Connecticut Fishing Report: Fall Run Kicks Off with Albies, Striped Bass & Bluefish
Fall Fishing Run Is Officially Underway
Fall fishing has officially kicked off throughout our area. Albies are everywhere from Black Point to Fishers Island, striped bass are feeding on the large amount of bait moving through the region, and bluefish ranging from snappers to gator blues are very active.
The striped bass blitzes haven’t fully started yet, but with the amount of bait in the water, some of the best fishing of the season is just getting started.
Albies Are Everywhere
False albacore are providing plenty of action throughout the region. Prime locations include Avery Point, Sarah’s Ledge, Ocean Beach, Harkness, Seaside, Niantic Bay, and Black Point.
When targeting albies, locate breaking fish, establish the direction and pattern they’re moving in, and set up ahead of them to intercept the school.
These fish are extremely leader shy. Use a leader of 15-pound test or less and at least six feet in length. Yo-Zuri SuperFluoro leader is available in 15-pound test.
Best Albie Lures and Tackle
The most productive albie lures have been:
- JoeBaggs Resin Jigs
- Hogy Epoxy Jigs
- Deadly Dick Casting Lures
- Yo-Zuri Hydro Monster Shot Lures
- Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Lures
- Shimano Current Sniper Jigs
Medium-power rods with a moderate action will help cast lighter jigs while providing enough forgiveness to absorb the big strikes and blistering runs albies are known for.
Watch for active feeding blitzes and tightly packed birds working a very small area, especially around rougher water.
Striped Bass Fishing
Striped bass are feeding as they push bait into the shallows. The full fall blitz hasn’t developed yet, but anglers should be prepared as more fish begin feeding around reefs and other structure.
When the blitzes start, have these lures ready:
- Lil Docs
- Yo-Zuri Mag Pencil
- Yo-Zuri Mag Dive Floating Stick Baits
- Joe Baggs Skipper
- Shimano Current Sniper Jigs
Look for striped bass blitzes to become more common around reefs and structure as the fall run progresses.
Bluefish Remain Active
Bluefish are spread throughout the region, with everything from smaller fish to several large gator blues in the mix.
Fish can be found around Watch Hill, Montauk, The Race, Sluiceway, Black Point, Rocky Neck, and Plum Gut.
Cocktail blues are often found around albies and tend to feed more consistently. When watching birds, pay attention to their behavior. Birds working over a wider area in calmer water rather than tightly bunching around a small area can be a good indication that bluefish are feeding below.
Fluke and Black Sea Bass Continue to Improve
Fluke have been caught in surprisingly shallow water as they follow bait closer to shore, with fish showing up in areas as shallow as 15 feet.
Regardless of what you’re targeting, some of the best fishing of the season is just getting started.
Offshore Fishing Report
Bluefin and midshore activity continues to be inconsistent, with good action developing before suddenly turning off again.
Coimbra Wreck remains the most successful area for both yellowfin and bluefin tuna. Some fish have been caught trolling, but the majority have been taken jigging and chunking butterfish.
Best Bluefin Tuna Lures and Baits
Most anglers continue to find success using:
Jigging and bait fishing continue to produce when the fish cooperate.
Mahi Fishing
The lanes around the high flyers continue to hold mahi, with some larger fish mixed in.
Hydro, Veatch and Atlantis Canyon Fishing
A sharp temperature break is currently around Hydro and Veatch and moving inshore.
Veatch Canyon has been the most productive area for bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish.
With offshore conditions changing quickly, call or stop by J&B Tackle for the most up-to-date fishing report before heading out.