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03/22/2018 12:00 AMGreen flowed, the parades took place, and then the Vernal Equinox (meaning “equal night” in Latin) occurred on March 20 at 12:15 p.m. This is the precise time when day and night are nearly equal throughout the world. As it turns out, gravitational pull had little effect on my raw egg, and it did not balance on end. Myth.
However, all experienced fishers who fish the briny and sweet water know one thing for certain: Balance is key when it comes to outfitting your gear, and that goes beyond the fishing rod and reel. This is no myth! From the lure right on through the line on the spool, a completely balanced outfit is essential in order to make the most efficient attempt at successfully hooking and landing a fish.
A lot of credit is given to the fish that got away, but more often than not, the fault lies with how an outfit is initially set up. Of course, the human element comes into play during the give and take, as do hazards such as branches, rocks, or pilings in the water. Overall, though, something else usually gives way.
The breaking strength of the fishing line should match up with the rod used, and it’s important for the size of the reel to mate well with the rod. Adding line to the spool will effect the balance, especially with high-capacity spools. The weight of the lure should also be considered since one that’s too light won’t cast well, while one too heavy will be overbearing and awkward. In both cases, the action through the water will be compromised.
Balance in a fly fishing outfit is also critical since the line is cast, rather than the fly. Both line and rod need to be in sync, although it is forgivable to go one weight higher in line selection to dampen the presentation. This is generally done to aid casting accuracy at the expense of distance.
Experienced fishers make adjustments to balance for a specific reason, knowing the consequences of their actions. It might be to achieve greater casting distance, better handle a fish over a rough bottom, or gain an edge in controlling a large fish. Nevertheless, it is always best to start with a well-balanced outfit, while taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations.
On the Water
Although Winter Storm Skylar did not live up to the hype in our immediate area, it did take its toll elsewhere. Winds were stiff, seas were high, and there was some flooding during peak tides, but damage was limited, as were power outages. Inshore water temperatures did dip to 39 degrees, while struggling to rebound back into the low 40s. However, with Daylight Saving Time in place, there is more time for the sun to shine through the clouds, allowing for waters to warm, even with talk of another nor’easter, which would be No. 4 in less than three weeks. Out to sea is my call, however.
Our holdover fish have been more active than the fishers after them. Both river and shoreline action have continued in between bouts with the weather. These striped bass vary in size from young schoolies to fish up to 40 inches. The typical seasonal migration of forage fish like herring, shad, and menhaden seemed to have stalled along the Atlantic coast, seemingly waiting for water temperatures to warm. Although a few fish have braved the elements, the bulk of the stocks are not to inclined to do so.
There has been a change in favor of saltwater anglers with regard to the scup and summer flounder fisheries. The minimum size limit for scup is now nine inches (eight for the enhanced areas) with the season length and bag limit remaining the same. Summer flounder regulations were also relaxed with a longer season (Friday, May 4 through Sunday, Sept. 30), a bag limit increased to four, and the minimum size remaining at 19 inches. The enhanced areas will remain the same as last year.
Winter flounder season will open on Sunday, April 1 to a pair of flatties at 12 inches, followed by a most likely chilly opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 14. Currently, catch and release waters are producing nice catches of trout, as are the Trout Management Lakes, which are open through the end of March.
Just like at last year’s Codi and Bubba Annual Opening Day Memorial Trout Contest, anglers will be greeted with warm water at the scales this year, and my guess is that they will need it. Registrations are now being accepted at Captain Morgan’s. Five bucks gets you in, and kids under 12 fish free when accompanied by a registered adult. Join in on the fun!
With eyes focused on opening day and the start of spring, anglers are getting prepped. Overall activity is picking up in the shop as anglers acquire new equipment and terminal gear that they feel will not only will be productive, but will also help make their experience on the water more pleasurable. For those who have not heard the word, a trout and salmon stamp is now required when fishing for or possessing either one of these species. There will have been 310,000 trout stocked by opening day with another 230,000 stocked through May, totaling 540,000. It looks as though there will be about 7,300 more trout stocked this year as compared to the same time period from last year.
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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