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12/13/2017 11:00 PMNo sooner did the inshore waters of Long Island Sound drop below 50 degrees, the ground was covered with a fresh coating of four- to six inches of snow. As always, the scene was picturesque, and the hopes of a white Christmas began to stir the imagination. It is this time in December when the change of season really begins to sink in and one’s innate senses shift gears.
Similar to last season, the warm weather stretched on and, with it, so did the fishing. This year, though, it stretched even further. Air temperatures stayed warmer longer and the Sound’s waters took their time to cool down. Here we are, a little more than a week away from Christmas, and we are still talking about wetting a line. Not down South or the mid-Atlantic, but here at home base!
This has allowed gift-givers ample time to ponder over what to buy that certain fisher. There are four pieces of equipment a fisher holds dear: a fishing rod, a reel, a pair of dependable pliers, and a quality fillet knife. Of course, there may be others, but if you ever want to upset a true fisher, just mishandle any one of these four.
There is a good chance that you will hear some choice expletives whenever a classic rod is broken, a preferred reel is damaged, a favorite pair of pliers disappears, or the blade of a quality fillet knife snaps, gets nicked, or goes for a swim. They are all material things that can replaced, but some have meaning, and are seasoned with memories. A forgiving look may be forthcoming, however, do not be fooled for one moment when one of these treasured items gets misused.
Without a doubt, there will be an unforgettable fish story associated with any given rod; maybe even a record of sorts. Unlike any other, a particular reel may have withstood the wild runs of multiple fish through the years. I still talk about a 25-year-old pair of side cutters that easily snapped the shank of a 7/0 hook embedded in my arm. And, finally, enough cannot be said about a trusty fillet knife—the one that holds an edge and makes life so much easier.
So, if one of those unfortunate sets of circumstances mentioned earlier took place at your hands, you might want to start looking at these gift ideas for starters. If not and you just want to give something special that a fisher will treasure, then you, too, should consider one of these popular gifts that are guaranteed to please.
On the Water
Long Island Sound finally relented, giving way to colder water temperatures. It took a while, but we could now see a decidedly downward trend where all of the early morning averages were 49 degrees or below. Tidal highs and lows moderated, following the full moon, although sea conditions were unsettled at times.
New England fishers are turning their attention to cod, haddock, pollock, and hake trips. They are either tying up or replacing rigs for those cold days on the water. It is the time of year to get those diamond and butterfly-type jigs in shape and check your gear, along with the heavier weights needed to keep the business end down deep. While on the trip, some skippers might even offer a detour for some deep water black sea bass or even scup.
Closer to home waters and, with blackfish (tautog) fishing season now closed, it’s getting near time to rig up a light-medium rod with a Sabiki rig and fish for Atlantic herring. They like the cold water and will stick by the harbors and shoreline, rather than swim upriver. The only serious competition will come from our resident seals.
If the urge is still there to catch a few striped bass before your season ends, then go for it. There are more schoolies than meets the eye swimming about in the mid- to lower key tidal rivers and out in the Sound before they settle down. The water is a little colder now, thus slowing down their eating, but nevertheless, these holdovers are quite catchable.
In trout waters where the levels are up, the Trout Management Area and Wild Trout Management Area fishing continues to be good to variable. That holds true for both the fly fishers and conventional sportsters. A few casts have paid off in the northern pike haunts tucked in and off the main tidal rivers above I-95. It might be a little early for some pike lakes, but not for the walleyes. Atlantic salmon are drawing a few more fishers now that the daily limit is one fish and the sea runs are about due.
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...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
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