An extended nor’easter hampered boating efforts throughout much of the last week. Surfcasters shined in the teeth of the storm as shore reports flooded in from the southern New England coast with stories of epic striper bites flaring up from Buzzards Bay, throughout Rhody and extending into central Connecticut. There was also a major uptick in gator bluefish action with two hot zones, the south side of Martha’s Vineyard and eastern Long Island Sound. The storm left many Rhode Island blackfish hotspots untouched all week, which should bode well for the RI Tog Classic on Sunday. And don’t forget, Connecticut blackfish season opens Monday October 10.