Captain Morgan, Madison, CT

• Fair winds and following seas made for outstanding fishing. Wave action was minimal with periods of flat calm making runs to fishing grounds much different than during recent windy conditions. Of course, that changed slightly as the sun warmed the surface. Noticeably, boat traffic increased during daylight hours however in periods of prime striper time, drifts/trolls were manageable.
• Bluefish continue to pour into the Sound adding to the top water excitement resulting in more wharf and jetty fishermen hooking up. From 'taylors' to 'choppers,' schools of blues are working rip lines taking poppers, spoons and chunks. Often it's non-stop action even with schools of bunker being spotty. Most reefs and shoals are subject to marauding blues feeding on silversides, sand eels and a host of other finfish. Try jigging a Grim Reefer or casting a Tension lure.
• Striper 'catching' remains strong with Salty swimmers/pencil poppers, 'peanuts' and 'slashbaits' scoring among casters and light trollers fishing near shore structure. During pre-dawn hours, anglers drifting and jerking wire are hooking up with tricked out poly feathers/chutes. After that, look for small bass and blues nipping at your bait. The eel bite is increasing while an assortment of whole live baits are bringing up 'cows' from the bottom. Fish 'low and slow' and farther back from the rip line for big ones. Mieg's Point, Faulkner's, Southwest, The Six and Brown's have been good choices.
• Scup/porgy fever is catching nearly everyone. Reefs and shoreline humps are holding slab porgies while other scattered spots are being adopted by new smaller fish. It's hard to miss the bite around Faulkner Island, Kimberly or Charles reefs. Great family fun and good eat'n too, these fish are fun to catch on light gear and an excellent way to introduce anyone to saltwater fishing.
• Fluke numbers have increased especially along the CT shoreline. Where the 'big one' will be caught is anyone's guess but those drifting sandy bottoms, shoals and deepwater humps/holes are catching doormats. By count, there still are plenty of 'shorts' to sift through but many anglers are rewarded with dinner plus catches for their efforts.
• Blue crabs are in the tidal rivers and drainage ponds with larger 'jimmies' showing up along with smaller 'sallies.' A unique trap like the 'new' throwing Crab Grabber makes catching easier by being able to pitch it some distance while locking crabs in for keeps. The convenient bait cage keeps bait secured and by design, the Crab Grabber rights itself on the bottom.