Above: Cod fishing has been good aboard the Frances Fleet, with pool-winning fish in the high teens.
Connecticut & Rhode Island Fishing Report – 1/16/2020 Update: Let’s be honest…the weather is not looking very favorable for fishing this weekend. After a nice stretch of unseasonably mild temperatures that allowed fishermen to get out and enjoy some open water freshwater fishing and holdover striper fishing, the forecast is colder and windier with some accumulating snow on Saturday. The good news is that the Hartford Boat Show is happening through Sunday at Mohegan Sun, and along with hundreds of boats, kayaks, and accessories (including fishing gear) to check out, you can visit the On The Water booth to renew your subscription or pick up your Striper Cup package.
The other good news is that temperatures look plenty cold through next week to make some good ice. With nights dipping into the single digits, next Thursday’s update should have some ice-fishing options to discuss.
Here’s a quick fishing report roundup:
The Frances Fleet in Narragansett got out on Tuesday and Wednesday and found some very good cod fishing south of Block Island. With few dogfish and cod into the teens, it sounds like it’s time to hop on a headboat (next time the weather allows).
Black Hawk Sportfishing out of Niantic enjoyed some great fishing this week as well. They found plenty of ling and bergals mixed in with quality cod. They are planning to head back out Saturday ahead of the storm.
The crew at Three Belles Outfitters in Niantic is at the Hartford Boat Show this weekend, and they are signing up anglers for their big TBO Trifecta kayak fishing tournament. Stop by to talk fishing and check out the new Hobie Pro Angler 360!
You’ll find Black Hall Outfitters at the Hartford Boat Show at Mohegan Sun as well, where they’ll have some great offers on all Old Town and Ocean Kayaks.
Want to get in on the RI bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Rhode Island.
Connecticut & Rhode Island Fishing Report – 1/9/2020 Update: Cold this week, warm this weekend – the up-and-down winter weather continues to frustrate anglers hoping for accessible ice. While there is some localized safe is in NW Connecticut, Saturday’s weather will put an end to that. More fishermen are heading to Northern New England to find safe ice for trout, pike, and bass.
Big seas have limited trips to the cod grounds, but when Captain Mike of the Frances Fleet in Narragansett got out on Monday, he found a good showing of cod with as many keepers as shorts and the biggest fish in the low teens. There were plenty of monster cunners in the mix as well.
CJ Adams of Black Hawk Sportfishing reported live from the boat on January 7 that while the day started out promising for cod fishing it ended up being a grind. Keepers were caught, and they will continue to sail when the weather allows. As always, check out their website or Facebook page for details and reports!
Josh at Three Belles Outfitters in Niantic reported that schoolie striper fishing in the tidal rivers has been pretty good, with some fishermen finding success on jigs and others doing better on Alabama rigs. Fishermen using larger artificials after dark are connecting with occasional fish over 20 pounds. Freshwater anglers across southern CT are taking advantage of the ample open water opportunities. Northern pike and panfish action has been excellent.
Our friends at Black Hall Outfitters are packing up for the 2020 Hartford Boat Show at Mohegan Sun, which starts next Thursday, January 16, where they’ll have some great offers on all Old Town and Ocean Kayaks.
Want to get in on the CT bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Connecticut.
Connecticut & Rhode Island Fishing Report – 1/2/2020 Update: Happy New Year! Not much has changed in the Rhode Island fishing report this week. Warm days have provided some open-water options, like cod fishing aboard the Frances Fleet. On Sunday, Captain Rich of the Frances Fleet in Narragansett reported a mixed day on the cod grounds. They started out on some new ground and it was dead, then took a ride, set the boat on a drift and started picking. High hook boxed 6 keeper cod to 12 pounds, and a few others had 3-4 each. Stay tuned for the next weather window.
“Tuesday and Wednesday and found some very good cod fishing” I was fishing another boat right next to the Frances fleet on Wednesday. It was the slowest groundfish trip I’ve ever seen. The other 5 party boats next to us weren’t doing any better.