Printer Friendly Version - It’s Summertime and the Fishing is Easy

Bryan Bottone of North Haven (top, bottom right), Ryan Durand (bottom left), and guests team up on multiple black sea bass trips as this season continues to produce quality fish. Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan

It is actually summer, however, it just does not feel like we are heading into July. Both air and water temperatures are struggling to get to where they belong—if there actually is such a thing today. Much of the season has been running late, and many fishers are playing catchup and getting their vessels into shape, despite the good fishing. Black streaks from rain are even showing up on the hulls and gunwales earlier this season, regardless of the detailing between rainfalls.

You might not think so, but our holdover striped bass fishery has been pretty much on schedule and even a little early. However, fish migrating up have taken longer to round the bend, giving pause for striper lovers to rethink the season. This ongoing weather pattern has given fishers plenty of opportunities to get their gear in shape and their timing down.

There is a lot more preparation involved when getting conventional and spinning rods and reels ready than there is, for example, with fly outfits. Typical saltwater gear requires more maintenance and care, while fly rods and reels need considerably less. They are also generally lighter and much easier to transport since many fly rods have evolved into four-piece, easy-to-assemble units.

Years back, my dad wrapped my little hands around a vintage baitcaster. Not long after, I became fairly comfortable with a spinning reel. I was a young squirt who was one with the water and uniquely attracted to fish. Even at that young age, casting came easy—so much so that I could cast my baited hook and place it practically anywhere I wanted. A bit later, the same comfort level was felt casting lures.

Then I was introduced to a fly rod—the simplest fiberglass kind that imitated bamboo. The reel was a small Hendrix purchased at the local hardware store. No long uphill hike in the snow to get there, either. Armed with the confidence of a pretty good caster, I picked up my new fly rod and reel, sized up my rock target next to a pool, and made my first cast. It waffled in the air like a wave, before splashing down a few feet away.

It took a while to learn that in order to be an effective fly caster, it is the line that is cast and the fly just goes along for the ride. Placing it is another story. When casting a spinning outfit, though, it is just the opposite. It is the lure that pulls the line. Anyway, learning to cast a fly rod effectively, and especially transitioning from freshwater to saltwater, is a must before consistency in catching fish is realized. You can learn by trial and error like I did or you can check out Captain Morgan’s fly fishing event coming up in July and learn secrets and casting tactics from the pros. Believe me, it is the path of least resistance and one that will improve effectiveness on all levels.

Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures topped the mid 60s and continued to slowly rise. The rain and thrashing of waves had a cooling effect as we recovered from more stormy and unsettled sea conditions. Shoreline air temps did rise a bit, but at this point, they are still rather cool for June ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations. No worries, though. Eighty-degree days will soon be upon us.

Exceptional catches of black sea bass remain consistent, even catching the attention of visiting fishers up from the mid-Atlantic. Depths of 60- to 95 feet by wrecks or structure are producing humpbacks in the four- to five-pound range, although there still remains plenty of small fish along the shoreline pecking away at your bait. Squid and hi-lo rigs, along with jigging with tins, are responsible for a good portion of catches.

A noticeable improvement of fluke catches hit the Sound over the past week. Not many braggers caught, but catches of more keeper-size fish were boated. Long Sand Shoal had its moments, as did Six Mile Reef. Teasers are a proven success when matched with a heavier lower bucktail, yet most smaller fish will usually take the teaser. Squid, strips, and scented swimming mullets have been good combinations, but be sure to be on or near the bottom when drifting. Staying out of the target zone will cost fish!

A family fish for certain, porgy (scup) are a good-eating, fun-filled fish to catch. Seaworms or squid will put these reef hounds in your fish box and, lately, sizes have been impressive, stretching from 15- to 17 inches and better. The big ones are here and are spreading out along the shoreline.

Larger striped bass have arrived and are mixing it up, even though the majority of catches made are considerably less than 40 inches in length. Live eels are now quite productive, as are drifting bucktails, jigging tins, and shore casting with flies, plugs, and spoons. Reef and shoal activity has increased, while catches have remained rather consistent. Clean releases and the use of in-line circle hooks when bait fishing will go a long way in reducing unintended deaths of these popular sportfish.

There has been a marked improvement in blue crab catches, especially with jimmies showing up between six- to seven inches. Now is the time to be trapping, scooping, or using throws. Point-to-point minimum sizes: hardshells are 5.5 inches and softshells are 3.5 inches.

Lakes and ponds continue to be active in all categories with the basses, pickerel, perch, and sunnies leading the pack. There have been catches of channel catfish both here, as well as in major rivers, with some upper river carp catches on corn, dough balls, and labor-intense boilies. For added fun, bring out your light fly rod for the sunfish and crappie.

Fly fishers, improve your saltwater skills that will help you cast better and land sought-after sportfish both in Long Island Sound and popular worldwide destinations by attending our Fly Casting Day. Space is limited, so register now to ensure your spot in this unique outdoor event that will be held on Saturday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You will be coached by Fly Fishing International certified instructors on a tucked-away, semi-secluded flat. The sign-up fee of $225 includes lunch and beverage. Register by Wednesday, July 10 to be entered in a surprise drawing.

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...

Jim Maccii of Hamden, Vinnie Piscitelli, Larry Sgrignari, Joey Piscitelli, and dad Pio Sgrignari (87) of East Haven, and daughter Emily McDonough of Milford had a good striped bass and black sea bass day while fishing on Long Island Sound, thanks to Capt. Pirri. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan