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06/14/2018 12:00 AMOne thing to remember about fishing the waters of Long Island Sound is that water temperature is a key driving force that moves fisheries. It is responsible for the movement of the tiniest critters we fishers use for bait, all the way up the food chain to the apex predators. It gets the Sound’s mojo working, bringing fish down the major tidal rivers and up along the Atlantic coast into the Big Pond, as we call it.
Once here, fish settle in until such time as the water temperature lets them know it is once again time to move from their summer home. During their stay, spawning takes place, fattening up occurs, and plenty of food is consumed to replace the energy lost from chasing each other around. It is what one might call a prime vacation spot for saltwater life.
To be an effective fisher, knowing the optimal temperature range of the fish one is pursuing eliminates some of the guesswork. We all know from swimming or diving that the water is much cooler the deeper one goes. Black sea bass (Centropristis striata), for example, can be found in depths to 430 feet and as shallow as 10 feet or less. However, during the summer months, when inshore surface water temperature averages 73.8 degrees, these beauties can be comfortably found in less than 120 feet, often in depths half that. Considering that their ideal range is between 59- to 64 degrees, it would behoove fishers to factor that in to maximize their effort-to-catch ratio.
Different fish species will have varying optimum temperature ranges. Relating the day’s water temperature to a navigational chart or an onboard screen depicting depths will aid in selecting favorable spots to fish. In short, the warmer the temperature beyond the optimal range, the deeper to fish—similar to a person turning on the air conditioner when it’s too warm or shedding a jacket. Bear in mind that fish seek out their comfort zone, enabling them to conserve energy and manage their metabolic rate more efficiently. So, to maximize results, fish smarter and keep the water temperature in mind when out on the briny.
On the Water
Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures actually topped 60 degrees, but mostly hung around 59. The cold snap from the dip in the jet stream didn’t help matters, although the shift to southerly winds warmed the air. Seas finally simmered down to about one foot after a few small craft warnings kept boaters at bay. Considering all of the influential weather elements, fishing has been cranking up overall.
Striped bass catches continue to be strong with incessant schoolie action, especially in the lower tidal rivers and along many beaches. Anything from top water plugs to small jigs, including flies, have been keeping fishers tossing artificials busy. Switching over to seaworms is a no-brainer if bottom bait stealers are not a bother. More linesiders from 28- to 34 inches are showing up on the reefs with ones more than 40 inches taking eels, bunker, or inhaling bucktails or chunks. Outer Southwest, Hammonasset, Faulkner’s North Rip, and The S’s have seen action of late.
June is bringing in more schools of harbor blues looking to cash in on the menhaden. Bird activity has perked up, and anyone in and around the estuaries where bunker are schooling can also see egrets stalking baitfish by the river banks and in the creeks during a flooding tide. Although blues have not necessarily invaded the rivers, they are, nevertheless, filtering into the harbors and onto the inshore reefs. Now is the time to be casting and trolling spoons, jigging, or soaking chunks.
Numbers of black sea bass are stacked up on both inshore and offshore reefs. Close to shore will yield smaller, undersized fish. Generally, 40 feet and deeper will be where the humpbacks are feeding, although three- to four pounds has been the average as of late. Squid is a natural food now and will be one of the top baits to use, even though these highly sought-after fish enjoy a diversified menu. Structure is the key, however, these fish will be caught while drifting for them or other species. Fishing with hi-lo rigs (with or without teasers) is about as easy as it gets, unless one drifts with a diamond jig.
If drifting, consider tossing out a fluke rig, as well, since more of these bottom feeders are showing up in the Sound and also feeding on squid as the main dish—maybe with a side of spearing added. Other bottom fishers like the scup bangers are experiencing steering wheel size porgies out on the humps. Some are making their way within shore casters’ range, so do not be surprised by a slab grabbing your worm. Sea robins have been aggressive!
Trout fishing continues to hold up with fish in 14- to 16-inch range and better in some selected rivers. Conventionalists are scoring with shiners, small inline spinners, small to medium swimmers, grubs, and worms. Fly fishers are connecting using nymphs, streamers, and drys. Both basses catches have varied, while pickerel has outpaced them with their aggressive feeding. Look for better activity with northerns, continued good action with catfish and carp, easing with crappie, and mediocre results with opal eyes.
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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