June 26, 2026 Tim Driscoll

Connecticut Fishing Report: Block Island Striped Bass Stay Hot, Fluke Action Improves & Midshore Bluefin Arrive

Block Island Continues to Lead the Striped Bass Bite

Inshore fishing remains excellent throughout Eastern Long Island Sound, with striped bass and fluke providing consistent action for anglers.

The current at The Race has settled down, allowing the striped bass bite to heat back up. Most anglers are finding the best success during the ebb tide, while the Watch Hill Reef area continues to produce quality fish.

Without question, Block Island has been the hottest destination this week.

Best Striped Bass Lures and Techniques

Anglers targeting Block Island's rough water have been catching fish on:

At The Race, productive presentations include:

Night fishing also continues to produce quality striped bass. Live eeling has been especially effective around structure at:

Hatchett Point
Black Point
Two Tree Island
Bartletts Reef

Fishing around rocky structure and current breaks after dark remains one of the most reliable ways to target larger summer striped bass.

Fluke Fishing Continues to Improve

Fluke fishing remains steady, with anglers catching a good mix of keeper fish and plenty of shorts to keep the action going.

The most productive setup has been a hi-low rig tipped with either fresh squid or Berkley Gulp!, paired with a bucktail jig.

When current becomes too strong, many anglers are replacing the bucktail with a bank sinker to reduce scoping and stay in better contact with the bottom.

As water temperatures continue to climb, anglers should begin targeting deeper water where larger fluke are starting to move.

Black Sea Bass Report

Black sea bass fishing has started a little slower than in previous seasons, but anglers are beginning to report a few fish as the bite gradually improves.

With an excellent weather forecast ahead, conditions should be ideal for both striped bass and fluke this weekend.

Offshore Fishing Report: Midshore Bluefin Bite Builds

Offshore fishing continues to produce excellent results, with boats reporting consistent catches from the West Atlantis Canyon.

Yellowfin tuna remain the primary catch, with several larger bluefin mixed into the action.

Even more exciting, the inshore and midshore tuna bite continues to improve. Several boats have reported catching bluefin tuna on both knife jigs and topwater poppers, giving anglers more opportunities closer to home.

Midshore Conditions Look Excellent

There is an abundance of bait on the midshore grounds, with numerous pods of whales actively bubble-feeding approximately 10 to 15 miles south of Haab's Ledge. These feeding whales are a strong indicator of healthy bait concentrations that often attract tuna.

Best Tuna Techniques

Successful offshore anglers are catching fish using:

With favorable weather expected throughout the weekend, now is an excellent time to target either the midshore bluefin bite or make the run offshore to the canyons.

Stop into JB Tackle before heading out for the latest tuna tackle, jigs, poppers, leaders, and offshore gear.

Fishing conditions are lining up for another outstanding weekend on the water.

Next article Connecticut Fishing Report: Striped Bass Action Stays Strong, Fluke Improve & Tuna Season Begins