Printer Friendly Version - Good Fishing Causes Fishers to Stall Hauling Boats

Another late November bonus day for Jim Luce of Madison that consisted of several striped bass to 36 inches with some approaching the legal size limit, plus a load of schoolies. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Here we are nearing the end of another successful fishing season as Long Island Sound water temperatures takes their seasonal dip. However, so far those temperatures are not as cold as they traditionally have been. On Nov. 26 at around 4:30 a.m., there was even a slight crust of ice partially covering a small inland pond. That soon disappeared as the sun rose—again, not as cold as normal.

Lately, the striped bass inshore action has been surprisingly over the top with fish feeding not only on herring, but also on a variety of artificials. Blackfish (tautog) are still biting and will continue to do so until their season comes to a close. That said, most fishers have been focused on these two species and rightfully so.

However, are you aware that of the 17 marine species of fish that have an open season listed, 15 are either open year-round or through the end of the year? That doesn’t necessarily mean that all of these fish will still be active in the Sound. Tolerable water temperatures have a lot to do with that. Still, it does mean that with warmer waters trending, some of these fish will remain active longer.

A fisher may have to either venture deeper into the Sound or farther up river or, like in the past few weeks, fish the shoreline. Some of those fish whose season extends through the end of the year are black sea bass, scup, and winter flounder. Other fish that have no closed season and can be successfully fished are sea-run trout like brown, brook, rainbow, as well as white perch. Bluefish, Atlantic cod, haddock, pollack, shad, weakfish, menhaden, and the American eel are some fish that, by now, have either migrated or are probably out of the reach of most recreational fishers this time of year, unless on a for-hire vessel.

The point: With the warm season seemingly extending and yielding more and more bonus days, fishers are stalling hauling their boats. For those shorebound, keeping a couple of setups handy isn’t a bad idea. That also applies to our trout and salmon rivers. So, to all the die-hards out there: Take it when you get it and here’s to some good December fishing!

Thanksgiving is behind us and Long Island Sound water temperatures are still in the low 50s. Initially, wind was the culprit hindering most boaters, although shore casters did not fare so badly, especially when it has been from the north. West-southwest has been the direction causing most of the rough seas that turned a fishing trip into disappointment for some. However, Turkey Day brought change and the Sound was flat calm. It looks as though warmer air temps will stick around for about another week or so before winter creeps in through the back door.

There is a week left to tautog season before it closes on Thursday, Dec. 7. ‘Togs were still being caught from shore on the warmer days. Most, though, have sought out deeper water. Crabs continue to be effective bait, but be prepared to work harder for a limit of decent fish more than 16 inches. For best results, seek out an offshore reef that sits in excess of 30- to 40 feet. It’s the time of year when there are fewer vessels around and the water is getting colder, and so please use safety first. If you are out there now, then you know the drill. Don’t get caught short!

Meanwhile, striped bass have been staging and moving in and out of the key tidal rivers, prepping for their final move up river before winter arrives. Schoolie action continues to be strong with larger fish to 36 inches in the mix, even though the main run of stripers have pushed through the Sound. For those fishers not wanting to pack it in yet, your efforts may still be handsomely rewarded, but will most likely entail more work than in the previous week. These end-of-the-season bass may still pick up a bait offering. More often than not, it will be a jig, plug, spoon, or soft plastic.

The best of the freshwater has to be trout fishing the Trout Management Areas (TMA). Flows generally have been adequate and levels reasonable. Although stocking has been completed for 2017, there have been fewer anglers out, and so effort has usually paid off. The same holds true for Atlantic broodstock salmon in the Shetucket River between the Occum and Scotland dams. It is catch and release until Friday, Dec. 1, when the daily creel limit becomes one fish.

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, shellfishing is on the minds of clammers. The bays are colder and the bivalves tastier, making them well worth the effort. For the gift givers, the 2018 licenses, as well as anything needed for that special clammer, are available at Captain Morgan’s.

There has been a decision made regarding regulation PR2017-010 establishing a trout and salmon stamp required for the inland fishing district. It was decided that there will be only a single stamp—a Trout Stamp— for $5. Any angler fishing a TMA, Wild Trout Management Area, Trout Park, or any Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Area must obtain a trout stamp. This also includes possession of a trout or Atlantic salmon in those areas. The stamp will be valid for a calendar year. A stamp would not be required if state monies were not used to stock waters from which a trout or salmon were caught or possessed.

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 clam 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...

Chris Jensen of Branford hooked this fine feeding striper during one of November’s productive night bites. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan