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06/08/2017 12:00 AMIt is amazing how many people are so out of touch with the world of fishing, even when the Sound is not far away. There is a difference between when someone asks, “What’s running?” or, “Are there any fish out there?” In one case, someone needs an update. In the other instance, someone needs a lesson. Questions like these are clues to a casual, recreational fisher.
Fishing can be one of those spur-of-the-moment outdoor activities that pops up out of the blue at any time. An experienced fisher may have the same inclination, however, he or she knows what the target species is and will undoubtedly have the necessary gear on hand, but not necessarily the bait.
Certainly, of more than the 45.7 million Americans who took at least one fishing trip in 2015, there is a mix of experienced and less-skilled individuals. The experienced will know the tide, moon phase, and what fish are out there to be caught. Typically, these things will be the driving impetus to wet a line. Sometimes, though, it will be a phone call.
Whether young or old, if one has the feel, it won’t be long before he or she is drawn in and eventually hooked. When young, it’s catching the fish that does it. When older, it could be either the draw of the fish or the relaxation that attracts. Fishing is a bit more involved than, let’s say, taking in a movie. However, the rewards are plentiful and the bounty keeps on giving. Like any other sport, the more one puts into it, the greater the returns.
So before the next time someone asks you to join them to wet a line, be prepared with the latest fishing reports and comments from trusted individuals. That will make for a much better mate and even enhance your chances of bringing home dinner or a photo or two of the day’s efforts. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Never be afraid to ask!
On the Water
Sooner or later, this rainy pattern will reverse itself and both air and water temperatures will rise—hopefully, in this lifetime. After all, the immediate drought conditions have long since dissipated and our seasonal fisheries are gathering in the Sound by the day. Lately, inshore water temperatures have been at the 60-degree mark, about six degrees off the norm. Additionally, the unsettled weather is later than usual, often creating less than desirable coastal water conditions.
Since summer flounder (fluke) prefer calmer conditions and fairly clear water, inshore fishing for these popular game fish has been interrupted during the inclement weather. However, certain locations that provided forage and clearer water, such as Bloody Grounds, Six Mile, Faulkner’s, also gave fishers their daily limits. Drifting squid, spearing, and sand eels rigged on three-way or hi-lo rigs have been productive. Connecticut and New York recreational sizes and daily limits are the same (three fish, 19 inches), with both seasons extending through Thursday, Sept. 21. Rhode Island’s is four fish, 19 inches, but its season goes through the end of the year.
Striped bass catches continue to be reasonably consistent, even though many have adopted a cautious attitude toward the actual size of the species’ biomass. The recent young of year classes, although initially promising, have not quite materialized as expected, thus the hesitation in increasing the harvest limit. Meanwhile, shoreline fishers are into multiple catches of smaller fish up to 28 inches, while linesiders to 40-plus inches are being caught by near-shore reefs and deeper. Certainly, spring-run fish in the 50- to 60-pound range have been documented, but not many. Locally, check out Hatchett’s, Six Mile, Charles Reef, Faulkner’s North Rip, structure from Mulberry Point to Sachem’s Head, and The Beacon. Consider live eels, sea worms, chunk bait, plugs, jigs and umbrellas.
More fishers are hooking up with bluefish in mid-Sound and, periodically, inshore. Action has been inconsistent, so one needn’t be overly concerned with wire leaders—just have one or two handy. Blues are onto shad and scattered schools of menhaden, but are taking chunks, tubes, and hard lures. Best action has been on the flood tides (rough water has been OK) and along rip lines, provided forage was available.
Look for the black sea bass bite to keep getting better as four-plus pound humpbacks are now being caught in 65- to 70-foot depths. It looks like the New York season will not open until Tuesday, June 27 (three at 15 inches), so keep that in mind should you cross over the line. Smaller fish are piled up in considerably less water, but there will be a lot of picking through for a bragger.
The scup bite is building with dinner plate-size porgies being caught, mostly offshore, although shore-goers should not be dissuaded from dunking a worm. Also, get ready for some good-size sea robins and frisky skate. While the weather has churned up the bays and channels, the winter flounder bite continues to be variable under more favorable conditions. Blue crabs, on the other hand, are showing their claws.
Ample numbers of trout left over from the spring stocking are feeding in several rivers and lakes. Largemouth bass catches are up, but will vary with the body of water, while the smallie bite has been much stronger. Catfish are quite active, crappie are hungry, pickerel are chasing lures, white perch are onto worms, and sunnies will not be denied.
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 licenses, 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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