| FISHING REPORT June 26,2009 SALTWATER LICENSE --- This weeks installment hasn't changed much. Its still unclear where the bill is residing. What is known is that the Governor hasn't signed it yet and you don't need one until there is a law enacted. STRIPED BASS--- Its been an unremarkable week on the bass grounds considering the season. Some larger bass have been on Long Sand Shoal, Bartletts and Hatchetts Reef in light numbers. Most are being caught on live bunker or shad or fresh chunks of the same. The tube and worm on the same structures has been producing greater numbers of mixed sizes of bass, this method is still one of the most reliable ways to get daytime bass. Still getting reports of large bass at the mouth of the Connecticut River but they are tough. They may give a half hearted look at your and all but give you the finger in their refusal. Tough fish! A lot of the bass I've been seeing have had pretty good guts on them, either they've had plenty to eat or skipping the gym. Put some thought into the small bait. Reports from the Race and Gut have been mostly small to medium sized bass hopping on diamond jigs and bucktails. We're still getting reports of sandeels thick in the Sound and RI, its a good time to think small and deep in your offerings. Theres a good shot at finding schoolies at soft sand beaches after dark looking for sand eels. The bunker population has thinned out considerably however there are still some very large schools to the south of us. BLUEFISH--- The choppers are doing their usual thinning out the numbers for July, many of the blues we see in May and June are have continued on their travels north. The remaining blues have been very mixed in length and also sporting some large waistlines. The Connecticut River blues are mostly being caught on chunks while those in the Race, Gut, Pigeon Rip and Southwest Reef have been hitting jigs. FLUKE--- Good numbers of fluke catches are being reported from local waters. The short to keeper ratio varies depending on where you are. Long Sand Shoal has good numbers with the ratio being 1 in 20. Soundview has fewer fish but about a 1 in 10 shot. Two Tree Channel has about 1 in 12. The deeper waters off Hatchetts and Black Point its around 1 in 3 with a lot fewer hits. Reports from RI have been disappointing with both numbers and sizes. It doesn't seem worth the trip. PORGIES--- Is anyone fishing for them? I haven't heard of anyone trying except for the regulars hitting the Niantic and Waterford shore after work. BLACKFISH--- Season opens on Wednesday, July 1st. NEXT WEEKS REPORT--- will be a day or two late, I'll be on a research mission next week and need a few days to figure out whats going on. HOURS--- This weekend we'll be starting summer hours. Monday to Friday ---- 5am to 7pm Saturday, Sunday ---- 4am to 6pm
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