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03/15/2018 12:00 AMFly fishing has increased in popularity ever since English writer Izaak Walton penned The Compleat Angler back in 1653. However, it was Dame Juliana Berners, an avid fisher and hunter, who in 1496 wrote A Treatyse of Fysshynge wyth an Angle, which detailed a hands-on guide to all aspects of the sport of fishing in a comprehensive way. Of particular note were her writings on angler’s etiquette, landowners’ rights, and the merits of dialogue—something that took centuries before coming into favor.
Tenkara, a form of trout and salmon fly fishing, has its roots in the mountainous streams of Japan and came to light around 200 years ago. Literally meaning, ‘From heaven,’ Tenkara has grown in popularity to the point where Connecticut Inland Fisheries has recognized it as suitable for our fly fishing areas. Most notable is the absence of a reel.
Simplicity is the key here as the focus is solely on catching fish and not the equipment used. This aspect appeals to fly fishers. Although a fishing rod may be intricate in design and construction by our standards, it is not necessarily considered so by those elders who make them. Rods are generally on the longer side, allowing anglers more precise presentations made from bamboo or other hi-tech material, and may have either a wood or cork handle.
Line is tapered with twisted monofilament that’s generally looped at the back end to facilitate attachment directly to the rod tip. This type of furled line offers a more precise and softer presentation and is about the same length as the rod. Alternately, a level fluorocarbon line can be used to cut wind resistance and the length tweaked accordingly. A normal tippet is then attached to the line, followed by the fly. Realistically, using a 10-foot rod, one can expect about an 18- to 20-inch maximum cast, but that will vary on rigging and conditions. There are no guides on a Tenkara rod.
Knowing the freshwater angler community, it won’t be long before more Tenkara fishing will be seen along the rivers, streams, and fly-fishing areas. The length of the rod may lessen its effectiveness in small streams where vegetation is thick. However, where casting long distances is not necessary, the ease of presentation and effectiveness of fly fishing with this simple, yet sensitive lightweight method is sure to entice anglers.
On the Water
This past week, we dealt with Winter Storm Quinn, which produced next year’s crop of firewood all along the shoreline. Throughout Guilford and Madison, trees ladened with heavy, wet snow could be seen in varying degrees of destruction. Some limbs bowed to snowbanks, while numerous full grown trees were snapped like wooden matchsticks. Others tangled with live wires, causing extensive power outages as low-lying areas experienced flooding. On tap this week is Winter Storm Sklyar.
Inshore water temperatures still hovered in and around the low 40s, while the surf, once again, picked up steam. Except for the terribly anxious marine fishers, Long Island Sound remained void of most vessels and shore casters. This does not mean that all fishers took a break. Not by a long shot!
It’s around this time of year that several salts have hooked into some fairly good fish and are testing a few casts, regardless of the weather conditions. To these anxious, early season fishers, just getting their gear ready is not enough. Already, stripers have been caught in the tidal rivers and along the shoreline, along with white perch and sea run trout in the rivers. As a result, sitting by the sidelines waiting for the season to bloom is not really an option.
Back-to-back storms put a kink or two in the trout-stocking program. High and fast water did not help, either. Although there were Trout Management Lakes (TML’s) in eastern and western parts of the state that were initially stocked, there is plenty left to accomplish before opening day, which occurs at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 14. That’s only one month away!
Lately, reservoirs and rivers have been full, with levels of most lakes topped off. Since our catch and release trout areas and TML’s are currently open to fishing, there are good opportunities for anglers to hook up. This also includes waters not stocked with trout that are open year-round. The perch, bass, pickerel, and crappie bite has varied, and that’s mostly dependent on weather and barometric pressure. Atlantic salmon anglers have been making attempts to hit the Shetucket and Naugy for their one fish, before the season temporarily closes on Saturday, April 1. Results have been mixed.
Key Inland Regulation Changes
The trout and salmon stamp is now required and is available for purchase. The fee is $5 for residents aged 18 and older, $3 for residents aged 16 and 17, and $5 for non-residents aged 16 and older. For channel and white catfish, the aggregate daily limit is six a day unless otherwise stated at three. Common carp is now at five a day with no more than one at 30 inches. For trophy carp waters, it’s one a day with a maximum 26-inch length. Gear restrictions for Broodstock Atlantic Salmon are now from September through March. Tenkara fishing is now allowed in fly-fishing areas.
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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