**Overall Conditions:** The Sound is settling into its winter pattern, but there's still plenty of life for the dedicated angler. Water temperatures are dropping, and the fish are concentrating in predictable areas. The key is to find the bait and the warmer water pockets.
**Striped Bass:** The holdover striped bass action remains strong in the tidal rivers and creek mouths. Most of the fish are schoolie-sized, typically under 30 inches, but they are plentiful and willing to bite. Small soft plastics, jerkbaits, and swimming plugs like the Mag Darter are the top producers. The Housatonic River is the star of the show, with good numbers of fish from the mouth all the way up to the fork. Some larger fish in the low-20-pound class are being taken in the northern reaches of the river, especially after dark on soft plastics jigged slowly. Norwalk Harbor and the beaches around Long Beach are also giving up some fish as they move into the rivers.
**Sea Bass:** The sea bass fishing has been outstanding for those making the trip to the east. The Black Hawk out of Niantic has been putting their clients on boat limits of jumbo sea bass, with some anglers even releasing keeper-sized fish to fill their coolers with true jumbos. The bite has been consistent, with plenty of ling and scup in the mix to keep the rods bent.
**Other Species:** The trout fishing in the local ponds and recently stocked rivers is providing excellent and reliable action for those looking for a freshwater alternative. The fish are active and willing to take a variety of lures and baits.
**Tactical Recommendations:** For striped bass, focus on the mouths of the tidal rivers during the outgoing tide. Use small, slow-moving presentations to entice the fish in the cold water. For sea bass, get on a quality headboat and enjoy the fantastic bottom fishing. Don't overlook the freshwater opportunities for trout, which can provide fast and fun action close to home.
**Striped Bass:** The holdover striped bass action remains strong in the tidal rivers and creek mouths. Most of the fish are schoolie-sized, typically under 30 inches, but they are plentiful and willing to bite. Small soft plastics, jerkbaits, and swimming plugs like the Mag Darter are the top producers. The Housatonic River is the star of the show, with good numbers of fish from the mouth all the way up to the fork. Some larger fish in the low-20-pound class are being taken in the northern reaches of the river, especially after dark on soft plastics jigged slowly. Norwalk Harbor and the beaches around Long Beach are also giving up some fish as they move into the rivers.
**Sea Bass:** The sea bass fishing has been outstanding for those making the trip to the east. The Black Hawk out of Niantic has been putting their clients on boat limits of jumbo sea bass, with some anglers even releasing keeper-sized fish to fill their coolers with true jumbos. The bite has been consistent, with plenty of ling and scup in the mix to keep the rods bent.
**Other Species:** The trout fishing in the local ponds and recently stocked rivers is providing excellent and reliable action for those looking for a freshwater alternative. The fish are active and willing to take a variety of lures and baits.
**Tactical Recommendations:** For striped bass, focus on the mouths of the tidal rivers during the outgoing tide. Use small, slow-moving presentations to entice the fish in the cold water. For sea bass, get on a quality headboat and enjoy the fantastic bottom fishing. Don't overlook the freshwater opportunities for trout, which can provide fast and fun action close to home.
