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11/17/2021 11:00 PMWe have been encountering more fishers of marine and inland species who have said, “Looks like this will be the last trip of the year.” However, most of those folks have repeated that statement two or three more times. Some of them are still saying it as more and more vessels are being pulled for winter prep. That’s certainly a sign of the times, but more so, a sign of just how good fishing has been in recent weeks.
Fishers know all too well that sooner or later water temperatures will drop to a point where, unless specifically targeting cold water species or traveling to the warmer climes, that the effort will far surpass the catches and it’ll be time for that last cast. Still, we’re not ready for that to happen just yet, even though the topic of ice fishing keeps cropping up from time to time.
While we’re contemplating the remainder of the 2021 fishing season and what will occur during winter, one potential bright spot shines through for 2022. Previously, an earlier column referenced the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) and the process of becoming one of the nation’s few habitats specifically designated for research and recreational use. NERR is a network of coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems established through the Coastal Zone Management Act and managed by a lead state agency or university with local partner input.
After a lengthy, detailed application process with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Connecticut is in the home stretch of being so designated and to join the exclusive, national NERR network. When finally approved, the 50,000 acre-preserve will encompass historic and popular areas of the lower Connecticut and Thames rivers, including Lord Cove and Roger Tory Peterson Preserves (Great Island) to the west, as well as Bluff Point and Haley Farm state parks to the east.
The 23 miles of coastline, almost waterward to the Connecticut-New York demarcation line in the Sound, contains diverse and prolific habitats consisting of fish, fowl, shellfish, vegetation, beaches, and intriguing waterways. As our nation’s 30th federally designated and funded estuarine research reserve, to be headquartered at Avery Point, a Connecticut NERR will not detract from any existing uses (including recreational and commercial), but will rather enhance research, education, and monitoring. As the platform progresses, future enhancements can be recommended by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) for approval by the state and the NOAA.
While predominately an aquatic-based environment, there is plenty to do for the land-based adventurer. A lot of effort went into the process of making this happen. Special acknowledgment goes to Sylvan De Guise, the Connecticut Sea Grant director; Jamie Vaudrey of UConn Marine Science; Kevin O’Brien, the project leader for DEEP; the Connecticut Audubon Society; and Judy Benson, the communications coordinator for CT Sea Grant; for keeping us in the loop.
On the Water
A series of bunched-up fronts and pressures hit prior to the weekend before giving way to a cold frontal system and then finally yielding to brief weekend high pressure. That set up a more seasonably cooler 50-degree weather pattern, unlike the 60-degree air temps of the previous week. Long Island Sound water temperatures varied from the mid- to high 50s, while seas fluctuated from relatively calm to gusty conditions.
All of these November fluctuations in weather conditions caused fishers to re-think how they were going to approach fishing and which tides, days, and locations would be best. This was never more true than for those looking to catch blackfish (tautog), since wind always plays a key role when evaluating sites and setting anchors. With a little more than a week before the fall season for ‘togs ends, ‘tog pullers want to get as much as possible out of the waning days that continue through Sunday, Nov. 28, three days after Thanksgiving.
The tautog trend continues with more shorts than keepers, catches between three- to five pounds dominating, and the outliers in the eight- to nine-pound class, while a few more notable double-digit white chins are being brought to the scales and tables. The nearshore reefs, breakwalls, and jetties are the most productive places to drop your crabs, but when the Sound’s average inshore water temperatures eventually settle into the 50s, it will be time to move farther out. For now, both ebb and flood tides have been producing.
Baitfish like hickory shad and Atlantic menhaden have definitely been making a stir among fishers. Schools of baby bunker and hickories have been thick and, in many cases, bursting through the surface. With that kind of activity, it’s no wonder that striped bass and bluefish have been having a field day. The striper bite is ongoing and the activity in several of the shoreline harbors is striking. Many stretches of beaches have also seen a good morning bite. Out on the reefs, diamond jigs and bucktails have connected with slot limit fish; inshore, it has been plugs and flies. Chunkers have connected with both bass and blues and, when in deeper waters, the occasional sea trout (weakfish).
Although water temperatures are heading downward, black sea bass and porgy (scup) have not totally eased up. At this point, they are more of a bycatch for anglers looking for other fall species. Those casing the reefs targeting them are finding squid to be the best bait, but enough weight is necessary to hold bottom or, in the case of sea bass, be heavy enough to either hold or drift bottom structure. Note that, according to regulations, many regulated marine species found in the Sound can now be caught year-round. However, water temperature and location are the key driving factors to success, so the time of year does have a play in effort verses success.
Meanwhile, inland waterways, lakes, and ponds have been making headlines. Trout activity is way up and, even with the drop in temperatures along with clashing fronts, catches remain good if a little extra effort is applied. Nymphs and streamers for fly fishers, inline spinners, and swimmers for conventional anglers with some live and scented baits have been producing excellent fish. The basses, perch, black crappie, and pickerel have been striking on a mix of artificials and live baits, along with catfish chasing home-grown concoctions. Don’t forget to check out the water levels and flows in the Shetucket and Naugy for broodstock Atlantic salmon, along with other inland bodies of water that were stocked again at the end of October and November.
Note: Email us pics of your catches (include details) to share with our USA and international fishing friends who enjoy keeping up with the latest fishing news.
For all things fishy including crabbing supplies, 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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