Location: South County, Rhode Island
False albacore continue to be the most sought after species. Tunney seems to be spread out along the entire western shore line may be the most consistent location each day.
Fishing the eastern end of the state has less consistency in sighting, but the fish are still hanging around down deeper.
Bay anchovies are far more dispersed with smaller densities limiting prolong surface activity. The albies have moved off the more popular and pressured reefs and are searching more and more for the larger concentrations of bait balls. Surface activity are faster, fewer fish, and shorter in duration. This explains why the tuna move off quickly from one location to the next. Each day is different. Hook-up rates vary with fish behavior being more temperamental, not as easy as three weeks ago. Angler skills in casting, presentation, and fly selection naturally improve the odds. Nothing against easy catching, but this is how you separate the anglers from the fishermen. Not all the boats are consistently catching now, just the savvy ones.
Baitfish pods have moved closer to the shore line for more swimming freedom and protection from the predators. There are smaller bluefish and schoolies in the surf each morning, quickly dies before noon. So far the majority of the tuna have been out of range of spin casters on shore. There is plenty of baitfish in the salt ponds that haven’t exited. May explain why the breachways haven’t seen any tuna running up and down the outflow of currents. Water temperatures average 64 degrees.
Captain’s Log:
The slam…. Bass, bluefish, even more albies in the mix. That how several trips played out this week? Not one bonito in sight for the grand slam. That’s been the only lemon for us.
Gary Steinmiller and Joe Klinger delayed their trip for a day for better weather and it paid off in spades. The day was cool, plenty of moisture in the air but no one was complaining about the dampness as the fish totals kept rising as the day progressed.
Under a sky of darkness both caught several bass on gurglers and baitfish patterns. The bite quickly turned to small bluefish running the rip line at sunrise. That lasted thirty minutes before the tuna started to push them out. Long cast directed up current from the boils had both men tight for the day stripping small translucent baitfish patterns. We moved to three different locations the entire day and found willing fish in each location. Patience was key as the boat was positioned and lost its headway. Having the right horses on board to execute a quick cast, on target and stripping at a quick pace sure helps. There’s nothing like skilled talent to make the captain look good.
Gary is all smiles. Life is certainly good. Fall fishing has been good.
Joe love the blister runs of these magnificent fish.
Doubles were common place today. More than twenty footballs were landed.
This message was approved and authorized by Capt. Ray.