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Jump on the Early Springtime Run of Striped Bass

It's late March and this angler is ready to test the waters for early spring stripers. The winter has been too long and, although the calendar says spring, winter doesn't seem over. However, here in the Northeast, water temperatures are creeping up and this fishery begins aggressively feeding under the noses of anglers who haven't exercised due diligence.

It won't be long before the word's out that the bass are charging incoming river herring and, a bit later, the shad. Winter has been harsh and, in the opinion of most fishers, since everything else (including the holidays) appears to be running late, this fishery will follow suit. Unfortunately, the best part of the run will be over before even a single cast is made.

The ice along the banks of this tidal river has recently broken apart, leaving in its place soft, slippery conditions. If careless along the immediate water line, one could easily slip or find himself muddin'. This mishap could sour the morning, especially if either the reel handle hits a rock or rod tip glances off a branch.

With plenty of casting room now available, the decision is where to plant that first lure. The choice has already been made that a loaded swimmer would be the way to go if it were to reach the deeper, opposite side. As back up, since a soft herring-pattern swimming shad rigged to an ounce jighead has been golden in the past, that and a chartreuse one were readied, as well as a darter. Twenty-pound braid, a length of 40-pound fluorocarbon leader, plus connectors, and game on.

Fog suspended just above the water line, which impacted visibility. Only a few other anglers were highlighted by it. The first cast of the morning was made. Line slipped off the spool and gently spiraled through the guides before a faint plop could be heard some distance away. Swirls were heard earlier, along with telltale signs of feeding bass-those piqued optimism, and rightfully so.

The first smack and hookup came on that hard loaded swimmer. That linesider was fresh and spunky and did not want to quit. The fight was a good one. "Kiss and good-bye" was the theme for the next hour and, with the exception of a few catches, all hookups came from alternating hard baits. Distance was the primary factor there and, when near casts were necessary, the "softies" proved best. Anxious for some striper action? Then rig up and hit the tidals soon to get into some fantastic early spring bass or miss the opportunity altogether.

On the Water/Ice

Here it is the end of March and weather forecasters are hedging on another potential snowstorm. Venture up the shores of the Connecticut River or other main tidal rivers and you'll find that the ice in many of the coves is still packed solid. However, our mindset has changed. Even dedicated ice anglers have had enough and are now anxiously looking for open water.

Long Island Sound temperatures are fluctuating, but holding around the 37-degree mark. At first glance, the Sound is barren. Looking closely, one sees signs of spring along the high tide line and even in the wet sand. Gulls are actively pecking at the water's edge for small fish and crabs, seals are leaving flipper tracks, and more seaweed and debris are being washed on shore from the turbulent winter season.

Although we are expecting much colder air temperatures before another warming trend, it's apparent our fishery is taking all this in stride. Healthy trout are being caught in the TMAs on lure and flies. The open water is on the low side, but is flowing freely, bringing with it twigs and branches, along with other angler hazards. Some of our trophy trout lakes are now showing signs of breaking up, leaving enough open water to fish. Brown trout now pursuing alewives are being caught with spoons and similar lures tied to four- to six-pound test lines and similar artificials. Add a teaser fly as an attention-getter.

As rocky as the weather has been, striped bass are paying it little mind and filling their gullets. They are definitely scanning the sub-structures for spring food. These linesiders are hungry and keeper-size fish are already being landed in the main tidal rivers with smaller fish periodically being caught along the shoreline. As usual, and particularly in light of this winter, the fish are getting the jump on most fisherman.

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

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