Connecticut Fishing Report: Trophy Striped Bass Bite Explodes at The Race, Plum Gut & Watch Hill

Inshore Fishing Report

Striped bass fishing across eastern Connecticut has been exceptional this week, with larger fish becoming increasingly aggressive as the migration continues. Anglers are reporting trophy-class bass from the Connecticut River eastward, including Plum Gut, Hatchett Reef, Black Point, Bartlett's Reef, The Race, Fishers Island, and Watch Hill.

For anglers looking to catch a personal-best striped bass, Plum Gut, The Race, and Watch Hill continue to be the top destinations. Large bass are feeding heavily on bunker and other baitfish, creating some of the best opportunities of the season for both boat and kayak anglers.

Topwater action has been particularly strong around Watch Hill, where striped bass have been aggressively feeding on the surface during low-light periods. At The Race, the topwater bite continues to improve during slack tide, with anglers experiencing brief but exciting blitzes as bass push bait to the surface.

One of the biggest developments this week has been the increasing presence of bunker throughout the region. As larger schools of bunker move into local waters, striped bass are shifting their feeding behavior, which helps explain the continued success of flutter spoons and larger-profile presentations.

The Race Striped Bass Report

The Race remains one of the hottest striped bass locations in the Northeast.

A productive trip this week once again proved the effectiveness of the 5½-ounce Soft Mack Attack swimbait. The technique remains simple and highly effective:

• Drop the lure to the bottom

• Reel up two cranks

• Alternate between fast and slow jigging motions

• Pause near the bottom where most strikes occur

Many of the bites are subtle and occur during the pause. Anglers should be prepared to set the hook immediately when they feel any bump or change in pressure, whether clearing bottom structure or connecting with a fish.

Best Striped Bass Lures This Week

Several lure categories continue to dominate catches throughout eastern Connecticut:

• Soft Mack Attack swimbaits

• Three-way bucktails in chartreuse and white

• Tsunami 9-inch Heavy Flutter Spoons in white and silver

• Doc plugs

• Joe Baggs Skippers

• Yo-Zuri Mag Pencils

• Shimano Splash Walks

For anglers targeting fish around reefs, boulder fields, and current-swept structure, glide baits such as the Berkley Nessie and Chop Block continue to produce quality bass. These larger-profile baits are especially effective when fishing around bunker schools and holding structure.

As water temperatures continue to climb and bait concentrations increase, expect the topwater bite to become even more consistent heading deeper into June.

Offshore Fishing Report

Offshore anglers are beginning to see encouraging signs for the upcoming tuna season.

Warm-water temperature breaks developing east of Long Island are creating the types of conditions that often precede the first reliable bluefin tuna opportunities of the year. Combined with the recently announced bluefin tuna regulations, anticipation continues to build throughout the offshore fishing community.

While a consistent bite has not yet materialized, conditions suggest it may only be a matter of time before the first favorable weather window opens and reports of tuna begin to spread across the region.

Now is an excellent time to prepare offshore tackle, inspect terminal gear, replace worn leaders, and spool fresh topshots before the season kicks into gear.

JB Tackle Events

Tri-State Canyon Tournament

The Tri-State Canyon Tournament is right around the corner and remains one of the premier offshore fishing events in the Northeast.

Whether you're fishing in the tournament, stopping by the docks, or watching the live-stream weigh-ins, the event offers an incredible opportunity to experience the excitement of offshore canyon fishing.

The tournament atmosphere, impressive catches, and waterfront setting make it a great event for anglers and families alike.

Stay tuned to JB Tackle's social media channels for tournament coverage, fishing updates, and the latest local reports.

Bottom Line

The striped bass bite remains outstanding throughout eastern Connecticut, with trophy fish feeding aggressively at The Race, Plum Gut, Watch Hill, and surrounding structure. Bunker are becoming the dominant forage source, fueling strong topwater action and excellent jigging opportunities. Offshore anglers are also beginning to see promising signs for the upcoming bluefin tuna season as favorable water conditions develop offshore.