Riversend Tackle

• STRIPED BASS- The bunker moved back in force this morning from Westbrook to New London and beyond. While theres mostly blues on them the bass aren't too far away. Even though last weeks weather may have felt like fall its still the dog days of August as far as bass go. Theres been a few big bass reported from Hatchetts and Southwest on live bait and I believe we're still knocking off the remainder of summer residents. The Race has had some medium sized bass if you can get through the blues.
• The schoolies are running fair to good for August along the shoreline from Old Saybrook to Waterford. Rhode Island beaches have also had a good population of small bait and adult bunker with mixed sizes of bass. Theres been schoolies at the Causeway bridges near daybreak.
• BLUEFISH- Just in time for the WICC Contest the blues have sent in the reserves. Bunker schools have increased and drawn more blues close to shore. The Connecticut River was good this morning with choppers busting the bunker schools. Theres been intermittent blitzes all week when the two parties get together. The Race, Plum Gut have a good bunch of mixed sizes but the bigger boys tend to be in or near the River and smaller reefs.
• SNAPPERS- Snappering seems to have leveled out this week with fish still running below 6". The Causeway, DEP Piers and Town Dock are good bets.
• FLUKE- We had some good reports this week from Black Point but not much from the shallower waters. Theres been some decent reports from NY around the Ruins and Gardiners. Don't give up on the last roundup, we should see some good doormats these next two weeks.
• PORGIES- Good sized porgies are on the local reefs in fair numbers. Cranes, Cornfield, Hens and Chickens as well as Hatchetts are all worthwhile.
• BONITO- Bonito reports are waning this weeks as rumors of False Albacore are increasing. There have been a few credible odd one fish catches in the Sound. They are on the Vineyard now and thats a good sign, we should see some by weeks end.
• BLUE CRABS- Very good reports came in this week for both trappers and scoopers. All the coves in the lower River had good catches for traps and most pilings in the marinas are being worked hard.