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11/04/2021 12:00 AMAt the recent fall virtual meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Tautog Management Board, the 2021 Regional Stock Assessment Update showed improvements in most regions, notably Long Island Sound and the Delaware-Maryland-Virginia region, where the stocks were deemed not overfished, marking an improvement from the last assessment in 2017. Additionally, fishing mortality also decreased and the stock was not experiencing overfishing in any regions covered in the assessment.
Each regional assessment used data through 2020, including that from the recreational sector. It’s interesting to note that more than 90 percent of the total blackfish (tautog) harvest from all regions comes from the recreational fishery. New Marine Recreational Information Program data estimates a higher spawning stock biomass and recruitment in all regions, but data showed less of an impact on fishing mortality.
For those wanting to drill down a little deeper, the following is the stock status and reference points for the Long Island Sound Region: the Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) in millions of pounds for is 14.83 for the target and 11.12 for the threshold; the 2020 estimate is 14.70. The fishing mortality target is 0.26, the threshold is 0.38, and the three-year average is 0.30, thus leading to the stock status determination that overfishing is not occurring.
The recent regional assessments for the Sound indicated that strong year classes contributed to better trends in the SSB. Since no regions are experiencing overfishing, the board chose not to make any management changes at that time and, therefore, there were no motions presented or acted upon.
As most ’toggers have been experiencing, ’togging within Long Island Sound this year has been more active. For the past few years, larger ones have been fewer in numbers, and shorts (as well as fish in the three- to five-pound class) have been dominant. Of course, our seal population hasn’t helped the overall population. However, according to the latest assessment, the young-of-year classes have made a difference in the positive response to the latest stock assessments and, hopefully, the trend will continue and we will see future improvements.
With that in mind, let us take these findings as an indication that the rebuilding effort of the Sound’s stock is moving forward and this popular recreational fish will continue to bend fishing rods and be a source of enjoyment and enjoyable food. As we’re in the midst of another fall ’tog season, this bit of good news is more than welcome. Happy ‘togging all!
On the Water
The October weather pattern pushed forward as intense low pressure set up prior to the weekend before heading out to sea. It was replaced by a brief high before another low returned, affecting Long Island Sound’s waters into the weekend and then finally being replaced by another high pressure event this past week. All of this flip-flopping has created both positive and negative fishing events, especially when small craft and gale warning pennants were hoisted. Meanwhile, water temperatures are slowly on the way down, hovering in the mid-60s as fall digs deeper.
The fishery responded accordingly, causing fishers to rethink their plans and attempt to outguess how all this weather affects the bite. Interestingly enough, fish were caught both inshore and by near-shore reefs that were not negatively impacted. Some of the best tautog of the season were caught during this past week by fishers who were able to figure out the sweet spots. A few catches, of course, happened to be intuitive luck, but most were made by determined fishers working protected lee spots with a good food source and who used common sense presentations.
Tautog jigs, simple hi-lo and tandem rigs, as well as single hook setups were generally used. Crabs, along with some chumming, were the prime baits and attractants used to bring in the prize catches—or at least good food for the table. Beware of those shallow-water prize ’togs digging in deep that require a beefier setup and know-how. A few notable double-digit catches were made and a few more eight- to nine-pounders, but mostly fish in the three- to five-pound range were what most ‘toggers hooked up with, along with numerous shorts.
Black sea bass catches have been spread out through the various depth ranges and deeper as the temps drop. We are also seeing large porgy (scup) co-mingling on some reefs as both are snacking on squid, clams, and crabs. For now, the action continues. Other popular bottom feeders continue to feed, but are gradually thinning out and pointing their snouts to warmer waters. Blues and sea trout (weakfish) are on the reefs with choppers in the 10- to 12-pound class chasing umbrella rigs, spoons, and taking jigs and chunks. Albies have been popping up mid-Sound and a few of the inshore reefs, where they are taking epoxy jigs, small hard lures, and flies.
Striped bass enthusiasts are finding recent tides fulfilling as slot limit fish are slamming artificials and going after live eels and chunk baits. Bucktails have been a top producer, as are plugs and diamond jigs when the offshore reefs are fished. The bite is getting stronger, predominately inshore. Notable catches worthy of release are being made, along with multiple shorts as the reefs, wash, and troughs are being systematically worked. November could be very interesting.
Many inland anglers are bearing the fruits of their efforts as they hook into hefty breeders stocked into trout waters. Large fish to ones measuring only 12 inches are being caught including some tigers. Atlantic salmon action is improving, but needs more help in the weather department. Lakes and ponds are offering good bass and panfish action including pickerel. Look to the upper tidal rivers and some of the other waters for some sizable catfish.
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 licenses, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Masks required inside. 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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