It's All About the Blues Right Now....
Capt. Sal Tardella
June 27, 2008
Norwalk Islands - Saltwater Fishing Report
For the past several days we've seen tons of bait as we travel from spot to spot in pursuit of blues and striped bass, but these predators have been very elusive around the Norwalk Islands and Westport. So, on Wednesday morning I bit the bullet and headed for the Long Island side of the Sound. As soon as we were nearing the shoreline we saw birds working the surface. Our passengers,Wilton residents, Dave & MaryEllen Basile and two of their sons--Andrew and Matt--cast into the moving water, using artificial sand eels, and were instantly rewarded with bluefish in the 3-5 pound range. The action was fairly steady throughout the trip--and included two fluke that were lost at the boat. Most of the fish were returned to the water, with just enough filets kept for the dinner table.
On Thursday afternoon--with Robert and Daniel Remin of White Plains, and Daniel's cousins from East Hartford--Josh and Tanya--we tried Copp's, where we plugged up just one blue. Then based, on the experience of our previous day's trip, we headed for Long Island, even though there was a threat of thunderstorms for the area. As soon as we arrived at Northport we got into immediate action--catching bluefish along the shoreline with imitation sand eels. Our anglers wanted to try some top-water plugs, and their efforts were equally successful. Even the youngest of our group--six and seven year olds--did a great job reeling 'em in. We also tried drifting for fluke, but the voracious blues kept attacking the fluke rigs as soon as they sunk beneath the surface. All the blues came in at around five pounds; ten were kept for the table--with twice that many being released. The storms never materialized, and everyone had a great day.
On Friday morning we again headed across the Sound. Aboard were first-time "My Bonnie" passengers, John Albright of Weston and Dr. Larry Flegelman and Andrew Kail of Westport. All the rods were rigged with poppers and/or imitation sand eels, and as soon as we turned off the engine in Northport, the action began--and didn't slow down until it was time to head home. The bluefish weighed 3-5 pounds; one striped bass came in, as well, but it was too short to be a keeper.
We're still waiting for the fish to take up residence in our backyard; that round trip to Long Island is becoming painful!
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