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01/01/2018 11:00 PMOne more chapter closes on the book of fishing seasons. There is little doubt that the fishery in Long Island Sound and its tributaries have changed in recent years. Predictability is fading away and new challenges are arriving. We are seeing density changes in species, frequency of appearances altered, and differences in spatial distribution. Different marine fishes are venturing into the Sound and some familiar ones have all but dissipated for other grounds.
Our inland profile has also undergone changes. Budget crunches created choices and additional challenges. There has been some reduction in the numbers of trout stocked, mostly eliminating the rivers and streams less traveled in favor of those more heavily fished. Along with chopped budgets, much needed personnel evaporated.
However, all through this turbulent year, fishers prevailed. Although our fishery is changing, fishers once again proved that they are up to facing new adventures. It was hard to be sure of what to expect as 2017 was born. There were times in January when largemouth bass were caught through the ice and, not long after, trout were caught from the same lake in open water. In fact, along the shoreline, there was considerably more open water fishing than through the ice.
Atlantic broodstock salmon brought smiles to some, as did the white perch bite. A few northern pike also got some attention. While the catch-and-release trout waters didn’t rest much, anglers enjoyed stretches of the mild weather. A chilly trout season opened with a mix of low water levels and bouts of rain. Catches were about average, mostly 10- to 12 inches, along with some decent breeders. The top spot in the shop’s annual trout contest was a 1.43-pound brown.
We had early striped bass action that produced outstanding catches in the key rivers. That stretched on and was enhanced as the herring run took hold. About the same time, some hickory shad showed up in many tidal rivers, along with a run of American shad in the Connecticut River. The spring run of blackfish (tautog) was less than spectacular. On the other hand, winter flounder were in the bays and catchable, although many flattie fishers were kept at bay because of the two-fish limit.
Meanwhile, striped bass kept fishers busy as linesiders migrated down the rivers and spread out along the shoreline. Atlantic menhaden made their showing and, at times, were extremely thick. However, other times they were hard to find as they refused to stay put for very long. Soon after, a good run of weakfish passed through and, as the water temperatures rose, in came the blues. There were a few good ones in the beginning and then scattered schools of harbors.
Fluke season was now open and, as in the past, shorts outnumbered the keepers. Overall, numbers seemed down, yet doormat hunters fared much better in deep water with big baits. Still, as the season progressed, catches improved close to shore. By now, black sea bass took over the talk of the dock. Find a hump and you could not avoid catching them. Although the humpbacks were generally caught in deeper water on squid, there were plenty of smaller fish
Porgy (scup) definitely had their moment in the sun. Catches of dinner plate-size fish were often the norm with these scrappers caught from shore and boat. There were schools of striped sea robins and plenty of our standard coastal sharks, including a few southern visitors. Some dolphins, a few humpback whales, ocean sunfish, and gray triggers made their way up. Of course, the curious (and sometimes annoying) seals were less than shy and always there for a handout.
The false albacore (albies) and Atlantic bonito offered so much sport this season that the kayakers, paddle boarders, and even shore casters were amazed at the run. All the while, striped bass kept feeding, whether in the rivers, close to shore, or out on the reefs. Top water action was hot! Water temperatures were still rather warm and seemed to be stuck. Blue crabbing was good if your timing and location were spot on.
It seemed like it took forever, but the fall migration did eventually take hold. ‘Tog season re-opened to a much better showing and also to fewer large white chins; most fish caught were in the four- to six-pound range. It will be remembered as one filled with throwbacks. Finally, the 29th Eddie Beauvais Tourney was won by a hard-fought combo weight of 15.84 pounds.
On the Ice
Here we are, welcoming 2018. Long Island Sound has been an unruly cauldron of froth during the transition. There has been little in the way of calm seas—mostly small craft to gale force. Inshore water temperatures are in the low 40s and safe ice fishing is looking more probable as the Sound slips into its wintry mode.
Prior to the severe cold and drop in air temperatures, trout fishing in available open waters was a bonus. The stocked rivers were producing fish and that includes those holding Atlantic broodstock salmon. By now, lakes and ponds have flipped and are in that transitional state of freezing. If there was safe ice anywhere, the wind would be tripping flags and blowing everything around.
Prior to the holidays, some localized schools of baby bunker were spotted in a few of the lower tidal rivers. Let’s see what happens now that these frigid temps settled in. If you need to hit the beaches or harbors, a Sabiki rig could easily score you some Atlantic herring. Check out the bird and seal activity for any hints. Perhaps a schoolie or two can still be pulled from the rivers or even some white perch in the coves. Whatever your inclination, have a happy New Year and may your biggest fish of 2017 be your smallest in 2018!
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 rod 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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