Rivers End 8/4/06

1. STRIPED BASS- Its as good as August fishing gets. We haven't seen bunkers like this in 15 years and its the reason the bass are hanging around. Using live bunker or hickory shad at Long Sand Shoal, Hatchetts, Black Point and some of the other reefs has yielding bass up to 50 lbs. The best action seems to be the daybreak bite. The bunker can be found at the Breakwater and the shoreline from Fenwick to Cornfield. Westbrook Harbor is also loading up on bunker. The day bite at the Race and Gut has slowed but the night bite is still good. Schoolies have been on the surface at Hatchetts, Bartletts and Watch Hill Reef feeding on small herring and butterfish.
2. BLUEFISH- The blues have also found the bunker schools and have been trying to steal snagged baits. They have also been on the surface at Long Sand Shoal, Hatchetts and just outside the River. Popping plugs have been providing some fast action. Sizes range from 1 to 8 pounds. The Race, Pigeon Rip and Plum Gut have their usual summer guests.
3. SNAPPER BLUES- They're pretty spread out in most estuaries. Blackhall River, Causeway, Dep Piers all are good.
4. FLUKE- Good reports this week with the most consistent ones coming from Misquamicut. Isabella is good and the deep waters off Black Point are yielding some doormats. Don't just bypass the River. If the traffic will let you theres some decent fishing in the channel from the mouth of North Cove to the Breakwater.
5. PORGIES- Some big ones at Hatchetts, Cranes and Bartletts. Still no big numbers.
6. Bonito- A few being caught at Bartletts, the Race and Watch Hill.
7. BLUE CRABS- Best catches are coming from the coves behind Great Island. Some decent catches also coming from Oyster River and South cove.