Prelude report of the Rhody Clave
Slinger and I were in separate boats Sunday morning fishing most of the same ground. Our paths never did cross. Later on in the evening we compared notes by telephone.
First off, It was a great day just being on the water. Very little north wind kept all of RI Sound much like a mill pond. Closer to shore there were some good wave surges and plenty of seals on planks to keep us entertained. Tides were good with a high at 4:45 am. Surprisingly the surface ocean water temps were still at 68.5 degrees. Very warm for this time of the fishing season. The air temps 75 degrees, but what a gorgeous day to be out on the water with friends.
Water was very clear in the open water. Along the shore was a different story. Most beaches were cloudy with sand and suspended seaweed. The bad news, not any bait in sight. We did come across a very small pod of adult pogies or shad, but nothing was chasing 'em and they quickly dispersed. Not one diving tern was seen all morning.
We worked hard all morning. Final total between three anglers was 3 stripers and 2 bluefish with several break off from bluefish. Carpenters Bar, Deep Hole and along East Matunick Beaches produce "0."
West Wall had no life either with the North wind conditions. Around Pt Judith and points north, we found the very few fish we caught. All were caught around rock structure closer to shore. All fish were isolate probably feeding on bottom creatures. No baitfish either along the Western facing shores.
Even with the poor results this weekend, I think we might be in pretty good shape for next weekend. Pray we have no more tropical storms. Colder weather hopefully could get it started again. The next few days the wind should be from the South and the water should clear up along the beach fronts. A few day like this and the bait may return. Some of it could started filtering from the upper bay where there is hordes of peanut bunker and bluefish around.
The only chance bonito and albies will show up along the South shore is food supply. These tunoids are "high octane" and need plenty of fuel to keep moving. Watch Hill and Weekapaug Breachway right now might be your best chance to locate 'em. Conditions seem better there with more food supply and tidal flow. Striped Bass and Bluefish action should improve along the shore if the ponds starts emptying some of the peanut bunker. The Salt Ponds and Little Watch Hill/Stonington area might be the alternative option next weekend if no bait shows along the South Shore.
Anyone else out this weekend? Please feel free to add or support your views.
Slinger and I were in separate boats Sunday morning fishing most of the same ground. Our paths never did cross. Later on in the evening we compared notes by telephone.
First off, It was a great day just being on the water. Very little north wind kept all of RI Sound much like a mill pond. Closer to shore there were some good wave surges and plenty of seals on planks to keep us entertained. Tides were good with a high at 4:45 am. Surprisingly the surface ocean water temps were still at 68.5 degrees. Very warm for this time of the fishing season. The air temps 75 degrees, but what a gorgeous day to be out on the water with friends.
Water was very clear in the open water. Along the shore was a different story. Most beaches were cloudy with sand and suspended seaweed. The bad news, not any bait in sight. We did come across a very small pod of adult pogies or shad, but nothing was chasing 'em and they quickly dispersed. Not one diving tern was seen all morning.
We worked hard all morning. Final total between three anglers was 3 stripers and 2 bluefish with several break off from bluefish. Carpenters Bar, Deep Hole and along East Matunick Beaches produce "0."
West Wall had no life either with the North wind conditions. Around Pt Judith and points north, we found the very few fish we caught. All were caught around rock structure closer to shore. All fish were isolate probably feeding on bottom creatures. No baitfish either along the Western facing shores.
Even with the poor results this weekend, I think we might be in pretty good shape for next weekend. Pray we have no more tropical storms. Colder weather hopefully could get it started again. The next few days the wind should be from the South and the water should clear up along the beach fronts. A few day like this and the bait may return. Some of it could started filtering from the upper bay where there is hordes of peanut bunker and bluefish around.
The only chance bonito and albies will show up along the South shore is food supply. These tunoids are "high octane" and need plenty of fuel to keep moving. Watch Hill and Weekapaug Breachway right now might be your best chance to locate 'em. Conditions seem better there with more food supply and tidal flow. Striped Bass and Bluefish action should improve along the shore if the ponds starts emptying some of the peanut bunker. The Salt Ponds and Little Watch Hill/Stonington area might be the alternative option next weekend if no bait shows along the South Shore.
Anyone else out this weekend? Please feel free to add or support your views.