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05/18/2017 12:00 AMThe Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission met for its spring meeting to a full three-day agenda. Of particular interest to Long Island Sound fishers was management action on the recreational black sea bass fishery affecting the 2017 and 2018 fishing seasons. A review of the final 2016 estimates indicated that a reduction in the harvest would be necessary to stay within the 2017 Recreational Harvest Limit (RHL).
There was in-depth discussion by the board concerning Marine Recreational Information Program data in setting the annual harvest estimates. Because Wave Six (November-December) numbers, New York’s in particular, were instrumental in exceeding the RHL, the board set the possession limit for that wave at five fish in state waters from Rhode Island through New Jersey after the main motion to close Wave Six entirely was substituted. All other state measures will remain unchanged.
In comparison, 2016 Wave Six harvest numbers for New York were 764,871 pounds, along with 106,405 for New Jersey, 43,267 for Rhode Island, and 4,107 for Connecticut. The total for all the remaining southern coastal states was 16,713 pounds, while Massachusetts had harvested none.
Furthermore, it was agreed to initiate an addendum for 2018 for the management of black sea bass that would include uniform regulations such as the number of days to be fished and alternatives to the current North/South regional delineation (Massachusetts-New Jersey/Delaware-Washington, D.C.) and, perhaps, any other suggestions put forth by the Working Group and Plan Development Team.
Additionally, the Striped Bass Board did not advance Draft Addendum V to Amendment 6, which was to consider easing the recreational and commercial regulations by about 10 percent. Concern was expressed that since 2016 harvest estimates increased without regulation changes, together with the large recruitment class of 2011, that will make more fish available in the coming years, potentially increasing the coastal harvest and advancing the draft, resulting in fishing mortality exceeding the target. Instead, it decided to wait until the release of the results of the 2018 benchmark stock assessment before it considered making changes to the management program.
On the Water
We have been in this pattern for a while where low pressure has been hanging around in time for the weekend. Sometimes, the shoreline has eased out of it with just a brush of unsettling weather, but mostly, the rains and winds came—enough to churn things up like in the most recent Nor’easter. Too often, though, fog hampered visibility before burning off, forcing most vessels to exercise extra caution or remain dockside.
However, even though air and water temperatures have been struggling to rise without retreating, fish migrations, although somewhat stalled, have been making it into the Sound. Water temperatures reached 57 degrees at one point, but recently, they’ve been bouncing around 54. Good news, though. Look for a warming trend.
Linesiders continue to light up the shoreline. Most of fish caught have been in the class of schoolies, whether hooked on or offshore. Certainly, there have been larger fish (more than 38 inches), but not enough to change the overall picture. Light gear enthusiasts (8- to 12 pounds) and fly fishers casting 8 weights have been having an absolute ball. Live baits, select artificials, and chunks have been productive. Both tides have now been productive, however, the recent full moon tide, swift currents, and weather have altered the action. Calmer waters prevailed!
Black sea bass season is open with the early season bite being in 85- to 95-foot depths in and around structure and wrecks. South of Faulkner has been decent, as well as humps to the east and west of the island. Setting up with a simple hi-lo rig or drifting a bucktail, both tipped with squid, are fish getters. The inshore scup bite needs more time to turn into something to talk about and has only been so-so, but a few buck catches have turned up.
Weakies continue to run from east to west on the flood, bypassing Six Mile, Faulkner’s, and into the West Haven area. Winter flounder has improved in the inshore channels, harbors, sandy bays, and is now worth the trip as sizes are increasing. Yes, there are bluefish in the Sound, with more action coming from the eastern parts. It is the sorted schools of menhaden that has gotten their attention. While running the lower tidal rivers, take advantage of the white perch heading up river and into the coves. American shad are throughout Connecticut River, but the run could be stronger and more consistent. Keep in mind that blue crab season is open and catches are currently being made. That should only increase with this warming trend. Also, a reminder that fluke season opened on May 17.
On the freshwater side, anglers needed to work harder for fewer fish thanks to the downpours, high water levels, and increased flows. The warming trend and a breather from the deluges, coupled with the final stages of the spring stocking program, will make the rivers more fishable. However, during the weather breaks, trout were rising and, with some modicum of finesse, being caught. The largemouth bass bite varied, but produced better numbers overall. Some beds are active, yet water temps generally need to warm. Smallie action also saw improvement, but again varied, causing careful consideration as to location and baits used. Pickerel, black crappie, carp, and catfish are providing good action, while pike and walleye seemed to have taken a breather.
Event
Big Striped Bass with Light Tackle presented by the Hartford Power Squadron, featuring Capt. Mike Roy, will take place on Tuesday, May 23 at Olympia Diner on 3413 Berlin Turnpike in Newington. This free event starts at 7:30 p.m. and, to make a reservation, contact 860-346-0680 or jimsall@comcast.net.
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 bait, 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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