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10/25/2018 12:00 AMDisrupted by the incessantly challenging weather, ‘tog pullers tried their best to head toward their favorite spots, only to be repeatedly thwarted by angry, wind-driven seas. It was a common scene at the town marina, where fishers gathered looking for a break in the weather, but found none as a wide variety of comments—both printable and unprintable—were overheard. These were the conditions that faced fishers who were contending for bragging rights in the 30th annual Eddie Beauvis Blackfish Tournament.
Nevertheless, depending on your port of departure and with some cover from a north wind, vessels could edge out a short distance to fish a close rock pile or wall. Sheltered by the landmass, they were protected for a short distance. Beyond that, however, they were faced with small craft or gale force winds that created four- to six-foot waves. These conditions persisted throughout the majority of the tournament.
As the tourney scales closed down, the results of the past week’s challenge were evident. The numbers of fish weighed paled in comparison to the huge effort made by competing ‘toggers, although the scales still received plenty of fish. Notably, 64 percent of the fish weighed fell between two- to four pounds, while the white chins either proved quite evasive or unattainable due to the unrelenting seas in some spots.
At the time of the awards banquet, those in attendance were treated to a fantastic spread from the crew of the Guilford VFW. The crowd heard stories of catches and persistent efforts, received their 30th anniversary T-shirts, collected raffle prizes, and, yes, the winners accepted the awards for their gallant efforts. As a reminder, prizes were awarded to the heaviest combination weight of two fish.
First place was awarded to Jeff Tyrol of Manchester with his total of 17.01 pounds. His heaviest fish weighed in at 12.47 pounds. Second place was presented to Steve Higgs of Stratford (14.72 pounds) and third place went to Harald Foellmer of Guilford (13.42). Fourth place for the smallest ‘tog of 2.22 pounds went to Nikki Rasmussen of Guilford. The Calcutta was won by John Frione of Branford for the heaviest ‘tog of 6.85 pounds.
In honor of all veterans, and in conjunction with celebrating the newly renovated VFW hall, next year’s event will be called the 31st annual VFW Blackfish ‘Tog Tourney. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped or offered their assistance (especially the generosity of the VFW) to make this milestone event another success.
On the Water
The north wind doth blow and blow and, when it had enough, opposing winds kicked in from the south and pummeled the Long Island Sound shoreline. Seas fought back with four- to six-footers as small craft and gale force pennants stretched out in 30- to 40-knot winds. All the while, water temperatures held to 66 degrees. It was a tough week for the fishers.
Certainly, these conditions were not helping ‘tog hunters who were getting battered around trying to hold bottom or attempting to reach their favorite spots. Needless to say, fishing for these bulldogs was strained unless you were under the protection of the north shore that was blocking some of the wind. Southerly winds showed no mercy! Overall, most fish caught were in the two- to four-pound range with some from six- to eight pounds and few into double digits. Generally, ‘togs were caught across the depths when opportunities crept in, yet inshore saw the best results. Crabs were the bait of choice with seaworms or clams tossed in the mix.
Striped bass fishing in the bays, surf, and further offshore have been mirroring what a fall run under a hunter’s full moon should look like. Good fish in the 40-plus-inch range have been caught on live eels and, in many cases, on surface and shallow running plugs. There are plenty of schoolies to pick through that are taking advantage of schools of bait in the lower rivers, but there are also cows that are feeding in the shallows and the surf curls. As sea conditions improve, the offshore reefs and shoals that are found mid-Sound will turn into feeding stations and become optimum fishing opportunities.
One may have to scan the surface to find schools of menhaden and schools of small feeding bluefish, but they are out there and pretty much everywhere. Water temps are just not cold enough to drive them out yet. It may happen suddenly, although there is little indication of that at the moment. This holds true for the weakfish that usually run with the bass and blues. Will that hold true for the false albacore and the bonito? Yes, if the schools of bait hold tight and are not blown out. For now, all indications are that the bite will remain good throughout the Sound.
As soon as wind lays down so that fishers can anchor and hold bottom, and after the water clears, you will find quality porgy (scup) that are quite active, as well as black sea bass. Sea bass opportunities remain excellent and, like porgies, can be found on the most reefs, wrecks, and rock piles. Humpbacks are generally being caught in deep water, while smaller fish have been shallower. Do not rule out shore fishing for the occasional curious whopper porgy or sea bass. For those interested in hickory shad (lower tidal rivers) or white perch (upper ones), the action has been good.
Trout rivers and streams including Hammonasset got a fill of rainbow trout, while the Shetucket and Naughy were stocked with broodstock Atlantic Salmon, which are seeing some action. Trout fishing conditions and catching ought to improve with the better weather and recent stockings, especially in the parks, lakes, and ponds. Anglers are working hard for large and smallmouth bass, catfish are being caught, pickerel are just OK, carp catches are up, pike has been slow, walleye are consistent, and sunfish are biting.
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 licenses, 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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