10/9/26 I'm One of Those!
Button up those loose strings. It isn't even cold yet!
Look at where the river used to make a bend, or keep going until you find a new one. Fish can be in a bend you never tried or in the bend you remember from years past.
You know the type. The weather gets colder, the wind starts blowing, and most people start thinking about staying inside. Meanwhile, there are guys checking the forecast, looking at the tides, and absolutely hammering the fish. I'm one of those.
October is when things start getting interesting. The fair-weather guys throw in the towel, while true New England anglers get comfortable with the changing seasons.
Are you one of those?
Striped Bass
We are getting deeper into the fall run, and this is the time to keep an eye on the beaches, Breachways, and rocky shorelines. Bait can move around quickly this time of year, so don't get locked into fishing just one spot.
We are seeing a lot of smaller bait this week, with the occasional push of peanut bunker and medium-sized bunker.
Needlefish, swimmers, darters, bucktails, and soft plastics are all worth having ready to go. If the wind picks up, make sure you have something with enough weight to get where you need it. You can find bass being extremely picky one day, and the next day they want to eat just about everything.
Remember, sometimes the fish are right in front of you. You simply need to present what you're using properly and figure out what they want.
This is easier said than done, but I see it all the time. Someone says, "I've been casting here for hours," then another guy shows up using the same lure and catches a fish on his first cast. There is usually a reason behind this. Maybe the retrieve is different, the lure is moving at the right speed, or the presentation is just a little better.
Pay attention to what you're doing, make small changes, and don't be afraid to try something different.
If you are looking to get set up for the fall bass run, check out our Select Tackle for Striped Bass.
Tautog
It's Tog Time!
Cold mornings and summer afternoons. This is what it's all about. Conditions look great for this weekend, so drop anchor and see if you can find that 10-pound tog.
This is a great time to get out and work the rocks, wrecks, and other structure.
Fresh crabs are available at the shop, so stop in and stock up before heading out. Make sure you have a selection of jigs and sinkers ready for the different depths and conditions you might encounter.
Keep your bait close to the bottom, stay in contact with your jig, and be ready to set the hook. Tog can make quick work of a crab if you aren't paying attention!
Big tog trick: Take one of your biggest crabs and rig it on a Snafu. Let it sit near the bottom with a light drag. Sometimes the bigger fish will grab the whole thing and run with it. Leave that rod in the rod holder and keep an eye on it. You never know when that big bite is coming.
Check out our Select Tackle for Tautog before heading out.
Black Sea Bass
It may seem as if the sea bass waited all year to start showing their size. Good reports of healthy black sea bass are coming in.
Whether they're chasing bait and you're catching them on lures, or you're bottom fishing and they're gobbling up your bait, it's nice to see some quality fish around.
Black sea bass are another species worth keeping in mind this time of year, especially if you're heading out by boat and fishing around structure.
Weakfish
Weakfish have been a notable catch over the past couple of weeks. It seems as if more of them have arrived along our coast. I'm not sure why, but it's always fun to see one come over the gunwale.
For anyone looking to keep one, Rhode Island's recreational regulations are:
- Minimum size: 16 inches
- Season: Open year-round
- Possession limit: 1 fish per person per day
Always check the current regulations before heading out.
Bonito / False Albacore
The water warmed up a little this week, and that brought the albies back. They were fired up and eating aggressively. Hopefully, they continue to bounce around for the weekend.
Small resin and epoxy jigs are great options to keep in your pocket or tackle bag. Have a few different colors and sizes ready, because these fish can be picky about what they want.
Keep your eyes open, watch for birds and breaking fish, and don't be afraid to check another area if things go quiet.
Bonito continue to be the more abundant of the two, so don't put those smaller jigs away just yet.
Check out our Select Tackle for Bonito and False Albacore.
Lure of the Week – Vinnie's Customs Pain Killer Popper
Looking for a custom wood plug for the fall surf? Check out the Vinnie's Customs Pain Killer Popper.
Vinnie's Customs handcrafts these plugs from scratch, so each one has its own small differences. These plugs have proven themselves catching big fish in the Northeast surf, making them a great option to have in the bag when you're looking for a larger striped bass.
Available sizes
- Pain Killer: 6 inches long, approximately 2.3 oz
- Pain Killer JR: 5 inches long, approximately 1.8 oz
A popper is a great option when bass are feeding near the surface. Work it with a steady pop-and-pause retrieve, or change things up until you find what the fish want.
You never know when that next big fish is going to show up, so make sure you have something ready for it.
Check out our Lure of the Week and see what we have in stock.
Did You Know? – The Legendary Block Island Snowstorm Blitz
If you think you have to be a little crazy to go fishing in the cold, you might be right!
One of the most famous stories in Rhode Island surfcasting history comes from Block Island during the 1980s. Huge schools of sand eels brought giant striped bass close to shore, and surfcasters experienced some incredible nights around the island.
One legendary account dates to November 16, 1987, at Southwest Point. An angler reportedly landed a 61-pound, 14-ounce striped bass on a black Gibbs needlefish plug. His fishing partner also landed several large bass that night.
The weather was anything but comfortable. Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds made fishing difficult, with ice building up on rod guides as anglers worked the surf.
The late-fall Block Island fishery became famous for its giant stripers, with sand eels bringing big fish within casting distance of shore. Anglers willing to brave the cold had a chance at the fish of a lifetime.
It's a great reminder that some of the most memorable fishing happens when the conditions aren't exactly comfortable. Of course, knowing when to call it a day and putting safety first are just as important.
If you're interested in reading more, check out From the Archives: A Sixty in the Snow from On The Water.
We're Fully Stocked With
👉 Live Eels
👉 Live Crabs
👉 Fresh Mackerel
👉 Sandworms
👉 Green Crabs
👉 Bunker
👉 Fresh Squid
👉 Clams
Get Ready Now
October is here, and now is the time to start getting serious about the fall run.
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.
The weather may change quickly, and so can the fishing. Be ready to change with it.
The fall run is here.
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/kayak. BIG SAVINGS!
We're open 7 days a week.
Shop Hours
Monday–Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekend Weather
Friday (10/9)
W winds 10 to 15 kt, with gusts up to 25 kt. Seas 2 to 4 ft. Wave detail: W 2 ft at 6 seconds and SE 1 ft at 8 seconds.
🌡️ High: 68° | Low: 50°
Saturday (10/10)
NW winds 5 to 10 kt, becoming W in the afternoon. Seas around 2 ft in the morning, then 1 ft or less. Wave detail: NW 1 ft at 3 seconds and SE 1 ft at 8 seconds, becoming N 1 ft at 2 seconds and W 1 ft at 3 seconds.
🌡️ High: 64° | Low: 47°
Sunday (10/11)
S winds 5 to 10 kt. Seas around 2 ft. Wave detail: S 2 ft at 3 seconds and NE 1 ft at 2 seconds.
🌡️ High: 63° | Low: 49°
Weekend Tides – Breachway Flow
Friday (10/9)
Outgoing: 10:36 AM → 5:03 PM
Incoming: 5:03 PM → 10:58 PM
Outgoing: 10:58 PM → 5:10 AM*
Saturday (10/10)
Incoming: 5:10 AM → 11:19 AM
Outgoing: 11:19 AM → 5:45 PM
Incoming: 5:45 PM → 11:49 PM
Outgoing: 11:49 PM → 5:41 AM*
Sunday (10/11)
Incoming: 5:41 AM → 12:00 PM
Outgoing: 12:00 PM → 6:24 PM
Denotes after midnight (following day).
🔥 It's on. Get out there and get tight.
Good luck this weekend, and tight lines!
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