Memorial Day Weekend - Reopening Connecticut - Fishing Reports
I can’t believe it is already Memorial Day weekend! We finally reopened our doors yesterday “officially” with new safety measures in place for the safety of our staff and customers. This week the guidelines for Charter and party fishing boats were announced and we are gearing up to start running trips. The “JB” will begin the charter season June 1st , so if you don’t have a trip on the books now is the time to call and find out the details of the “New Normal”. We can’t wait to start seeing everyone in the store this holiday weekend, but if you are the many who are taking the reopening slowly we are offering curbside pickup all summer. Most of our bait selection has been added to the Website so you can preorder bait and have it waiting for you.
Striped Bass in the Race and the Rivers
The fish are not worried about COVID-19 and they have not been quarantining. The stripers are on the move and fishing is heating up on the Jersey Coast. We are just seeing our first Schoolie bass showing up in the Race on the Flood Tide. This time of year the new schools of bass come in with the Flood Tide. The best way to target these fish is with small jigs, 3-Way rigs (especially those with STORM Shad), and trolling wire line with a Parachute or Mojo. The Connecticut River Stripers are also biting well so if you get out early before the traffic gets crazy, your chances at good numbers on light gear is excellent. Make sure you have an ample supply of jig heads, soft plastics and jerk baits. The water temp is hovering around 60 degrees with most of the fish have suspended in deeper water! The store hasn’t been able to keep DOC lures in stock for targeting the bigger river hold overs. Once you have indulged in some action head find those secret spot in the skinny water and throw a big bait.
Fluke Whats Happening, the squid are in!
Gearing up for the Doormats? We have been searching for early season reports……….Customers that have ventured to Montauk have found a few fish, but they were more excited about the cod they found around Cartwright. The Rhode Island beaches are plentiful with squid and prime for good Fluke to show up. Reports of a few fish are trickling in, but I believe this weekend will be the start! If you haven’t had a chance to check out all the new GULP! options in mullets and grubs the color selection is awesome!! J&B has expanded to a full wall of gulp and we are stocked on Recharge Juice to soak those baits. Tune in as the season continues as we will be continuing our posts with great Fluke tips, including wind against tide tactics and deep water jigging.
Sea Bass in Connecticut waters are slim currently but with the water warming daily those fish should be on the move. Your best chances are off Clinton on deep water humps. Personally I like to fish the Colt Sniper, Nomad Gypsy and Small Flat Fall Jigs to target the larger fish. If anyone finds the elusive Weakfish that seem to be making a comeback please share!
Bluefin off the Jersey Coast
Just like the Stripers the Bluefin are on the move as well. Several NJ anglers have been able to get on quality Bluefin. Congrats to the crew on Hubris, they put a nice one on deck last Sunday. It doesn’t take long for the Jersey fish to make their way to the Coimbra Wreck. We will be getting updates as boats make the run through the weekend.
Tune in as the season continues we will be continuing our posts with great Fluke tips, Fishing Reports, and Gear reviews including wind against tide tactics and deep water Fluke jigging, and what is “Slow Pitch”
Tight Lines!
