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07/19/2018 12:00 AMLately, it seems as though the big-bait, big-fish theory is flying by the wayside. True, large baits attract solo predators, and it only makes sense that more sustenance obtained with the same amount of effort it takes to overcome a small fish is a better tradeoff. However, whether there is a shortfall of available bait in the Sound (which is doubtful) or the competition for what is here has increased, larger fish are feeding on smaller morsels of food these days.
And they’re not just nudging around to take a sample taste. Fish are aggressively charging a baited hook and often times making a straight-out run. This is holding true for both top and bottom feeders. Even the schoolie bass are being overly aggressive. Consequently, it is important to pre-test your gear, especially terminal tackle, for any weak spots and then take remedial action, before heading out. Knots, leaders, and the first 10 feet of running line should be carefully examined for wear and tear. It is here that many trophy fish are lost.
Bluefish have sharp teeth that tear apart tackle. Striped bass love to take you to the bottom, wrap around structure, and then part lines. Even a good fluke will give a fisher a workout, before thrashing around on the surface and throwing a hook. Many fish head for their comfort zone when encountering stress. That usually means heading toward the bottom, unless it is an ornery blue that likes to show off its jumping antics, before broadsiding the current.
Since most fish found in the Sound are structure oriented, every fisher gets separated from a hooked fish at one time or another. If not, he or she is probably not fishing where most of the action is. This is why knowing a bit about the feeding habits of the species you are seeking will directly relate to your success.
All fish gravitate to ideal temperature conditions and areas that have plenty of oxygen and a sufficient food supply. This is where most quality fish congregate and are caught. Take away any one of these and, soon thereafter, fish will flee or perish. For now, despite the fact that water temperatures appear to be warming, Long Island Sound remains a premium nursery and offers excellent fishing opportunities for fishers of all ages. Now is the time to experience its diversity and enjoy some outdoor fish.
On the Water
Once again, the heat and humidity broke to usher in a very pleasant stretch of summer weather. Inshore Long Island Sound waters averaged around 70 degrees, while much of the fog that we’ve been experiencing has lifted thanks to some southwesterly winds. Some of the Atlantic menhaden that had been heavily schooled on both ends of the Sound have started to converge in the center, giving rise to more schooling activity in some local harbors.
The recent new moon phase developed into improved striped bass activity both with schoolies and larger fish. It took a bit to get them moving again after the heat wave, but activity on the reefs and inshore harbors has picked up again. Live eels (the best bet), bunker, jigs, and trolling rigs have been reasonably productive, as has setting up on the reefs and soaking chunks.
Where are all of the bluefish? Are they stalled out on their northerly migration? Tailor blues are around, but the brutes with thick shoulders have yet to make an appearance. After all, their optimal water temp is 68 degrees and we are averaging above that. They are most likely running late and, if the sizes of other fish caught lately are any indication, we might be in for some real gators. Be prepared for quite a commotion when they arrive. Time will tell.
Weakfish in the 30-inch range have been squeaking through the Sound and are being caught by fishers generally targeting striped bass or fluke. Their run is usually through central Sound, often taking a detour by sandbars and into certain tidal rivers. Squid and worms are top baits, although other bite-size baits and trolling rigs will catch these elusive fish.
Fish on your to-catch list should definitely include black sea bass, since they have been stacked up since the season opened in May. Both sides of the Sound are producing fish, but lately, sizes have been small—even smaller the closer one fishes to shore. Fish for 90- to 120 feet for four-pound-plus humpbacks. Catches while drifting for fluke have been up. Typically, undersized flounder is the rule, however, scouring the deep water with whole baits, large strips, or scented baits has been producing doormats in the 10- to- 12-pound range.
Scup to 17 inches continue to be caught in spite of sandworm shortages that have been plaguing the coast. Offshore reefs and inshore rock piles are the grounds to be fishing. Chunk baits have been drawing in sizable dogfish and striped sea robins that are feeding along the beaches and offshore reefs. Unusually large skate have also been surprising fishers as these shark relatives frequent and feed along the bottom. Inshore rock piles are also seeing catches of blackfish (tautog) usually taking worms, clams, and some crabs. Speaking of crabs, blue crabs seem to have popped in select areas right after the hot spell.
Warmer weather has slowed the freshwater scene, except for the early morning and evening bites. That holds true for the basses with the exceptions being pickerel, perch, catfish, crappie, and sunnies. Fish the deeper holes for your trout, along with areas that have flows and generate fresh oxygenated water.
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 the latest gear, 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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