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

Striped Bass Fishing Remains Consistent at The Race and Plum Gut

Striped bass continue to provide excellent fishing opportunities throughout Eastern Long Island Sound. While fish remain plentiful, last week's Super New Moon on June 14 created challenging conditions for many anglers.

The stronger moon phase pushed currents at The Race and Plum Gut to nearly five knots, making it difficult to maintain bottom contact while drifting. Fast-moving currents caused many jigs to spend less time in the strike zone, reducing opportunities during peak tidal flow.

Most successful anglers focused their efforts at the beginning and end of tide changes when current speeds were more manageable. Others found success trolling rip lines where striped bass continued to feed actively.

Best Striped Bass Techniques This Week

The most productive methods included:

• Three-way rigs with heavier sinkers
• Diamond jigs
• Trolling umbrella rigs
• Topwater plugs during low-light conditions

Topwater fishing continues to be a highlight, especially around sunrise. Larger surface plugs such as the Doc and Skipper have been producing explosive strikes from feeding bass. As summer progresses and water temperatures rise, the early morning topwater bite should only improve.

With calmer winds and slightly reduced currents expected this week, anglers should see even better conditions at both The Race and Plum Gut.

Fluke Fishing Improves with More Keeper Fish

Fluke fishing took a positive turn this week, with anglers reporting a noticeable increase in keeper-sized fish throughout the region.

The biggest catch of the week was the first JB Tackle Bragging Board Fluke of the season, weighing an impressive 9.95 pounds.

Most successful fluke anglers have been fishing depths between 40 and 60 feet, using either soft plastics or natural bait presentations.

Best Fluke Baits and Rigs

Top-producing setups included:

• Berkley Gulp!
• Frozen squid
• Traditional hi-low rigs

As water temperatures continue to warm, fluke fishing should continue to improve heading into the heart of summer.

Offshore Fishing Report: Tuna Season Is Officially Underway

The first favorable offshore weather window of the season allowed several boats to make successful canyon trips this week.

Anglers reported catches of:

• Yellowfin tuna
• Bluefin tuna
• Mahi-mahi

Fish were caught using a variety of techniques, including trolling, jigging, and popping.

Productive Offshore Areas

Good water moved into several key offshore locations, including:

• Veatch Canyon
• Atlantis Canyon
• Suffolk Canyon
• Tuna Ridge

With quality water now established offshore, anglers should continue monitoring sea surface temperatures, water color breaks, and bait concentrations when planning trips. As the season progresses, expect some of the closer offshore grounds to begin producing as well.

The strong start is an encouraging sign for what could be an excellent tuna season.

Upcoming Event: Tri-State Canyon Tournament

The Tri-State Canyon Tournament is right around the corner.

Whether you're fishing the tournament, visiting the docks, or watching the live-stream weigh-ins, it's one of the premier offshore fishing events in the Northeast. The tournament offers a great atmosphere for serious offshore anglers and fishing fans alike.

Stop by JB Tackle before the event for the latest offshore tackle, tuna gear, and local fishing intelligence.