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11/21/2017 11:00 PMIt’s Thanksgiving time everyone! Giving special thanks is something that will always take precedent at the table and, of course, the food will be outstanding. Somehow the turkey, stuffing, and potatoes always seem to go directly to the waistline. Then it’s time to loosen the belt and lean back to watch a little TV.
One might have a bit more time to spend on the water during this Turkey Day week, whether you’re ducking out to the shoreline or slipping into a nearby river or stream. Weather-wise, fishers truly have experienced some bonus days this season. However, that might not be the driving force on Thanksgiving this year.
A call from a fishing friend might be what’s needed. Even though the weather has been playing with fishers’ psyches, the fact that rumors of how great the fishing has been lately might be just what the fishing doctor ordered. Yes, fishers that have already hauled their boats for the season have also heard the call. They already realize that fishing continues to be unprecedented and that fishing the bays and shoreline has been productive for many. So, what are they to do? Continue fishing, of course! It’s anyone’s guess how long our waters will continue to give up good quality fish, but so far, there’s been no letup on striped bass, blackfish (tautog), and selective species found in the sweet water.
Given all of these bonus days and relatively mild weather in and amongst the typical November blasts, fishers refuse to quit. Sooner or later, they will have to relent in favor of the upcoming holiday season. Until then, though, there will be more fish caught and freezers filled that will carry many connoisseurs of fine seafood through the winter months. May you all have a very Happy Thanksgiving and a great holiday season!
On the Water
A warm front slid into our area after we endured near record low temperatures and high winds for November. The air warmed back up to the 50s, giving fishers another opportunity to hit the briny for some mid-fall action. All the while, inshore water temps did dip into the high 50s, a further indication that the path to winter is taking shape.
The hot fishery continues to be blackfish. True, the army of boats is thinning out, but the ‘togs continue their fall bite. Rock piles, jetties, and popular reefs are seeing varying degrees of activity. The busier spots seem to be holding smaller fish in the three- to five-pound range with undersized ones doing what they do best: eating and stealing more crabs than they should be entitled to. As water temperatures drop, fishing the offshore reefs, especially ones holding mussel beds, will be more productive.
At the moment, there is little sign of striped bass easing up. Light gear enthusiasts are having an absolute ball catching and releasing schoolie after schoolie. Much of the action is along the shoreline, in the bays, and the lower tidal rivers, although there are some larger striped bass (30- to 35 inches) on the reefs mulling over whether or not to turn tail. A few of those will wind up in the rivers as holdovers to perhaps be caught during the winter. They, along with the younger class, will be gradually staging as they prepare to head up river instead of to the Hudson or Chesapeake waters.
For now, look for good topwater and sub-surface action using both bait and artificials. Areas with structure, such as natural rocky outcrops, tidal creeks forming a rip, or other formations that might hold food and be good ambush points are spots to consider. Finesse fishing is not necessarily of concern now. Just remember that, for a fish, acquiring as much protein as possible is the driving force as conditions deteriorate.
Since the fall stocking of trout and Atlantic salmon, fishing the rivers has come alive, especially in the Trout Management Areas. Before heading out, check the Angler’s Guide for catch and release designations, as well as the tackle requirements for salmon such as a single fly, lures with a single swing hook, and no weight added to fishing lines. Lakes and ponds have slowed considering the recent blasts of cold, but do not rule out panfish like yellow perch and the bottom fishery on milder days.
FilmFest4Veterans
Come celebrate the 2017 fishing season with FilmFest4Veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 29 and Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Featured is a screening of Running the Coast that will include special guest speakers, unique fishing-related creations, and a raffle. The event supports conservation and will be held at Stony Creek Brewery on 5 Indian Neck Ave. in Branford. Tickets are $20 for one day or $30 for both days.
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 crabbing supplies, 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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