Connecticut Sound: false albacore show Sept. 10, tautog still closed

Long Island Sound’s fall clock ticked. On The Water’s Sept. 10, 2026 Connecticut report has Matt Stone at Black Hall Outfitters (Westbrook) calling false albacore the talk of the last few days — strong numbers at the usual eastern hotspots, with hope they spread. Bonito were reported as close as The Race. Fluke and sea bass remain solid in 50 feet and deeper; keepers still mean picking through shorts. Stripers are on-and-off, better early and late, with fish over 45 inches still around if it stays warm.

Tautog is the closed box. DEEP’s 2026 saltwater table has no September tog season: April 1–30 and July 1–Aug. 31 at two fish, then Oct. 10–Nov. 28 at three fish, 16 inches. Connecticut boats that want September blackfish have to fish another state’s water.

Striped bass stay one fish, 28 to less than 31 inches, circle hooks on bait. Confirm DEEP before you keep a sea bass or fluke.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: On The Water — Connecticut Fishing Report, September 10, 2026. Also: CT DEEP — marine species regulations.