The Long Island Side is The Choice This Week
Capt. Sal Tardella
June 25, 2008
Norwalk Islands - Saltwater Fishing Report
On Saturday we had a slow start...with close to two hours passing before we found the fish in Westport off of Burying Hill. Aboard were four newcomers, including John Vanderstrict of New Canaan, James Foley of South Salem NY, and brothers Corbin and "Pumpy" Woodhall of Pound Ridge NY. Although the four buddies had to wait a bit before getting into heavy action, nobody complained, and they took home lots of filets for an evening barbecue.
Sunday's trip was also somewhat disappointing. We had two fathers and sons from Fairfield--David & Tristan Brandt and Fred & Charlie Kieffer, belatedly celebrating Father's Day. We managed a few blues and some short striped bass. Charlie hooked the largest fish on the day--probably a keeper striper--but it got away after a brief a tug-of-war. There were several other hits and misses, but not a banner day for any of us.
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 & Mary Ellen 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.
Interestingly enough, on the way back to Norwalk, we saw lots of terns diving around Peck's Ledge Light, with some blues breaking the surface, leading me to be optimistic that the action is finally beginning to heat up closer to home.
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