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Fly Fishing Anyone?

For this year, spring is finished. True, some of the best fly fishing, both in the sweet and briny waters, is during that time when trout and holdover striped bass cruise the rivers. Although the winter was rather mild, rains made the rivers challenging, and winds made the flats reaching out to Long Island Sound inviting, but demanding.

Generally, when we are into July, fishers that have been hankering to cast a fly, but are a bit rusty, come out of the woodwork. They hear how striped bass are being caught and released from shore or on the flats. Stories of fish towing kayaks and paddle boards before a fisher can gain traction are shared openly and are often followed by a pic or two.

At that point, a trip to the briny becomes inevitable. When that happens, stripping line attached to a Clouser or deceiver fly along a flat’s bottom does wonders when trying to get the attention of a striper. The sight of its dorsal fin cutting through the water and leaving a wake with a swirl of the large caudal is enough to get a fisher’s adrenaline pumping. Together, fish and fisher pair up for an adventurous meeting.

Although some quality linesiders have been caught wading the flats, braggers have been caught from vessels, as well. Those fish need to be brought out from their hideaways if they are not outwardly schooling. Casting to or dropping flies in those spots are some of the techniques that go hand-in-hand in elevating a trip from being just OK into a memorable one.

However, some fishers are just a bit too hesitant to get their feet wet until they brush up on their skills. Many of those have a smattering of flies, a fly rod in need of dusting off, and perhaps a pair of waders that haven’t shed their hanger for eons. However, that’s all right, because at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, by popular request, Captain Morgan’s will again host a free fly fishing clinic spearheaded by a world fisher and master instructor. It will be a fun-filled and educational morning. Bring your own gear or use setups supplied. See you then!

On the Water

Leading up to the Fourth of July weekend, the weather moderated, was less humid, and the Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures held at about 69 degrees. Winds did kick up a bit, but were manageable. At times, seals were an obstacle to overcome, especially when fishing at flood tide and around the reefs. Unlike last year around this time, there were no noticeable indications of humpback whales, dolphins, or sea turtles. Perhaps that might change when water temps get warmer and more Atlantic menhaden and other forage show up.

Striped bass fishing continues to produce numbers of linesiders, some of which have been quite impressive. The water is still cool enough, eliminating the need for most finesse fishing. Both inshore and offshore reefs, including Six Mile, Cranes, Charles, Faulkner’s, Brown’s, and The Beacon, have generated fish. Live eels have been exceptional, menhaden has been good on varying tides, while drifting bucktails and jerking chutes have been deep producers. Casting flies to structure or dropping one deep within ground structure has produced fish off-tide.

Bluefish are mixing it up, although most are still of the smaller variety. Anything from live bait to chunks and spoons will garner a hookup if they get in their path. Bites are coming more frequently, but not as predictable as when thick schools of bunker are prevalent. Most activity has been out on the reefs, with some hookups occurring in the lower tidal rivers and harbors during flood tide. A few more weakies were picked up just south of Kimberly and off Cinder Bottom while drifting or trolling.

Black sea bass catches remain good in depths around 50 feet or better, with squid being the primary bait, backed up by clams. Anchoring above structure has been the most productive method of fishing for these beauties, however, many have been caught on the drift using jigs. Some reefs that hold sea bass also hold scup, so consider a slightly larger hook with larger portions of bait to help avoid them. New York waters opened on June 27 to a daily possession limit of three fish at 15 inches.

If fluke is on the agenda, then go for it! More shorts than keepers and fewer doormats, but catches have been improving and mini-doormats under 10 pounds are being caught. Best bet for one of those big footprints would be on big baits, deep water, and during a flood tide. Try Six Mile, Long Sand Shoal, or Faulkner’s.

The bottom fishery is becoming increasingly more active with dogfish, sea robins, and scup. Porgies are grabbing sea worms and squid when fishing both the nearshore and offshore humps, with some reaching dinner plate size.

Trout rivers are seeing an uptick in catches, as are some of the lakes. This coming weekend should be much improved based on the moderating weather. Nymphs, streamers, inline spinners, and swimmers are seeing more aggressive action. Many lakes and ponds are seeing good bass activity, with some largemouths exceeding eight pounds. Pickerel, catfish, perch, and sunnies are all biting with little hesitation.

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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