The wind has made the hardtail hunt difficult, but they’re out there in certain areas; while the bottom fishing for sea bass, scup and tautog in Rhode Island remains steady for another week.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory III in Middletown, told me everyone is still on the hunt for false albacore, but the constant wind this week has made things difficult. There has only been a handful of local sightings, but reports from Rhode Island seem to be picking up, so hopefully they aren’t too far away. Spanish mackerel continue to be prevalent in Connecticut, with the best reports from the Jordan Cove area. Fluking has just about died out unless you head to Montauk. There are still plenty of sea bass in local waters, and the blackfish reports have been very strong in Rhode Island. If you’re looking for striped bass you shouldn’t have any trouble finding school fish, and you might luck out with some 20-pound class fish in the mix.
Mike Roy, of Reel Cast Charters, told me that the fall run seems to be underway with plenty of bass, bluefish and a mix of funny fish. Spanish mackerel are abundant, while false albacore and bonito are starting to show up here and there. The fish are spitting up all sorts of bait; butterfish, anchovies, silversides, peanuts and squid; so, the menu is full. Bottom fisherman are still finding easy limits of big sea bass and some nice scup.
Heather, from Black Hawk Sportfishing, reports another strong week of bottom fishing. Jumbo porgies and huge sea bass continue to come over the rails in good numbers, along with a good mix of triggerfish. They are only running one trip per day at this point on the weekends, leaving at 6 AM. Trips are filling up about a week ahead of time, so be sure to book as early as possible!
Captain Chris, of Elser Guide Service, told me that the highlight of the week was some monster bluefish on topwater plugs earlier in the week. His fly and light-tackle customers are still hooking up with plenty of bluefish and Spanish Mackerel from New Haven to Norwalk. Hardtail reports have been quiet, but there have been a few local hookups, so things are looking up hopefully.
Max at Fisherman’s World in Norwalk reports an uptick in small striped bass action since the cooler weather has started to settle in. They have been very active at dawn and dusk and will most any small offering. Anglers dropping the diamond jig have seen a decrease in bluefish sizes, but action remains steady. There are still a few decent fluke hanging out in the western sound, and they can be found in shallow water. Cash in on that bite before it’s too late! Spanish mackerel can be found throughout the area, especially around Penfield and Cockenoe Island. False albacore and bonito have been non-existant out there but are hopefully not too far away. Scup, sea bass and snapper bluefish action all remains steady in the usual haunts.
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Rhode Island Fishing Report
The Frances Fleet in Point Judith reports that they have continued to focus more on scup and sea bass, as the fluke fishing seems to have died off. Sea bass and scup limits have been common, with sea bass to 5-pounds and hubcap scup to 3-pounds. They are also starting to see a few cod in the mix close to home. They will switch over to their full cod schedule, sailing daily at 7 am as of September 19th. The tuna trips are nearly sold out, so be sure to book soon if you want to get in on the action! Reservations for all trips can be made on the website.
Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, told me that strong numbers of albies, bluefish and stripers have moved into the upper and are providing good topwater action on the calmer days (which are few and far between lately). Some nice bass and bluefish can be found in the Seekonk River as well. Tautog have been hitting tog jigs and crabs at Coddington Cove, Colt State Park, Conimicut and most of the hard structure in the area. Scup fishing remains strong in the usual haunts including India Point Park and Kettle Point. Freshwater anglers are catching largemouth on shiners at Olney Pond, Stump Pond and Turner Reservoir, while trout fishing is slowly starting to pick up.
Captain Connor, at Tall Tailz Charters in Newport, told me that the fishing off Newport has been nothing short of amazing. Most of the coastline, as well as the mouth of the Bay and the Sakonnet River have been loaded with good sized albies, along with some large bluefish. The fish haven’t been shy and are usually willing to hit a variety of offerings. Williamson lures Goname jig has had the most success, matching both peanut bunker and anchovies. Tautog fishing has been steady and will only pickup as the water cools. Big sea bass and scup remain plentiful and are common bycatch while targeting tog. Striped bass fishing has been a bit slower, but there are some good ones for those putting their time in. They still have a few available dates for October, so be sure to book soon.
Captain Kelly, of C-Devil II Sportfishing, reports that the great fishing continues inshore, with a nice mix of large striped bass and plenty of slot fish. The false albacore are around in full force out their way, and they have been hitting epoxy jigs and deadly dicks this week. Sea bass and cod continue to fil the coolers, and the tautog are moving in nicely. Check the live calendar on the website for fall dates.
Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Rhode Island.
Connecticut Fishing Forecast
False albacore and bonito reports continue to improve in the eastern parts of Rhode Island, but things have been quiet to the west. The tough winds this week have probably assisted in the lack of reports, but there is certainly enough bait, so let’s hope they spread out soon. CT anglers can still find plenty of topwater action, with plenty of Spanish macks, school bass and mixed sizes of bluefish. Bottom fishing for sea bass and scup remains steady in both states, and the tautog action continues to go strong throughout Rhode Island.