Bluefish: The Season’s First Surprise

An early stretch of hot summer weather gave way to more spring-like temperatures as showers and wind embraced Long Island Sound. After a few 80-degree plus days, things began to settle down to where early morning temps slipped into the 40s and then gradually climbed to the 60 and 70s. Shoreline water temps hovered around the 50s; mid-Sound ones were about the same.

As rain and run-off from the tidal rivers mixed with the salty pond, more anadromous fish sought those avenues and filled the rivers. Bait numbers increased, as did the numbers of striped bass and bluefish. The springtime striper bite is on with both schoolies and keeper-size bass mainly being caught from shore and within running distance of Faulkner’s Island.

Kayakers are jumping on this early bass bite casting and tube’n worming in key tidal rivers. Local reefs and shoreline structure are likely spots for hook-ups. Be prepared for a tow or two especially when one of those 35- to 40-inch holdover linesiders takes a liking to your bait. Mixed in will be some early Hudson fish that have made their way down. Most though, are still in New York waters. Soon, the “Chessies” will follow.

Harbor blues have been showing up with a few of the bigger boys tightening up the ranks. Shad and menhaden have been the draw along with river herring so it’s time for some chunk bait and look-alike artificials. Stripers have been taking seaworms, eels, soft plastics, and jigs.

White perch catches also reported.