From a Smooth Drag to Cranky Bearings
It was a short run of pleasant days. The sun was shining, refreshing breezes were in the air, and the Sound was alive with bait. Looming in the background was the threat of some storm that might brush us or, at the very least, cause concern. In short order, the concern became a reality and what had been something to monitor turned into a real menace, causing boaters to scramble, businesses to protect their property as best as possible, and shoreline communities to prepare and pray. Then in the dark of night, it hit-hard! When Superstorm Sandy was over, for many there was much to discard, reclaim, and clean.
It is the group of anglers who did not have the opportunity to put their hands on a rod or even think of fish that ought to take some action. They should set aside a bit of time to take an inventory of specifically what took on salt water and was left unattended.
Carefully disassemble and inspect all moveable parts of your gear, then methodically clean and lubricate everything. Make certain that all drag material and drag washers are separated and treated accordingly as well as the handle assembly. If lucky, bearings might only need to be completely cleaned and lubricated, which may necessitate disassembling all parts. Be prepared, though, to replace them to avoid problems next season.
Use reel oil for friction points and a quality grease for the gears. When re-assembling all parts, wipe with a protective coating and back off the drag before storing. Any extra attention given now will go a long way in giving you peace of mind next fishing season.
On The Water
Well, we've had our post-storm mild weather and now it's time to think cold water fishing. Although die-hard 'tog-pullers are looking toward some December fishing, the majority of those white chins have headed for much deeper water where they will soon enter their semi-hibernating state now that Long Island Sound water temperatures have dipped into the mid-40s-47 degrees as the Thanksgiving Day holiday drew to a close.
For those who zero in on striped bass, their season has considerably slowed with catches relegated to releasing numbers of much smaller fish, the exception being an occasional hold-over and late migrator in the 40-inch class. However, it's not over until it's over! Note that there are still linesiders migrating from Massachusetts to Rhode Island and into Connecticut waters. So select some choice, soft plastics (white, chartreuses, or herring color) weighted with ½- to 1-ounce jig heads, sub-surface sliders and swimmers or dressed up bucktails with some flash and either head to one of those major tidal rivers or a jetty or stretch of beach with some slightly heavier gear and hope your timing is right.
It's a great time to wade for some rainbow or brown trout-the rivers now offer stretches of unencumbered fishing. Slow and deep is how one ought to fish, casting either small countdowns or spinners, stripping streamers, or wooly buggers or drifting weighted or bead head nymphs. Certainly, the Hammonasset, Salmon, Housey, and Farmington rivers are go-tos. Switching gears a bit, the Shetucket River has been quietly giving up some choice broodstock Atlantic salmon-a prelude to Dec. 1 when one salmon per day is allowed to be kept. Fish deep, follow the drift, and keep an eye on when the Occum and Scotland dams open.
For all things fishy including licenses, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline's full-service fishing outfitter, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
captainmorgan.fish@sbcglobal.net
captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com