Fishing red hot as water temperatures cool down

Written by Leon Sylvester Jr.
Tuesday, 25 October 2011 23:00

The blackfishing bite continues to be red hot and should only improve as water temperatures continue to drop. Keeper tautog are hitting Asian, green, hermit and fiddler crabs at all the usual hot spots.

Any underwater structure in 10-plus feet of water should be holding fish as the water temperature drops into the 50s. Probe the bottom with your offering, looking for drops, rock piles, caves and anywhere else where blackfish might be hiding.

Keep your line tight — blackfish hits are very quick, and if you are not ready you will easily miss your opportunity to strike and set the hook.

Bob Hannon of Stratford, Luke and Billy Tucciarome of Norwalk, and Captain Jim Sinclair of Oxford had a banner day fishing for blackfish in New Haven on Saturday.

The crew boated easily over 50 tautog, most of which were keepers. The crew kept its limit of 3- to 6-pound fish along with their largest fish of the day, which was caught by Bob Hannon on the first drop and weighed in at 8.25 pounds.

Bluefish of all sizes are still plentiful throughout Long Island Sound, and they are hungry. Big blues are hitting a variety of trolled offerings along with chunks of bunker, mackerel and squid.

William, “Willie” Ortiz of Stratford landed a large blue while fishing one of his homemade plugs last week at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.

Striped bass fishing continues to steadily improve with the falling temperatures. Good action with school-size fish have been reported from Bridgeport Harbor, New Haven Harbor, Milford Harbor, Stratford Shoal, Seaside Park and the mouth of the Housatonic.

Several keeper size bass were also reported trolled up at Middleground Lighthouse and Charles Island.

Porgy fishing continues to be red hot, and with the season being extended into December, anglers are taking advantage of the hot action and plentiful stock of 1- to 2-pound fish. Sandworms, clams and squid have all been working well for porgy.

That is going to do it for this week. Send me your reports and pictures of your trophy catches to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Go Fish is now available online at hersamacorn.com and twitter. (fishingreporter)

Until next time ... Tight lines!