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07/21/2016 12:00 AMAs anticipation grows and anxiety heightens, Pomatomus saltatrix (bluefish) blazes through the Sound, unaware of the dangers surrounding it. The dense schools of Atlantic menhaden are only a precursor of what’s likely an indication of what this season might bring. Schools of bunker are being herded into tight quarters or forced to spread out as they are mercilessly dismembered, providing food and replenishing protein to the migrating bluefish.
Catching small harbor blues using topwater plugs is giving way to larger lures and bigger chunks of bait. The gulls are excited and so are crews as bows head toward the commotion of diving birds. It’s a toss-up as to who on board enjoys the taste of a freshly caught chopper. However, one thing is for certain: There is no dispute on the tenacity of these fish and the fight that a hooked one gives.
Pound for pound, many agree that this species is one of the greatest fighters in the water. They will hold broadside to the current, tiring an angler out more than itself. They will run like a cheetah, jump like a kangaroo, clamp down harder than a clam, and will not quit tearing through a school of fish until the school’s scattered or eaten.
There can never be too much tackle when setting out for a tide of blue fishing. If there is a favorite lure in the box that you don’t want to give up to one of these fighters, make sure you have another. Above all, have a long-nose pliers or de-hooker handy. There is no fish found in Long Island Sound that has the reputation of tearing up tackle or fingers faster than a bluefish.
Reaching the edge of the blitzing school where the gulls were screaming, the water tinted red, the smell of cucumbers was present, lines were in, and reels began cranking. It took but a moment for rods to bend and bluefish to start crisscrossing the rip and tail walking. Soon, the deck was littered with spearing, small squid, butterfish, and scales.
A handful of small fish were kept for the smoker; all the rest were released to continue their journey. Like any other trip that encounters a bluefish blitz, there was plenty of cleaning up to do and stories to tell. Only time will tell if these toothy critters will continue to make a showing this season.
On the Water
The near-90-degree heat spell continued through the weekend and into the week with only a brief respite following a short cold front where temperatures dropped. Long Island Sound water temps fluctuated around the low- to mid-70s with only a few spots falling below. As the July Full Buck Moon approached, the tidal wetlands and the immediate shoreline, including some notable reefs, lit up.
Not much thought was given as to which had a greater effect—whales and dolphins restricting much of the fishing action to inshore waters (where most of the bait congregated) or the influence of the full moon tide. Bluefish blitzes occurred along the coastline as fish in the three- to six-pound range tore into schools of bunker. Lashing out indiscriminately at top water and sub-surface lures, as well as whole baits, blues kept fishers quite busy. Telltale signs were birds working the turmoil, hovering and swooping down into the mix, picking up what scraps they could. Down below, alligators in the double digits were lurking, taking whatever was in jaw range and then putting up one mean fight.
Porgy (scup) bangers were also in their glory as these tasties were readily caught using sandworms and squid. Occasionally, anglers were surprised by a blue that was quite interested in a hooked porgy that was being reeled to up to the surface. Look to Crane’s, Southwest, Charles, Kimberly, Faulkner’s, Goose, and several other humps and reefs scattered throughout the Sound.
Striped bass of more than 40 pounds have been caught during the cooler evening and early morning hours, primarily on live eels and bunker. The bass bite ratcheted up a bit where rips formed and bait gathered, especially by inshore reefs. From Hatchet’s to the Beacon, including Southwest and Faulkner’s, action was found, but not explosive. The lower tidal rivers have been seeing some top water activity and surf casters have had success using plugs or chunks. Look for catches to continue!
Fluke are biting better and more keepers are hitting coolers. Shorts still outnumber the legals, but catches have been worthwhile, even when considering filtering through shorties. Long Sand Shoal, Six Mile, and Faulkner’s have been productive. Deep water and big baits rigged to bucktails or fluke rigs will attract doormats when fished non-aggressively. Do not rule out less-traveled harbor channels.
The sea bass run has simmered down, but hasn’t bottomed out by a long shot. Look for some real humpbacks in water more than 100 feet and be prepared to put in your time for a real prize. The blackfish (tautog) bite is good, sea robins and sand sharks are taking bottom baits, and white perch are onto worms. Yes, the seals are enjoying the fishing, too. Blue crabbing has surged and solid catches are being made in the tidal rivers and estuaries using throws, scoops, nets, and traps.
Even with near-record low water levels, trout are being caught on flies, lures, and bait, but mostly in the deeper, cooler pools. Largemouth bass are hot, smallie fishing and pike are good, channel cats are OK, while the panfish bite is excellent.
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 reel repairs, 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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