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05/23/2018 12:00 AMMemorial Day weekend is here and the rush is on to get everything in shipshape condition. Residents are returning from their winter-over places like Florida to swap catching warm-water fish for hooking those now inhabiting the Sound. Boat covers are being put in the shed and gear is being gone over, only to find that, in some cases, more effort is needed as a result of overlooked or procrastinated maintenance.
To some, Long Island Sound temperatures may still be on the cool side, but to others, it’s time to get out on the water, regardless. Fishing activity is and has been occurring on both fronts. The sweet water is producing quality inland fish, while the briny is well into receiving migrating seasonal ones that are in need of sustenance.
The Sound is opening its avenues to its reefs, tidal rivers, and estuaries, so that Atlantic menhaden, river herring, and other important species can continue with nature’s business. Not only is this time of year calling those possessing fins, but also fishers with the yearning to fish and enjoy everything water.
The first day of summer is less than a month away. Weather has a way of playing with the psyche as it appears to either shrink or expand time. In this case, short periods of warm weather lured us into a false sense of believing that an early season was forthcoming. Actually, though, the opposite was true as it really felt a long time in coming.
Nevertheless, our salt marshes are now alive and harboring that which makes up a healthy environment. Striped bass are sharing the waterways with ospreys, blue herons, egrets, and nesting eagles. Now, more fishers line the banks and are out on the reefs. While we enjoy a long Memorial Day weekend, may we take time out to remember those who served in our country’s armed forces and gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect us and our freedom. God bless.
On the Water
The new moon brought fierce lightning and thunderstorms that put a slight damper on the fishing scene. Winds in excess of 60 knots ripped through the Sound, while inland residents witnessed aged trees uprooted and seasoned branches effortlessly snapped, in part due to macro bursts exceeding 100 miles per hour and four tornadoes. Accompanying those were heavy downpours that permeated the state, causing traffic jams and intermittent flooding.
However, that episode has passed and fishing resumed with much of the waters and feeder rivers of Long Island Sound energized. Inshore water temperatures reached 58 degrees and continued to edge upwards. River herring, hickory shad, and Atlantic menhaden returned to their seasonal upriver progressions with striped bass poised to intercept their runs. The schoolie action continues to be strong along the shoreline with the dominant tide being flood. Without a doubt, though, the bottom of the ebb has offered some good fishing, as well.
Seaworms, chunk and whole baits, and live eels are the dominant recent natural baits. The best results have been when these are fished near the bottom or floated when the current eases. Top water plugs have been excellent choices on calmer outings, changing up to darters and pencils when the water has more movement. Check out the lower tidal rivers and the shoreline for the best schoolie action and the inshore reefs for the larger class of fish. One might try three-way bait or bucktails out by Charles Reef and Faulkner’s North Rip during the incoming. Just south of Kimberly Reef could also be an option, as well as a drift from the island toward Goose.
The time has arrived and, with the 2018 black sea bass regulations finally settled for the season, fishers were out testing the waters. Initial results were promising as fish were caught by the normal haunts, but weather played a part in keeping some of the diehards at bay. Unfortunately, New York waters are closed until Saturday, June 23; only the Connecticut side was fishable and that proved more than satisfactory for many fishers.
Porgy bangers were also out testing the waters with mixed results, regardless of the bait used. Although deep reefs held fish, the bite was scattered—even more so for shore casters. Similar results held true for the flukers, only here, deep eastern waters were where some hope prevailed. As an aside, blue crab season is open: five inches (hard) point to point, 3 ½ inches (soft). No eggers!
Trout stocked in May are rising to hatches and imitations, including other natural baits such as worms, grubs, and shiners. In addition to streamers and nymphs, shallow swimmers, light spinners, and scented baits have been working in the rivers. After the rains, many river levels rose and flows ripped, in which case countdowns were effective. Many of the lakes and ponds are now showing increased bass catches.
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 crabbing 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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