Well folks, Salty Sal here with your final report of the 2025 season. It's been a wild ride, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. The striped bass season officially closed on December 15th, and with the blackfish season wrapping up on the 22nd, we're looking at a quiet end to the year. But don't you worry, there's still some action to be had for the die-hards out there.
Western Sound
The western reaches of the Sound are pretty much done for the year. We had some decent action with schoolie stripers before the closure, especially around the mouths of the harbors and tidal creeks. A few bigger fish were mixed in, but you had to work for them. The water temperatures have dropped significantly, and most of the bait has moved out. It's time to put away the striper gear and think about winterizing the boat, if you haven't already.
Mid-Sound
The middle of the Sound saw some good blackfish action right up to the end of the season. The deeper rockpiles and wrecks were holding fish, and those who put in the time were rewarded with some nice keepers. The bite was all on crabs, as usual. With the season now closed, it's time to give the tog a rest until next year.
Eastern Sound
The eastern Sound is where the last of the saltwater action is happening. The offshore wrecks are holding some nice sea bass, and the season is still open until December 31st. It's a long run, and you need a good weather window, but the fishing can be excellent. We're talking jumbo sea bass, with easy limits for those who can get out there. Cod are also mixed in, providing a nice bonus. Clams on a hi-low rig are the ticket.
Freshwater Focus
With the saltwater season winding down, many anglers are turning their attention to freshwater. The local ponds and rivers are offering some great fishing for a variety of species. The Connetquot River is a great option for trout, with plenty of stocked fish to keep you busy. For those looking for a different challenge, the tidal creeks are holding white perch, and the freshwater ponds are producing bass, pickerel, and yellow perch. It's a great way to keep the rod bent during the winter months.
That's all for this week, and for the 2025 season. It's been a pleasure providing you with these reports, and I want to thank all of you for your support. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and I'll see you all in the spring!
Salty Sal
Western Sound
The western reaches of the Sound are pretty much done for the year. We had some decent action with schoolie stripers before the closure, especially around the mouths of the harbors and tidal creeks. A few bigger fish were mixed in, but you had to work for them. The water temperatures have dropped significantly, and most of the bait has moved out. It's time to put away the striper gear and think about winterizing the boat, if you haven't already.
Mid-Sound
The middle of the Sound saw some good blackfish action right up to the end of the season. The deeper rockpiles and wrecks were holding fish, and those who put in the time were rewarded with some nice keepers. The bite was all on crabs, as usual. With the season now closed, it's time to give the tog a rest until next year.
Eastern Sound
The eastern Sound is where the last of the saltwater action is happening. The offshore wrecks are holding some nice sea bass, and the season is still open until December 31st. It's a long run, and you need a good weather window, but the fishing can be excellent. We're talking jumbo sea bass, with easy limits for those who can get out there. Cod are also mixed in, providing a nice bonus. Clams on a hi-low rig are the ticket.
Freshwater Focus
With the saltwater season winding down, many anglers are turning their attention to freshwater. The local ponds and rivers are offering some great fishing for a variety of species. The Connetquot River is a great option for trout, with plenty of stocked fish to keep you busy. For those looking for a different challenge, the tidal creeks are holding white perch, and the freshwater ponds are producing bass, pickerel, and yellow perch. It's a great way to keep the rod bent during the winter months.
That's all for this week, and for the 2025 season. It's been a pleasure providing you with these reports, and I want to thank all of you for your support. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and I'll see you all in the spring!
Salty Sal
