The month of September signals change for both the Summer season and the angling in southern New England. Shortly after Labor Day, weeknights along Rhode Island's shores find only locals and a remnant population of tourists. As daytime air temperatures dip slightly below those of August, and water temperatures peak mid-month and start to drop, parking at some of the more popular fishing spots is no longer at a premium. Along the coast in September nature shows us the first clear signs of Autumn: migrating birds and fish along the coast, and inland, subtle hints of the upcoming season beginning to appear.

The powerlines at Beavertail Point on Jamestown, Rhode Island, are covered. Tree swallows with metallic blue backs and white chests assemble by the thousands. They fly about in swarms, gleaning insects from the air before proceeding to their winter residences in Florida and Central America. Meanwhile along the shores of Rhode Island, finger mullet appear. Four to five inches long, the mullet assemble themselves in small concentrated schools. Much of the time they swim just under the water's surface and right at the water's edge. At times they seem confused: first going in one direction, then suddenly reversing course as they transit our shores. Confused or not, mullet are a favorite prey for striped bass and where there are mullet, the big bass will be close by.

With water temperatures rising to their peak, green bonito will make their appearance. "Greenies" are members of the mackerel family, but have the shape of little tuna fish. They appear in small schools and porpoise frequently while pursuing prey. Constantly on the move, these speed demons are here one minute and two hundred yards away the next. Often they come within reach of onshore fly fisherman, but an angler would be fortunate to get two casts at them before they move on. To achieve a rapid retrieve, some fly fishers tuck their rod under their arm after completing the cast, then strip the line in hand over hand. Yellow, white, red and white or a Ray's Fly three inches in length will fill the bill. If you are fortunate enough to hook one of these speed merchants, their blazing, high-speed runs are something you will not forget, and no fly reel made can keep up with them if they turn and head straight at you! (continued . . .)

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