Come join us Saturday evening July 25 6:30 PM to wade the mile-long Penfield Reef in search of stripers and bluefish. Penfield Reef is a narrow sandbar extending from the beach in Fairfield almost out to the Penfield Lighthouse. This has been a popular trip for the past two years and we have caught lots of schoolie stripers after dark. Anglers of all skill levels are welcome.
Tidal currents wash over the bar providing excellent ambush water for gamefish. When currents are moving well, anglers wade the top of the bar casting into the rip lines. When currents slow, fishing is usually good in the boulder fields at the extreme outer end of the reef. This time of year fishing is best in the evening and deep into the night. We will start fishing on a safe outgoing/falling tide that will offer the best chance at success.
Wading conditions range from just walking on a level sandy beach to wading waist-deep around slippery boulders. You can fish wherever you are comfortable. To make it out to the end of the reef where the best action is requires about a 45 min. walk over sand/ gravel.
Time: Meet at 6:30 PM at Veterans Park, 909 Reef Rd, Fairfield CT 06824. We will provide an overview of the reef and how to fish it. We will then figure out parking closer to the access. Fish as little or as long as you like. Anglers who choose to venture out to the end of the reef with the group MUST begin the walk back in to the mainland by 11:30 PM to avoid unsafe rising waters. We will stick together out there.
Fly Tackle: 7-9 Wt rods with floating lines. Approx 7 ft. leaders tapering to around 15 lb test. Feel free to bring light tackle spinning rods with plugs/teasers, especially if the winds are strong.
Other Gear needed: Waders with wading belt, headlamp, pliers (needle nose with cutters work fine). Carry a water bottle with you.
Optional but helpful gear: Wading staff, stripping basket, Boga grip, rain top.
Fly Selection: Typical patterns such as deceivers, Clousers, jiggys, epoxy flies from #1 – 2/0 all work. White and chartreuse work well during daylight hours and black is a great color at night. Crease flies and Gurglers at night can be deadly (or any other high floating pattern that can create a surface wake). See the pictures for an idea of what patterns to have.
Spinning Lures/ Teasers: A correctly rigged spinning rod will usually outfish a fly rod here by alot. Think light tackle like heavy freshwater bass rods on the longer side. A 7-8 ft rod rated for 10-15 lb line is ideal, but whatever you have will likely work. We have done very well after dark using floating swimming plugs that run shallow. YoZuri Crystal Minnow, Redfin, Bomber A-Salt, Daiwa SP Minnow in 5-6” can be very effective. Please remove barbs from these plugs. In the daylight hours, surface poppers, soft plastics, light bucktails, and tins can all produce fish. After dark, swimming plugs are usually fished on a teaser rig with a fly. See pictures for rigging advice.
COVID-19 Safety: Please maintain social distance at all times in the parking lot and on the water. Make sure you have a mask with you.There will be no chapter sponsored food/drinks at this event. If you are experiencing symptoms typical of COVID-19, please do not attend this event.
Respond to John Hildenbrand with any questions; Jhildenb73@gmail.com or 845-242-7730.