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04/21/2016 12:00 AMAnticipation of opening day, along with a rude awakening by a classic blast of cold, have since passed. Sunrises are more pleasant and the rivers have settled into a calmer rhythm, flowing past fewer anglers. There is now more room to make a cast and enjoy the surroundings—if one can avoid the weekend warriors and after-work crowd.
While the crack of dawn can often generate some awesome hits from a hungry trout, it’s the sunset hour that typically adds that extra touch. Hooking a rainbow that clears the water against a sinking sun and fighting it without a web of fishing lines to navigate around is something all anglers should experience. When one does, it will be hard to not seek out that moment again.
From the early age when one starts his or her adventure as a fisher to the later days in life where reflection, relaxation, and reverence come into play, fishing is one of those lifelong bonding things. Whether compiled in a photo album or amassed in a collection of fishing paraphernalia like rods, reels, or boxes of lures or flies, there are fond memories attached.
A true fisher derives enjoyment from the whole experience. From the moment the tailgate is dropped and the first foot is placed into a wader to the time when a fish either is released or creeled, one is on the verge of creating a memory. An absolute test of a fisher who really transitioned into what fishing is all about is the one who successfully completes the battle and doesn’t look around to see who was watching. That comes with time and isn’t shared by everyone. As a matter of fact, a successful day on the water may not necessarily be judged by what was caught or how many. Instead, it might be construed to mean what was learned or taught or if someone else left the water more enriched by what you did. Yes, fishing is a very old tradition and, as we embark on another new season, let’s see if we can make someone’s life a little more enjoyable and less complicated using a hook and line.
On the Water
Long Island Sound water temperatures are on the rise again after bottoming out at 45 degrees last week. Now topping 50 degrees, we have reached the turning point where sub-surface sea life is really stirring despite a few blustery days that saw small craft warnings. Both holdover fish and springtime migrators are beginning to fill the harbors and tidal rivers.
We saw the first of the American shad in the Connecticut River, herring in New Haven harbor, hickory shad in several tidal rivers, and loads of peanut and adult menhaden along the shoreline. Many of the lower tidal rivers are experiencing good, light tackle striped bass action with fish taking top waters, swimmers, soft plastics, and sea worms. Although tides are playing a big part in this success, one has to pay attention to what the winds and seas are doing and pick a location where their impact is minimal. In short, look for a lee side where bass can ambush prey without exerting excessive energy.
There was more blackfish (tautog) activity last week than in recent days. Water temps have risen to the point where ‘togs are moving in and rock jetties are being warmed by the sun. Boaters should try reefs and rock piles in 30- to 35-foot depths and closer. For those who are on the early bite, jigs tipped with crabs and hi-lo’s are managing their two-fish, 16-inch daily limit.
Winter flounder is the other species that’s generating the interest of small boaters and shore goers. Here again, a daily limit of two at 12 inches isn’t difficult to achieve when fishing the clean, moving waters of the bays and harbor channels. A double rig baited with seaworms or clams fished on the bottom will attract these right-handed flatties.
Freshwater anglers continue to mount their quest for those breeders still hugging the holes and bottom structures. Water flows and levels have settled to more acceptable fishing conditions and trout are less apt to be washed down river. However, competition from osprey and cormorants for the same fish are getting under the skin of some anglers who have been the subject of their taunt. In-line spinners, swimmers, scented bait (gulp!), live shiners, grubs, and worms are all having success. Flies such as bead head and weighted nymphs, some dries, and streamers are taking more fish now than last week since conditions have settled. Lakes and ponds are also responding accordingly with increased largemouth activity, a moderate hike in river small mouths, more carp catches, aggressive pickerel hits, and active perch.
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.
For all things fishy including crabbing supplies, 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
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