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10/25/2017 12:00 AMIt’s been a rocky start to the blackfish (tautog) season. Yes, structure has been holding blackfish—and plenty of them—although old man weather still had a few challenges tucked in his cheeks. In fact, his lungs were really inflated! That is what ‘tog hunters were faced with last week and throughout the 29th annual Eddie Beauvais Blackfish Tournament. Sure, there were breaks of pleasant weather, but for the most part, the air that old man weather had tucked away was unleashed, creating challenges.
Moving around until a sweet spot was found was key. Hooking into 20 fish or so before a keeper was finally brought up—well, that was a problem. Three- and four-pound ‘togs were eager to latch on to a crab. Sometimes, though, the action slowed way down during an off-weather tide, offering little for the effort.
At first, 12 feet of water produced small fish. Then, 20- to 25 feet yielded larger fish, after which some of them decided to venture back into shallower water. All in all, fish were caught, but not necessarily the ones people wanted. As the tourney came to a close, one of the best fall days for this late in October unfolded. How about sunny and 72 degrees on the day of the final weigh-ins and awards buffet? Good timing since this year it was held outdoors at Fireman’s Field in Guilford due to a major Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) remodeling project.
After consuming a great assortment of gut-busting VFW food and drink, it was time for the cash awards and trophies, loads of raffle prizes, a bunch of stories, and lots of laughs. First place went to Steve Barron of Westbrook with his catch of 15.84 pounds, while Chris Nielsen of Wallingford took second place at 15.40 pounds, and Guilford’s Dave Guerrera won third place with a catch of 15.21 pounds. The guppy prize went to Mike Barris of Old Lyme with a catch of 2.33 pounds. The Calcutta ultimately went to Mitch Staschke of Guilford (8.06 pounds), who edged out John Martin of North Haven (7.95). Already, there are plans for next year with talks of some super prizes. A hearty thanks to all who helped make this another great event, especially Aven and Michele Beauvais McBride of Texas.
On the Water
It’s warmer than it should be for October, but unconditionally windy as expected, and fishing was interrupted more than once because of the winds. From moderate- to small-craft warning conditions, fishers had to remain dockside or seek protective cover to avoid the salt spray and hull slapping. After the cold front passed, air temperatures climbed back into the 70s, while water temps did little to dip below 66.
Schools of menhaden scattered and migrant species dissipated during a brief change in weather fronts, only to return once conditions abated. There was a resurgence of snapper blues while chopper bluefish began working the shoreline again and creating havoc out on the reefs. Whether taking chunks, diamond jigs, umbrella rigs, or lures, these toothy critters were digging in and playing for keeps. Pretty much the entire Sound is experiencing this type of action.
Striped bass eased off during the fronts, but got back into the swing of things once the new moon developed. Actually, live eels triggered quality strikes once the lower tidal rivers made their comeback. Out on the reefs, linesiders continued to feed, taking mackerel chunks, bucktails, diamond jigs and, of course, eels. Faulkner’s, North Rip, Charles, and Sachem’s Head have been good options as of late, although competition around the rocky structure for ‘togs has fishers at odds.
Bluefish blitzes continue to rock the shoreline, tearing into adult menhaden and devouring loads of peanut bunker that have abutted the beaches and schooled in the bays. The blues are far from fussy, so if you are on them, they take top waters, spoons, jigs, and bait, including hickories. The offshore reefs and rip lines have also been a source of frequent hookups. Not only with blues, but albies and bonito have also been feverishly working the rips pretty much throughout the Sound, including the Faulkner Island area.
If you want to stretch the black sea bass season, go for it! You may have to hit the 95- to 100-foot range, but four- to five-pound fish can be caught using squid. And for you porgy pounders, it’s not over yet, especially on the offshore reefs. Even grey triggerfish have been caught recently. Don’t forget about blue crabbing. It has really kicked in during the past two weeks.
Fall blackfish season kicked off with a bang. Weather conditions were more of a factor than anything else. ‘Togs were being caught from day one of the season opener. They were shallow, deep, and everywhere in between, including the walls and falling for crabs. Many small fish were caught with a few big ones, but it was tough work to even locate seven- to nine-pound fish. We are still looking at warm water.
Trout stocking continued, including three-pound broodstock brookies and, with the anticipation of much-needed rain, conditions ought to improve in the rivers. The basses have been biting hard, some good pike were caught, carp and catfish are providing sport, walleye catches are up, crappie are suspended and smacking jigs, sunnies remain hot, and a few more bowfin are being caught in the Connecticut River.
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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