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05/02/2019 12:00 AMOn this day, the briny hit 54 degrees and, although a 40-inch striped bass would be nice, we were set up for some steady schoolie action. River herring have been finding their way into the tidal rivers and the menhaden already showed up, congregating in a few of the more popular coves and bays. If a 40-incher were hooked, it would surely be a battle since setups on board consisted of eight-weight flyrods and 10- to 12-class spinning outfits.
Lately, the sun had been playing hide-and-seek, while heavy clouds lightened their loads along most of the shoreline. Tides have been running high and late after the Fish Moon, although the seas finally settled down enough to allow for some quality inshore fishing. The plan was to work two lower tidal rivers and then slip into one of the bays where bunker have been entering. Striped bass have definitely turned on!
Either we would be there early enough to meet them or arrive after their arrival and come upon a feeding school of bass. It turned out to be the latter. Although it was tempting to net some bunker or even slip a seaworm onto a jighead, it was decided that this morning was to be strictly a fly and plugging one.
Anyone who fishes for spring stripers knows that those feeding frenzies can be awesome. Fish are usually not big (mostly undersized throwbacks), but nevertheless, the sustained action can be exhilarating. We swapped off using a simple 2/0 deceiver pattern and a 3/4 ounce wooden top-water plug. At times, combining the plug with a deceiver rigged as a dropper gave the distance of the spinning outfit with the added feature of a fly. That little changeup worked wonders when the bite slowed. It can also be fished effectively to initially turn on the bite.
Soon, bigger migrating gals will be entering the Sound and tactics will change. They will be looking to fill their gullet with protein as they pile onto to the reefs and shoals. Drifting and trolling will then dominate the scene with diehard jiggers showing off their skill as they employ this tried and true method. For now, let us fishers enjoy the seasonal changeover, while we keep a close eye on this year’s northerly migration of the ever popular Morone saxatilis, or, as we like to call them, linesiders.
On the Water
Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures have been fluctuating between the low- to mid-50s. Intermittent rain and gusty seas alternated as more bait entered our waters and the color green shadowed the inland landscape. People paying close attention to the Sound could see more small vessels testing fishing spots as the spring blackfish (tautog) season came to a close.
Most ‘togs caught were at or less than the size limit of 16 inches. That said, waters near adjacent jetties and tidal flows where temps were generally warmer attracted some large fish coming in from deeper water. Fish that were caught and kept or released favored soft baits like sea worms, clams, select scent baits, and crabs when available. Simple rigs or jigs were all that were needed. As the season on ‘togs waned, the other bottom fishery—winter flounder—continued to remain open and is improving, bringing in mixed results for the week mostly due to the weather cycle. Tidal river white perch action remains good, while the Sound is already seeing schools of porgy (scup). Spring weakies are here!
This was the week that fishers saw a marked increased in striped bass action. Water temps were right on, menhaden have been in for more than two weeks, and the tides were cooperative, even though they ran a bit late and had to be played accordingly. Most of the activity centered around fish up to 24 inches (a few more than 45 inches) and seemed to have little preference as to taking a fly, lure, or bait. However, color, action, and size did make a difference. These linesiders were hungry!
Trout rivers remained high and fast and barely simmered down when the rain subsided. Anglers were challenged when fishing their favorite holes, but if your bait, lure, or fly was able to get down, hookups could be achieved. Early morning and later afternoon hours were the times. Lakes and ponds varied, producing some nice catches, yet the rivers continue to outproduce them. Live shiners, naturals, spinners, swimmers, and scented baits are still the best choices.
Largemouth bass action also cranked up again as water temps remained around 54 degrees and slightly warmer in the smaller bodies of water. Bass in the four- to five-pound range are being caught on artificials and live shiners. Smallie fishers are also finding fish to be more aggressive, but varied in their eagerness to bite. Pickerel are smashing lures, black crappie are worth a trip, while fish like perch, cats, and carp are biting with less intensity.
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 crabbing 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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