Printer Friendly Version - A Bounty of Bait Awaits Both Fish and Fishers

Rufus Moffett of Branford landed this nice inshore shallow-feeding fall striped bass on a live eel near his home turf. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

In a prelude to blackfish (tautog) season and, under a backdrop of bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales, all indications are that the fall should be a good one, despite a warm-water startup. The incessant feeding that is currently underway in Long Island Sound is competing with the season opener.

Thick schools of peanut bunker and assorted baitfish including hickory shad have sparked feeding frenzies among varying species. ‘Togs will feed on crabs, worms, and clams. However, our key predator fish such as striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and bonito are known to chase baitfish. Although linesiders absolutely relish live eels this time of year, there is little doubt that those fleeing and swirling baitfish schools will drive this select group of predators into an exaggerated state of wildness.

Good imitations, when given life by working them effectively, will produce good results. Still, eye, hand, and motion must be in sync with each other. You must remember that what results in a great day of fishing starts with a hungry fish or one that is tempted enough into thinking so. What makes this part of the season so exceptional year after year is the need for migrating fish and marine mammals to bulk up on protein for their transitional run.

So, when tidal rivers empty and schools of baitfish and other forms of sea life spill from the estuaries into the Sound, the party begins. As the surf breaks, a fisher’s headlamp highlights fins and shines through the spray onto a feeding spree of fish. It now is a matter of time before line begins to peel out. A fight of give-and-take begins and may either last briefly or continue almost endlessly, while challenging the skill and stamina of both contenders.

This is what fall fishing is all about and how storied memories are made. At times, the weather may be challenging on top of unruly seas. Nevertheless, for many people, it is the absolute best time of year to be on the water fishing. So, don’t just read or talk about it—take part and do it! You will have a story to share for sure.

The rivers are high, lakes are full, and Long Island Sound has cleared out remnants of what was washed down from the estuaries. A week of severe downpours turned into milder than normal temperatures with improved weather and sea conditions. Fishing has returned to typical fall-like adventures in the midst of water temperatures ranging from 70- to 74 degrees, depending on location.

False albacore (albies) and Atlantic bonito continue to grab the attention of fishers zig-zagging on the Sound in search for these speedsters. Anglers can’t reel or strip line fast enough or even keep up with them on a vessel. While the Race has seen a good amount of action, these fish have made their way inward into various parts of the pond and are keeping fishers on their toes. Metals, epoxies, and soft plastics have been the key lure choices that are producing the most catches.

Second on the list of attention getters are the linesiders. Good numbers of striped bass have been working the shoreline and taking advantage of schools of small baitfish, such as peanut bunker, silversides, other naturals like hickory shad, and artificials. Live eels have been one of the top producers, especially during pre-dawn and in shallow water. The bays, tidal rivers, and rock clusters are prime feeding areas, in addition to outside reefs forming rip lines. Not only are bass exceeding the legal size limit and being hooked and released, but small bluefish are mixing in and chopping on hard lures and chunk baits. Top water action has been mixed, but when encountered, be prepared for some non-stop action.

Bluefish are picking up steam and spreading throughout the Sound. Sizes are improving, but to date, the alligators have been scarce with more of the slashing chopper variety. Peanut bunker has been abundant and that is what’s been drawing them into the harbors and bays. Even more blitzing schools are erupting farther out by Hammonasset, Faulkner’s Island, and The Beacon. In fact, the same can be said of the rips from the Race, Six Mile to New Haven, and farther west. Top water action is improving now that more bunker schools are around, meaning that attention-getters like wire-leadered flashy spoons, tins, and poppers should be kept handy.

Black sea bass remains good, while porgy (scup) continue their remarkable season. The reefs, rock piles, and wrecks are the best bets to fish for easy limits, although the sea bass sizes are mixed. To take advantage of fall weakfish fish near the bottom during the same tide as bass and blues, floating a worm can get their attention in shallower water. It is worth taking a trip into one of the main tidal rivers for some white perch since the fall bite is on and, while there, take along some blue crabbing gear. You just might catch one during one of those on days.

Freshwater fall fishing has been fair, but looking more optimistic since the recent stretch of good weather. River and stream high levels are slowly improving as trout and salmon stocking is gradually resuming. However, pond stocking has been moving forward. Bass and walleye fishing is fair, pike and catfish are looking better, carp are being caught, and panfish remain good as the season changes over.

The deadline to register at Captain Morgan’s for the ever-popular 30th annual Eddie Beauvais Blackfish Tournament is on Friday, Oct. 12 with the tournament to be held from Saturday, Oct. 13 through Saturday, Oct. 20. Good food to follow at the awards banquet that’s returning to the fully renovated Guilford VFW. Come join in on a fun-filled week!

Note: Keep those pics of your catches coming 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 the latest gear, 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...

John Springer of Clinton (top) and guest of Bruce Andes of Madison (bottom) were out albie hunting on the north shore when they fell upon several hard-fighting and semi-cooperative speedsters. Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan