June 28th - Every Tide is Bringing in Bigger Stripers

Stripers and Blues

The fishing continues to get better, and it seems that practically every tide is bringing in more and bigger stripers. Live bunker remains the ticket, and if we sound like a broken record, get comfortable because it’s going to be a good bunker bite for a while! The bunker bite is especially strong in the rivers where it seems most of the bunker itself is concentrated…not a coincidence. We have cast nets, circle hooks, weights, sinker slide, and leader material for those wanting to get into the live bunker game. You won’t regret it! Just take a look at Tedy Bruschi with a nice CT River bass from a recent trip!

Big bluefish arrived and stayed for quite a while and still continue to be found locally. Smaller choppers are around but there are also still monster gators over 10 pounds willing to smoke your plug and test the strength of your knots and terminal tackle. They’re a lot of fun, but if you find yourself getting frustrated with bitten in half bunker, consider moving to a new spot, as those big blues tend to school up and you might be able to ditch them if you relocate.

Outside of the rivers, live eels, trolled tubes and plugs, and topwater will produce, along with eel imitations like Gravity Tackle eels or even their new paddle tails. The bite window can be short once the sun comes up, so try to get out early and maximize your chances at some of our awesome fishing!

Seabass and Porgies

New this year, there is a closure of seabass fishing from June 24th to July 7th. You cannot target or keep seabass during this time. Remind your friends and fellow anglers, as rules like these can sometimes catch folks by surprise, especially when the norm has been a summer of fully open seabass fishing. Porgies continue to move into their summer areas near shallower structure, and anglers using sandworms and squid have been doing well from shore and kayak. Some recent large porgies from local reefs make for a fun fight and good fish tacos for those wanting to keep a few.

Fluke

The solid fluke fishing continues, and most of it for now seems concentrated east of the CT River. It’ll improve to the west as well, but most reports we’ve heard in shop have been from the typical areas further east. Starting at 35 to 40’ and working out deeper until dialing in a bite is the preferred method currently. A bycatch of dogfish and porgies, along with some throwback seabass, is likely. The strong start to fluke season has meant a good number of sign-ups for the annual BHO Fluke Fest coming up from July 20th to 23rd. The first 50 sign-ups get in on a captain’s bag with tons of good stuff! We are also offering a variety of Calcutta options within the tournament as well. Here is the sign-up link: Fluke Fest 2023 is Here - Will you be the king of Doormats this year?