Eastern Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound
Capt. Mark Anderson
July 6, 2001
Long Island Sound - Saltwater Fishing Report
This past weekend the striper action was slow but steady at Valient Rock. The numbers were down from the previous week, but the average size was up. The LaLone group on Saturday was able to boat 5 keepers despite foggy weather that reduced visibility to 100 yards at times. Average fish were around 33" with a 36" topping the catch.
The stripers are falling into their summer pattern with most fish being taken early in the morning, late evening, or after dark. Bluefish numbers have been disappointing. We did catch a long, skinny blue around 35" that must have just arrived. An increase in water temperature and some bait will help attract these strong fighting gamefish.
Our favorite striper bait, the hickory shad, have yet to arrive in large numbers. Dusk has been the best time to find shad that are in catchable numbers. If this year follows last year's pattern, large schools of hickories will be arriving soon. The jumbo bass we target will be right behind them. This type of live bait fishing is fast and furious with multiple hookups on large fish common. These fish in shallow water will seriously test your angling skills. Live ells are also very effective after dark. You can work the "snakes" after dark by casting to the shallows and rock piles or three-waying them on the reefs.
The bottom fishing scene has been steady when you get the tide and wind right. We have been scoring with nice fat fluke up to 5 lbs. The run to Misquamicut is not necessary as fluke are filling in locally as well. Porgies are increasing with some large fish already showing. Still some dates available.
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