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12/07/2017 11:00 PMHow could a shell fisher ignore a moon cycle that contained a perigee tide? Of course, that’s a rhetorical question, since that would be a year’s best time to scratch the bays. Dec. 3 marked such a time with tides surrounding that date being equally productive. And why not? After all, this was the last Super Moon of 2017! With the holidays rapidly approaching, many households will make it a point to put out fresh raked clams for their guests to enjoy.
Surprisingly, some folks are under the impression that there is a clamming season when, in reality, that could be a town’s decision based on its ability to monitor the beds during winter. Actually, one of the best times to scratch for clams or cull for oysters is during the cold winter months. For proof of that, just ask anyone who took the taste test and see what they say.
Quite often, a person will look wide-eyed at someone who even suggests winter clamming, let alone actually going out to do it. However, not only is winter clamming fun, invigorating, and recreationally straightforward, it is also one of the best ways to accumulate the main ingredient for great local table fare: clams on the half, baked, stuffed, or, in the case of oysters, Rockefeller.
Approved shellfish beds are designated by the town, as are the openings and closures. A town-issued license would generally be required. And the gear is rather simple: a rake, basket, a measuring ring to determine keepers from throw backs, a pair of waders, and, last but certainly not least, a utensil to open your bivalves. In all probability, everything for clamming can be found at Captain Morgan’s, including licenses.
Next, check out the time of low tide between sunrise and sunset. Chances are you will only be scratching the bay for about an hour or so before acquiring your daily limit. Dress accordingly, although in many instances, one will probably shed a layer or two of clothing on the milder days.
It is always refreshing to be out in one of Long Island Sound’s bays on a cool, sunny, wintry day with a clam rake in hand. Filling your basket with delicious bivalves definitely has it rewards. If nothing else, the exercise will help shed some of those holiday pounds. So, check the tides, grab your gear, and head out to the beds for a few hours of wholesome enjoyment.
On the Water
Dec. 1 marked the first day of the meteorological winter. Two days earlier, it was 61 degrees and inshore Long Island Sound water temperatures were averaging 51 degrees. Due to the Long Nights full moon, the high perigee tide was really jacked up and, consequently, the exceptional opposing low tide offered some excellent shell fishing. Late fall winds indicate that the winter is on its way. Soon, it will settle in and bite us, but we’ll have to wait and see if it’s short-lived like it was last year.
For now, striped bass are tinkering around the lower tidal rivers and the adjacent shore. Some are making tracks upriver without showing signs of any major push. Most of the reefs have quieted down, although intermittent action has been occurring in a few of the larger harbors. As long as food such as herring is available, the bass will continue to feed along the shoreline until water temps really take a dive. Artificials that can best imitate the herring family would be a good choice to fish now.
Blackfish (tautog) closed out in style for those ‘tog pullers that made it to the end. The cold snap started the deer moving, thus opening the door for anyone chasing white chins to add a little venison to the freezer. Some ‘togs were still able to be caught from a few rocky shore points, however, most of the ones that were caught at season’s end came from deeper water that required a vessel. Keep in mind that for the nicer days, black sea bass and scup season will continue to run through the end of the year.
Trout fishing continues to draw anglers to the Trout Management Areas, where most trips have been rewarding. Results have been fairly consistent, whether the bite came from a hand-tied fly, an inline spinner, a or small swimmer. Now that the temps have dropped, look for good trout action, be it in public or private waters. Floating a worm also got more than just a look. Check out the Hammonasset, Salmon, Housey, and Farmington rivers. For those into hooking a broodstock Atlantic salmon, wet a line in the Shetucket between the dams using a fly or spoon with a free-swinging hook. Check the flows and fish accordingly. Keeper season (one fish) is now open!
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 reel 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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