Fishing kicks off by late May in our region and that starts with large striped bass feeding on bunker and mackerel schools mid sound and often on the surface. A great time for anglers that like to toss big flies and X-Walk type lures to big bass and bluefish!
As we head into Summer bass and blues settle into harbors and also deep water structure and tend to be less on the move. Trolling is by far the deadliest method but if you prefer casting and live bait fishing that can be available provided the bait is local.
Fall is my favorite season with Spanish Mackerel,, Bonito, False Albacore, bass and blues...it is the ultimate time to fish our local water but unlike in 2025 let's hope Mother Nature cuts it out with all the wind!
Colton above with a CT State Record Spanish Mackerel caught last August in the first week! Unfortunately we didn't realize it was a record until after it was bled! It was 27.5" long and that topped the current record easily!
Colton with a sweet Bonito on September 13, 2025, they are here in big numbers. These are such a blast on the fly rod and light spinning tackle.
Massimo caught is personal best striper on our trip this past July, a great day out with his mom and uncle!
Heather above with a 52.5 inch striper taken on a red tube and gulp imitation sandworm trolled up on light tackle with a Lamiglas Tri-Flex conventional and Avet MXL reel!
A 20" survivor strain Farmington River brown trout hooked on a size 12 parachute Hendrickson dry fly!
My big fly rod fish above was taken July of 2009 on
a 15 inch all black spun deer hair pattern
Colton above with one of many big stripers trolling tubes!
August - Colton holding a few of many Spanish Mackerel we caught during their assault on spearing anywhere from Milford to Fairfield, this was the best showing we have ever season for these tasty and fun fish to catch!
Above Colton and Hunter are holding some excellent table fare, the sea bass fishing starts to kick into gear by the middle of June and will continue to improve throughout the summer and into fall!
Interested in Fly Casting instruction for fresh or salt water? Captain Chris Elser is a certified casting instructor and will be offering lessons and instruction throughout the season. Take advantage of one-on-one personalized instruction at any location that is convenient for you! He has all the tackle and can also incorporate a lesson into a trip out on the Sound.
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Captain Chris Elser has been writing the Western Long Island Sound fishing reports since April of 2006, you will get detailed information on fishing for Stripers, Bluefish, False Albacore and more! Pick up the new isue April of 2025 for the latest info!
Tight Lines!
This false albacore was 6 oz. from being a state record at just over 14lbs. and was caught on Sept. 29, 2009 near Milford, CT. It was my personal best fat albert! Let's hope they stack in tight again!
A vew off the stern with twin 250 HP 4 stroke power to get us to the fishing grounds comfortably and fast!
The new rig is finally home - well new to us anyway!
This boat is well kept 26 foot Regulator that will get us to the fishing grounds safely in any conditions.
Colton with his PB Smallmouth bass caught in Roxbury, CT
Always take the time to take a kid fishing, nothing like getting kids outdoors and away from all of the electronic distractions these days....enjoy the outdoors and please respect your environent!
A gorgeous wild brook trout from a small local stream, we landed over a dozen without even using a hook...just a worm with a knot around it, the ultimate way to not harm them :-)
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