Come join us after work on Friday September 20 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.
Tidal currents wash over the bar providing excellent holding 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 into the night. We will be fishing on a safe outgoing/falling tide.
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 requires about a 45 min. walk over sand/ gravel.
Time: Meet up at 6:00 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 rearrange cars and head out as a group. Fish as little or as long as you like. Anglers who choose to venture to the end of the reef with us MUST begin the walk back in by 11:30 PM to avoid unsafe rising waters.
Respond to John Hildenbrand with any questions. Jhildenb73@gmail.com or 845-242-7730.
Tackle: 7-9 Wt rods with floating (preferred) or slow sink intermediate lines. 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. A correctly rigged spinning rod will usually outfish a fly rod here by alot.
Other Gear needed: Waders with wading belt, headlamp, pliers (needle nose with cutters work fine)
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).