by Capt. Allen Fee

Early June is a wonderful time to fish for striped bass. The long daylight hours allow us plenty of time to go fishing, while the cool water temperatures fend off the bluefish. Not to say they aren’t fun to catch, but each requires slightly different tackle. It’s simply a matter of the leader material, wire or monofilament. Summed up in one short word. “Teeth.”

The early striped bass fisherman arm themselves with an extensive and sometimes expensive assortment of lures and hooks. Only to have them bitten off, or chewed up by a toothy blue. It is assumed by most that stripers are leader shy, and are turned off at the sight of a wire leader. Using a translucent material, such as mono or fluorocarbon, can greatly improve your catches.

Here we are on the brink of summer and the sea temperatures are quickly rising. Every angler still fishing with their seventeen dollar Yo-Zuri lure is at risk. We all know it won’t be long before old snaggletooth cleans out our tackle boxes.

Striped bass catches are being reported from Norwich to Napatree. Wolf, We-Tu Bait and Tackle, North Stonington, reported that Peter Butterfield is doing well behind the police station in Norwich Harbor. He used a white, pearl, chartreuse color, soft-bodied Zoom.

Wolf also added that trout fishing in the ponds is beginning to slow, but bass fishing should pick up soon. We-Tu reminds everyone that they will host a Father’s Day Tournament this season. Contact the shop for details, 860.536.6551.

Allen and Cheryl,  Shaffer’s Bait and Tackle, Mystic, received several reports of top water, striper blitzes, during and after the Memorial Day weekend. “They were all around Race Rock!” said Tony McCarthy, Hebron. Tony caught and released more than ten bass, in the 25 – 30 inch range, using Tsunami soft plastics. “They were feeding on live squid.” Similar reports also came from Watch Hill Reef, and in as close as the Monastery, Enders Island.

June 15th is opening day this year for the fluke season. Shaffer’s Bait and Tackle is fully stocked with silversides, smelt, Peruvian spearing, and squid. “Bring it on!” says Cheryl.

Take a little time to inspect all you equipment. A broken rod tip or cracked guide can ruin your line. If you don’t know the age of your line, or it resembles a telephone cord, it’s probably time to change it. Line is one of the least expensive, yet most important components in fishing. New line casts better and allows you to hang on to those costly lures a little longer. At least until the bluefish come in.

Shaffer’s Bait and Tackle

106 Mason’s Island Road

Mystic, CT

860.536.8713

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