The Drift Report 11-22-2024

Welcome to Offshore Observations Drift Report.

A weekly newsletter to keep you in the loop on offshore (and maybe inshore) fishing in the Northeast.

Hey crew,

The season may be winding down, but we’re working on a special treat for all you die-hard anglers—a 2024 Rewind is in the works and dropping soon! This article will take a deep dive into the season’s fishing timeline, giving you our take on the movements of the fish, what they were feeding on, and when the action hit its peak. We’ll be pairing it all with some epic photos and satellite imagery that tell the story of this incredible year. Stay tuned—it’s one you won’t want to miss!

Bluefin Blitz: Block Island Edition

Last week brought some truly unforgettable action close to home. Both recreational and giant-class bluefin tuna were spotted and caught in just 20-30 feet of water off the west side of Block Island. These fish were crashing bait hard, pinning sand eels up against the shallows—a sight that had everyone on the water buzzing with excitement.

We were lucky enough to hit it just right on Wednesday, and let me tell you—it was one of those days you dream about. The bite was on fire, and the whole fleet was electric with excitement. Seeing bluefin this close to home and this hungry was a treat, and we were stoked to share the experience with so many other boats out there getting after it.

Technical Talk: Winter Maintenance Checklist

As the season wraps up, it’s time to give your gear the TLC it deserves before winter storage. A little prep now will save you headaches (and money) come spring. Here’s a rundown of how we’re handling our own setups:

1. Spreader Bars and Daisy Chains:
Take those spreader bars and daisy chains out of their bags and hang them up in a dry, cool place. Storing them coiled up in a bag can cause kinks in the leaders and degrade the hardware over time. Inspect all crimps, swivels, and stinger hooks for corrosion or wear. Replace anything that looks suspect—better safe than sorry.

2. Plugs and Jigs:
Your plugs and jigs have probably taken a beating this season. Now’s the time to rinse them thoroughly in warm soapy water to remove salt buildup, which can corrode metal parts. Dry them completely before storing. Check all hooks—sharpen dull points or replace any that are bent or rusted.

3. Braided Line and Topshots:
Braided line can last several seasons, but if it’s frayed or feels stiff, it’s time for a refresh. Pay special attention to the first 10-15 feet near the connection point—this is where most of the wear happens. For topshot monofilament leaders, it’s best to replace them annually. UV exposure and saltwater weaken mono over time, so even if it looks okay, a fresh spool will give you peace of mind.

4. Reels:
Remove your reels from rods and give them a deep cleaning. Lightly rinse them with fresh water, let them dry, and apply a thin coat of reel oil to the moving parts. If you’re feeling ambitious, consider a full service—greasing internal gears and replacing drag washers if needed.

5. Rods:
Don’t forget your rods! Rinse them down and check guides for nicks or cracks. A damaged guide can wreak havoc on your line during a fight. Store rods horizontally or in a vertical rack to prevent warping.

Taking a little time now to prep your gear ensures you’ll hit the water next season without any surprises.

That’s all for this week, folks. Whether you’re still chasing the bite or packing it in for the season, stay safe out there. Tight lines!