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09/22/2016 12:00 AMThe roller coaster ride has already begun as air temperatures start to drop and then rise again, yet not quite to the previous level. On a lesser scale, Long Island Sound waters are following suit. Still, no matter little the daily downward trend fluctuates, our fishery senses change similarly to the way we do.
Now that the sun sets sooner and the moon lingers longer, both air and water temperatures are dropping accordingly. Shortly, the movement of fish from cooler to warmer waters and from offshore waters to inshore holdover rivers will begin in earnest. If this were a book, we would be reading the introduction called, “The Fall Migration.”
It happens every year about this time, when fish start their annual feed to sustain themselves during their southern journey. The hardier ones, fish that tolerate a greater water temperature swing like striped bass, may detour and move into slightly more northerly winter homes. Some, as in the case of select Long Island Sound fish like blackfish (tautog), will remain local and just slip into deeper water to semi-hibernate.
It is said that “what drives the bluefish, drives the fishermen.” Some feel it’s all about the bass. Truth be told, until one hooks up with an Atlantic bonito or false albacore on light tackle, the thrill of fighting a real speedster has never been felt. Whether from a small vessel, kayak, or paddle board, these line strippers will battle hard until the end. Their runs are straight and powerful and, when they double back, your cranking or stripping hand best be in gear. So, get ready for the run. All fish will make one, but some will leave a much greater imprint than others.
On the Water
It was the week of the Full Corn Moon and, as expected when we embark on the fall season, the weather becomes more tentative as the winds pick up. It is a gusty time of year with cooler mornings, shorter days, and Long Island Sound water temperatures ever-so-gradually slipping downward—currently at about 73 degrees.
This year, the autumn equinox is on Thursday, Sept. 22, a time when both day and night are about equal in length. It’s a time when fish pay less attention to quality and more to quantity. Any fishers wetting a line are finding a serious uptick in aggressiveness both with bait and artificials.
Bluefish are hammering all different sizes of menhaden that have been flooding harbors lately. Cast nets have been in full play and those unfamiliar with the toss are attempting to make a quick study of the technique. There has been good top water action that’s sometimes going unnoticed due to the lack of diving gulls. Find a rip like Faulkner’s, Charles, Crane’s, Kelsey, or Hammonasset, or explore lower tidal rivers and, most likely, there will be choppers slicing through.
Fishers jigging for striped bass are finding toothy critters all throughout the water column, making it a challenge to get past them. Getting a heavier jig down quicker and then working the lower part of the column generally is more effective than cranking all the way back up and dropping again. Live eels, however, have been quite productive at night or pre-dawn hours. Live menhaden have also been a good option, but aren’t necessarily a sure shot, while bucktails have always been prized and usually quite productive. At any rate, fish shoals and reefs for the best results.
The fall weakfish bite has been good, especially for bass and blue fishers going deep. Bite-size baits and rig setups are working best. Even the lower tidals are seeing some action with weakies picking up sea worms. Along the shoreline, albies and bones are making their way farther west. So, for you mid-Sound fishers, keep a light setup holding plenty of line handy and be prepared to crank. Both northern kingfish and hickory shad catches are up, while in the estuaries, blue crabbers continue to have a good season, especially since the most recent molt.
Porgy season has ramped up with slabs gathering on the reefs. Squid and sea worms are the ticket to nailing your limit of fish from hot spots like Southwest, Charles, Kimberly, Goose Island, and almost any rock pile or hump throughout the Sound. These scrappers are a magnet for bass and blues, so watch out for the steal. Scup contests are in season and porgy picnics are keeping the fryers sizzling. This action is far from over.
Sea bass fishing remains quite good on most offshore reefs and humps, although you’ll probably move from spot to spot more often to get into the better fish. There are high numbers of small fish, but humpbacks in excess of four pounds are being caught on squid. Fluke numbers will appear to be down, however, successful doormat hunters using squid, sand eels, or snappers as a teaser and fishing deep will manage double-digit fish.
Fresh water river fishers need help in the form of rain and increased water flows. The drought is making trout fishing challenging and the fall stocking schedule dubious at best. However, largemouth bass fishing is good, smallies are OK, crappie are biting, walleye are thinking about it, pike are making a showing, pickerel are being pickerel, carp are on bottom baits, and fall panfish are aggressive.
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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