of water off Buoy 11-B.
35. There were some bonito caught off the same area by anglers who saw them come up top while chunking, and they managed to sling a metal lure into the mix and get lucky. Good chunking off Buoy 11-B as well for blues and bass.
36. Snapper bluefish are thick in the islands like everywhere else along the coast, which means that tons of “cocktail blues” in the one- to three-pound range will be around again next summer to play with.

TheDay, 9/16/05

• Jack at the Fish Connection starts us off this week with the news that Wednesday they hooked a dozen false albacore and landed six of them on Deadly Dick and flies. Some of the fish were in The Race, the others south of Fishers Island. This is welcome news for the growing number of light tackle anglers who eagerly await the arrival of these fish noted for their speed and power.
• In other reports, Jack said they had great casting on the Watch Hill Reefs on Tuesday morning then found some 10 to 12-pound bluefish prowling around Sandy Point at the mouth of the Pawcatuck River. The Thames River is full of small blues, some caught in boats, others by people along the shore from I-95 up past buoy 27. Last but not least is an Alaskan Seafood cookout at the shop tomorrow to celebrate 15 years in business. Stop by if you'd like a taste of halibut, different types of salmon or ling cod.
• Allen Fee at Shaffers Marina in Mystic also heard about some bonito in our waters. One fellow boated a 7-pounder on Tuesday on a bucktail between the Monastery and White Rock. The next day others spied the inshore speedsters breaking water off Napatree Point. Perhaps this is the start of some good fall fishing if Ophelia doesn't mess things up as she steams past well to the south.
• Allen and his wife stopped in The Race on Wednesday to jig up a quick catch of blues around Little Gull on diamond jigs. Greg Jankowksi had a great day casting for smaller bass and blues on Tuesday on the Watch Hill Reefs. Larry Strickland and Sean Ross got out the next day, returning with a 4-pound sea bass, two blues and a 20-inch fluke. Overall though, interest in fluke is waning and many are waiting on the opening of blackfish in state waters on Sept. 22. More and more small boat anglers with middle class incomes are concerned about the cost of even a trip to The Race with marina gas now selling for $3.60 to almost $4.00 per gallon.
• Al Golinski of Misquamicut told me about three good days of casting for bass on top around the Watch Hill Reefs. One of his friends did quite well using poppers to 34 to 38-inch bass. Al kept on with his tried and proven live porgies, landing 18 bass to 28 pounds in two days. He had reliable reports about jumbos of 56 and 63 pounds landed the last week on live bait, either from the reefs or Fishers Island waters.
• Don at King Cove said Nils Christensen got out in his kayak on Tuesday evening, trolling the tube and worm off Stonington Point for catch of bass to 46 inches. So far the shop weighed in bass of 39 pounds and bluefish of 12 pounds for the Swamp Yankee Fishing Tournament that runs into November. Fluking is about over for the year, replaced somewhat by catch and release black fishing around Latimers. With waters at their summer high temperatures. it's not surprising to hear about people landing small jack crevalles, a southern visitor that often makes its way this far north.
• Stephanie Cramer sent in her regular e-mail about loads of snapper blues and small bunkers in the upper Thames. She and Bill Kreuger made a trip to Newport where they caught some blues around Rose Island with their fly rods. They also went off to the Dump with Capt. Al Anderson for both mahi and skipjack tuna on 9 weight fly rods.
• Capt. Brad Glas of the Hel-Cat reported fishing between very good and excellent on all trips. Blues were thick and aggressive and bass limited to a couple drifts on just the right section of tide. However, the people with the right touch limited out with stripers even given the short amount of time they are available. The last night trip was also outstanding; drawing so many people they will continue sailing on them every Saturday night until the end of the month. Big fish of the week was a 16.8-pound striper caught by Paul Cumberliege of Wallingford.
• Hillyers Tackle said there are lots of snapper blues in the Niantic River and some large ones grabbing live bait or parachute jigs off Black Point. Tube and worm trollers landed some bass around the Bartletts Spindle and those drifting live shad or porgies deep caught bigger stripers. Large porgies are any rocky bottom between Hatchetts and Goshen Reef. Fluke numbers are dwindling, down perhaps to some catches made by the die-hards in deep water.
• Capt. Kerry Douton of J&B Tackle said the blue fishing in The Race is very good and bass catches not bad if you hit the right place at the right time. Sharking was good on the not-to-distant grounds. Biggest of the week past was a 256-pound mako by Dave Miko. Catches may take a dip as Ophelia churns the waters as she moves by.
• Sherwood Lincoln of East Lyme made another run to Charlestown, R.I., for a great number of mostly smaller sea bass and giant porgies on lumps and wrecks in deeper water. Live porgies drifted deep at Outer Hatchetts can produce some large bass if bluefish leave the bait alone.
• Pat Abate at River's End reported some very poor surf fishing around Hatchetts Point. Normally the surf scene is improving about now but it's late in starting so far this season. Clinton Harbor is loaded with bunker and hickory shad, providing bait to be used at Southwest Reef for larger stripers. Small boaters found sporadic topwater action for schoolies and blues in the lower Connecticut River chasing schools of peanut bunker on the ebb tide. The best bet right now for fluke would be a trip to the south side of Montauk Point where fish gather on the fall migration offshore.

Conn Post, 9/16/05

• The recent heat wave had a major impact on the Long Island Sound fisheries. Striped bass were beginning to bite well, but they have withdrawn from the shallow water over the past week. The larger bluefish also have changed patterns a bit by feeding at night. Both fish species are still very catchable. Anglers need to adjust their tactics to have success.
• Striped bass seekers report good luck on tube-n-worms, live bunker, eel rigs and diamond jigs. Those willing to travel to the eastern Sound will find the best fishing in the Race, which has produced several large stripers over the past several nights. Other eastern Sound hotspots include Ram Island Reef, Plum Gut, Norwich Harbor, Millstone Point, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, Hatchett Reef and Long Sand Shoal. Closer to home, Morris Cove on the east side of New Haven Harbor, the junction of the Quinnipiac and Mill rivers in New Haven, Pond Point in Milford, Charles Island, Stratford Shoal, Penfield Reef, Sunken Island off Fairfield, Southport Harbor and Sheffield Island off Norwalk are giving up striped bass in the 18- to 30-inch class. Remember, the legal size minimum is 28 inches.
• Most of the harbors and tidal rivers between New Haven and Stamford are infested with schools of small "peanut" bunker. Bluefish ranging between three and six pounds are chasing the baby bunker around. This habit makes the bluefish susceptible to poppers, casting spoons, small swimming plugs and large in-line spinners. Most of the action occurs in the early morning or late afternoon. If you are looking for bluefish in the nine- to 12-pound class, visit the same harbor areas just before sunrise or after sunset. Mark Hirschbeck, 9, of Stratford, caught his first bluefish last week in Johnson Creek.
• Bottom fishing offers a mixed bag. Fluke fishing is generally slow with the better fishing reported east of the Connecticut River or on the Long Island side of the Sound. Blackfish are starting to show up, but the season is closed until Sept. 22. Conservation officers are inspecting creels. Be sure to release all hooked blackfish immediately. Porgy fishing started out good, but has tapered back in recent weeks. This week the fishery seemed to rebound on most of the reefs and breaklines in 15 to 40 feet of water.
• Last week, Fran McNally of Stratford tried striped bass fishing with a tube-n-worm along the Housatonic River breakwater. To his surprise, he caught a 2.90-pound porgy. This fish took the lead in the Stratford Bait & Tackle annual fishing contest. Meanwhile, Matt Jurzcyk, 16, of Milford, caught a 3.67-pound fluke in New Haven Harbor. He also weighed his catch at Stratford Bait & Tackle.
• Elsewhere on the Sound, a few small bluefin tuna have been confirmed in the Race area. Some false albacore have also been showing up around Fishers Island. After a very dismal beginning, blue crabbing has dramatically improved in all the tidal rivers between Branford and Rhode Island.
• Freshwater anglers need to note that Lake Housatonic will undergo a three-foot drawdown Saturday-Monday. A rowing event is tentatively scheduled for upper Lake Lillinonah on Sept. 25. During the race, the Lover's Leap gorge will be closed to boat traffic.

CT DEP 9/12/05 Weekly Fishing Report

1. INLAND REPORT:LARGEMOUTH BASS and SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing has slowed in many waters throughout the state with the best reports from the Housatonic River (still excellent) and Shetucket River (good) for smallmouth. Fair bass fishing is reported from Moodus Reservoir, Gardner Lake, Bantam Lake, Candlewood Lake and Lake Lillinonah. Among the waters reporting slow fishing are Amos, Highland, Powers, Crystal (Ellington), Coventry, and East Twin, Lakes, Quaddick Reservoir, and Mashapaug, Beach and Long Ponds
2. Some NORTHERN PIKE action reported from Mansfield Hollow Reservoir and Quaddick Reservoir (3 pike including an 8-pounder for one angler). A few catches also reported from Lake Lillinonah.
3. Good reports for YELLOW PERCH from Coventry Lake and Mashapaug Lake.
4. WALLEYE fishing is fair to good at Squantz Pond, and very slow at Gardner Lake.
5. TROUT:LAKES & PONDS – Fair to Good trout fishing reported from East Twin Lake (on corn), Highland Lake, Alexander Lake (at 25-30 feet) and Crystal Lake (Ellington)(trolling at 20-25 feet, early morning, and evenings).
6. FARMINGTON RIVER. Trout fishing has been very good on the Farmington River (mornings best, mid-day the slowest). DEP has been conducting its annual electrofishing survey of the West Branch Farmington River this week and fishing in the West Branch TMA can be expected to be slow for several days. Sampling crews also collected approximately 150 large “Survivor-strain” brown trout to serve as broodstock.
7. Morning West Branch water temperatures remain in the upper 50's °F below Hogback, increasing to the upper 60’s °F as you go downstream to the TMA. West Branch flows are clear and expected to remain low (about 85 cfs from Hogback and additional 10 cfs from the Still River). Anglers should be aware that mainstem Farmington River flows (downstream of the confluence with the East Branch) may increase substantially this weekend. MDC will be drawing down Lake McDonough and it is currently anticipated that a release of about 250 cfs into the East Branch will begin on Friday (9/16). This release is scheduled to decrease to about 200 cfs on Monday morning, and continue for 2-3 additional days.
8. Current hatches include Isonychia (#10-12, fast water, evening), tiny Rusty Spinners (#22-26), Blue Wing Olives (#22-26, mornings and evenings), Caddis (tan #18-22, all day), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mornings and mid day, when windy/humid), Stenonema (#18-22, evenings) and Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day).
9. HOUSATONIC RIVER trout fishing should pick up this weekend. Temperatures are forecast to moderate and later this week, DEP WILL BE STOCKING 800 LARGE SEEFORELLAN-STRAIN BROWN TROUT INTO THE UPPER TMA to replace fish lost this summer. These trout average about 1 pound each. Currently (9/14), morning water temperatures in the TMA are close to 70°F. Flows are clear but continue to be very low, about 105 cfs at Falls Village and only about 130 cfs at Gaylordsville. Current patterns include flying ants (#18-22, mid-day, when windy/humid, September is peek month), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening, September is again peek month), Rusty Spinner (#10-24), Cahill/Stenonema (#12-16, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day). Streamer patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
10. Connecticut River – NORTHERN PIKE fishing remains good in the coves (Salmon River Cove was especially good last week), and in the mainstem (one angler fishing reported a number of 30-38” pike on live bait, fishing structure) downstream from Glastonbury to Essex. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is fair (best in lower river coves). Good reports for SMALLMOUTH BASS north of Hartford (Windsor/Enfield area, good action, no bigger fish). Reports of some HICKORY SHAD in Hamburg cove. Angling for CATFISH is fair to good in the Hartford area (deeper areas). Good numbers of BLUEFISH and STRIPED BASS (mostly schoolie size, 20-28”) were reported in the River to just north of Essex.
11. MARINE REPORT:The surface water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) remains in the high 60’s to low 70’s °F. Check out the following web sites for more detailed water temperatures and marine boating conditions:
12. STRIPED BASS fishing is fair to good on the major reefs and rip areas. The tube and worm combination and live lining scup, menhaden, hickory shad or eels, cut chunk bait on three way bottom rigs, and diamond jigs have been productive. Fishing spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Plum Gut, Thames River, Millstone Point, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor breakwaters to Charles Island, Penfield Reef, and around the Norwalk Islands.
13. Schools of BLUEFISH can be seen chasing peanut bunker in many of the harbors and river mouths. SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing remains good along the coastline.
14. SUMMER FLOUNDER (FLUKE) fishing is fair.
15. SCUP (PORGIES) fishing is good at any of the major reefs with some jumbos being caught (17+ inches).
16. Niantic River and Clinton Harbor are the hot spots for HICKORY SHAD.
17. Reports of BLUEFIN TUNA in the Race area are still being reported.
18. BLUE CRABBING is improving daily.

TheDay 9/9/05

1. Bass (40lbs plus) were caught at Watch Hill Reefs on live porgies.
2. Capt. Don's in Charleston said people with their boats in the Pawcatuck River are still getting fluke in 40-80 feet off Misquamicut on live mummies and fluke rigs.
3. Tourists and locals alike are buying Snapper Poppers for all the snapper blues around and kids are catching small blackfish from the shoreline rocks, unfortunately keeping some that were undersized. Shore anglers landed bass at Quonny on Thursday evening on black darters with a teaser. Don said if you didn't have the small teaser fly you didn't get a hit.
4. Capt. Al Anderson has been fishing offshore because of lack of bonito and schoolie bluefin on the inshore grounds. They had a good week with mahi to 12 pounds, both trolling and casting with light spin rods and 10-pound line on the high flyers south of the Dump. Their catches ranged from 12-24 fish per trip in bluer water as high as 81.5 degrees. They saw very few tuna landed during that time. Al said you had to steam down below 43400 to find any yellowfin at all.
5. Allen at Shaffers in Mystic said his boats found jumbo porgies over the long holiday weekend in deeper water on the rocky bottom between Wicopesset and Catumb. Fluke are still coming in and Allen expects to see them for about two more weeks.
6. A catch of fluke to 9.8 pounds in 50 feet of water off South Beach on the south side of Fishers Island last Friday. Blues were caught in NUMBERS from The Race and bass and blues from the Watch Hill Reef. Trolling lures and wire line at Watch Hill Reef caught bluefish and a 23-pound striper.
7. Jack at the Fish Connection said his charter on Wednesday had a nice catch of small to medium blues and a couple small bass casting around Race Rock and local waters. He did note the south side of Fishers Island was hard to fish because of big sea from the two hurricanes out in the Middle and South Atlantic. The Thames River had lots of small blues and some bass, a couple larger fish caught by chunkers within the last week around buoy 27.
8. The area around buoy 27 in the upper Thames is teeming with snapper blues and small bunkers. Also seen several schools of smaller blues on top over on the west side. She also wrote about five returns on bass tagged earlier in the river. One was recaptured up in Casco Bay, Maine, the others from New Jersey; still two others from Cape Cod. The two fish from the Cape were re-caught within a day of each other.
9. Capt. Brad Glas of the Hel-Cat reported another good week of bluefish catches, including the nasty weather last Wednesday. The blues were mostly medium-sized fish with a limited amount of stripers on the “right piece of the tide.” The Saturday night trip also landed a number of bluefish. The biggest fish of the week was a striper, a 13-pounder caught by Al Alfield of Springfield, Mass. They continue to sail 9 to 3 for blues in The Race and Saturday evening at 6 p.m. for ocean blues at famed Alligator Ledge.
10. Hillyers Tackle talked about lots of blues from The Race and some bigger ones chunked at various spot along outer Niantic Bay. Race Rock is but one suggestion for large porgies. Blackfish season is now closed for a short time, reopening on Sept. 22. Fluke were still caught but the end of that fishing is coming down the road.
11. Sherwood Lincoln of East Lyme ran his boat from Port Niantic on Monday to Charlestown for a limit catch of sea bass and porgies on one of the deeper humps off that town. Those drifting live porgies on the deeper humps off Black Point and Outer Bartletts caught some better bass if the bluefish left the baits alone.
12. Capt. Kyle Douton at J&B Tackle said their charter boat trolled up a bass somewhere in the high 50s to low 60s one evening at Valiant Shoal within the last seven days. Blue fishing in the day remains very strong and blackfish numbers took a spike over the weekend but is closed now for a short time. Trollers had long fin albacore and smaller yellowfin starting around 14650 X 43500 and working south to the 43400 line. Shakers landed blues and smaller makos around the Suffolk wreck or the Horns.
13. Jeff Frechette was back on the water, fishing in Block Canyon on the Maggie B, a 44-footer owned by a friend. They trolled a small mahi and 35-pound albie near the drop in the early morning then worked back up to the flats north of the Tail for 3 more mahi, five more albies and 2 skippies. The best color lure in the pattern was green/yellow. They had a large Black Bart way back in the spread looking for big boy but he didn't appear this time out. Biggest fish was a 40-pound long fin albacore.
14. Pat Abate at River's End weighed in fluke of 10 and 13 pounds this week caught by a pro using large baits in 120-plus feet of water. Smaller fluke continue to be caught in the 30-foot depths along the eastern Sound beaches along with a good report about large fluke and sea bass from the south side of Montauk. The smaller reefs are better for the largest porgies. Regulars getting live bait in Clinton landed large bass at Southwest Reef. This area is full of 4-8-pound blues; some are in along the beaches from Westbrook to Hatchetts Point chasing schools of small bunker.

NB Herald, 9/9/05

1. FISHING REPORT: Low water continues to challenge fishermen. Trout fishing remains good on the Farmington River. Just about 1,200 Seeforllan Brown Trout were stocked in the Peoples Forest area this last week.
2. Hatches include the Trico, Needhami, Isonychia,Blue Wing Olives, Sulphurs, Caddis, Black Beetles, Flying Ants and Golden Drake. Good late summer trout fishing can be found at a number of lakes and ponds including Crystal Lake East Twin Lake, Highland Lake and West Hill Pond.
3. Good reports for Largemouth Bass from Lake Zoar, Lake Lillinonah, Highland, Mashapaug, Candlewood, Cedar, Crystal, Bashan, Congamond, Wonoscopomuc, Quonnipaug Lakes, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Ball, Pachaug, and Squantz Ponds.
4. Some Smallmouth Bass action was reported from Mashapaug, Candlewood, Coventry and East Twin Lakes, Squantz Pond and the Housatonic River.
5. On the saltwater side striped bass fishing is fair to good on the major reefs Slow trolling the tube and worm or fishing with live baits have been effective for "cow" bass. Both Stripers and Bluefish can be caught off the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Plum Gut, Thames River, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area, Penfield Reef, and around the Norwalk Islands. School stripers and snappers are hitting most tidal rivers and coves.
6. Summer Flounder fishing remains hit or miss. Best spots include: the Stonington Harbor area, lower Mystic River, Groton Long Point, Black Point, Sound View Beach, Connecticut River, Long Sand Shoal, Six Mile Reef, Falkner Island, New Haven Harbor, and around the Norwalk Islands.
7. Bonito are reported in eastern LIS but the catch rate is very low. Fishing for these speedsters should improve with the approach of the full moon next weekend.

On The Water 9/8/05

1. This week, dirty water caused by those big rollers blown up here from the offshore tropical storms, coupled with off tides, has served to slow the overall bite down a couple of notches. The good news is that nearly all of our contacts are reporting incredible amounts of bait of many species around which bodes well for the remainder of the fall – providing we don’t get hit by too many major tropical storms or an early winter chill.
2. Cheryl Fee of Shaffer’s Marina, Mystic said that over Labor Day weekend they weighed in a 9.5-pound fluke caught off of Isabella Beach, Fishers Island. The guy who caught this decent fish went back the next day and couldn’t net a keeper fluke, so fishing here is like every place else, spotty at best.
3. Bass action has been mostly from schoolies, but they weighed a 24-pounder that was caught off Watch Hill Saturday on tube and worms. Snapper blues are thick and easy to catch up inside the Mystic River, along with a few hickory shad that are still around.
4. Big porgies are thick and easy to catch. A few blackfish came in over the weekend, but they will be the last until the season reopens on September 22. Customers are also reporting many small sea bass around.
5. Bluefish are hit and miss at the present time. Bass tube-trollers have been hampered by tons of seaweed that have been torn up by the rough seas. Cheryl also reported tons of needlefish and peanut bunker in the river and vicinity to feed all the predators that are, or will be, in the area this fall.
6. Captain Jack Balint of The Fish Connection, Preston on the Thames said the water is really dirty. There are some dangerously huge breakers crashing onto Catumb Rock and Sugar Reef, so keep an eye to sea if you fish these treacherous areas.
7. Captain Jack told us on Wednesday he caught fish at Race Point and Sugar Reef, but that the offshore storms are really making it difficult to fish due to all the junk in the water.
8. The Thames River is red hot for small bluefish and some school stripers right now. Joe Balint told me he’s been going out every evening after he closes the shop and has been easily finding and catching blues on poppers and other shallow-running lures. Most of the river’s fish are small, but there are big bass (20-pound class stuff) being caught on occasion by anglers chunking for bluefish.
9. He saw a ton of peanut bunker south of Fishers. Jack said his contacts and all of his searching indicate that there are not any false albacore in the area yet, but a few bonito are bouncing around from Bluff Point to Groton Long Point with the changing tides.
10. Jack said that there is still the occasional schoolie bluefin tuna being caught in The Race, but this phenomenon appears to be over. He did say that one customer said that a week or so ago he hooked a bluefish in The Race that was grabbed by a giant bluefin that instantly spooled the reel and broke off. Along the same lines, guys from one of the head boats said they had one up in their chum slick for a short while recently, but I wouldn’t drop what I’m doing and set up for giants in The Race at this point. It’s one of those oddball things that happens on occasion, especially during hot summers like this one.
11. The Fish Connection is holding its Fifteenth Year Anniversary Party and Customer Appreciation Sale September 17, and everyone is invited. They will have some factory representatives, along with an open grill and drinks.
12. Matt at Hillyer’s Bait and Tackle, Waterford said bluefish are all over the place, with The Race being the epicenter of this activity, as it always is this time of year. Blues are also thick off the local reefs, in the Millstone Point Outflow and up inside the bay. There have also been about as many snapper blues around as he has seen in many years.
13. There are some striped bass around to catch, but the blues are getting in the way, even after dark in The Race.
14. Porgy fishing is excellent on really big fish up to 16 and 17 inches long! Matt said he caught a few fluke along the south side of Fishers Island over the weekend, but the porgies constantly got in the way, causing them to change their drifts to new areas. The Bell Buoy is the porgy hot spot in Niantic Bay.
15. False albacore showed up off Giants Neck on Wednesday morning. But they were on the move and the customer who saw them never set the hook on one – but it’s a start.
16. Craig Andrews, this area’s big fluke specialist, caught a 13.5-pounder, probably somewhere in the deep waters off Niantic Bay. Craig doesn’t say where he fishes, but it’s generally in 100 feet or more, depths that few anglers even begin to fathom. Overall, fluke are slowing down. However, Matt said there are still a few fluke around to catch in the bay, and they always remain right through the end of the month and beyond if temps remain warm. All in all things are really good in the waters from Niantic Bay and Black Point to The Race and Sluiceway.
17. Pat Abate of River’s End Tackle, Saybrook said there has been some activity in the Connecticut River from school bass and bluefish up to about eight pounds on the surface. The bites are best early and late in the day. As usual, the Connecticut River always has the best fishing during the ebbing tide. He also noted that there are good numbers of schoolie bass along the Old Lyme Beaches, as well.
18. Nice fluke have been brought in this week, with the best being that same 13.5-pounder that Craig Andrews brought by Hillyer’s. Pat said the action from fluke has picked up big time off Montauk Point, one of the major staging areas that will be red hot from now until these fish move offshore a few weeks down the line.
19. Some bonito have been running the rips between Race Rock and Little Gull Island, but no false albacore have been reported. They have also heard about a few random catches of schoolie bluefins being made in The Race.
20. Captain Jerry Morgan of Captain Morgan’s Tackle, Madison told us that the beautiful weather and loads of bluefish have been the story in his area this week. Porgies are all over the place, with bigger bass being caught in the rips on eels after dark. A few schoolie-size bass up to low-end keepers are showing in the tidal pools and rivers along the coast, as would be expected this time of year. There are no albies or bonito around the Madison area at this time. A few adult bunker are moving into Clinton Harbor, with bluefish and bass in hot pursuit, but they are not always easy to find.
21. There are a few crabs in the local tidal rivers, with this area having perhaps the best crabbing in this region based on reports from Captain Morgan and the Connecticut DEP. For some reason, the middle portions of the state have suddenly had an influx of blue crabs, which in general have been scarce to non-existent so far.
22. Chris Fulton of Stratford Bait and Tackle in Stratford said there are tons of blues around his area that can be caught on top. Most of the reports this week came from the Housatonic River and protected areas due to the northeast winds that have blown for the past few days. Not many reports of bass anywhere. The chunkers couldn’t get out over the weekend due to the winds, so everyone was pretty much stuck in the river with all the small bluefish.
23. Recently, the story has been the wind. A few schoolie bass were caught on tube and worms around Charles Island over the weekend, but not much else has been reported in the striper department. One customer said he made a run from Madison to the Rhody line looking for false albacore and bonito and didn’t run into anything other than a few schools of small bluefish during his search. Porgies are hit and miss. However, Chris noted that there hasn’t been much targeted effort due to the winds.
24. Luke from Fisherman’s World, Norwalk said there are loads of bluefish on the surface all around the Norwalk Islands. They are taking about anything from flies to poppers. These fish are primarily small one- to three-pound “cocktail blues,” with fish to nine pounds not out of the question, and the occasional low-teen fish below these larger bluefish. There are tons of snapper blues around, as well. Again they are calling it a banner year for snapper blues here in the western end of the Sound, which bodes well for continued excellent bluefish action well into the next decade.
25. Fluke action has slowed lately like every place else along the coast as they begin to move out of the Sound with the approach of fall. There have been a few catches of fish in the five- to six-pound range, but generally it’s a slow pick on smaller fish. Oyster Bay and 11-B are the two places producing most of the local fluke, but it is slowing to a hit-and-miss situation here as it is to the east.
26. Bass have been hitting well early and late in the day on eels and plugs. Three-waying sand worms in deep water has also been producing good bass outside the islands in 125 feet around Buoy 11B. Buoy 28C has produced nice fish on chunks. Last week one angler caught a fluke, six blues and some keeper-size bass by chunking in this area.
27. This week it sounds like the best bet for sure-fire action will come from bottom-fishing for porgies about anywhere except the Stratford area, and bluefish everywhere from Norwalk to Newport. Bass are around, but look for them to be most active early or late in the day, with large fish being caught on eels, live hickory shad, porgies or even those cocktail blues when you can catch a one-pounder.

CT DEP 9/5/05 - Weekly Fishing Report

1. INLAND REPORT :LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is reported good in many lakes and ponds including Lake Lillinonah , Rogers, Powers, East Twin, Candlewood, Mamanasco, Amos (good numbers of bass in the 2-3 lb range), Wonoscopomuc, Congamond, Chamberlain, Maltby, Crystal, Powers, Winnemaug, Highland and Winchester Lakes, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, North Farms Reservoir, Breakneck Pond and Squantz Pond. Mixed reports for Lake Zoar.
2. SMALLMOUTH BASS action reported from Lake Lillinonah, Colebrook Reservoir, Powers Lake, Highland Lake, Candlewood Lake (fair), Squantz Pond, and the Housatonic River (continues to be excellent, try streamers and big flies).
3. Good reports for NORTHERN PIKE at Bantam Lake, Lake Zoar, Winchester Lake (some up to 24", reminder that the minimum length is 26”), Pachaug Pond and Hopeville Pond.
4. Some nice WALLEYE catches at Coventry Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir (including a 6.1 lb, 25.5" walleye) and Squantz Pond (a 27.5” walleye among the catches).
5. Anglers willing to go the “extra mile” may find some fair to good BLACK CRAPPIE (calico bass) fishing at Breakneck Pond.
6. SUNFISH are providing good late-summer fishing throughout the state, reports include Halls, Crescent, Dog and Hatch Ponds, Mamanasco Lake and Billings Lake.
7. TROUT:Rivers & streams - Temperatures have moderated and fishing should improve. Although this summer was hard on trout, anglers may find some trout in most streams that typically provide good early September fishing. Wild trout in high quality streams generally fared the best, although care should be taken when handing these fish, as they are still recovering from the stressful summer. Low flows in a number of the state’s streams also will continue to challenge trout anglers. Light line and leaders should work best for anglers in these conditions. Wild trout in high quality streams generally fared the best, although care should be taken when handing these fish, as they are still recovering from a stressful summer. Low flows in a number of the state’s streams also will continue to challenge trout anglers. Light line and leaders should work best for anglers in these conditions.
8. Trout fishing remains very good on the Farmington River. Flows remain clear and low (only about 105 cfs below the confluence with the Still River). Morning West Branch water temperatures are in the upper 50's °F below Hogback, increasing to the upper 60’s °F as you go downstream to the TMA. The continued presence of the Trico (#22-26, early morning) is offering anglers a challenge (spotty distribution). Other patterns to try include Isonychia (#10-12, fast water, evening), tiny Rusty Spinners (#22-26), Blue Wing Olives (#22-26, mid-late afternoon), Caddis (tan #18-20, all day; green #22-26, evening; summer pupa #18-20 morning), Midges (#22-32, morning), Black Ants (#14-20, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#16-18, mid day), Flying Ants (#18-22, mid day, when windy/humid), Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day) and Golden Drake (Potomanthus, #10-14, late evening).
9. Housatonic River Trout fishing has improved with the cooler temperatures (morning water temperature is 66°F in the TMA). Flows are clear but continue to be low, about 130 cfs at Falls Village. Insect hatches include Flying Ants (#18-22, mid-day, when windy/humid, September is peek month), Fall Sulfurs (#18), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22, early morning; spinner fall in evening), Isonychia (#12-14 evening, September is peek month), Rusty Spinner (#10-24), Cahill/Stenonema (#12-16, evening), and Black caddis (#16-18, early morning & evening). Try Black/Cinnamon Ants (#18-22, mid day in fast water), Black Beetles (#14-18, mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-10, mid day). Streamer patterns to try include White Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Micky Finn, and Grey or Black Ghosts (#4-10).
10. Lakes & Ponds – Good trout fishing reported from Squantz Pond, East Twin (24 trout for one angler; try from 8 pm-7 am) Lake, Highland Lake and Beach Pond.
11. Connecticut River – STRIPED BASS action is slow in the lower river. NORTHERN PIKE fishing has been good in the mainstem downstream from Hartford to Haddam Meadows. LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing is fair to good (best in lower river coves). CATFISH are providing great late summer action on cut bait (chunking) in the deeper holes of the river. Some BLACK CRAPPIE action reported (try small shiners in back coves).
12. MARINE REPORT:The surface water temperature in Long Island Sound (LIS) remains in the high 60’s to low 70’s °F.
13. STRIPED BASS fishing is fair to good on the major reefs and rip areas. Again, the tube and worm combination and live lining scup, menhaden, hickory shad or eels, cut chunk bait on three way bottom rigs, and diamond jigs have been productive. The “Race” has been the most consistent area for stripers and BLUEFISH. Other spots include the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, Plum Gut, Thames River, Millstone Point, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor breakwaters to Charles Island, Penfield Reef, and around the Norwalk Islands. Bluefish schools can be seen chasing peanut bunker in many of the harbors and river mouths.
14. SNAPPER BLUEFISH fishing remains good along the coastline.
15. SUMMER FLOUNDER (FLUKE) fishing is just fair for doormats. A lot of throwbacks are being reported especially in the rivers.
16. TAUTOG (blackfish) fishing is also fair.
17. SCUP (porgies) fishing is good at any of the major reefs with some jumbos being caught in Fishers Island Sound.
18. Niantic River and Clinton Harbor are the hot spots for hickory shad.
19. Reports of BLUEFIN TUNA in the Race area are still being reported as anglers using diamond jigs intended for bluefish occasionally hookup on one of these speedy torpedoes.
20. BLUE CRABBING is good and should steadily improve. Tidal creeks from Branford and to the east are producing good catches of “blue claws” after a dismal start this year.

NB Herald, 9/2/05

1. FISHING REPORT: River and stream fishing for trout is good to excellent statewide even though water levels are very low. The Farmington River offers the most consistent trout fishing for both bait and fly fishermen. Meal worms and garden worms are the best baits to use. Hatches remain similar to the past few weeks except for the appearance of the Trico. Other hatches include Needhami (early morning), Isonychia (evening), Blue Wing Olives (mid-late afternoon), Caddis (tan all day; green, evening), Black Ants (mid day), Black Beetles (mid day), Flying Ants (mid day), Stone Hopper (#8-12, mid day) and Golden Drake , (late evening).
2. Largemouth bass fishing is reported as good to very good in many lakes and ponds including Candlewood, Bantam, Winnemaug, Highland, Powers, Winchester, Congamond, Mashapaug, Wonoscopomuc, Cedar and East Twin Lakes, Scoville Reservoir, Pachaug and Moosup Ponds.
3. Smallmouth action is reported from Lake Housatonic, Lake Lillinonah, Mashapaug Lake, Candlewood Lake, Colebrook Reservoir, Squantz Pond, and the Farmington (Tarrifville area), Connecticut River (north of Hartford) and Housatonic Rivers
4. Striped bassfishing remains fair to good on the major reefs and rip areas. Dusk to dawn is the time to go during this time of year. Drift fishing live baits on three way rigs is getting the best results. Both Stripers and Bluefish can be caught at the usual spots: off the Watch Hill reefs, Ram Island Reef, the Race, Plum Gut, Thames River, Bartlett Reef, Black Point, the humps south of Hatchett Reef, Long Sand Shoal, Cornfield Point, Southwest Reef, Sixmile Reef, the reefs off Madison and Branford, New Haven Harbor, Charles Island area, Penfield Reef, and around the Norwalk Islands.
5. Snapper Bluefish are in the tidal creeks and coves
6. Summer Flounder fishing is spotty depending on the area but "doormats" in excess of 7 lbs. have been reported this past week. Fluke areas include: the Stonington Harbor area, lower Mystic River, Groton Long Point, Bloody Grounds to Black Point, Connecticut River and Long Sand Shoal.
7. A few bonito have been reported in The Race and in Rhode Island waters, but catches are sporadic as of this writing.

Conn Post, 9/3/05

• Bluefish deserve more attention from anglers as these fish are easy to find between New Haven and Norwalk. Most of the local bluefish range in the 1- to 3-pound class. While they lack significant size, they will provide plenty of action on small poppers and casting spoons. Those willing to troll umbrella rigs are hooking several fish in a single pass.
• Striped bass fishing is fair to good at all the usual rocky spots. Because of the hot weather, the better action has been after dark. Drift fishing over the deeper reefs with a live porgy, hickory shad or eel on a three way rig is the top method for hooking keeper-size bass. Tube-n-Worms tipped with sandworms or eel skins are also very effective when fishing the shallow points and grass lines.
• Sorintino of Monroe traveled offshore last week and returned with a 76-pound wahoo, a 287-pound blue marlin and a 150-pound yellow fin tuna. His trip is an example of how good the deep sea action has been off Montauk and Block Island. Also, school bluefin tuna have been reported in eastern Long Island Sound at the Race, Sluiceway and Plum Gut. Anglers attempting to catch bluefin or other tuna species, billfish and sharks must possess a National Marine Fisheries Service highly migratory species permit. Permit information can be found at www.nmfspermits.com.
• Bottom fishing on Long Island Sound has been spotty lately. But Rob Litzie Jr. of Stratford still managed to catch a 2-pound porgy off Middleground. Chris Hannon, also of Stratford, weighed in a 3.92-pound black sea bass at Stratford Bait & Tackle. Fluke are providing modest angling in Stonington Harbor, the lower Mystic River, off Long Point, Long Sand Shoal, Faulkner Island and Can No. 22. The better porgy fishing is east of New Haven or west of Norwalk. Some weakfish have been spotted off Northport.
• Freshwater anglers are doing very well with the panfish species. Crappie action is good to excellent at Silver Lake, Park Pond, Lake Zoar and Pachaug Pond. Sunfish are aggressively attacking tiny jigs in Long Meadow Pond, Perry Mill Pond, Lake Mohegan, Lake Housatonic, Woodcreek Pond, Lake Lillinonah, the Maltby Lakes and Mamanasco Lake. Yellow perch catches are fair to good in Crescent Lake, the Bantam River, Candlewood Lake, Tyler Pond and East Twin Lake. The Connecticut River is giving up loads of catfish, many of which exceed 24 inches. [org pub Connecticut Post, Frank McKane, Jr]

Norwich Bulletin, 9/3/05

1. Labor Day weekend has historically been a very active fishing weekend, especially for off-shore enthusiasts.
2. This is the time of year when those who are into off-shore fishing have the highest odds of hooking into billfish. This type includes white marlin (which get up to 100 pounds), blue marlin (running from 200 to 500 pounds or more), and swordfish ( at 100 to 500 pounds or more). But, at best, these fish are scarce and hard to hook.
3. More realistically an off-shore run to the continental shelf or canyons is likely to yield albacore, yellowfin, bluefin, or big-eye tuna along with mahi-mahi, wahoo and even king mackerel.
4. Closer to the mainland, sharks are all over the place and usually easy to chum up to a hook bait. Blue sharks are most common, but occasionally mako, porbeagle, thresher, and even the occasional great white sharks are drawn to chum slicks while sharking.
5. Mako's are the most prized of the shark species. Large, extremely fast swimming, powerful and totally nuts, these fish are above all unpredictable, with a reputation for jumping like a trained dolphin at the Mystic Marine Life Aquarium when hooked.
6. Southern migrants such as mahi-mahi, wahoo, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, even cobia may be encountered along with the tunas in the warm water hot spots that break off from the Gulf Stream and blow in shore along the continental shelf.
7. This is how all the odd ball stuff we catch along the beaches here every summer get into our near shore waters.
8. This time of year the inshore fishing will begin building to a climax that will occur some time next month when bluefish, striped bass, bonito, Spanish mackerel and false albacore move into the Long Island Sound and find all the bait being offered.
9. Two requirements for great fall fishing is water temperatures remaining high as long as possible, the presence of bait and weather conditions that allow us to get out on the water to enjoy whatever Mother Nature provides in the way of runs.
10. This is not unusual, it happens every summer in the waters from Newport to Point Judith and Nebraska Shoal, with occasional sightings and accidental catches made from Watch Hill to the Race. What was unusual is the fact they stuck around for five weeks.
11. During this time, many anglers in this area caught them both accidentally and by intent. They are gone for now, but may come back through, later in the fall.
12. Stripers are at their seasonal low but can be caught after dark along rocky shorelines, off the Watch Hill Reef Complex, or out in the Race on live eels, live scup, hickory shad or small bluefish.
13. Fluke action is a slow pick, as its been all season. Last week, Cheryl Fee said her customers did as well in the waters of Mystic and Stonington as they did when they burned all the gas to get to Fishers Island or Rhode Island waters.
14. If fluke or other species can't be caught, find a reef, rock pile, jetty, or channel marker and odds are there will be some scup down there to catch. [org pub Norwich Bulletin, Bob Sampson, Jr.]

On The Water 9/3/05

• The poor weather of the early part of this week and predictions of miserable weather over the weekend, combined with the end-of-summer, back-to-school lull in fishing activity, only put a temporary slowdown on what was apparently a pretty good bite over last weekend.
• Cheryl Fee of Shaffer’s Marina, Mystic said they weighed in striped bass of 34 and 36 pounds on Saturday that were caught off Watch Hill on tube-and-worm rigs. Fluke fishing remains good off the beaches. Misquamicut was hot in 40 to 50 feet of water, leading up to the recent bad weather. Even better was the fact that Cheryl said White Rock and the Monastery were producing, as well as the beaches.
  
• The bluefish are snapping lots of fluke and striper baits off throughout the area and are never very hard to find, especially early and late in the day when they pop up to feed on the bait they push to the surface around reefs and rock piles. Race Point and the waters from there to Valiant Rock are always holding top-water feeding blues if you can put up with the traffic and miserable waves.
• In close, Latimer Light and Ram Island Reef have both been producing bass and bluefish. Tube and worms are the ticket for bass; nearly anything one casts and twitches will take bluefish.
  
• Tons of peanut bunker and squid are thick at local reefs. The fluke are on the squid, and other faster-swimming stuff is feeding on the bunker.
• Porgies are big but not quite as plentiful this week. Scup are even being caught up inside the Mystic River from shore. Some big sea bass were caught over the weekend up to 25 inches but no specifics as to where. No blackfish yet but they should begin moving inshore soon.
• Rennie at The Fish Connection, Preston on the Thames told us the river has been slow, producing mostly small bluefish and small school stripers at a 5 to 1 blue to bass ratio. Crabbing has been poor to horrible this summer on the river. The good thing is that there are tons of small bait in the river to draw the big stuff in anytime now.
• Outside in the Sound, customers are chasing fluke with “so-so” success along the Rhody beaches and on the south side of Fishers Island. The island has dropped off a good deal in its fluke production since the last report.
• There was a school of bonito off Pleasure Beach, Waterford about a week ago and some sightings off of Pine Island around that time, which means they are starting to build up in numbers for the fall blitzes that are to come – hopefully.
• Nothing much is happening on the freshwater scene. Bass are a pick in most lakes. Trout are pretty much shot except in the Farmington River; area streams are probably pretty much dead by now. Remember, the thermal no-fish zones are in effect now. Check the regulation book for specifics on the large rivers in the area.
• Richard at Hillyer’s Bait and Tackle, Waterford said that prior to the nasty weather, fluke fishing had slowed a good deal in the bay and vicinity. It could be the winds and tides at odds lately, but it also could mean the fluke are starting to move out with fall’s approach.
• Blackfish action is picking up. A few customers are targeting them between the bridges and even from boats. There are loads of bluefish and bass around. Millstone outflow and The Race are the two hot spots for bluefish.
• The water is full of bait in the Niantic Bay area like every place else. Richard said he walked down by the river before he went to work on Wednesday and the area between the bridges was full of bait for the first time in a while.
• “Q” of River’s End, Saybrook said the porgies are on fire everywhere. He caught a bunch of them up to 17 inches while looking for sea bass last week. Striped bass fishing has been slow in their area.
• Bluefish are thick in The Race and in Plum Gut as always at this time, with a few bonito mixed in at the Gut. Southwest Reef has been yielding good bluefish for those fishing deep with bait.
• Fluke have slowed in the river. Pat concluded this due to the fact he has not heard anything specific lately from customers saying they were catching fluke from the lower Connecticut River like they were three weeks ago. However, a few locals are still taking summer flounder, with some effort, off of Sound View, along the Lyme shoreline.
• Madison: Despite the waves on Wednesday, there were people out fishing and coming in soaking wet, talking about taking both bass and blues along the shore. There are loads of blues and snappers around to catch once the winds stop blowing so dam hard. The captain believes that this bad weather should “kick the fish into gear” for the fall. Fluke fishing is good off the beaches, and customers are even catching them while fishing for snappers when their jigs and spoons drop down deep near the bottom.
• Stratford, told us that prior to the blow there were four- and five-pound bluefish up inside the Housatonic that had trapped bait. In the process, they provided anyone who happened by with constant action. Good numbers of fluke in the river but no keepers. The snapper action has been phenomenal this year. The marinas are chock-full of snappers for kids and adult fans. Bass are hit and miss, mostly miss. Those who are catching stripers are heading east to do it.The river is full of bait, which bodes well for the next couple of weeks when things start shaping up for the fall runs.
  
• Rick from Fisherman’s World, Norwalk said there are still loads of bluefish around, although not many over 13 pounds. They heard of a bonito being caught midweek by one customer who trolled midsound for bluefish with an umbrella rig.
• Fluke are as good as they get this far west, with fish of six to seven pounds being caught off Buoy “11-B.” The better catches are being made with live snapper blues on the slack tides when drifts are slow. Strips of squid and fresh bunker are better on the running tides and on windy days in places such as Bayville, Oyster Bay, Byram River and Captains Island off Greenwich. These are the last few weeks for fluke as things shut down when water temps begin to drop.
• Swordfish, bigeye and big yellowfins are coming in from the “hundred square.” Everyone is happy because they are hooking big blue marlin and wahoo on a regular basis, and people have been consistently landing the biggest dolphin ever from our “local offshore waters.”
• Rick had a report from Darien Hill Beach, which is near Sherwood Island, where the customer said he encountered an all-out bass blitz on fish that weighed up to 20 pounds. The guy said he was catching snappers for fluke bait when all hell broke loose.
  
• Once the hurricane situation has eased, look for continued excellent fishing from bluefish and scup. Bass are holding their own but will still be a night-bite for another couple weeks. Bonito are moving this way, no albies yet, but they will probably be in the report next week or the week after. Fluke have been tough all year so don’t expect them to improve at this late date. This is the time of year when anything can and does happen, especially when fishing along the edge of the shelf.