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Fall Fishing for Fun and the Freezer

We certainly got a taste of fall during the new moon cycle and so did the fishery as fishing got a shot in the arm with the drop in water temperatures. Fish are on the move and it’s a question of where to spend one’s time. This is the time of year where fishing for fun and fishing for the freezer seem combative, although they can be mutually compatible.

Since fall fishing generally happens post-spawn, it makes sense that fish are looking to replenish energy or bulk up for a journey back to their winter waters. Consequently, it seems the entire food chain is in high gear, including species that are now exploring our waters. To take advantage of this circumstance and maximize effort, fishers are best served when following tidal changes. By doing so, one can capitalize on a bluefish, striped bass, weakfish, sea bass, scup, and even a ‘tog bite—all in the same day.

All one needs is to figure out are the best times these fish feed and the likely spots. Usually, moving tides favor large predators, while subdued tides favor smaller reef and rock pile dwellers. Of course, there is always the exception, but for the key fisheries open now, that’s the general rule of thumb.

The daily recreational limits for stripers (one), bluefish (10), weakfish (one), sea bass (five), scup (30), and ‘togs (four as of Monday, Oct. 10) are easily attainable and can be caught through the end of December. Except for scup, we aren’t talking about a lot of fish to catch or clean. In fact, most fishers only keep a few blues to be grilled that day. So, if you want to fish for both fun and the freezer, there are multiple ways to maximize your effort with the opportunities at hand. Just keep in mind that the seals will be eyeballing your catch, as well.

On the Water

Water temperatures in Long Island Sound dropped as much as four degrees to 70 in the past week. After all, it is October, a month known for swings in air temperatures, chilly nights, foggy conditions, and choppy seas. We did have some decent rainfall, which, unfortunately, did little to alleviate drought conditions and forced some fishers to hug dockside. All in all, fishing is more than living up to what a good early fall is supposed to be and then some, especially during the recent new moon.

In-shore action is hot with small- to medium-size stripers charging from their grassy hideouts to satisfy their appetites. Poppers, swimming jigs, and live eels are getting solid reactions despite the numbers of menhaden available. The offshore reefs are also producing more linesiders, but again, more of the action has been found closer to shore. Those anglers fishing lighter gear seem to be having more hookups in and around tidal rivers and the beaches, but are occasionally getting spooled. If looking for a big gal, check out a few of the offshore reefs like Cornfield Point, Long Sand Shoal, Faulkner’s north rip, and outer Southwest. Also try drifting eels, mac chunks, or bucktails. Now is one of the best times to hook into a memorable linesider or even a weakfish.

Tremendous bluefish action continues. Thick bait schools remain prevalent, however, blues are just as apt to take a taste of those as a flashy spoon or popper. One is likely to hook into a harbor as a 15-pounder and the ensuing tug of war will wake up even the most alert fisher. Many anglers are taking advantage of the numbers of fish available and are opting to fish for them on light setups or to break out the fly gear. Central to eastern Sound is experiencing outstanding action, including both inshore and offshore waters, as well as many of the lower tidal rivers. Snappers are about 10 inches and on the move, so you’ll have to seek out the action.

Bonito and albies are slicing through the Sound and the best shot for hooking into one of these speedsters is by a rip. These sight feeders are attacking schools of small baitfish (anchovies) and using thin-profile, fast-moving lures, or either flies will tip the odds in your favor. However, I have caught them on just the opposite. Except for the phenomenal fight, forget eating albies, although you might want to try grilling up a bonito.

Fall porgy fishing is red hot with slabs being caught off of most reefs. Still, don’t ignore the many shore spots where many jetties and piers are equally productive. Sea worms, squid, and clams are good producers, although other bait bites are also catching these saltwater panfish. Fall scup fever is on, so jump on board for some action. You might even be surprised by hooking into something bigger. Hickory catches are up in the rivers, while blue crabbing, albeit eased, is not quite finished.

Sea bass are having a tough time staying out of the fish boxes—fishing is that good! Large humpies are being picked up at Block Island even though most every hump in the Sound, including those around Faulkner’s, are holding sizable black beauties. Go deep for the big ones! For you wreck hunters, ‘tog season opens on Monday, Oct. 10.

Tournament Alert

Registration is now open for the 28th annual Eddie Beauvais Blackfish Tournament that takes place from Wednesday, Oct. 15 to Wednesday, Oct. 22. The heaviest pairs of ‘togs determine the winners. There will be a great buffet, trophies, a raffle, a cool T-shirt, plus a few surprises included in the $40 entry fee. Shop Calcutta is extra.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For all things fishy including clam supplies, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

captainmorgan.fish@sbcglobal.net

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