What changes for anglers this week: sea bass and scup are locating on deeper reef structure, keeper fluke remain scarce, the striper bite is steady in the rips and bonito have begun showing up in the Western Sound.
Where to target fish and what to use
Matt Stone of Black Hall Outfitters in Westbrook said the strong striper bite continues. Shallow-water fishing with eels remains the most productive approach locally, while deeper water tactics — flutter spoons, topwaters, tubes and diamond jigs — are producing at known current cuts such as The Race and The Gut. Stone noted that mornings and evenings are getting more productive as air and water temperatures rise.
Sea bass action has been improving, with anglers finding fish on deep reef structure. Recommended offerings include Daiwa SK Jigs and Shimano Shimmerfall jigs and similar metals for working that deeper structure.
Fluke, porgies and tautog
Fluke (summer flounder) remain difficult to keep in keeper sizes; fish are present but many anglers are catching shorts. Stone suggests starting in about 30 feet of water and moving deeper as needed. Squid remains abundant, and fluorescent pink or pink shine Gulp baits continue to be effective.
Porgies (scup) have been widespread, with sandworms and clams producing the best results. Anglers targeting tautog have also reported solid summer catches.
Local trip reports from Niantic
Heather from the Black Hawk in Niantic summarized recent trips, noting mixed results because of weather interruptions but several successful outings.
“While we lost some days last week due to the weather, once we got out there we picked up where we left off. Wednesday’s bottom fishing trip had an easy boat limit of jumbo porgies, with a few sea bass in the mix. Our fluke trip on Thursday wasn’t what we’d hoped for. Like last week, we picked away on a lot of shorts and managed only a few keepers. A few sea bass were in the mix too. Friday’s bottom fishing trip was very similar to Wednesday. Saturday morning’s trip had jumbo porgies coming over the rails, as well as a few sea bass and a puffer fish. Our family trip on Saturday afternoon brought out a great group of kids and their families, who spent the afternoon reeling in porgies. Thanks to everyone who joined us on this trip! We look forward to more of these as the summer goes on. Our Saturday night fireworks cruise was a huge success! This is our annual diaper drive, and we collected a carload of diapers to
Heather’s report underscores two points useful to local anglers: bottom fishing trips are producing strong porgy hauls, and family-oriented excursions remain popular despite inconsistent fluke results.
- Stripers: Steady in the rips; eels in shallow water are productive.
- Sea bass & scup: Best on deeper reef structure; use metal jigs.
- Fluke: Keepers are scarce; start in ~30 feet and use squid or pink Gulp.
- Bonito: Now appearing in the Western Sound.
Quick reference
| Species | Recommended depth/location | Suggested tackle/bait |
|---|---|---|
| Striper | Rips, shallow water | Eels, topwaters, tubes |
| Sea bass | Deep reef structure | Daiwa SK Jigs, Shimano Shimmerfall |
| Fluke | Start ~30 ft, move deeper | Squid, fluorescent pink/pink shine Gulp |
| Porgy (scup) | Various; bottom fishing | Sandworms, clams |
| Bonito | Western Sound | Fast-trolling lures, topwater plugs |
Anglers planning trips this week should factor in rising temperatures and favor early morning or evening windows when bites have been strongest. Consult local outfitters for updated conditions and any seasonal regulations before heading out.
