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07/07/2016 12:00 AMAn art that can be traced back to the Romans during the 2nd century, Japan in the 12th century, Dame Juliana Berners’s instructional piece, The Treatyse of Fysshynge with an Angle, in 1496, and Izaak Walton’s, Compleat Angler, in 1632, fly fishing has captivated fishers throughout the ages. Its simplicity and gracefulness is not only evident above the waterline, but is also quite productive below it. Like many sports that require time and effort for one to become proficient, fishing with a fly is no different.
From casting your line to a trout riffle, double-hauling to reach a striped bass rip line, or using both hands to address a steelhead, fly fishing is an absolute art form. Once you understand what part an actual fly plays in the equation and how to best use it, you will be well on your way to learning how fulfilling catching a fish on a fly rod can be.
Somehow, stripers seem to really be intrigued by a fly called ‘half and half,’ especially on the flats or by a drop-off. Whether cast and stripped or flipped into a rip, the resulting hookup will be remembered. When the bones or albies are running and take a rain bait imitation, then hang on because these knuckle-busters will make you work for every inch of line retrieved.
Yes, there is something about fly fishing the briny. Not that a hefty brown trout or salmon can’t produce a rush, but when ghosts like an Andros bonefish tear across the flats or a bluefish grabs a fly and digs in broadside across a rip, one knows that he or she is hooked up. From that point on, as line melts away, one can only hope there is enough backing on the reel to last the fight. And if the foray ends such that you and the fish part company before the endgame, then it’s time to reflect and make adjustments. You can always learn and improve your technique.
On the Water
Can you believe that the Fourth of July has come and gone already? The weather was great, celebrations and fireworks have subsided, we survived Shark Week, and we are now on the other side of the new moon. Water temperatures have fluctuated around the upper 60s, while visibility on the Sound saw intermittent patches of fog and seas remained fairly calm. Overall, fishing remains quite good.
Bluefish have taken some of the attention away from other fisheries as blues in the four- to eight-pound range are spreading around the menhaden. Bunker have schooled in some harbors during the off hours, but haven’t been trapped by any choppers thus far. Top water plug action has picked up, as has subsurface drifting of chunks and trolling brellas. Look for blues from the Connecticut River to New Haven harbor, including Crane’s, Charles, Faulkner’s, and The Beacon. Look for white perch and hickories that have been showing up in the tidal rivers.
Striped bass did a turnaround as conditions improved. Fishing the inshore reefs and harbors early in the morning or late evening, as the tide dictated, was more rewarding this past week than the previous one. Live-lining eels or menhaden (when available) have been key baits to use. Three-waying bucktails with trailers at outer Southwest, Charles, Faulkner’s North Rip, Inner Crooked S, and Brown’s saw some decent linesider action. One can expect to catch a few dogfish or a surprise weakie when working the bottom, especially with chunk baits during flood tides.
Flukers are sporting a few more smiles as sizes are increasing, even though numbers of shorts are increasing, as well. Squid (whole or strips), sand eels, spearing, and bellies continue to be the go-to baits. Try them on spin-n-glows, hi-lo’s, three-way drift rigs, or bucktails, while fishing Six Mile, Long Sand Shoal, south side of Faulkner’s, and select harbors. While we’re on the bottom, black sea bass are still very plentiful. Big fish, deep water, and New York waters are now open. As far as scup slammers, they are into fish in excess of 16 inches and two pounds. Hit your favorite reef or fish from shore. The action is improving daily. Also, blackfish (tautog) season is now open!
More fishers are inquiring about sea robins as a food. Simply put, try them. Fillet ‘em up or butterfly the tails. They’re good. To a few, it may be an acquired taste, but to most, it will be a delightful snack or meal. Add a few clams and blue crabs done up in Old Bay to give your tastebuds a treat.
Event
Last call for the fly fishing clinic on Saturday, July 9 at Captain Morgan’s. There will be a master casting instructor who fishes worldwide and will assist you in improving your casting and refining your technique. Show up at 7 a.m. with your gear or use what’s available. It’s a free event, so come and learn how to make your time on the water more productive.
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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