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07/13/2017 12:00 AMThe same thing that brings people out on a rainy, overcast, sometimes foggy day also seems to energize fish. Think of the number of times that fish pics were taken of soaking-wet fishers in hooded slickers holding up their catches of the day. Then think of the days when the seas were unbelievably swelled and fish could have easily slipped off the top of a wave into the cockpit. Those were the times that created stories, the ones that bragged of outstanding catches. Too bad smart phones weren’t available back then. Then again, that might not be such a good idea after all.
At any rate, the rolling seas were running as high as the flybridge, their tops clearly showing a clear green strip. The vessel rolled from port to starboard and back before occasionally dropping without warning. A few expletives followed. We were jerking wire with bucktails about 40 times a minute. Our best friend on board turned out to be the gunwale, for without it, the loss of balance would have been inevitable.
We hooked up with the occasional big blue (15 pounds and better), but it was striped bass that we were after. We jerked some more. A few small bass were hooked on parachutes. We kept jerking. And rolling. Then there was a clank, followed by steam coming from beneath the port hatch cover. It was a hose.
“Keep jerking!” The starboard engine was still performing, so the port was shut down while the repair was made. “Keep jerking!” With that, the rod bent over, the drag yielded, and then continued yielding. The fight was give and take—first fighting the fish and then the sea. This is why my mate said, “You always hookup with the big one when your arms are ready to fall off? And in rough weather to boot!” Well, the fish was finally landed and a proud catch it was. Lori earned her stripes that day, has the pic to prove it, and does not appreciate it when someone comments on what a nice fish Cap caught.
On the Water
Long Island Sound water temperatures continue to warm and now inshore temps are ranging from 66 to 72 degrees. Prior to the Thunder Moon, we saw a mix of unsettled and rather pleasant weather, as well as calming seas. The warming trend changed the complexion of the Sound in that fish stocks shored up and more fishers were able to put the finishing touches on their vessels.
Schools of Atlantic menhaden thickened, creating greater feeding opportunities for those fish and other coastal life forms reliant on them. Only time will tell whether they were pushed by the humpback whales feeding in Raritan Bay and the Manhattan area, or larger bluefish in the 13- to 15-pound class. Blues have already spread throughout the Big Pond and now, with heavier choppers slicing through the rips, fishing ought to gain additional spark. Chunk baits, tins, and umbrella rigs used along any rip from The Race to Six Mile from Cornfield Point to Faulkner’s and right on through New Haven and farther west should generate action.
Fishers are finding little difficulty in catching a keeper size striper at 28 inches, even though the shore bite eased a bit during the holiday weekend before picking up again. However, the offshore reefs have been more productive, especially on the incoming tide. A mix of live eels and bunker have been scoring fish, although diamond jigs tipped with herring, drifting bucktails, and T/W’g have also been productive. Look to Six Mile, outer Southwest, Faulkner’s, Charles, and the S’s for small schools and a lonely bragger.
Black sea bass are spread out, but the real humpbacks seem to be holding on structure in about 60 feet. The bite is still exceptional, but the shallower one fishes, the more difficult it is to cut through the 15-inch minimum size. Pink and white have been the go-to colors, although pink was recently the teaser color and squid was the meat. Six Mile, south of Faulkner’s, and The Waves have been a few successful areas to fish.
Fluke catches are up again, with Sound fish weighing in and around the seven- to nine-pound range. Strips, bellies, and whole squid fished deep continue to bring up the larger fish. A few shore fishers actually looking for bass have even hooked up using chunks and flies. Scup have been extremely aggressive and have easily provided meals for the entire family. Offshore reefs, jetties, and local rock piles are the types of habitat to fish for these saltwater panfish.
The summer blackfish (tautog) bite is another one that has come alive. Picking up a limit of two when added to a plate of sea bass and rolled crab-stuffed fluke makes for a good summer treat. There are enough blue crabs around to make that happen. The bottom is loaded with large sea robins and sizable dogfish to devour all the chunk bait a fisher can put in their path.
A couple of things to consider when fishing the sweet water. First, there are still some nice trout like brookies and browns, as well as some bows lingering around the pools and undercuts, enjoying the cooler water. Also, largemouth bass are best in the early morning and late afternoon, whereas smallies have been better at day’s end. Lastly, pickerel have been aggressive in the late morning or early afternoon, while sunnies (perch) have been tearing it up midday.
Fly Fishing Anyone?
By popular request, Captain Morgan’s will again host a free fly fishing clinic featuring a world fisher and master instructor at 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 22. It will be a fun-filled and educational morning. Bring your own gear or use setups supplied. You will leave having learned something new.
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 rod 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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