Bonito seem to be spreading out and increasing in numbers; while the albies can’t be far behind. Bottom fishing is consistent as ever and the same can finally be said for the bluefishing.
Rhode Island Fishing Report
Captain Matt, of The Frances Fleet in Narragansett, reported a slightly slower but very steady week for most of their trips. The final marathon trip started slow with wind against tide, but things started to turn around mid-morning. High hook managed a limit of fluke to 9-pounds, and there was a full boat limit sea bass to 5-pounds. Matt also reported that the full and half day trips have been a little slower than in previous weeks, but that’s mainly because they were so spoiled over the last few weeks. The fishing is still above average, and multiple anglers caught limits of fluke to 8-pounds or so. The half day trips will continue to sail twice a day through September 3rd. The nighttime bass trips have been strong and they will be having one more this upcoming Friday!
Captain Russ, of The Seven B’s in Snug Harbor, reported that things started to pick up in local waters this week. The fluke fishing improved around the inshore beaches and the sea bass fishing remains excellent. The sea bass is at its peak at the perfect time, as the limit goes to seven fish on September 1st. Captain John had a full boat charter last weekend that ended up being a great day. They had a number of big fluke to 11+ pounds and a full boat limit of sea bass. Half day trips will run through Labor Day, and private charters are still available on the Jeannie B.
Dave, at Ocean State Tackle in Providence, told me that things remained pretty steady since last week. The bonito bite has improved slightly with fish moving to the west of Point Judith. Block Island remains red hot for striped bass and sea bass. The fluke fishing improved quite a bit around the local beaches this week, and some bigger bluefish have moved into the area as well.
Watch Hill Outfitters in Westerly reported that the striped bass fishing remains as steady as ever at the island; while the local bite has been great along the beaches, although it is mainly smaller fish. There was an uptick in the local fluke fishing this week, with most coming from 60+ feet of water. Black sea bass has been excellent all over, just in time for the limit increase. Green bonito seem to be getting a little thicker along the South County beaches, with shore and boat anglers scoring.
Connecticut Fishing Report
Andrew, at Fishin Factory 3 in Middletown, has received confirmed albie reports from his friends on the Vineyard, so it won’t be long now! Andrew has the shop fully stocked with all your hardtail gear, and the season should be great if the massive amount of peanut bunker is any indication. 20-pound class striped bass have been popping up in the mouth of the river and in the New London area, with the best catches coming after dark. Bluefish have finally started to show, with small ones feeding on peanuts all over the place and larger ones targeting adult bunker at the mouth of the river. Fluke has slowed in the sound, but is very strong at the Windmills and deep water of South County.
Lou, at Hillyers in Waterford, saw a good number of big fluke hit the scale in the past week or so. 3 fish in the 10-13 pound range came in, along with a number of other quality keepers. Striper fishing has been a bit slow locally, outside of some decent catches from the local shoreline after dark, but some nice fish have been coming from The Race and Sluiceway. Bluefish have finally started to move in and there have been some blitzes throughout Niantic Bay. Sea bass and scup remain very steady and the snappers are still around in good numbers.
Mike Roy, of Reel Cast Charters, reported that the topwater bite remains red hot. He has had no problem finding some good bass on top, and the bluefish have finally arrived in full force. Bigger bass are also getting a bit more prevalent, especially when fishing live baits around dusk or after dark. A few of his clients have requested doing some bottom fishing for scup and sea bass, and they have had no problem filling coolers when they’ve tried.
Heather, at Blackhawk Sportfishing, told me that the long awaited arrival for quality bluefish has finally come, and the diamond jigging for them has been the flavor of the week. The Race is loaded with some good fish and the big moon tides resulted in some great action. In addition to the blues, they have been able to fill some jumbo coolers with some jumbo sea bass on most trips. Sea bass, scup and fluke are all very steady and there is no sign of it slowing down. They will sail 7 days a week at 7 am, with most trips targeting bottom fish; while bass and bluefish trips will be on Sundays and Mondays. Be sure to check with Heather in the office for updated sailing schedules.
Captain TJ, at Rock and Roll Charters, put a hurting on the bluefish this week, with big numbers of fish ranging from 4-14 pounds. Scup remains red hot and there is no shortage of hub caps out there. The fall run is right around the corner and TJ still has openings through November 16th.
Black Hall Outfitters reports that bluefish are finally being caught in good numbers, with the best catches coming on diamond jigs and on the troll. Striped bass fishing has been best for surfcasters and those fishing tight to shore after dark. Eels have been the top producer, but large plugs seem to working very good as well. Bonito are in good supply from westerly to point Judith west wall. Even hitting some topwater plugs. Try skipping your jigs across the surface if you are striking out.
At Fishermans World in Norwalk, word is that anglers are finally targeting and finding bluefish in good numbers. The best action seems to be in the central sound, along the deeper reefs. Scup action is tremendous out west and the sea bass action is improving as well. Striper action has hit a lull, but some pigs are still popping up here and there for those chunking after dark. Snapper blues are all over the place and are providing some light tackle action until the albies arrive.
Rhode Island Fishing Forecast
September is just about here but the summer seems to be far from over if you’re looking at the thermometer. The summer bottom fishing action has been steady as ever for all species and the Rhode Island sea bass regulation change this weekend will be an added bonus. Block Island is still putting up some nice striped bass and a few slammers can be found in the sound if you work after dark. Despite the warm temperatures, it wouldn’t surprise me if I was writing about the first confirmed false albacore catches off Rhode Island at this time next week. Either way it won’t be long now, so make sure your gear is ready!