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12/08/2021 11:00 PMThere were two days just prior to and immediately following the weekend where sun poked through and gave highs of 57- and 62-degree days. Granted, there may have been some wind and precipitation to contend with, but nevertheless, those days were welcomed by fishers. Sure, there may be another day breaking 50 degrees, but not many where small craft will venture out, unless seeking cover in search of sea ducks.
Invariably, those popping sounds one hears emanating from the Sound that momentarily divert attention away from the flickering fireplace and hot cup of coffee are the migratory bird hunters. It may take a few focused scans through a pair of binoculars before you can separate the rocks from the camouflage, but within a couple of minutes, their position is discovered. And if the hunters are successful, a cooked bird with all the holiday dressing will be brought to the table for all to enjoy.
Taking another look across the bay and toward the Sound, one spots another bit of activity—someone with a clam rake scratching along the bottom. Every few pulls, the clammer bends over to examine their catch, prepared to either toss back a rock or a bivalve too small to keep. After a handful of throwbacks, this time the catch reveals several clams of which all but one make it through the measuring gauge. Of course, at that distance, you can only tell those returned from the keepers by observing the splashes made. Suddenly, the thought of a new clam basket and float comes to mind with hardly a notion as to whether or not that gift would actually be considered a stocking stuffer. Well, so much for the pre-holiday agreement.
Although air and water temperatures are slowly dropping and it’s beginning to feel as though winter is on its way, there are still catchable fish in the Sound. The weather definitely calls for layering and something warm to the touch, but the feel of a keeper striped bass swirling and splashing as it comes from warm saltwater into much colder air is an end-of-the season thrill. Such a rewarding catch is going to provide deliciously poached, bite-size appetizers drawn in melted butter. Knowing that a fisher is always interested in adding something new and exciting to their arsenal, once again the thought of a stocking stuffer or something a little larger comes to mind. Maybe, if lucky, it will be something even more substantial this time around.
Now is the time of year when shoppers seek ideal gifts to be placed in stockings hung by the fire or under the tree. Sometimes an idea hits that just will not fit comfortably in a stocking or, for that matter, is not easily wrapped. However, this is part of the holiday experience. We know Long Island Sound is bountiful, and countless times have seen it provide feather, fin, and bivalve for the holiday table in the form of a bird, fish, or clam. As we read along, we saw how a few gift ideas developed. It doesn’t take much to initiate the thought process, but when it begins, ideas suddenly crop up.
Letting the imagination run wild will usually result in something rewarding to the recipient, as well as the gift giver. Gift giving should be treated as a gesture of goodwill from someone who cares in hopes of bringing joy, rather than treated as an obligation. As often said, “It’s the thought that really counts.”
On the Water
High pressure moved in prior to the weekend, bringing with it 50-degree temperatures and some rain—a tease of warmth that typically occurs in early December. A couple of weak, quick-moving frontal systems interspersed by brief high pressure then passed through, accompanied by 40-degree temps before dropping into the high 30s and eventually moderating into the mid 40s. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound water temps managed to remain in the high 40s to the low 50s with rotating winds of 10- to 25 knots, gusts to 40 knots, and seas ranging from 1- to 4 feet before stormy weather returned.
As the Sound gradually slips into its wintry mode, most striped bass activity has been relegated to the surf, main holdover tidal rivers, and small vessel nearshore waters. Avid fishers braving the colder weather and windy conditions often found success by being patient and methodical. These fish are taking bucktails, plugs, soft plastics, flies, and some baits. Many of the larger linesiders have either already left the Sound, migrated, or are about to migrate into our rivers.
A select group of these fish even remain outside and deep in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where, by federal law, it is illegal to fish or possess them. Passing through a designated zone with a striped bass on board is permitted even if caught off Block Island, which is more than three miles from shore. However, stopping to fish in the EEZ will result in a big ticket if caught by one of enforcement’s patrolling vessels.
Once blackfish (tautog) season closed for the 2021 season, those fishers willing to brave the cold and venture out are considering either black sea bass or widely publicized cod trips as a viable option. If there is a run of Atlantic herring, then breaking out sabiki rigs and casting from shore is always a fun thing to do. Generally, though, except for a few enthusiastic fishers, the only competition will be seals—not bad if they would be content catching their own. However, it’s an easy meal snatching one or two that are already hooked.
Lake and pond fishing for largemouth bass has surprised some as fish normally in deeper water were ripping baits in much shallower water. As water temps drop, that’s changing. However, smallmouth have now grouped together, so finding the fish is key to a good day of fishing. Pickerel action has been good, as are perch, limited northern pike, and some channel catfish. Good trout fishing continues in the rivers, although as temps continue to drop, lightening up on one’s retrieve is recommended, especially when working swimmers. Live baits, such as worms, have had variable results. More Atlantic salmon have been stocked, so check out the Shetucket and the Naugatuck rivers for quality fish.
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 rods, 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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