Early October typically marks the peak of fall fishing across southern New England, and with that crescendo comes a few seasonal regulatory changes that anglers should be aware of. Additionally, cooling waters and unpredictable weather can turn fishing trips into a dangerous activity in the blink of an eye so make sure you pay close attention to weather forecasts, wave predictions and water temps before you venture out into what could be a sticky situation.
Connecticut
October comes in with much excitement in the Nutmeg State, as blackfish season reopens on the 10th. This is one of the most anticipated days of the entire fishing season in Connecticut, and it marks a big day for local tackle shops as well. The fall season always opens on October 10th and this year, that’s a Friday so get those vacation day requests in now, or start working on your sick voice for that early morning call in! The fall season comes with a three fish bag limit at 16 inches or greater and ends on November 28th. In other news in Connecticut, fluke season closes on October 15th.
Rhode Island
October is great time to be alive in Rhody with several fisheries peaking at once. The big news for this month is that the blackfish bag limit increases from three fish to five fish on October 15th, with a 16-inch minimum size and only one fish per angler, per day may exceed 21 inches. Additionally, there is a 10 fish per vessel limit that supersedes the personal limit.
Massachusetts
Like Rhode Island, the only regulation change happening in Massachusetts this month is an increase in the bag limit for blackfish. Starting on October 15th, the bag limit will increase from three fish to five fish per angler, per day with a minimum size of 16 inches, and only one fish per limit may exceed 21 inches. There is no additional vessel restriction in Massachusetts’ waters. But don’t forget that Massachusetts now regulates false albacore and bonito, early October often marks the height of hardtail season and Massachusetts has lead the charge on regulating the take of these exciting species. These two exotic visitors are regulated in aggregate, the minimum size for both species is 16 inches and the five fish bag limit is for both species combined, meaning a mixed bag of five bonito and false albacore or five albies or five bonito and not five of each.
