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05/26/2016 12:00 AMDaytime was shrouded in clouds and a bit warmer than the past few, but with a chilly start. If one listened to the chants of the forecasters, the boat would have remained moored. However, that may have been the action of a cautious mariner and not necessarily the prudent one of a die-hard fisherman, especially since sizable black sea bass infiltrated the Sound.
On this day, one would think that fewer boats would be hogging this key wreck, although that wasn’t the case, probably since the sea bass season on the New York side of the demarcation line had yet to open and more boats congregated in Connecticut waters. There were a few unwary humpback hunters fishing over the line, but we won’t go there. Unfortunately, the one reef we were anxious to set anchor on was not to be. Nevertheless, a decent limit was caught in short order while jigging and tossing back many somewhat-annoying shorts that tested the integrity of the joints and muscles.
Now, that was just a small part of the day, nearing the top of the morning tide. What was really anticipated was tackling that night’s full moon flood tide. The current needed to be somewhat subdued and just off slack-low. Eels were moving and that was the bait of choice. Although some larger linesiders have recently been caught, there was a surge of schoolies fresh into the big pond.
Rather than staying outside and drifting the reefs, the game plan was flipping live eels into shallow pockets of structure that dotted the shoreline. If a big gal decided to come to the party, so be it. Working with Mother Nature, as opposed to working against it, always makes more sense. And since fresh smaller fish were here to play, why not cooperate?
As it turned out, the night was a lot of fun. There were no bragging fish caught, just numbers of wanna-be’s released. It probably would have been better for the muscles if only one or two good gals were hooked. However, the cumulative effect of those earlier sea bass and the numbers of nighttime schoolies caught had this old salt reaching for the medicine cabinet for some relief. Overall, it was a good day, great fun, and definitely worth the consequences.
This Memorial Day, may we remember and salute all the members of our armed forces who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great country.
On the Water
The unusual spring morning chill continued into the weekend, followed by some rain before moderating. Air temps then brushed the 70s, while easterly winds diminished, taken over by predominately south westerlies. Long Island Sound water temperatures ticked up to the mid-50s, aided by 58-degree temps flowing out from the tidal rivers.
Meanwhile, the Sound has seen an influx of schoolie striped bass that have literally spread throughout the shoreline. Action has been very good, especially when gear in the 10- to-12 pound class or 8-weight fly rods were used. Small topwater poppers and soft plastics, along with Clousers and deceivers, have been used quite successfully along the beaches and in the tidal rivers.
Cranking up the gear when fishing the inshore reefs has been a good idea since stripers in excess of 40 inches have been on the prowl. Drifting live eels, three-waying bucktails, and jerking chutes has been the way to go along the rips. Charles Reef, Faulkner’s Island, and The S’s have been giving up fish, along with several spots from Cranes to The Beacon. Although the currents were swifter and the tides up during this full moon phase, fishing the flood tide proved productive when concentrating on periods of near slack.
Black sea bass catches continue to rock the world of social media. Fishers that splashed their vessels early have been enjoying stretches of uncluttered water and fine catches. Deeper water and bigger baits have been the key to landing fish in excess of four pounds. Closer to shore, sizes have been much smaller. Depths of 65 to 95 feet have been prime fishing grounds with squid, hi-lo rigs, and jigs making for an active trip. Be prepared to catch plenty of small fish on the drop. It’s important to note that the sea bass season is currently only open on the Connecticut side of the Sound.
Fluke like porgy (scup) need a bit more time before the action really heats up, although catches are currently being made. Some scup are beginning to load up on the inshore reefs, while fluke (summer flounder) are being picked up on Six Mile Reef, Long Sand Shoal, and entrances to some harbors and tidal rivers. For those into sea robins, they are in and sizes are big. Another bottom fish making an appearance is skate and, of course, winter flounder are still taking seaworms and clams.
Shellfishing had a great weekend with the Full Flower or Corn Planting moon exerting its gravitational pull on the water, creating lower than normal low tides. Fortunately, the weak forecast turned out to be a dud and those who were determined to clam came out smelling like a rose. For the freshwater anglers, the pre-Memorial Day trout stocking is completed and the rest is up to you. Fishing conditions improved and the river action has been good. On the lakes, the basses are active, pickerel are aggressive, and panfish are biting, as are the cats and carp.
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 flies, 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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