SWE Fishing Report: 10.16.07

[Pete_G]

As evidenced by all the photos and reports being sent in to the shop from anglers around the region, the fall run is in full swing and anglers are taking advantage of it. The days are shorter, the water temperatures are finally dropping rapidly, and the fish are definitely on the move.



Much of this fishing has been driven by the always important menhaden. There’s more then a few size ranges along the coast and in certain areas full size adults have fueled simply incredible fall fishing in the past week. Both Newport and South County Rhode Island had visits from the adults and of course the big bass and giant blues that tend to travel with them were nearby. Giant Pencils during the day are great choices for stripers feeding on large baits like these. At night big Bottle Plugs or Dannys are also good options. For flys, Kenney Abrames flatwings that imitate these large baits are the way to go as you can imitate these 12” and larger baits and still actually cast them. Keep a snag hook handy as well.

Koichi Tanaka with a "McKenna style" 9" black sluggo caught fish


Further North, Jay Cianciolo from Laura Jay Sport Fishing (Cape Cod Saltwater Fishing Charters for Striped Bass Stripers, Giant Bluefin Tuna, and Stellwagon Bank Cod) reports that the bass are on the move around Provincetown. Jay was out fishing for giant bluefin tuna and reported that “on Sunday's Tuna trip I came around RP on my way out to the grounds and the fish were schooled up big and seriously on the move. Went Tuna Fishing and when we came back inshore in the afternoon the big fish and gannets had already shot down the backside. Lots of schoolies left (and a couple for the grill), but it sure was a sign of the end.” With the Cape Cod Canal being another hot spot this week it’s clearly an indicator that we all need to hit the water now, no matter what the weather is the fishing will end eventually.

Bill Boyes with a nice fish


Albies and bonito are still around, but most of the activity is from Point Judith and further to the West. There’s scattered schools around Newport and to the East, but if these are the species you’re after there’s better places to look.

Bob Taylor in the high seas


Blues are still packed into Narragansett Bay and marauding along the South Coast as well. Sizes vary greatly. Be prepared for all sizes. Heavy wire leaders are required for the biggest as they are capable of sawing through lighter wire.



Shore fishing is about as good as it gets, with quality stripers being taken along the entire coast. There have been occasional day time blitzes, in particular where there’s adult bunker. Even up in Narragansett Bay good catches are being reported, but if something truly big is your goal you’ll increase your chances fishing along the Southern shores. Consider using the biggest gear you have right now, more then a few people have hooked fish they simply never saw this week. Heavy leaders, quality terminal tackle and knots, smooth drags, a touch of luck and more are all needed to land big fish reliably.

Max Carpman with a 37 pound fish


Dress warm if you’re fishing at night. If you haven’t been out recently you’ll be rudely reminded of what fishing in 40 degree air is all about. There have already been a few nights in the 30’s as well. There’s no question though that it’s worth it.



Enjoy the fall!



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[cumberlandflyguy]

My neighbor stopped by last night with a nice 25lb'r caught along the south shore. He said the action is only going to get better as there are huge schools going through the cape cod canal.

[bassballer]

that report just made me start fishing in the office sink. God i cant wait to get out tonight.

[Frightnight]

All these reports talk about Provincetown, and Capre Cod Canal, AND!!!!....
all the fish i see with pics being taken at SWE have a car in the background with Mass. plates on them, so, Can assume all these are being caughtn there, brought here for a picture. Why are these pics and stories not posted in the massachusetts forum? Rhode island forum for RI fish and anglers? Makes it look like they are being caught here, and I do not know of anyone catching anything at all around newport, Middletown???? Fall run coming to an end? never came? Keep hearing fishing is hotter than ever? That is not true at all. I want to hear an honest assessment, not stories of fish, caught somewhere else, and made to look like they were caught here. You watch, now... they will make sure all there future pics will not have the Mass. plates in the background.

[Mako13]

Well, when I lived in Mass I would drive down to RI to fish all the time, esp this time of year, and if you notice the plates of cars parked at any of the well known surf-fishing spots in Rhody at least half of the plates will be Mass plates. I can't see why anybody would drive all the way to Newport from Mass to get a picture of a fish.....

Also you can tell by the rocky shore-line in the pictures that its Rhode Island, none of the places in Massachusetts mentioned in the report really look like that.

Pictures and report make me wish I still lived up there!!!

[Pete_G]

Max with the MA plate goes to URI and fishes South County Rhode Island. In fact all fish in the photos except Koichi's were caught within 15 miles of the shop.

Fish are mobile in the fall and we as angler's should be too. Some anglers roam from the CT border to the Cape Cod Canal and beyond, sometimes all in one night!

The report is intended to be broad as people from everywhere read it, and knowing what is going on further North is important this time of year as it can give us idea of where the fish are, where we should maybe fish, and how much more is actually still to the North. Of course, fall is anything but a guarantee. They can just slip out to sea never to be seen again.

I almost never do this and probably never will again, but there were big blues and a few bass going simply wild on both 1st and 2nd beaches yesterday afternoon. Full out blitz action in Newport and Middletown. There are fish out there, plain and simple. Knowing the way reports like this work there will be nothing there today. Chase intel if you want to but I try and write the reports to help anglers find fish on their own and catch fish on their own. I just don't think spelling out exactly where to go really helps anyone learn anything or really improves their fishing. The only reason I did it here is since you seem to be implying that we're "fluffing" the reports.

You can look back and find plenty of reports where I tell it like it is when the fishing is miserable. I guarantee that over the season this is almost the most negative fishing report you'll find anywhere, especially from a tackle shop. When it's not good, I tell you that. When it is I'll tell you that too.

[rijimmy]

I live in MA and only fish RI, from the surf and boat.

the fish are moving south and RI is a classic fall spot, why wouldnt they drive to RI to fish??? As said above more than half the shore spots I fish have cars with MA plates on them. Guys follow the fish.

I understand what it like to get skunked, I have not had a bass in a few weeks, but this week the fishing was PHENOMONAL. I fish 90% nights and with eels, all my bass this week were daytime and on poppers.
if its not working change your tactics!!!!!!!!!!

[bassballer]

Those photos are no doubt RI coastline. How do I know? Because I FISH THERE! The fact the someone is accusing of fluffing fishing reprts is rediculous. Great report Pete.

[Doodaman]

I also live in Taunton MA and fish almost exclusivly in Rhode Island. Mostly fishing between Tiverton and Sakonnet. The bass fishing from shore has been fantastic the last few evenings. Took home a 28 lb. on Tuesday and a 21 on Sunday.

[MaxC]

No Mako is correct I caught that fish in mass and drove around from shop to shop taking pictures and eventually on my way to montauk made a stop by the edge.