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08/23/2018 12:00 AMLately, fishers are turning to lighter gear and more challenging ways to catch fish that would typically be a non-issue with heavier equipment. Buried somewhere in every fisher’s DNA is the chromosome that passes on the urge to compete. Today, we seem to be leaning in the direction of giving fish more of an edge than in years past.
Of course, there are those who fish either solely for food or in tournaments, where the gear is tipped in their favor. However, in the recreational sector, the theme of going lighter has been gaining momentum for both inland and marine fishing. There is an argument against being too light since the stress that a fish endures during a long fight jeopardizes a safe release.
Since many sport fishers are opting to catch and release, fishing techniques are changing. Lighter and stronger rods have become popular with their component parts. Reels with increased capacity have become more durable and are able to withstand the rigors of long runs and deep dives of worthy adversaries. These advances in technology enable one to bring in a fish quicker and more efficiently, helping to offset the risk of a questionable release.
An eight- to- 17-pound test moderately rated rod able to handle lures from ¼ to 5/8 ounces, coupled with about a 3,500 class reel loaded with braid or mono, would be a sweet inshore setup. Hooking into a schoolie bass or fluke could be a blast. Even an ultra-light to light, four- to- six-pound test trout combo can be a challenge for harbor blues.
It is always recommended to match your gear with fish and conditions in mind. However, when the opportunity arises, reach for that lightweight setup and the hit the flats, bays, coves, and beaches for some outstanding fishing. And if you are fishing from a vessel, the top water action will be hard to beat!
On the Water
Fog, scattered thunderstorms, wind, and limited visibility summed up the week, leading into the weekend. Air temperatures remained typically August, hovering in the high 80s to more than 90 at times, accompanied by humid, tropical conditions. Long Island Sound surface temps hardly budged from the high 70s, while some of the main tidal rivers topped the 80s.
Bluefish activity ratcheted up, starting with the snappers that moved with the tides. There were more snapper lures, rigs, and bait being cast about with fairly good results. Harbor blues worth a few pounds were blitzing schools of peanut bunker slightly offshore, causing the gulls to gather, while fishers were doing their best to keep up with the action. And yes, we are finally seeing double-digit blues reacting in their typical slicing and dicing fashion as they slash into new schools of bait.
The birds helped to identify the whereabouts of those choppers, after which flashy spoons and top water poppers promptly did their damage. Down below, it was chunk bait that caught fish, along with ‘brella rigs and assorted lures. These schools of blues moved from The Race through Six Mile onto Faulkner’s and past The Beacon. Closer to shore feeding activity erupted along Hammonasset and off Outer Island.
Schoolie striped bass did offer to get into the act, especially by the tidal rivers, where some of those peanut bunker gathered. However, the heat did dampen some of the new moon activity. There were bigger bass caught, but nowhere near the numbers that were boated beyond the Big Pond. In the absence of adult bunker, live eels did roll a few, as did three-waying bucktails. The dog days are upon us!
Catches of weakfish continued, while small black sea bass seemed to occupy much of the shoreline. Fishers looking for humpbacks still had to venture into 90- to- 120-foot water, but the search was worth it. Getting to the bottom was key. Summer flounder catches improved once again as schools of peanut bunker and snapper blues have taken up residence along the shoreline. More fish broke the short barrier as fluke were caught in the 22- to- 27-inch, four- to- eight-pound range. With this heat and the influx of bait, keep an eye open for some bonito.
Porgy fishing remains hot, although porgy (scup) seem a bit more nervous now that they have to dodge the blues. Recently, sizes have been more mixed with larger ones generally coming from the offshore reefs. Find a rock pile and most baits will attract attention, provided that they are fished properly and at the right depths. There is still good ‘tog fishing left in August. Note that the blackfish (tautog) summer fishing season will close on Saturday, Sept. 1 and then re-open on 1Wednesday, Oct. 10
Blue crabbing is good, especially in the cooler depths of tidal rivers. Catches of Jimmy’s to seven inches have increased with some trapped, scooped, or by using hand lines. Low tide cycles have been the better producers.
Alert
After more than 20 years as a participant, Captain Morgan’s reluctantly opted out of this year’s WICC Bluefish Tournament. Hopefully, under the new management, this event can be turned around to benefit fish, fishers, and shops to where we can once again promote it to the extent that we once did. Check their list for the remaining weigh-in and registration stations in your area. Good luck to all.
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 clam 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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