October
16–18
2026 · Western LI Sound
9th Annual  ·  Catch & Release  ·  Fly & Light Tackle
Tightlined Slam Logo

The Tightlined Slam

A fly and light tackle tournament in the Western Long Island Sound. Competitive fishing for a conservation cause worth fighting for.

9
Years Running
4
Target Species
9
Competition Categories
100%
Catch & Release
501(c)(3)
Conservation Mission
The Tournament

Competitive Fishing with a Purpose

The Tightlined Slam is a fly and light tackle, catch and release tournament dedicated to raising money and awareness for the conservation of our fisheries and marine resources. Anglers compete in nine categories on both a team and individual basis, targeting striped bass, bluefish and hard tails (false albacore and bonito).

We're building the premier multi-species inshore tournament in the Northeast, all in support of the fisheries we depend on.

Register for 2026 Our Mission
The Tightlined Slam 2026 Seal
"The power of community compounds, and the Tightlined Slam was launched in 2018 to pull together like-minded anglers for a fun weekend of fishing during the peak of the Northeast fall run. Together, we can support key management initiatives to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy the same, or better, opportunities to enjoy fishing and the outdoors that we have now."
— Taylor Ingraham, Founder · Tightlined Conservation Coalition
Fly angler casting at dawn
Angler releasing striped bass
False albacore on the fly
What You're Fishing For

Four Species.
Nine Categories.

Full Rules & Scoring →
Striped Bass
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
Bluefish
Bluefish
Pomatomus saltatrix
False Albacore
False Albacore
Euthynnus alletteratus
Atlantic Bonito
Atlantic Bonito
Sarda sarda

Two Divisions

Fly fishing and light tackle compete separately. No bait or trolling allowed: artificial lures and flies only.

Team Competition

Anglers compete as part of a team. A full team is up to four anglers; the Skiff Division is teams of two, meant to encourage fly participation.

The Slam

Striped bass, bluefish, false albacore and bonito. Combined totals across all four species determine your slam total.

Team Champions

Fish together, win together. Like the Slam category, but top two of each species landed on the boat, fly or spin.

Why We Fish

A Tournament Built Around Conservation

American Saltwater Guides Association

The ASGA advocates for science-based fisheries management for striped bass, false albacore, bluefish, and more — ranging from Maine to Louisiana.

Visit ASGA.org →

The Tightlined Slam is operated by the Tightlined Conservation Coalition — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every entry fee, every sponsorship, and every donation goes directly toward the conservation and management of saltwater fisheries.

Nearly $100,000
donated directly to conservation since our founding in 2018 — and counting.

Our mission extends well beyond Long Island Sound — following the fish and supporting those working to protect them along the entire Eastern Seaboard.

Our Mission Donate

Fisheries Management Advocacy

Supporting science-based regulations for striped bass, false albacore, bonito, redfish, menhaden, and more at the state and federal level.

Fish Tagging & Research

Funding and overseeing tagging programs on important species, including false albacore, bonito and jack crevalle, that directly inform management decisions for overlooked recreational species.

Angler Education

Building a community of anglers who understand why abundance matters and what it takes to protect our resources for the long term.

The Future of the Fishery

The fish we protect today are the fisheries our children inherit. That's the goal that matters.

Mission section photo
Our Partners

Valued Sponsors

All Sponsors
9th Annual · October 16–18, 2026

Ready to Fish
the Slam?

Spots are limited. Register your team for the 9th Annual Tightlined Slam in the Western Long Island Sound. Fly and light tackle divisions open. Block Party included with all registrations.

Need a guide boat? Get in touch — we'll connect you with an available captain for the weekend.

Tightlined Conservation Coalition · 501(c)(3)

Our Mission

Fisheries we love are worth fighting for. We help support the efforts giving recreational anglers the voice they deserve in the places they're needed most.

Why We Exist

Fishing for the Future of Our Fisheries

The Tightlined Slam is a fly and light tackle, catch and release tournament dedicated to raising money and awareness for the conservation of our fisheries and marine resources. The mission extends well beyond Long Island Sound.

Every entry fee, every sponsorship, and every donation raised through the tournament is directed toward conservation and science-based management of saltwater fisheries. No fish are harmed in the Tightlined Slam — every fish caught is photographed and released immediately.

"Together, we can transfer this momentum into results, allowing future generations to enjoy the same — or better — opportunities to fish and enjoy the outdoors that we have now."

— Taylor Ingraham, Founder
Register for 2026 Make a Donation
Conservation release moment
On the water fishing action
Block Party crowd
Conservation Partner

Supporters of the ASGA

The Tightlined Conservation Coalition is a proud supporter of the American Saltwater Guides Association. Their work on striped bass advocacy, false albacore, bonito and jack crevalle tagging, and fisheries policy aligns directly with the mission of the Tightlined Slam.

Proceeds from the Tightlined Slam support the ASGA's ongoing work.

American Saltwater Guides Association

Striped Bass

Advocacy for science-based management for the coast's most important inshore game fish.

False Albacore, Bonito & Jack Crevalle Research

Active tagging programs resulting in management frameworks where none existed before.

Redfish

From South Carolina to Louisiana, the ASGA has boots on the ground fighting for common-sense, science-based management.

Menhaden

Bringing active advocacy to the decades-long fight for a fish that supports everything we fish for.

Get In Touch

"I am always happy to hop on the phone or meet up to discuss ways we can all make a difference in preserving our marine resources."

Taylor Ingraham

Founder, Tightlined Conservation Coalition

📞 (203) 856-9750

✉️ tayloringraham@tightlined.com

📷 @tightlinedconservation

Support the Mission

Every Action Counts

There are several ways to support the Tightlined Conservation Coalition. All donations are tax-deductible under our 501(c)(3) status.

The Tightlined Conservation Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Ready to Fish the Slam?

Register your team for the 9th Annual Tightlined Slam — October 16–18, 2026 on western Long Island Sound.

Fishing hero The Tightlined Slam 2026
Official Rules · 2026 Tournament

The Fishing

Complete rules, competition categories, scoring, boundaries, and format for the 9th Annual Tightlined Slam — October 16–18, 2026 on western Long Island Sound.

When & Where

Friday, October 16: Anglers' Meeting — registration check-in, app and rules review, swag distribution, and boundary confirmation. 5pm ET at The Boatworks (f.k.a. Wilson Cove Marina) in Norwalk.

Saturday, October 17: Fishing runs from 6:30am to 7:00pm.

Sunday, October 18: Fishing runs from 6:30am to 12:00pm.

Fishing portrait

Entry Format

Anglers compete both individually and as a member of their team (boat). There are two entry options:

Full Team

Up to four anglers per team. All team members must be declared prior to the start of the tournament. No requirement to fill all four spots.

Skiff Team

One or two anglers per team. Created specifically to encourage fly fishing participation on smaller vessels.

To the extent possible and where space is available, individual anglers can be paired with teams looking for additional members. A number of guides are also available — contact us to be connected.

Register Now →

Competition Categories & Scoring

There are nine categories in which anglers compete: three individual species categories (striped bass, bluefish, and hard tails) for both fly and spin, a slam category, and a team category.

CategoryDivisionHow ScoredBasis
Striped BassFly SpinCombined length of 2 largest fishIndividual
BluefishFly SpinCombined length of 2 largest fishIndividual
Hard Tails (Albies / Bonito)Fly SpinCount of fish landedIndividual
SlamFly SpinSum of largest fish per species (length counts for albie/bonito)Individual — Top 3
Team ChampionBothSum of 2 largest fish per species from teamTeam

Important: There are NO separate fly and conventional categories for the team competition. Any fish boated by any member of a team — regardless of gear — counts toward the team total. Individual anglers are allowed to compete in both conventional AND fly-fishing categories throughout the weekend.

Prizes are awarded to the top anglers in each individual species category, top three anglers in each slam category (assuming more than one species is caught), and the top team.

Fishing Boundaries

Fishing is limited to the western Long Island Sound. Western boundary: the Throgs Neck Bridge. Eastern boundary: the cable crossing area extending from just east of Mount Sinai Harbor to Branford. This cable crossing area should show on most GPS/Nav charts.

Western Sound Tournament Boundaries Map

Ready to Fish the Slam?

Register your team for October 16–18, 2026. Fly and spin divisions open.

Rules hero The Tightlined Slam 2026
Official Rules · 9th Annual · 2026

Rules & Scoring

Fishing regulations, division rules, scoring methodology, and how to submit your catch via the GotOne app for the 9th Annual Tightlined Slam.

Competition Categories & Scoring

There are nine categories. Prizes are awarded to the top anglers in each individual species category, top three anglers in each slam category (assuming more than one species is caught), and the top team.

CategoryDivisionScored ByBasis
Striped BassFly SpinCombined length of 2 largest fishIndividual
BluefishFly SpinCombined length of 2 largest fishIndividual
Hard Tails (Albies / Bonito)Fly SpinCount of fish landed (length counts for slam)Individual
The Slam — IndividualFly SpinSum of largest fish per speciesIndividual · Top 3
Team ChampionBothSum of 2 largest fish per species from teamTeam

Team note: There are NO separate fly and conventional categories for the team competition. Any fish boated by any team member regardless of gear counts toward the team total. Individual anglers may compete in both conventional AND fly categories throughout the weekend.

General Rules

  • 1
    All fishing must occur within the official tournament boundaries during official fishing hours. Fish caught outside boundaries do not qualify.
  • 2
    Artificial only. Live or dead bait may NOT be used in any way and is prohibited from being on the boat. This includes chumming or teasing fish to the surface. Evidence of bait = disqualification. If a bunker/menhaden is accidentally snagged, release it immediately.
  • 3
    No trolling. Whether fly or spin, trolling a lure or fly behind a moving watercraft is not permitted.
  • 4
    All fish must be released immediately after measurement & photo documentation. No fish may be kept, retained, or killed. Violation = immediate disqualification.
  • 5
    One rod per angler at a time. Fish must be hooked in the mouth. Foul-hooked fish do not qualify.
  • 6
    Once a fish is hooked, only the registered angler who set the hook may fight and land it. Rod sharing is not permitted.

Fly Division Rules

IGFA fly fishing regulations apply in full.

  • 1
    Fly rods and reels only. The weight of the line must carry the fly — not the weight of the fly carrying the line.
  • 2
    Single hook, barbless flies only. Hook point must be de-barbed or crushed before fishing begins.
  • 3
    Maximum line stripped from reel: 120 feet (36.57m) from the fly. Leader class tippet cannot exceed 20lb test. Leader length limited to 15 feet (4.57m).
  • 4
    Casting and retrieving must follow normal customs and generally accepted practices of fly fishing.
  • 5
    No bait, no strike indicators. Fish must be hooked on the fly in use. If a small fish takes the fly and a larger fish swallows the smaller fish, the catch is disallowed.
  • 6
    Boats with both fly and spinning rods: ALL PLUGS MUST HAVE HOOKS. Intentional teasing fish to the surface with plugs and then switching to a fly is NOT permitted.

Spin / Light Tackle Division Rules

  • 1
    Conventional, spinning, or baitcasting rods and reels are all permitted.
  • 2
    Artificial lures only. No live bait, cut bait, natural bait, or scented artificials of any kind.
  • 3
    Single hooks encouraged.
  • 4
    No minimum or maximum line class restrictions beyond applicable regulations.

Minimum Fish Sizes

Striped Bass & Bluefish

Minimum: 50cm to qualify for any category. Do not submit fish shorter than 50cm.

False Albacore & Bonito

No minimum size. All hard tails count. Length does count toward slam totals, so measure large fish.

Guide Handicap

To keep the playing field level for the weekend angler, teams with fishing guides on board will be docked 2cm per fish submitted. This has been reviewed against past results — many winning fish and teams have not had guides on board, and this rule would not have changed many outcomes historically.

Submitting Your Catch — GotOne App

The Tightlined Slam uses the GotOne fishing app for all fish submissions. All registered anglers must download the app and set it up before tournament weekend.

GotOne App

GotOne — The Official Scoring App

GotOne is a fishing log app designed by anglers for anglers. For each catch, log the species and length and GotOne automatically records time, date, location, wind, tide, moon phase, and water temperature. It was developed with support from the American Saltwater Guides Association — our conservation partner — and is used by the ASGA's Albie Project and other research programs.

Privacy: GotOne takes data privacy seriously. Personal fishing data is never shared without permission. Location data is generalized to 15-mile regions for scientific research.

How to Submit a Fish

  • 1
    Log into GotOne. Open the app and enter the tournament prior to fishing (instructions will be provided ahead of the tournament).
  • 2
    Measure the fish against the measuring board provided at the Anglers' Meeting. Both jaw tip and tail tip must be clearly visible.
  • 3
    Photograph the fish on the measuring board. Photo must be sharp, well-lit, and unambiguous.
  • 4
    Release the fish immediately after the photo. Then complete entry information in GotOne (angler, team, fly/spin, species, etc.).
  • 5
    Submissions must be made within official tournament hours. The GotOne timestamp will be used to verify timing. In the event of a tie, the earlier submission wins.

Setup before you go: Download GotOne, create an account, and join the Tightlined Slam tournament within the app before tournament weekend. Instructions and the tournament code will be included in your registered angler packet. Questions? Email us.

Ready to Fish the Slam?

Register your team for October 16–18, 2026 on western Long Island Sound.

Sunday, October 18, 2026 · 1pm–4pm

The Block Party

The Boatworks (f.k.a. Wilson Cove Marina), Norwalk, CT

Join us Sunday afternoon for oysters, craft drinks, great food, live music, raffle prizes, silent auction, awards, and the kind of afternoon that makes you want to come back every year. All are welcome, anglers or not!

The Afternoon

Where the Tournament Ends and the Party Begins

Two days on the water, one legendary afternoon on land. The Block Party is the social heart of the Tightlined Slam weekend — and you don't need to be an angler to show up. Registered anglers, guides, sponsors, families, and friends are all welcome.

We close out the weekend with raw oysters, locally sourced food, craft cocktails, wine, and cold beer from our outstanding food and beverage partners.

Kids welcome. Bring the family — this one's for everyone.

Block Party crowd
Oysters and drinks
Food and drinks at the Block Party

Oysters · Craft Cocktails · Local Food · Cold Beer

🦪 Oysters, Food & Drinks

Raw oysters, locally sourced bites, craft cocktails, wine, and cold beer from our outstanding food and beverage partners. This is not your average awards dinner.

🏆 Awards & Prizes

All nine categories recognized. Top fly and spin anglers, slam winners, and team champion crowned with prizes from our sponsors.

🎫 Raffle & Auction

Rods, reels, gear, guided trips, apparel, and experiences. All proceeds support fisheries conservation.

Awards ceremony
Awards ceremony
Raffle and auction
Kids and families
Block Party crowd
Awards

Nine Categories. All Recognized.

Prizes awarded to top anglers in each individual species category, top three in slam categories, and the top team. Here's what's on the line:

Striped Bass  ·  Fly & Spin  ·  Individual
Bluefish  ·  Fly & Spin  ·  Individual
Hard Tails  ·  Fly & Spin  ·  Individual (by count)
The Slam  ·  Individual  ·  Top 3 anglers
Team Champion  ·  Top team overall
Raffle & Auction

Win Great Gear. Support Conservation.

Our sponsors contribute an outstanding range of prizes. Past highlights include:

Fly and spinning rods & reels from top brands

Full-day guided fishing trips on Long Island Sound

Apparel from Simms, Costa, Vineyard Vines, Bajio, FreeFly, and more

YETI coolers and drinkware

Wines, spirits, and experiences from our food & beverage partners

Sunday, October 18, 2026

The Block Party Is Included With Registration

Sunday · 1pm–4pm · The Boatworks (f.k.a. Wilson Cove Marina), Norwalk, CT

Register Now Questions?
Our Partners in Conservation

Valued Sponsors

The Tightlined Slam would not be possible without the generous support of these outstanding brands, businesses, and organizations. Their partnership directly enables our conservation mission.

Conservation Partner
ASGA

American Saltwater Guides Association

Advocates for science-based fisheries management for striped bass, false albacore, bluefish, and more along the entire Eastern Seaboard. The Tightlined Slam is a proud supporter of their work.

saltwaterguidesassociation.org →
Partner With Us

Become a Sponsor

The Tightlined Slam offers meaningful sponsorship opportunities for brands and businesses that want to connect with a passionate community of saltwater anglers, guides, and conservationists across the Northeast. As a 501(c)(3), your sponsorship may be tax-deductible.

Inquire About Sponsorship

Contact Taylor Ingraham directly:

(203) 856-9750

tayloringraham@tightlined.com

What Sponsorship Includes

Logo and name on tournament website with link

Recognition at the Block Party awards ceremony

Social media recognition on @tightlinedconservation

Product placement in raffle and silent auction

Association with a 501(c)(3) conservation mission

Access to an engaged Northeast angling community

Our Partners

All Sponsors

Tournament History

Results

Nine years on the water. Browse past tournament results and full narratives by year below.

2025 once again marked tough conditions, with a nor'easter bearing down on the Sound Sunday. With that said, Saturday morning provided light winds and fishy conditions, and teams were able to make moves and take advantage. All-in, 34 qualifying striped bass (just off last year's 38), 10 qualifying bluefish (a far cry from last year's 44) and 14 Atlantic bonito (up from 11 last year) were registered. No confirmed sightings of albies, despite a few being caught the day before the tournament.

Saturday saw most boats go looking for hardtails early, with all bonito caught during the incoming tide — most on the Long Island side. The striped bass fishing was spread out, with a few boats finding tons of smaller fish, but just a few larger fish being registered.

The field of anglers continues to strengthen, and winning this tournament each year becomes more and more difficult. We extend well-deserved congratulations to all the winners this year.

Individual Slam — Spin

PlaceAnglerTeamFishTotal
1stPeter RadmanNaut A ByteBass 90cm · Blue 64cm · Bonito 53cm207cm
2ndLou GordonL&SBass 50.5cm · Blue 58.5cm · Bonito 56cm164.5cm
3rdTom O'ConnorDarkstarBass 96cm · Blue 70cm166cm

Individual Slam — Fly

PlaceAnglerTeamFishTotal
1stJeff ErdmannCheeky (w/ Capt. Ian Devlin)Bass 70cm · Bonito 59cm129cm
2ndCapt. Jeff NorthropBass 75cm · Blue 50cm125cm

Team Champion

PlaceTeamAnglersTotal
1stL&SLou Gordon & Steve Gannon289cm
2ndNaut A BytePeter Radman, Will Moreau287cm

Species Categories — Spin

CategoryWinnerResult
Striped BassDave Stefan2 fish · 139cm
BluefishTom O'Connor (Darkstar)80cm
Hard TailsWill Moreau6 of 14 bonito

Species Categories — Fly

CategoryWinnerResult
Striped BassJeff Erdmann (Cheeky)2 fish · 135cm
BluefishRob Longsworth (Hot and Bothered)66cm
Hard TailsJeff Erdmann2 bonito on fly
2025 Individual Slam Results - Spin
2025 Individual Slam Results - Fly
2025 Tournament
2025 Species Results
2025 Tournament
Team L&S
Video Archive

Watch Past Tournaments

Every Tightlined Slam produces incredible footage — the fish, the Sound, the Block Party. Our full video archive lives on Vimeo.

Watch on Vimeo →
🎬

Tightlined Slam on Vimeo

Full tournament recaps, species highlights, and Block Party coverage from the Slam.

vimeo.com/user142344653 →

Your Name in the 2026 Results?

Register for the 9th Annual Tightlined Slam — October 16–18, 2026.

The Tightlined Slam 2026
9th Annual · October 16–18, 2026

Register for the Slam

Spots are limited. Register your team for the 9th Annual Tightlined Slam in the Western Long Island Sound. Fly and spin divisions open. Block Party included.

Registration

2026 Tournament Entry

Complete your registration below. Select your division (fly or spin), team composition, and entry format. Entry fees collected at registration. The Block Party awards ceremony on Sunday evening, October 18, is included with all registrations.

🎣

Registration Opening Soon

Online registration for 2026 will open here. In the meantime, contact Taylor directly to reserve your spot or join the notification list.

Email to Register Review Rules

Need a guide boat? If you don't have access to a vessel, we can connect you with an available guide or pair you with a team looking for additional members. Contact us to be matched.