Welcome to Stonington Stripers
Our Waters
Stonington, CT provides easy access to the Watch Hill reefs, which see consistent action throughout the season. At the western end of the reefs, the south side of Fishers Island has plenty of boulder fields that large bass patrol. Further offshore, Block Island provides all manner of angling opportunities; from topwater in boulder fields, to sight fishing with fly rods, to jigging up true cows.
The Boat and Equipment
The Hannah B is a Pathfinder 23DV powered by a quiet and efficient Yamaha 4 stroke. This boat is ideal for fishing the reefs, offering a stable drift and security of a closed transom to keep waves out, while also offering a sharp entrance for smooth rides out to Block Island and Montauk.
We utilize Shimano reels and Shimano and G. Loomis rods for our light tackle. Fly fishing reels are primarily Nautilus, and we have a variety of high end rods from G. Loomis, Sage, Scott, Thomas & Thomas, and Hardy. This ensures that you will be able to use a rod well suited to your casting style. We also welcome anglers to bring their own equipment; reach out to me ahead of time if you would like to do this and we can go over appropriate tackle for the fish we will be chasing.
How We Fish
We target striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and bonito with light tackle and fly gear. Depending on the time of year and target species, this may find us fishing boulder fields, rip lines, or sandy beaches. Often times we are able to find top water activity, or get fish to react to topwater presentations. When fish are not willing to come to the surface, we go to them, using jigs and sinking lines to get down to where the fish are. We do not use bait, nor do we troll. This is an active, engaging, and very effective method of targeting fish in our local waters.
About Capt. Matt Butcka
Growing up I spent my summers fishing and working on the water in Charlestown, RI. Fly fishing and light tackle have been my preferred way of fishing for as long as I can remember. I have spent the last 12 years going to sea for a living, shipping out on the largest US flagged oil tankers, and hold an unlimited tonnage master's license. This career path has allowed me months on end to pursue my passion, and I look forward to sharing that with you.
The Season
Late May and June:
We begin to see good fishing for striped bass chasing squid as they drop out of Fishers Island Sound. Squid are present throughout the season, however at this time of year we see them in large numbers, forming clouds that the fish gorge themselves on. This can provide some of the most exciting, visually thrilling fishing of the year. Block Island trips start in the second half of June. We primarily chase fish in tight to the island, just outside the surf, with topwater plugs and soft plastics.
July:
Watch Hill reefs continue to produce well. Blitzing fish are generally found earlier in the day, however they feed well sub surface later on as well. Local trips will begin to branch out more to Fishers Island as well. Fishing at Block Island is lights out, with opportunities from the surf line to deep water all around.
August:
Fishing for stripers at the reefs remains good. We also begin to see bonito, typically first along the South County beaches. We will often go looking for these regardless of reports, if water conditions are good; they can be here one day gone the next and if they're "here' you want to be wherever that is! False albacore may also be seen towards the end of the month if it's an early year for them. Out at Block Island bass fishing remains great, and we often get the first shot of bonito out there.
September:
We will primarily fish the South County Beaches, Watch Hill and Fishers Island area through September. Baitfish are dropping out of the backwaters, and game fish are waiting to tear them up to fatten up and prepare for the fall migration. It is not uncommon to catch larger striped bass out of schools of smaller ones, or gator blues while casting at albies. We lighten up our gear to throw smaller offerings in the fall, and hooking into these larger fish can be a real treat!
October:
Brisk mornings in October offer some of the best fishing of the year. the cold weather kicks fish into high gear, and they often feed with reckless abandon. The fish know the end of the season in the northeast is near and they are taking advantage of the smorgasboard that is available. We also know the end is near, and will fish hard knowing that winter is just around the corner.
Our Trips
Trips are based on 3 anglers. A 4th can be added for $100. A deposit of $125 is required to hold your trip. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted on board. Email me at stoningtonstripers@gmail.com to book your trip.
4 Hour Local Trip $550
This trip will focus on fishing our nearby coastal waters. The trips can be arranged for mornings or evenings. During the summer time, we can easily get on the water early and be back to the dock in time for work, if you're itching to get out on the water.
6 Hour Local Trip $750
This trip allows us more time to explore and opens up more avenues for employing different tactics. It also allows for fishing an entire tide, which is great particularly for trips in the spring based around the squid run.
8 Hour Block Island Trip $900
Block Island has a world class fishery. On a given trip you may have the opportunity to catch fish out of the surf with top water plugs, sight cast with flies or light soft plastics, diamond jig for a variety of fish (one drop might yield a 5 pound sea bass, the next a 40" striper), or fish soft plastics on jig heads in deep water for large fish.
What to Bring
All fishing tackle is provided. We will have a cooler with ice and bottled water that you can also put your food and drinks in. Please wear non-marking shoes. I highly recommend bringing a sweatshirt, rain jacket/wind breaker, polarized sunglasses, and a hat as well. Please do not bring aerosol sunscreen as it will stain the boat.