CTFishTalk.com: New to Milford - Connecticut Saltwater Reports ( CT Saltwater Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

Lucky Bill · Joined: 06 Jun 2014 Posts: 4

Good site!
I moved to Milford on May 1, and would be grateful to have some guidance on good spots to catch stripers.
I am from Westbrook, and have fished there for 25 years with much success.
Some background: I own a 22.5' center console which is docked in Milford Harbor.
I have solid experience with all techniques of catching bass.
On May 27 I anchored and chunked freash bunker just south of Stratford point and did pretty well in about 25' of water in front of a moderate rip. I boated 5 fish at 27"/28", one at 36", and one at 38" in about two hours. Oh, and 2 small blues. Tide was coming in.
Since then I have drifted liveys with no success. I have tried jigging with white bucktails (my favorite way to hook stripers) with no success, other than a few short fluke and some sea robins near Charles Island.
Can anyone offer up some tips on locations (other than your secret coveted spots of course) where I should try? I am not opposed to running.
Thanks so much. look forward to your responses, and I will be glad to post reports going forwad.
-Bill

RLoutdoors · Joined: 12 Aug 2013 Posts: 74 Location: Stamford, CT

Welcome aboard. Sounds like you have a great setup/experience to be successful for stripers in the area.

To be honest, fishing livey's this season has been shockingly counterproductive so far. I've been out 4 times in the last 2 weeks with all bass coming in on chunks/heads while bait fishing. Been hearing similar stories from fellow anglers. The only action I've had on a livey was a dinky 8lb bluefish and one solid run with no hookup.

Now, I dont know what kind of setups you have, but if you have a good wire trolling outfit, toss a bunker spoon down there and let it work its magic.

I pulled a 43 pounder two weeks ago in Stamford trolling spoons, and a buddy landed a 41 this weekend out of Norwalk.

Lucky Bill · Joined: 06 Jun 2014 Posts: 4

Thanks for that report. I have wire setups but to be honest it's my least favorite way to catch bass. I prefer lighter tackle that allows for a little fight.
Okay so I feel better that I'm not alone with the ignored livies. I suppose I'll keep trying new spots with chunks for now. In fact, fresh chunks on the bottom has always been the ticket to big bass for me.
I really need to be able to find turbulent water around structure that holds feeding fish. Can anyone name a few places to start off, generally speaking? i have a whole free weekend ahead of me, and could use some pointing in the right direction.
Thanks.

Contender23 · Joined: 27 Jun 2013 Posts: 31

Bill, I fish out of stratford and Milford.i have a black 23 contender center console sea active. We don't have a lot
Of structure around this area. Middle ground has a few good spots for drifting live bait. Off new haven you have Townsend ledge that fishes well. Branford has branford beacon. If you see me in milford harbor snagging come over and introduce your self. I will be in there on the weekend first light.

Lucky Bill · Joined: 06 Jun 2014 Posts: 4

Thanks. Much appreciated. I'll look at my chart tonight and place some waypoints.
I will be in the harbor tomorrow morning at around 5 and will look for you. Im in a Key West center w a yamaha outboard. Blue canvas top.

bjo16 · Joined: 27 Jul 2012 Posts: 33

if you ever are looking for someone to fill open seats let me know. I am in stratford. i got a couple spots but this area can be hit or miss and its a flat wasteland!. got a key west also 20ft DC that we trailer so could also meet up on the water or you can come on our boat. plus we have the same name!!

Lucky Bill · Joined: 06 Jun 2014 Posts: 4

Well, I'm solo tomorrow morning until 9:00 when some buddies show up. So my plan is to leave the dock around 5 and return by 9. You are welcome to join me.
Milford Boat Works. Park behind Ships Store. Boat is on B dock halfway down on left. "Lucky Jr.".
Let me know if you're committing and I'll wait for you. Otherwise there us a chance I leave earlier.

Redneckangler · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 851 Location: Meriden, CT

Hi Bill. I'll be out tomorrow, though likely quite a bit east towards Plum. If you ever decide to run my way, give me a shout, though it sounds like you've pretty much dialed in the eastern fishing. Always nice to have another set of eyes on the water. Good luck.
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Jeff · Joined: 06 Jul 2012 Posts: 167

I will more than likely be out myself tomorrow. Looking at afternoon to evening times with the incoming tide. Going to be staying in the BPT - Stratford area.

Michael · Joined: 28 Jan 2012 Posts: 3823 Location: Bridgeport

I live in the North End of Bridgeport Bill and would be happy to show you areas around Bridgeport that have been holding fish if you were to pick me up from my place.

I've been surf casting from Seaside Park for over a month now, have been getting good reports from a buddy, and have been out on the buddy's boat once so far catching a few stripers.