Most nights in Newport and other places look like this:
This past week was a reminder of just how dynamic the inshore fishery is. Spots that were red hot at the time last weeks report was posted fell dead quiet just a day or two later, only to ramp up again a few days after that. If you hit the wrong day, the ocean was vacant, and on the other hand it couldn't seem more alive if you chose the right day to go out. Deep ocean swell combined with persistent East winds made for confused seas and rough conditions at times for small boats and even some mid-size boats this week.
One constant though has been the plentiful bait fish; tiny bunker about a 1/2” long, peanuts about 2” long, and huge schools of silversides. The result of such a surplus was predictable, some of the best fishing of the year.
Ultra, Ultra Light: 
Inshore speedsters have been on and off again; perception of how the past week’s bonito fishing was will vary greatly depending on who you talked to and when they went fishing. Some days were unforgettable with others being a total waste of time. Offshore the giant bluefin bite has turned on, with many boats scoring true giants this past week. That bite should build as the weeks progress.
Bass and blues were on the warpath due to the incredible supply of things for them to eat. Launching out of Newport Harbor my electronics sometimes couldn't even find the bottom due to the density of the baitfish. Anglers from both shore and the boat have been enjoying the action, with Brenton Point on some days lined with anglers enjoying the bounty. Be sure to bring heavy leaders, wire leaders, and back up plugs. There’s a LOT of fish and cut offs are common due to other fish hitting your line during battle. Big fish are being picked out of the mix from time, with a bunch of fish the 20 pound range and a few pushing into the 30’s.
Two blues, one plug 
Looking forward, unless the bait leaves there’s no reason to think that any of the current activity will fade. Water temperatures have fallen off a bit, but nothing dramatic. Considering how high they were, they’ve really only returned to normal. Rumors of albies have already begun, but really this is a fish that doesn’t usually show until around Labor Day and sometimes later. Albies have been thin in most parts of RI the past few years, not counting the Watch Hill area. We’re hoping to see this year break that trend. Expect the bonito encounters to continue until (and if) the albies arrive. These fish usually don’t mix as it often seems when the albies arrive they push out the bonito.
It’s not always this good, so enjoy it while it lasts!
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08-23-2007, 03:38 PM
SWE Fishing Report: 8.23.07 
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