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FISHING REPORT

STRIPED BASS -- The excuse that there's no bait around is not able to be used. This is the first time in many years that there's enough bunker in the area that you can snag them at most times of the day. On top of that there's plenty of hickory shad and some sand eels around. Now let's get to the predators. The only bass we've been hearing about in the River have been schoolies in the morning. Bartletts Reef has also had a few flurries of schoolies. Long Sand Shoal has tapered off but comes to life every few days, primarily on live bait. Six Mile and Southwest Reefs have had bass if your offering can get through the blues.
BLUEFISH -- Blues have been increasing on the closer reefs. Six Mile, Southwest and Black Point have choppers, at times thick enough to jig. The mouth of the Connecticut looks like it will have a summer population of a few nice sized blues. Few are being caught on lures along Great Island and Ragged Rock Creek, most succumbing to chunk baits from shore and boat. The Race and Plum Gut continue to do very well on blues.
SNAPPER BLUES - They've arrived, small but aggressive. DEP Piers and the Causeway have some.
FLUKE -- We're still coming up short. Most of the shoreline reports have been showing few keepers and a some doormats. Anglers targeting big fluke in deep waters are scoring a doormat or two while those fishing shallower water, under 60', are getting more but smaller fluke. The Mouth of the River has a ratio of about 1 in 8 that's a keeper, while Long Sand Shoal and Two Tree have lesser odds.
The best fluke news comes from Block and Montauk
Our Fluke Contest started May 15th. There's some changes. It's going to be a 3 shop contest. River's End, Hillyers and the Fish Connection. Top prize will be $1000 and you can enter or weigh in at any of the shops. We will also weigh in fluke for Fishin' Factory III in Middletown.
Last weeks winner was Bob Ventress with a 10.2 pound doormat.
PORGIES - Nothing has changed since last week. They're big and they're plentiful, however we did get some reports of smaller scup on Bartletts.
BLUE CRABS - Crabbing is doing well in the Connecticut River piers and coves, we did get a slow report in the Oyster River. It still is a very good start to the season.
BLACKFISH -- No reports except from Sargent Schultz.

Sat -Sun 4 am to 5 pm
Mon- Fri 5am to 7pm


Rivers End Tackle
440 Boston Post Road
Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475
info@riversendtackle.com