Tog season opens strong across the Sound

What's biting

What's next

Tide timing matters for the tog bite. The next high tide is around 4:10 PM EDT at New London, then roughly 5:36 PM at New Haven and 5:38 PM at Bridgeport. Plan to fish structure on the push toward those highs and through the slack that follows.

With a First Quarter moon, expect moderate tidal movement rather than ripping current. That should make boat positioning easier over rocky bottom, and it helps shore anglers working rip rap.

J&B Tackle also noted albies making their way back into the Sound. If that continues, watch for birds and surface activity near the mouth of the Thames and similar points. Black sea bass are worth a stop too. Tartan II described the bite as good, with a mix of sizes and plenty of keepers.

Striped bass are the other piece. The Fisherman (Northeast) describes the fall striper run as in full swing across Long Island, and across the water Rhode Island shops report fish feeding on bait along beaches and breachways. Expect that same bait-driven pattern to keep showing up on the Connecticut side, with dawn and dusk the best windows.

Context

Mid-October is typically when the Sound shifts from summer patterns into the fall run. Falling water temperatures push tautog toward shallower structure, and migrating striped bass and bait funnel along the shoreline. A low-60s reading is right on schedule for the season rather than early or late. Late fall usually brings the best tog fishing of the year. Always check current state regulations for size and bag limits before keeping fish.