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11/01/2018 12:00 AMThere has been a lot of talk and speculation about whether or not the Federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Block Island Transit Zone will eventually be open to recreational fishing, particularly where striped bass are concerned. Currently, there is a brewing controversy that revolves around whether to open it or keep it closed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in consultation with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), is considering lifting that ban, while looking into background information per the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in October.
Marine law enforcement indicated that its prime concern was for the health of the stock, as well as maintaining a sufficient biomass. It made enforcement in that zone second in priority, while noting the challenges that enforcement incurs now. It was also pointed out during the round-robin discussion that striped bass fishing is closed within the EEZ and that opening it up in the Block Island Transit Zone would open the door to complications within other EEZs.
This transit zone is known to be a habitat for large broodstock striped bass. Many recreational fishers feel that, if opened to recreational fishing, these prized linesiders would be specifically targeted more often and would ultimately cause the stock’s biomass to be compromised. Many feel that keeping it closed and maintaining its transit-zone-only status would be a step in the right direction in order to protect this valuable resource. Note that commercial fishing is not being considered, because the sale of striped bass caught in federal waters is already protected by previous Executive Order 13449, which was issued by President George W. Bush in 2007.
As a result of these deliberations and the uncertainty of the current status of striped bass (Morone saxatilis), the Striped Bass Board, which convened at the ASMFC’s 77th annual meeting recently held in New York, made a motion, moved it forward, and passed it by consensus. It stated in part, “....requesting a delay on further action on the Block Island Transit Zone until such time as the Board has an opportunity to review the Striped Bass Benchmark Stock Assessment and formalize a recommendation.” This request is to be put in letter format and submitted to NOAA, extending the Monday, Nov. 19 deadline to 2019 and, hopefully, prior to the new marine regulations being put in place.
On the Water
October flew by as swiftly as summer—only much windier and colder. We had our bursts of foggy mornings, along with some downpours, and even a few tornadoes thrown in the mix. However, throughout this variable weather pattern, marine water temperatures remained in the mid- to low-60s, before dipping after the recent nor’easter. Windows of opportunity were measured and, when seas were calm, fishers tackled the Sound in search of their fall season quarry.
Blackfish (tautog) season continued as mariners were challenged when fishing both from shore and vessels. It was the wind and seas that caused fishers to be cautious. Not only was safety a concern, but also the ability to locate a good spot and hold it. Many ’togs caught remained in the two-to-four-pound range with high numbers of shorts released in comparison to a 16-inch keeper. White chins were scarce, but may show up a little more frequently as the weather becomes more cooperative. Crabs are still the bait of choice, while ’tog jigs remain quite popular and productive, especially in less than 15 feet.
Striped bass were biting on the offshore reefs and shoals, but the predominant bite was more noticeable in the lower tidal rivers, bays, and along inshore structure. The recent full moon definitely played a part. Live eels, sea worms, plugs, jigs, soft plastics, and tins did their jobs, while clunkers saw some success dead-sticking. Water temps are well within their comfort zone, so look for them continue to be active, provided the weather doesn’t give them lockjaw and lets fishers out. By now, shore casters ought to be hitting the curls and reaching out to those rock clusters for the cows.
Bluefish are not turning the Sound red, but they are out there creating some turmoil when feeding on bunker schools. The albies and bonito continue to be active around first and last light, while black sea bass fishing remains hot; try crabs. Porgy (scup) are biting hard, especially on the reefs and rock piles, and will be here a while longer. White perch are taking worms in the tidal rivers and coves not far from where hickory shad are making their fall run.
Fall trout stocking has wound up with more action taking place in the rivers, although levels keep adjusting. The parks are seeing good results, while lakes have seen variable trout activity. Again, weather is playing a key role in the bite. Basses have been unpredictable, but are getting better, especially largemouths. Atlantic salmon have been cooperative in the Naugy, and the Shetucket is waking up. The fall catfish and carp bite is good, pike just need the pikers, walleye are being caught in the shallows, and the panfish bite remains good.
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 fishing trips, 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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