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11/07/2017 11:00 PMIs it too early to make plans for stowing away your fishing gear for the winter season? Some saltwater gear used this past season can most likely be stored until 2018. The heavy stuff like your 50s, 80s, and 130s can use a break down and a good service inside and out, unless they’re heading south for extended use. Gear that is hosed down and sprayed with a corrosion resistant coating is recommended, although that does little in the way of protecting the inner workings.
Keeping your rods and reels looking perfect on the outside may look good as they sit in the rocket launchers and rod holders below, but that is where it stops. Saltwater gear, no matter how manufactured or expensive, will eventually cave to corrosion due to dissimilar metals and exposure to the elements. Even the strategically placed drain holes incorporated in reel design cannot stop that progression.
One of the first signs of neglect will be noticed in conventional lever drags as the bearings get salted and free spool performance suffers. Bearings have a way of showing their displeasure when compromised. The drags on spinning reels and other conventional types are quite susceptible, as well. That becomes noticeable when the once-smooth drag becomes jerky and a good fish is lost. The culprit, salt encrusted drag washers, seize up and prevent proper drag execution. Several big fish or a slew of small ones can wreak havoc on a reel’s operation.
Of course, there are always cracked guides that are overlooked, as are frozen rollers on spinning reels and rod guides. What about that missing screw or damaged drag knob? It’s the simple things that cost a fish or upset a fishing trip. And how many of you attempted an exploratory reel repair on board a vessel, on a bridge, or along a bank, and then dropped a part in the drink? The reel was probably cast aside and forgotten until the next season, when panic struck.
Certainly, more fishing lies ahead in this funky season. No suggestion is being made to get into stowing mode now, but a little reminder never hurts. A bit of foresight today can save some valuable time and money later. So, plan ahead and keep on fishing!
On the Water
It looks as though our bonus days have run their course since days have gotten noticeably shorter and evenings cooler. A short time ago, Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures averaged 67 degrees. Recently, they’ve dropped five degrees to 62, forcing some fish in our summer fishery to thin out. Water conditions also leveled out as seas went from gale to manageable.
Blackfish (tautog) is one fish that welcomed the drop in water temperatures. Although their numbers are down and 2018 will probably see tighter regulations, the bite improved. Crabs have been the No. 1 producer of ‘togs by the walls, off the jetties, on the reefs, and from rock piles. Effective depths have been anywhere from 8 to 25 feet. Still, the numbers of double-digit white chins that have been caught are considerably fewer and consistent with current assessments. Be prepared to catch more than your share of throwbacks.
Certainly, striped bass have been energized by the dip in water temperatures. The bite has soared as large numbers of schoolies have been caught and released, as well as several fish from 35- to 45 pounds. Effective baits varied together with their artificial counterparts. At times, their appetites led fishers on a wild goose chase until changes in bait, lures, and even flies rang the right dinner bell. Most key offshore reefs and lower tidal rivers held fish, but not for very long. Fishers using top waters, bucktails, jigs, spoons, and swimmers boasted of catches, while eelers and chunkers had good days.
Other bottom fish like scup and sea bass are favoring deep water structure. Squid has been a fish-getter for both, although sea worms has been a natural for the porgies, while bare-bones jigging for the sea bass has been quite productive. As long as the water temps linger, so will the bite before scattering.
Bluefish, albies, and bones are getting close to their lower temperature comfort level of around 59- to 60 degrees. However, there are pockets of warmer water throughout the Sound, and so if your vessel is still functioning, keep the appropriate gear handy while bass fishing. There is plenty of bait around to keep their interest up.
Freshwater fishing has been a bit dicey with the passing of recent storms. Stocking of trout and broodstock Atlantic salmon has progressed and water levels and flows improved, yielding better fishing. Recently, large and smallmouth bass required more work for smaller fish. Jigs were the answer for some. Trout fishing improved when stripping both streamers and buggers. Small swimmers (countdowns for deep water), inline spinners, and scented baits have sparked interest. Pike bites improved, pickerel have been OK, crappie continue to smack small jigs, and bottom eaters are taking, along with perch and sunfish.
Action Required
Coordinators of The Blue Plan are currently looking for members of recreational fishing clubs and associations to render input during their upcoming November webinar on fishing the waters and sub-structure of Long Island Sound. If fishing and the Sound are important to you, then speaking out during these early stages of development is paramount. Individual recreational fishers are welcome to respond. For more information, contact Captain Morgan at 203-245-8665.
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 B oston 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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