Captain’s Corner: Late-Season Albie Report with Capt. Ray Jarvis

Summary: As the fall run peaks across Southern New England, Capt. Ray Jarvis shares how to find false albacore when bait is tiny, why rough weather often fishes best, and where to focus late in the season for steady shots at albies and bonus bonito.

Topics covered: albie fishing tactics, tiny bait strategies, weather windows, covering water, late-season patterns, Buzzards Bay and Rhode Island updates.

Finding the Late-Season Albies

After a slower start in Buzzards Bay, the bite has turned on. Schools that held around the Islands and the Cape have pushed west and the action has been outstanding. Expect consistent feeds if you keep moving, watch the tide, and connect the dots on where life stacks up.

Ugly Weather Often Means Better Bites

Do not cancel when the forecast looks rough. On bluebird days albies can be selective. On rainy, windy days they feed longer and hold up better. Pack foul-weather gear and lean into those weather windows because they often deliver your best shots of the week.

Match Tiny Bait During the Fall Run

As the season progresses, forage gets micro sized. Albies key in on larval sea herring and other near-invisible bait. Downsizing is the move.

• Fly: ultra-sparse epoxy patterns on small hooks, just a hint of tail and flash
• Spin: small epoxy jigs, Albie-style soft plastics, Zoom-type flukes
• Retrieve: slow it down and even dead-stick inside the feed when fish are picky

Cover Water Until You Find the Right Life

The plan is simple. Burn fuel. Scan rips, points, and current seams. Do not settle for scattered busts. Stay mobile until you find raging feeds where fish are actively chewing. That is where you should spend your time.

Do Not Hang It Up Yet

Late October into November can still be excellent. With warm water and steady bait flushes from upper bays and estuaries, there is plenty of life pushing west. Keep an eye on marsh edges, outflows, and shallow structure for fast windows of activity.

Watch the Full Episode

Catch the full conversation in Captain’s Corner Ep. 4 and hear Capt. Ray’s on-the-water breakdown in his own words.

Watch the episode

Recommended Tackle Shortlist

• Ultra-sparse epoxy flies on small hooks
• Mini epoxy jigs for micro bait
• Soft plastics like Albie-style snacks and small flukes
• 9 wt to 10 wt fly setup or medium-light spinning outfit with fast retrieve reel
• Fluorocarbon leaders sized to water clarity and pressure

Albie Fishing FAQ

What lures work when albies are on tiny bait? Ultra-small epoxy jigs and very sparse flies. Slow the retrieve to keep the lure in the strike zone.

Is bad weather worth fishing? Yes. Rough, rainy conditions often produce longer feeds and more aggressive fish.

Where should I look late in the season? Upper bays, estuaries, marsh edges, and outflows that concentrate bait with moving water.