From September to November, the waters of Long Island Sound become a haven for both bait and striped bass, attracting fishing enthusiasts eager for a catch. "I am a self-proclaimed albie addict," said one long-time angler. "I fall victim to the 'flu' in the late summer and it usually hangs on like a bad cough right through October." This excitement marks the onset of the fall run for striped bass.
"I am a self-proclaimed albie addict,"
The thrilling transition from summer to fall has long been a highlight in this region. After years of fishing these waters, the angler reflected on the ups and downs. "In 30 years of fishing the Sound, I have seen both feast and famine," they noted. Although challenging years brought disappointment, they also provided invaluable lessons for future fishing seasons. These experiences have equipped them with the understanding necessary to tackle the upcoming fall runs.
"In 30 years of fishing the Sound, I have seen both feast and famine,"
Career Journey
The abundance of bait present is a significant attraction for migrating striped bass. "The striped bass swan song lasts longer than many think in western Long Island Sound," the angler pointed out. For those who can face chilly morning and evening conditions, the fall season can stretch as long as for anglers on the beaches of New Jersey. Each phase of their journey begins at the Connecticut River come September, where the bait influx sets the stage for the migration.
"The striped bass swan song lasts longer than many think in western Long Island Sound,"
Championship Implications
Championship Implications
Championship Implications
By mid-September, the Long Island Sound is bustling with peanut bunker, bay anchovies, and adult menhaden, creating an ideal feeding ground for the striped bass. Rivers serve as perfect ambush points, particularly as dropping tides create opportunities. "Small baitfish can’t fight against the current, making bays, estuaries, and harbors excellent spots to target fish," explained the angler.
"Small baitfish can’t fight against the current, making bays, estuaries, and harbors excellent spots to target fish,"
Anglers may face challenges when sand eels are scarce; however, they can resort to techniques like using a teaser. "Even if sand eels are missing in action, a slender profile, like the Tsunami Holographic Sand Eel Teaser, rigged ahead of a larger plug or plastic, is an effective way to mimic other small baitfish," they said. Utilizing a search pattern with a 4-inch Tsunami Sand Eel alongside a larger bait can be pivotal.
"Even if sand eels are missing in action, a slender profile, like the Tsunami Holographic Sand Eel Teaser, rigged ahead of a larger plug or plastic, is an effective way to mimic other small baitfish,"
In fast-moving water, choosing the right lure is crucial. "Rivers mean current, so I use lures that play well in fast-moving water," the angler continues, mentioning darters such as the Super Strike Zig Zag. These have proven effective for catching larger bass while also allowing flexibility in color choices, with green, yellow, and white being top selections. As custom plug builders have emerged, anglers are encouraged to select their lures based on the specific conditions of their fishing spots.
"Rivers mean current, so I use lures that play well in fast-moving water,"
Continuing westward, the next notable location is the Thimble Islands, a unique archipelago with 365 islands creating a concentration of fishing opportunities. "This area is accessed only by boat, but really shines from a kayak," said an enthusiastic kayaker. This adaptability offers an edge in exploring hidden areas that harbor trophy bass.
"This area is accessed only by boat, but really shines from a kayak,"
Race Results
The preferred bait in these rocky waters is eels. "Eels, eels, and eels are my three favorite baits to fish this monster boulder field," shared the angler. They emphasized the technique of casting eels and retrieving them slowly, maintaining a high rod tip to properly present the live bait. While fishing with lures can prove to be tricky due to snags, using shallow-running plugs, small topwaters, and lightly weighted soft plastics can yield results.
"Eels, eels, and eels are my three favorite baits to fish this monster boulder field,"
"Pro Tip: Once tog season starts, don’t fish here without bringing a couple dozen crabs with you," the angler emphasized. Whitechins are frequently caught in this region, and the prospect of bringing home delicious dinner adds to the excitement of fishing the Thimble Islands.
"Pro Tip: Once tog season starts, don’t fish here without bringing a couple dozen crabs with you,"
As the fall season progresses in Western Long Island Sound, anglers are eager to take advantage of the rich waters. With an abundance of bait and the thrill of the striped bass migration, those willing to adapt and explore can find success.
In conclusion, the fall offers unique opportunities along the Long Island Sound, catering to both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the fishing scene. The upcoming months promise not only valuable catches but also potential for shared experiences and memories along the water.