Rivers End, Old Saybrook, 6/4/09

STRIPED BASS--- We're back to mid day outgoing tides in the Connecticut River this weekend with fairly bright days forecast. It might be time to think about swinging over to the night shift or tying on the tube and worm. We are also in a full moon period which also is not the best for casting. The best opportunities might be to leave the River at night and try Long Sand Shoal on the ebb or Hatchetts on the flood tide. Daytime reports from live bait drifters have been fair at those spots, I think night moves will fare better. Some reports are starting to come in from Watch Hill with activity in the rips but still no confirmation of a solid squid run. Reports from the Cape have been better than we've heard in a few Springs.

Word from the Race and Plum Gut has been bass on the smaller side and some more blues than bass on day tides. We have had reports of some larger bass near Millstone.
There are a lot of reports coming in from all over the Northeast of good small baitfish numbers. Theres a load of large sandeels in the Race to Watch Hill area as well as the smaller variety, mixed sizes of the same from Montauk to Stellwagen Bank. Striped anchovies from Montauk to the Elizabeth Islands. Locally there seems to be fewer bunkers, at least we don't have as many as we had two weeks ago. Will there be a change in the summer forage?

BLUEFISH--- The bluefish population seems to be on the upswing based on what we've seen so far. Sizes are very mixed and that may be a good sign for the future, it may be a good time to invest in soft bait companies. The Race, Gut and Southwest Reef have been good. The mouth of the Connecticut River has been good considering that most of the blues are being caught accidentally. Theres been some blues showing up at the Westbrook Town Beach the last few nights.

PORGIES--- The first reports came in this week of some small porgies in the Niantic area.

SALTWATER LICENSE---- I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the license bill has passed both state houses. Effective June 15th this year you will need a license to fish this states marine waters. [Pat Abate, Rivers End Tackle, Old Saybrook]