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05/26/2017 12:00 AMWe had a late spring, a real one at that, and now we have turned the corner. Fishers who have been out wetting a line early on can attest to how good the striped bass fishing has been. Those who are just starting are finding out. Marone saxatilis, linesider, rockfish, or whatever you call them, have been active for a while now, with more rounding the extreme corners of Long Island Sound, joining our holdovers. This is just the start of the saltwater scene!
Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend signals summer and, around that time, the Sound fills up with multi-species of sought-after and popular finfish. As sunset arrives later and later and water temperatures rise, the flood of recreational fishers venture to the coast to embark on their favorite warm-weather activity: fishing.
There is a separation among fishers. There are those who enjoy the sport, but are primarily out to catch one of their favorite meals, often being black sea bass, flounder, and blackfish (tautog). Others are on the water primarily for the sporting challenge of locating, hooking up with, and releasing finfish like a striped bass, bluefish, or bonito.
Regardless of one’s motivation, one fish that indisputably gets both the adrenaline and conversations flowing is none other than Pomatomus saltatrix, the bluefish. Its reputation as a voracious hunter with an insatiable appetite precedes it, even among non-fishers. Names that it’s deservedly earned—such as gator, slammer, chopper, and blue dog—have tagged this fish worldwide.
When schools of Atlantic menhaden arrive, very often the blues are one of the first to announce their presence. Their chasing, corralling, and slashing becomes obvious as their precise feeding is noticeably unrelenting. As the Sound fills up with more bunker and the summer reaches its midpoint, the action generally heats up even more.
For now, choppers are just starting to make their presence known. Fishing leaders are being sliced, but not shredded yet. Tugs and runs are still being questioned by fishers still unsure whether or not a striped bass or, perhaps, a seal was the culprit. This gray area will only last a short time before cries of “The blues are here!” reverberate throughout the Sound.
So, if you are one of those fishers who is attempting to have everything in order for the holiday weekend, stow a few of those tried and true bluefish goodies that made it through last season. Discard those frayed and kinked leaders, check your fishing line and connections, and sharpen those hooks. Then get ready for some fierce battling bluefish action that is sure to get you and your party pumped.
On the Water
Excitement is brewing with the coming of the Memorial Day holiday, which marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season. Days are longer with sunsets slightly after 8 p.m., giving fishers more time on the water. Despite air temps dipping to 41 degrees, Long Island Sound inshore waters topped at 60 degrees, causing fishing activity to increase once the winds shifted, dropped to five knots, and wave turbulence moderated to a foot.
It has been a week for dunking vessels and putting the finished touches on the hulls, bright work, and consoles. Although much fishing gear has already had either its maiden voyage or first cast, many more are just entering the picture. Fishing the briny is coming together and a new chapter is unwinding.
Striped bass are showing a diversified appetite when it comes to fishing options. Live eels and worms have been effective baits. Chunk baits and fresh menhaden or hickory shad have also caught several linesiders. Many fish have succumbed to top water poppers, swimmers, and flies. Bucktailers, drifters, and trollers are also picking up fish from The Race to several of the inshore reefs and shoals throughout the shoreline. Check out Charles Reef and the Faulkner’s Island area.
Fluke season opened to some moderate action with three- to five-pound fish being caught at Six Mile, edges of Long Sand Shoal, and by some lower tidal rivers. Although winter flounder action has been just OK, catches have improved since tides have cleared the water from the last few downpours. Black sea bass have been biting in deep water on the Connecticut side. Numbers of four-plus-pound humpbacks have not yet materialized, however, catches of smaller ones are on the upswing. Meanwhile, scup slabs hanging on the reefs are being boated, as well as smaller ones being hooked from shore. Keep your eyes open for schools of menhaden and smaller, occasional schools of hickories.
The last trout of the spring stocking program hit the inland waters. Several of these fish turned out to be quite chunky for their size at 15 inches and two-plus pounds. River fishing picked up once the flows and levels moderated. Even the lakes began to see an uptick in trout catches. The bass bite keeps getting better and better, along with pickerel, perch, and spawning carp. In most cases, live, scented, artificials, and flies brought in fish, although timing and weather conditions had the biggest impact. Preferably, hit the pre-dawn or sunset bite.
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 the latest gear, 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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