Below you can learn about all the fish you might catch while fishing aboard the otter or Aubrey joy!
striped bass
Stripers are one of the most well known game fish found in saltwater. They frequent all sorts of habitats from rivers to estuaries to beaches to the open ocean. They range from “schoolie” size 2-10 lbs, up to 80 lbs; with the world record (81.88 lbs) caught in Connecticut waters close to where we fish. Stripers feed on a variety of baitfish, crabs, lobsters and squid. They are highly prized both for their fighting ability and their firm white flesh at the table.
bluefish
These aggressive fish prowl the local waters from May to November. They ferociously devour all forms of baitfish and are eager to pounce on anything you put in front of them. Although given a bad rap by the culinary world, they are delicious when handled well and cooked fresh.
Fluke
The summer flounder, while considered a “bottom feeder”, is quiet aggressive. They are an ambush predator that routinely lies on the bottom waiting to catch unsuspecting prey. They are adept at the camouflage game which gives them the ability to blend in to any bottom type to catch bait fish and squid. They are typically caught using squid, small fish or strips of fish for bait. The best time of year to catch these flatfish is late May through September and they average 2-5 lbs. Another excellent eating fish!
Black seabass
The Seabass seem to be everywhere these days, which is great news for fishermen. Probably the best eating fish found in the area, they are also very easy to catch. Find any reef, wreck or rock and there are sure to be seabass on it. Their large bass type mouth means they readily eat anything they can fit. They average up to 6 lbs. with legal size fish being available on or around most of the fishing grounds. They can be caught all season and really pile up in late summer and fall. They are caught mostly using clams or squid but don’t be surprised if they hit a jig intended for bass and blues.
blackfish
Known as Tautog as well, these creatures love the rocks. Eating mostly crabs and mussels, the blackfish inhabit any rockpile or hard bottom from the beach all the way out to wrecks in 200 feet of water. The best time to fish for them is in late fall when water temperatures drop. They are difficult to catch and experts at stealing bait off hooks. They range in sizes up to 25 lbs., with the average being in the the 3-8 lbs in size. They have delicious mild flesh and are highly priced for food (a favorite of Captain Seth’s wife).
porgy
Also known as scup, are typically caught between May and October. They range in sizes up to 4 lbs. with the average size from 1-2 lbs. Don’t let their size fool you though, they are aggressive fighters that are always willing to bite a baited hook. A great fish for new anglers and children; they also make excellent table fare.
blue shark
Blue sharks are one of the most common sharks we encounter offshore. While they don’t make good table fair, they pull hard and are a blast to do battle with. (Don’t worry- we throw them back alive if we win the war).
thresher shark
Threshers tails are 1/3-1/2 the length of the fishes body. They use their tail to coral small baitfish such as mackerel and bunker and then stun their prey with a crack of their tail. They too make aerial shows during battle and are delectable table fair. These sharks are incredible fighters and will test the strongest anglers.
mako shark
Mako can grow to well over 1000 pounds and can swim at bursts of 40 MPH. Often times leaping airborne during battle. They make incredible table fair and are a highly sought after game fish.
