Well, Mr. Krabs is making an appearance this week, and if you've been buying crabs lately, you know exactly why! Just as the blackfish bite starts heating up, the price of crabs seems to be doing the same. Unfortunately, the fish haven't gotten the memo about how much their dinner costs these days.

The good news? The tog fishing has been red hot, and there's still plenty happening around Southern Rhode Island. The bass fishing has slowed down a bit, the weather is changing this weekend, and we may see a pick up in action. Let's get into it!

Striped Bass

The bass fishing has slowed down a little this week, but with rougher conditions and a drop in temperature in the forecast, hopefully things start to pick up.

The inlets have been producing at night, while the beaches and daytime fishing have been slower. We haven't seen much of a traditional fall run with massive schools of bass pushing bait around and visibly terrorizing the surface. That doesn't mean the fish aren't here. They're around, but you're going to have to put in the time and work for them instead of simply looking for blitzes.

Keep moving, pay attention to the conditions, and don't be afraid to fish an area that isn't showing obvious signs of life. Sometimes you have to make a few casts before you find out what's holding below the surface.

With the wind and rougher water coming, keep your bucktails, soft plastics, and larger plugs ready to go. Night fishing around the inlets is still worth your time, and the changing conditions could help shake things up.

If you're looking to get set up for the fall bass run, check out our Select Tackle for Striped Bass.

Tautog

Mr. Krabs is in town!

Blackfish fishing has been red hot this week, with some really nice catches coming in. It seems as though schools have settled into the area, and the numbers continue to build as more fish move in from deeper water.

We've heard reports of fish weighing up to 9 pounds this week! That's the kind of fishing that gets everyone excited for this time of year.

Now is a great time to get out and work the rocks, wrecks, and other structure. Make sure you've got plenty of crabs, a good selection of jigs and sinkers, and the right gear to stay in contact with the bottom.

A rod with a strong backbone is important for keeping big Tog from going back into the rocks. Make sure you have a strong leader and your drag is set right.

Stop by the shop to stock up on green crabs and get geared up before heading out. Check out our Select Tackle for Tautog for the gear you'll need.
And we have Green Crabs currently available, so grab them before they are gone!

Black Sea Bass

Sea bass are still being caught in decent numbers. They're still worth keeping in mind if you're heading offshore or fishing around structure.

Keep a few rigs ready to go, they will happily take crabs as well.

Bluefish

Bluefish numbers seem to have dropped off a bit from earlier this fall. We have seen some shad showing up in the area over the past couple of days, though, which is something worth keeping an eye on as bait continues to move around.

Keep a few different baitfish imitations ready to go. Conditions and bait can change quickly this time of year, and you never know when things might turn around.

Bonito / False Albacore

Bonito and false albacore are still around, but the action has been a little sporadic. Some fish have pushed close enough to the beaches to give shore anglers a shot, which is always a welcome surprise.

Otherwise, these fish have been more of a bonus encounter than something I'd spend the day specifically searching for. Keep a small resin or epoxy jig ready, watch for birds and breaking fish, and take advantage of it if you happen to cross paths with them.

You never know when a quick stop along the beach might turn into an opportunity!

Check out our Select Tackle for Bonito and False Albacore.

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Lure of the Week – Jumpin' Minnow

The Rebel Jumpin' Minnow is a classic topwater plug that deserves a spot in the bag when you're hunting striped bass along the beaches, breachways, and rocky shorelines.

Its walk-the-dog action lets you work the lure side to side across the surface, imitating a fleeing baitfish. A steady rhythm of twitches followed by an occasional pause can be just what you need to get a fish to commit. The internal rattle adds another element to help draw attention.

With bass fishing requiring a little more searching lately, don't be afraid to work a plug methodically around likely holding areas rather than waiting for fish to show themselves. Focus on current seams, structure, and areas where bait might be moving through.

And remember, just because the surface is quiet doesn't mean something isn't watching from below!

Check out our Lure of the Week page and see what we have in stock. 10% Off!

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Did You Know? What's Going on With Menhaden?

Menhaden, also known locally as bunker, are one of the most important baitfish along the East Coast. They provide food for striped bass, bluefish, ospreys, whales, and plenty of other wildlife. When bunker are around, predators often aren't far behind.

But menhaden are also at the center of a growing debate over industrial fishing, bait availability, and how these fish should be managed.

A large industrial reduction fishery operates out of Virginia, harvesting menhaden to produce fish meal and oil. Conservation groups and recreational anglers have raised concerns about the concentration of the harvest in the Chesapeake Bay and what that means for predators that depend on bunker as a food source.

The debate isn't just about whether there are enough menhaden along the entire East Coast. It's also about where those fish are being harvested and whether enough remain in important feeding areas for striped bass, bluefish, and other wildlife.

Management discussions in 2026 have included proposals for additional limits on industrial harvests in the Chesapeake Bay. Any final decisions and changes to regulations should be confirmed through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Why should local anglers care? Because baitfish are the foundation of so much of our fishing. When bunker are present, they can bring predators close to shore and create some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Protecting the forage base is an important part of protecting the fisheries we all enjoy.

If you're interested in learning more, check out From the Archives: A Sixty in the Snow from On The Water.

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We're Fully Stocked With

• Live Eels
• Live Green Crabs
• Fresh Mackerel
• Bunker
• Fresh Squid
• Clams

Whether you're targeting fall stripers or taking advantage of the hot tog bite, stop by and get what you need before heading out.

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Get Ready Now

October is here, and it's time to get serious about the fall fishing season.

The tog are chewing, the bass are still around, and the weather is starting to change. This is not the time to find out your reel needs attention or your favorite plug has rusty hooks.

Check your drags. Replace old leaders. Sharpen hooks. Restock your resin and epoxy jigs. Make sure your topwater plugs are ready, along with bucktails, soft plastics, and teasers.

And don't forget the basics:

• Check your rod guides.
• Clean and lubricate your reels.
• Check your leaders.
• Retie questionable knots.
• Replace rusty hooks.
• Make sure your drag is working properly.
• Have a few different baitfish imitations ready to go.
• Make sure you have heavier lures for when the wind and current pick up.
• If you're tog fishing, bring enough crabs and sinkers for the conditions.

The weather can change quickly this time of year, and so can the fishing. Be ready to change with it.

The fall run is here, even if you have to work a little harder to find it.

Stop by the shop or shop anytime online at Breachway Bait & Tackle.

Ask about our special rod/reel combo deals for fishing the surf or from a boat or kayak. BIG SAVINGS!

We're open 7 days a week.

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Shop Hours

Monday–Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

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Weekend Weather

Friday (10/16)

South winds 15–20 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots. Seas 3–5 feet, with patchy fog and showers. Visibility may be reduced.

High: 69° | Low: 54°

Saturday (10/17)

North winds 15–20 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots. Seas 3–5 feet, with a chance of morning showers.

High: 63° | Low: 39°

Sunday (10/18)

Northwest winds 15–20 knots, with gusts up to 30 knots. Seas 2–4 feet.

High: 55° | Low: 35°

Keep an eye on the marine forecast before heading out. With gusts reaching 30 knots and temperatures dropping, conditions could be challenging, especially for smaller boats and kayaks.

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Weekend Tides – Breachway Flow

Friday (10/16)

Incoming: 8:15 AM → 3:11 PM
Outgoing: 3:11 PM → 9:24 PM
Incoming: 9:24 PM → 3:57 AM*

Saturday (10/17)

Outgoing: 3:57 AM → 9:02 AM
Incoming: 9:02 AM → 4:01 PM
Outgoing: 4:01 PM → 10:36 PM
Incoming: 10:36 PM → 4:53 AM*

Sunday (10/18)

Outgoing: 4:53 AM → 10:03 AM
Incoming: 10:03 AM → 4:55 PM
Outgoing: 4:55 PM → 11:51 PM

Denotes after midnight (following day).

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It's on. Get out there and get tight.

The tog are chewing, the bass are still around, and fall fishing is in full swing. Keep an eye on the conditions, bring your crabs, and make the most of the opportunities we have.

Good luck this weekend, and tight lines!