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Here is the thing. I think herring is just a regional name. What the Rhody/MA guys call herring, people down in our parts call "alewives". Alewives are abundant in just about any shallow running tidal creek. They are on their way up to spawn. You can fish for them in 3 ways. The first way is to use a "bait catching rig". The two most popular ones are made by Mustad and Sabiki. You put a small sinker on the bottom and jig it up and down.
The second way is with a small fly rod.
The third way is to dip net them. Stand on top of bridge or on the shore and net them as they swim buy.
Remember to obey the rules. A 25 creel limit of herring and alewives combined in CT. You also can't fish for them from 12:00 Saturday night to 12:00 Tuesday night. DEP gives steep fines for not obeying the law.
These baits are best used live so take only what you will use and be able to keep alive. I'm not saying chunks won't work but you are better off using them live.
If you are really serious about this, If you get a trash can full of water, you can keep a few alive for a short amount of time. Otherwise, if you want to keep them longer, you can order systems to keep your bait from MikeCC, an upstanding member of this site and tackle shop owner. Check out his site at www.capecodtackle.com.
To fish these baits, there isn't much to it. Get yourself a 4/0, 5/0 or 6/0 Live Bait hook or circle hook. I like the Live Bait hooks because they have a shorter shank and lets the bait swim better. Mustad makes them, so does Gamagatsu. Tie your running line to a barrel swivel. Then take at least 30lb test mono or fluorocarbon and make a 2-3 foot leader. Most people believe Stripers don't have teeth but they have very small ones that will chafe a light leader. Anyways, take your Live Bait hook or a circle hook and either put it through the nostrils or the corners of the eye and out the other corner. Careful not to get the brain! Then just lob it out there and let that fella do the work for you. If there are any bass in the area, they'll be on that fish in no time.
Good luck.
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