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08/01/2019 12:00 AMSunrise is gaining about a minute a day, while sunset is losing the same at the other end. It is obvious that the days are getting shorter as the fishing is gaining momentum. Except for a few short stretches in the dog days of summer, fish continue to show up in the Sound, albeit a little later than usual.
There is more scuttlebutt about Shark Week and the oversized sand sharks that are being caught—sand tigers, too. While fluke fishing, Kevin Kranzler of Madison actually landed a protected sand tiger, Loki, who was released unharmed. Loki was a shark that was logged with Spot A Shark USA, adopted, and named after Mantoloking, New Jersey where caught.
Encounters with seals are bringing up questions regarding encounters with great whites, something that would be highly unlikely due to the Sound’s environment, but not totally discounted. However, the excitement of hooking into a dogfish shark boggles the imagination.
The bite, hookup, and strong bottom run is the telltale sign of these ever-efficient bottom dwellers. Their pull is enough to drag a kayak a distance and they will twist and turn to separate fish from fisher, unless a release is made while the dogfish is still in the water. As much as fishers prefer not running into them, they do generate conversation. When there is dogfish schooling, the probability of fish turning off is high. So, moving to another location is generally best.
Sharks are not the only fish that can put up a fuss. Lately, large skate have been taking bottom baits, as well. They, too, will make your drag sing if their wings are broad enough, especially if fishing with light gear.
And now for Pomatomus saltatrix, the bluefish, that toothy critter that can burn a drag, hold a fisher at bay when broadside to the current, and tail walk with the best of them. That is right! These choppers have been turning the corner and showing up in the Big Pond without much fanfare. Lately, some double-digit blues have ripped into schools of moss bunker and gorged themselves on chunk baits with some rising up the water column slamming diamond jigs. As August begins to dig in, expect to see more aggressive predators feeding inshore, while other species look to deeper, cooler waters. With so many different species now filtering into the Sound, there promises to be excellent fishing days ahead, weather permitting.
On the Water
Inshore water temperatures are averaging in the low- to mid-70s, while deeper waters are cooler. We have had heavy bouts of rain, some fog, stretches of summer heat, and now a few more thunderous days. Even the Sound had its moments from calm to threatening seas. Some might say that it is a typical summer, yet others feel that it is a strange one. Overall, though, fishing has been good in spite of fish being on the move and baitfish like Atlantic menhaden getting a late start mostly due to a cool water startup.
Weakfish have been having a good run with more fishers hooking into mixed sizes of shorts to the high 20-inch range. They have been taking sea worms, squid, and bite-size whole fish, as well as imitation swimmers—even low running umbrella rigs and a few jigs. Those fishing without access to a net are finding out why they are called weakfish. These fish put up a tussle enlarging the hook hole as they do. One bit of slack line and, rest assured, your line will go slack.
Schools of menhaden are more prevalent, prompting small harbor blues to push and feed. There have been wayward choppers caught at either end of the Sound with some making their way to the center, but not much in the way of creating feeding frenzies. A few more lucky porgies that avoided becoming a meal are showing up scarred, indicating the hunt is on. Although chunks and live-lining bait are scoring, along with diamond jigs and other artificials, topwater action has been limited to date. Keep an eye open for the snappers!
Porgy (scup) fever is ongoing as these scrappers are spread out throughout the Sound. Most reefs and rock piles are holding schools that will take seaworms, clams, and select artificials. There have been catches to 17 inches, so don’t shy away from a larger hook, especially when fishing the offshore reefs. Fluke catches are rising. Drifting 100-foot water is doormat territory. Be prepared to catch a mix of shorts and just keepers in shallower water, although some 21- to 24-inch ones have ventured close to shore. Squid, three-ways, and hi-lo’s are the ticket.
Yes, there are striped bass eager to take on a live eel, mackerel, bunker, other baits, jigs, and artificials. Cow catches in the Sound are down, but schoolie catches and above are providing plenty of action. The warm weather did slow the inshore bite in favor of deeper cooler water, although conditions have leveled off as summer hits its home stretch. Check out the popular offshore reefs and the inshore tidal rivers, along with the fly rod flats.
Coming Event
The last of Captain Morgan’s Day On The Flats fly fishing clinics for 2019 is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14. Meet and work one-on-one with three certified, highly skilled, and experienced instructors on Long Island Sound to enhance your fly fishing adventures. Space is limited. Call 203-245-8665 or stop in the shop to register. The cost of $225 includes lunch and beverage.
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. In the interest of conservation, the shop will support reusable bags only.
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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