Salty Sal's Complete Long Island Sound Report - November 28, 2025
WEATHER ALERT - GALE WARNING TODAY
Listen up, folks - Mother Nature's throwing a tantrum today with gale warnings across the Sound. We're looking at west winds 25-30 knots with gusts to 35, and seas building to 3-5 feet, occasionally 6. If you're reading this thinking about heading out, don't. Stay home, tie down your gear, and wait for tomorrow. Saturday's looking like a much better proposition with winds dropping to 15-20 and seas calming to 1-2 feet by afternoon.
THE BLACKFISH BITE - GOING OUT WITH A BANG
The deep water tog bite is absolutely on fire right now, and I mean that in the best possible way. We're in the final weeks of the season, and these fish are cooperating like it's their last supper. The pattern's been consistent all week - wreck edges and rocky ledges in 40 to 50 feet of water are holding steady numbers of quality blackfish.
The Angler Fleet out of Port Washington continues to put fresh tog on the table, and they're not alone. Reports from all across the western Sound confirm that anglers soaking green crabs are filling limits with regularity. The fish are running a solid mix of keepers with some pushing 7 to 8 pounds. What's interesting is that jigs are outperforming traditional rigs on most days, which tells me these fish are actively feeding rather than just picking at bait.
As water temperatures continue their downward slide, expect these tog to push even deeper. The bigger fish we've been waiting for should start showing up as we get into early December. The fish are transitioning to their winter pattern, which means they're packing on weight and getting less finicky. If you've got the gear to fish 40-70 feet effectively, now's your time.
STRIPED BASS - THE BRIDGE BITE HEATS UP
The striper action has shifted into its late-fall pattern, and if you know where to look, you can still get into some quality fish. Inside the bays, school-size bass are actively working over pods of peanut bunker. These aren't the cows we dream about, but they're willing participants and they'll bend a rod. Soft plastics are the ticket here, especially during high tide when bait gets pushed tight to the banks.
On calm mornings, you might catch brief topwater feeds as bass trap bait on the surface. These windows are short - we're talking minutes, not hours - but when it happens, it's fast and furious. Keep a popper rigged and ready.
The real story, though, is the nighttime bridge bite. This is where the quality fish are showing up - mid-20-pound bass that'll test your tackle and your patience. The pattern is technical but predictable: moving water is everything. The bite shuts down the instant slack tide sets in, so timing is critical. You need to be there when the current is flowing.
The most productive setup has been large soft plastics in the 10 to 15-inch range. JoeBaggs 14.5-inch Block Island Eels in black or pink are showing a clear edge, rigged on 1 to 1.5-ounce jigheads to maintain bottom contact in the sweep. Light braid - 15 to 20-pound test - helps you feel those subtle hits. Work tight to the structure, stay in the current, and be ready when a big fish decides to feed.
BONUS BITE - SQUID AT THE DOCKS
On warmer nights, docks and well-lit marinas are holding solid numbers of squid. This is a fun bonus fishery that doesn't get enough attention. Light-tackle anglers swinging small jigs around the outer edge of the light cone are putting together steady catches. It's great for a quick evening trip, and you'll have fresh calamari for the table or bait for your next trip.
WEATHER & WATER CONDITIONS
Today (Friday, November 28): Gale Warning in effect. West winds 25-30 knots gusting to 35. Seas 3-5 feet, occasionally to 6. Stay off the water.
Saturday, November 29: Winds diminishing significantly. West 15-20 knots becoming northwest 10-15 in the afternoon. Seas subsiding to 1-2 feet. This is your window - get out there.
Sunday, November 30: South winds 10-15 knots increasing to 15-20 in the afternoon. Seas building to 2-3 feet. Showers developing, first in the morning, then throughout the afternoon. Fishable in the morning, deteriorating later.
Monday, December 1: Northwest winds 15-20 knots. Seas 2-3 feet. Post-frontal conditions with clearing skies. Good fishing day.
Water temperatures are continuing their seasonal decline, which is pushing both tog and bass into their late-fall patterns. The thermocline has broken down completely, and we're seeing more uniform temperatures throughout the water column. This is normal for late November and it's concentrating fish around structure and current breaks.
SAL'S TACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS
For Blackfish: Focus on 40-50 foot depths around wreck edges and rocky ledges. Green crabs remain the top bait. Jigs are outperforming rigs, so don't be afraid to go that route. Use enough weight to maintain bottom contact - the current's been strong. The season's winding down fast, so if you want fresh tog for the table, Saturday's your best bet this week.
For Striped Bass: If you're fishing during the day, work the bays during high tide with soft plastics. For quality fish, hit the bridges after dark when the current's moving. JoeBaggs Block Island Eels in 14.5 inches, black or pink, on 1-1.5 ounce jigheads. Light braid, stay tight to structure, and be patient. The bite's technical but the rewards are worth it.
For Squid: Hit the docks and marinas on calm nights. Small jigs around the light's edge. Quick, easy, and productive.
THE BOTTOM LINE
We're in the final stretch of the 2025 season, folks. The blackfish season's about to close, and the stripers are going to start their winter shutdown soon. But right now, right this moment, there are quality fish to be caught if you're willing to put in the time and dial in the pattern.
Saturday's your prime day this week - winds calm down, seas lay flat, and the fish will be feeding after today's blow. Sunday morning offers a window before the weather turns. Monday looks solid for post-frontal action.
The water's cold, the wind's been brutal, but the fish are still here. Bundle up, check your gear, and make the most of these final weeks. Winter's coming, but it ain't here yet.
Tight lines and calm seas,
Salty Sal
Long Island Sound
WEATHER ALERT - GALE WARNING TODAY Listen up, folks - Mother Nature's throwing a tantrum today with gale warnings across the Sound. We're looking at west winds 25-30 knots with gusts to 35, and seas building to 3-5 feet, occasionally 6. If you're reading this thinking about heading out, don't. Stay home, tie down your gear, and wait for tomorrow. Saturday's looking like a much better proposition with winds dropping to 15-20 and seas calming to 1-2 feet by afternoon.
THE BLACKFISH BITE - GOING OUT WITH A BANG The deep water tog bite is absolutely on fire right now, and I mean that in the best possible way. We're in the final weeks of the season, and these fish are cooperating like it's their last supper. The pattern's been consistent all week - wreck edges and rocky ledges in 40 to 50 feet of water are holding steady numbers of quality blackfish.
The Angler Fleet out of Port Washington continues to put fresh tog on the table, and they're not alone. Reports from all across the western Sound confirm that anglers soaking green crabs are filling limits with regularity. The fish are running a solid mix of keepers with some pushing 7 to 8 pounds. What's interesting is that jigs are outperforming traditional rigs on most days, which tells me these fish are actively feeding rather than just picking at bait.
As water temperatures continue their downward slide, expect these tog to push even deeper. The bigger fish we've been waiting for should start showing up as we get into early December. The fish are transitioning to their winter pattern, which means they're packing on weight and getting less finicky. If you've got the gear to fish 40-70 feet effectively, now's your time.
STRIPED BASS - THE BRIDGE BITE HEATS UP The striper action has shifted into its late-fall pattern, and if you know where to look, you can still get into some quality fish. Inside the bays, school-size bass are actively working over pods of peanut bunker. These aren't the cows we dream about, but they're willing participants and they'll bend a rod. Soft plastics are the ticket here, especially during high tide when bait gets pushed tight to the banks.
On calm mornings, you might catch brief topwater feeds as bass trap bait on the surface. These windows are short - we're talking minutes, not hours - but when it happens, it's fast and furious. Keep a popper rigged and ready.
The real story, though, is the nighttime bridge bite. This is where the quality fish are showing up - mid-20-pound bass that'll test your tackle and your patience. The pattern is technical but predictable: moving water is everything. The bite shuts down the instant slack tide sets in, so timing is critical. You need to be there when the current is flowing.
The most productive setup has been large soft plastics in the 10 to 15-inch range. JoeBaggs 14.5-inch Block Island Eels in black or pink are showing a clear edge, rigged on 1 to 1.5-ounce jigheads to maintain bottom contact in the sweep. Light braid - 15 to 20-pound test - helps you feel those subtle hits. Work tight to the structure, stay in the current, and be ready when a big fish decides to feed.
BONUS BITE - SQUID AT THE DOCKS On warmer nights, docks and well-lit marinas are holding solid numbers of squid. This is a fun bonus fishery that doesn't get enough attention. Light-tackle anglers swinging small jigs around the outer edge of the light cone are putting together steady catches. It's great for a quick evening trip, and you'll have fresh calamari for the table or bait for your next trip.
WEATHER & WATER CONDITIONS Today (Friday, November 28): Gale Warning in effect. West winds 25-30 knots gusting to 35. Seas 3-5 feet, occasionally to 6. Stay off the water.
Saturday, November 29: Winds diminishing significantly. West 15-20 knots becoming northwest 10-15 in the afternoon. Seas subsiding to 1-2 feet. This is your window - get out there.
Sunday, November 30: South winds 10-15 knots increasing to 15-20 in the afternoon. Seas building to 2-3 feet. Showers developing, first in the morning, then throughout the afternoon. Fishable in the morning, deteriorating later.
Monday, December 1: Northwest winds 15-20 knots. Seas 2-3 feet. Post-frontal conditions with clearing skies. Good fishing day.
Water temperatures are continuing their seasonal decline, which is pushing both tog and bass into their late-fall patterns. The thermocline has broken down completely, and we're seeing more uniform temperatures throughout the water column. This is normal for late November and it's concentrating fish around structure and current breaks.
SAL'S TACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS For Blackfish: Focus on 40-50 foot depths around wreck edges and rocky ledges. Green crabs remain the top bait. Jigs are outperforming rigs, so don't be afraid to go that route. Use enough weight to maintain bottom contact - the current's been strong. The season's winding down fast, so if you want fresh tog for the table, Saturday's your best bet this week.
For Striped Bass: If you're fishing during the day, work the bays during high tide with soft plastics. For quality fish, hit the bridges after dark when the current's moving. JoeBaggs Block Island Eels in 14.5 inches, black or pink, on 1-1.5 ounce jigheads. Light braid, stay tight to structure, and be patient. The bite's technical but the rewards are worth it.
For Squid: Hit the docks and marinas on calm nights. Small jigs around the light's edge. Quick, easy, and productive.
THE BOTTOM LINE We're in the final stretch of the 2025 season, folks. The blackfish season's about to close, and the stripers are going to start their winter shutdown soon. But right now, right this moment, there are quality fish to be caught if you're willing to put in the time and dial in the pattern.
Saturday's your prime day this week - winds calm down, seas lay flat, and the fish will be feeding after today's blow. Sunday morning offers a window before the weather turns. Monday looks solid for post-frontal action.
The water's cold, the wind's been brutal, but the fish are still here. Bundle up, check your gear, and make the most of these final weeks. Winter's coming, but it ain't here yet.
Tight lines and calm seas,
Salty Sal
Long Island Sound
