Fresh Connecticut Fishing Reports

Top Connecticut destinations

Fishing Seasons & Latest Fishing Photos

Fresh Fishing Reports from Connecticut

May 2023
May 2023
May 10, 2023
Trip Summary If you're an avid angler in the Northeast, then you know that striped bass, also known as "stripers," are one of the most popular gamefish in the region. These hard-fighting fish can be caught in a variety of ways, making them a favorite among both fly and conventional anglers. In this post, we'll discuss some tips and tactics for catching stripers in the Northeast. Time your trip: Timing is everything when it comes to striped bass fishing. In the Northeast, these fish migrate from their wintering grounds in the south during the spring, moving up the coast to their spawning grounds in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River. Peak fishing season in the Northeast usually starts around May and runs through October. Find the right location: Stripers can be found in a variety of locations, including bays, estuaries, rivers, and along the coastline. Look for areas with good water flow, structure, and baitfish. Bridges, jetties, and rocky shorelines are all good places to start your search. Use the right gear: For conventional anglers, Light to medium spinning or baitcasting gear is typically used to target stripers. Fly anglers can use 8 to 10 weight rods with floating or intermediate sinking lines. Choose the right bait: Stripers are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of baitfish. Live bait such as eels, bunker, and herring are all popular choices. Lures such as topwater plugs, jigs, and soft plastics can also be effective. Use the right technique: When fishing with live bait, use a fishfinder rig or Carolina rig with a 3 to 5 oz weight. Cast out and let the bait drift with the current. For lures, vary your retrieve speed and depth until you find what the fish are responding to. Practice catch and release: Striped bass populations have been under pressure in recent years due to overfishing and environmental factors. Make sure to release fish quickly and handle them carefully to minimize stress and injury. As of now these fish are in deep channels coming into the shallower waters for thermal warmth and active feeding.
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Spring 2023 Striper Run
Spring 2023 Striper Run
March 14, 2023
If you're an avid angler in the Northeast, then you know that striped bass, also known as "stripers," are one of the most popular gamefish in the region. These hard-fighting fish can be caught in a variety of ways, making them a favorite among both fly and conventional anglers. In this post, we'll discuss some tips and tactics for catching stripers in the Northeast. Time your trip: Timing is everything when it comes to striped bass fishing. In the Northeast, these fish migrate from their wintering grounds in the south during the spring, moving up the coast to their spawning grounds in the Chesapeake Bay and Hudson River. Peak fishing season in the Northeast usually starts around May and runs through October. Find the right location: Stripers can be found in a variety of locations, including bays, estuaries, rivers, and along the coastline. Look for areas with good water flow, structure, and baitfish. Bridges, jetties, and rocky shorelines are all good places to start your search. Use the right gear: For conventional anglers, Light to medium spinning or baitcasting gear is typically used to target stripers. Fly anglers can use 8 to 10 weight rods with floating or intermediate sinking lines. Choose the right bait: Stripers are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of baitfish. Live bait such as eels, bunker, and herring are all popular choices. Lures such as topwater plugs, jigs, and soft plastics can also be effective. Use the right technique: When fishing with live bait, use a fishfinder rig or Carolina rig with a 3 to 5 oz weight. Cast out and let the bait drift with the current. For lures, vary your retrieve speed and depth until you find what the fish are responding to. Practice catch and release: Striped bass populations have been under pressure in recent years due to overfishing and environmental factors. Make sure to release fish quickly and handle them carefully to minimize stress and injury.
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Spring Striper Run
Spring Striper Run
February 9, 2023
The spring striper season is a highly anticipated time for many anglers this time of the year. As the water begins to warm up, stripers, also known as rockfish or striped bass, become more active and start to move into shallow waters to feed. This is an excellent opportunity for anglers to target these hard-fighting fish and enjoy some great fishing. Here are some tips for a successful spring striper fishing trip: Location: Look for stripers in areas with baitfish, such as near river mouths or inlets. Keep an eye out for birds diving and feeding, as this can also indicate the presence of stripers below. Fish Sandbars and drops off, work different tides and moon phases Tackle: We Use a light action rods with a fast action and a good reel with a high gear ratio to handle the fast runs of stripers. I like mono as a main line nothing heavier than 30lbs and fluorocarbon line is a good choice for leader material. Lures: Topwater lures, such as poppers or stickbaits, are great for catching the attention of stripers on the surface. Jigs and soft plastics fished near the bottom can also be effective. Trolling is always a top producer. Techniques: Vary your retrieve speed and pay attention to how the fish are reacting. Stripers can be aggressive feeders, so don't be afraid to try different retrieves to see what they respond to best. Respect the Fish: Stripers are an important species in many coastal ecosystems and are also highly prized by anglers. Practice catch-and-release to help ensure the health of the population for future generations. By following these tips and being prepared for the spring striper season, you'll be well on your way to a successful and enjoyable fishing trip. As always we love to teach so book a trip with us and take the knowledge back! Tight Lines Capt Joe
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What anglers said about fishing in Connecticut

This was a great trip! Captain John and first mate Chris were wonderful!! Could not have had a better time!! Would highly recommend them!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This was a great trip! Captain John and first mate Chris were wonderful!! Could not have had a better time!! Would highly recommend them!
Joan  S.
Joan S. East Granby, CT
Easy in and out marina, fish accessible almost immediately = more fish in the boat and less time cruising from location to location. Good for kids, and first time and casual anglers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Easy in and out marina, fish accessible almost immediately = more fish in the boat and less time cruising from location to location. Good for kids, and first time and casual anglers.
Chris  T.
Chris T. Stamford, CT
The weather was great. Not too hot and not too cold. A great time to fish for Sea Bass on the sound.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The weather was great. Not too hot and not too cold. A great time to fish for Sea Bass on the sound.
Vida  S.
Vida S. North Massapequa, NY
Marine fauna is very diverse, the landscape is fantastic and you can put in practice many different fishing techniques depending on the environmental conditions.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Marine fauna is very diverse, the landscape is fantastic and you can put in practice many different fishing techniques depending on the environmental conditions.
Pablo  A.
Pablo A. Weare, New Hampshire
this is a great boat to fish from. If August, then expect to have a lot of fun fishing for scup and seabass.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
this is a great boat to fish from. If August, then expect to have a lot of fun fishing for scup and seabass.
Ed  B.
Ed B. New Haven, Connecticut
Just a note if you have mobility issue the access to the boat might be tricky. You might consider another Marina or arrange a pick up at a different place.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just a note if you have mobility issue the access to the boat might be tricky. You might consider another Marina or arrange a pick up at a different place.
Remi  L.
Remi L. Waterford, CT
Nightjack was great bring sunscreen and drinks and a positive attitude and you will have a great time!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Nightjack was great bring sunscreen and drinks and a positive attitude and you will have a great time!
Michael  P.
Michael P. New York, New York