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Favorable Weather Broke for the ‘Toggers

The 31st annual Veterans Memorial ‘Tog Tourney opened under weathered skies and unsettled seas as ‘tog pullers bit the bullet in search of the elusive white chin. Once the fall season actually got underway, it took a few days until navigating the Sound became manageable, during which time inshore water temperatures dropped into the low 60s—much closer to optimum range of 50- to 60 degrees for blackfish (tautog). Like all fish species, temperature and depth are two key elements to a successful day.

Better sea conditions prevailed and, by the second half of the weekend, 5- to 10-knot winds eventually kicked around to the west. Together with one-foot seas, more ‘toggers were drawn out of their bungalows and on to the water. Of course, with good striped bass bite and a Hunter’s Full Moon, both daytime fishing for ‘togs and evening bass flood tides presented opportune times for the latter part of the weekend, as well as for the coming week. Since predictions were favorable for a period of unseasonably mild weather and good fishing conditions, anticipation grew.

There is nothing quite like the first feel of a ‘tog mouthing a crab. Hardly detectable, if you are not attentive and on your game, by the time the grinding of their molars occurs, setting the hook becomes a missed opportunity. They are that cautiously sly and every bit as combatively stubborn. Their reputation of being the bulldog of the sea accurately describes them.

‘Toggers were definitely more upbeat this season compared to last fall. Once the weather turned more favorable, they were more relaxed and much drier. Smiles replaced frowns and tales of their catches replaced conversations of adverse weather and sea conditions. At least for now, there is optimism for a better tautog season considering their low numbers and the state of the fishery.

On the Water

There is little doubt that fall has arrived. Temperatures dropped, winds picked up, and seas bellowed as they crashed into sea walls. Those challenging the most recent nor’easter did so at their own peril in the face of this churning “water-coaster” that prompted gale force warnings. Long Island Sound inshore water temps dipped to 61 degrees and that was encouraging for the ‘toggers.

‘Tog season opened before the weekend as several boats were hauled in preparation of the storm and fewer vessels left the protection of the harbors. While northeast winds were stiff, shore fishers were somewhat protected. Nevertheless, they got wet from the rain and wave action. A few fishers did work parts of the shoreline, even though the initial activity was minimal as a few small fish were caught. When the seas finally calmed down, the weather actually turned pleasant.

‘Toggers then fished the jetties and inshore reefs in hopes of making up for lost time—and they did! Overall, fishing was more productive than last fall with seemingly a better bite in spite of the growing seal population. At the start, ‘togs from four- to six pounds hit the scales while out on the Sound; a few somewhat larger fish were boated. This year, fishers are a lot more optimistic, if not at least enjoying their time on the water more.

Striped bass action continues to be excellent, especially during the week when fewer vessels have been out. A run of stripers from 35- to 40 pounds were whacking bunker and live eels, while others slammed bucktails jerked on wire. The Race, Six Mile, Long Sand Shoal, and parts of Southwest were hot spots. Faulkner’s to The Beacon was OK and New Haven had a few decent fish more than 40 pounds. Schoolie bass are taking artificials and bait are sharing chow time with harbor blues in several lower tidal rivers and along the shoreline. Surf casters should definitely be chucking plugs and bait into the suds for that memorable bass, while boaters might try the deep mid-Sound reefs for dropping diamond jigs or dunking chunks for some brut blues.

Black sea bass and porgy (scup) fishing remain good, but was temporarily interrupted by last week’s nor’easter. Actually, they were still around, but the fishers were mostly tied to the docks. Deep water is producing the humpbacks and slabs, although these fish can be found throughout the Sound in various sizes and varying depths. Squid and clams are the baits of choice, but a seaworm will definitely get a scup’s attention. Check out the hickory shad in the lower tidal rivers and the white perch in those rivers and associated coves. Generally, bones are marginally more active than the slow-to-develop albies found at either end of the Sound. Weakies are still around.

Look for improved trout fishing now that rivers and inland waters were energized with the recent rain. Quonnipaug, Chatfield, Cedar, Rogers, Black Pond, and Wharton have been stocked. Atlantic salmon catch and release fishing in the Shetucket and Naugy is on through Sunday, Dec. 15. The basses are variable to slow, cats and carp are active, pike are small, walleye are worth the effort, and pickerel are still feeding.

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 reel repairs, 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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