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01/05/2022 11:00 PMNeedless to say, 2021 was a year to behold! “Shortages” was the one topic of conversation that kept cropping up time and time again throughout the entire year. Prompted by COVID-19 with all of its associated variants and mutations, they affected and changed everyday routines on which lives have grown to rely. However, one of the few exceptions has been our southern New England fishery (specifically, Long Island Sound,) its tributaries, and not too distant inland waters.
In short, other than the typical fishery management challenges, the 2021 fishing year came through with flying colors just when it was needed the most. All we needed to make it complete was more of an overall good old New England winter, which would have contributed to a more robust ice fishing season throughout the state. That said, early trout and salmon stocking programs turned out to be a prelude to what the season was going to be all about.
Not only were there record-breaking personal bests recorded but also the numbers of fish caught and caught/released were extraordinary. From trout to largemouth bass (and many species in between) anglers kept creating photo-ops and memories along the way. Once again, trout waters opened early and it didn’t take long for rivers to fill with anglers, their efforts quickly making their way across social media’s bragging stage—and rightfully so.
Enough cannot be said of the vibrant freshwater season as inland waters continually produced anglers’ catches throughout the spectrum of species. Large/smallmouth bass, pickerel, perch, catfish, etc., were all active, even bowfin, but fewer white perch. Weather played its role, however activity started early and, in many instances, stretched out into December when normally those waters would have flipped and the thermocline would have brought on a noticeable downturn. Weather continued its mild wintry trend resulting in water temperatures warming quicker than normal. Lakes and ponds started turning over sooner, around the same time as holdover springtime striped bass began to stiffen their fins and become quite active, taking advantage of runs of herring. Previously, anglers hitting the Atlantic salmon waters worked the water levels and flows to the best advantage. Overall, catches of these salmonoids were good.
As Long Island Sound water temperatures gradually climbed and finfish, like herring, shad and eventually schools of Atlantic menhaden, began entering the “big pond,” more migrating fish started showing up. Around the same time period, April saw the opening of blackfish (tautog) season. As water temps rose, ‘tog pullers connected earlier than last season’s opener and managed to connect more often, however, windy weather and untamed seas created challenges both along inshore walls and offshore reefs. Fall was considerably much better—not only plenty of shorts, 3- to 5 pounders, but also quality double-digit catches. Good news: NOAA re-classified the status of these slow-growers as no longer overfished in Long Island Sound!
As Memorial Day weekend approached, the Sound continued to fill with fish migrating up the coast and in from the continental shelf. Striped bass exploded with fish below, in and above the slot limit as fishers grasped the idea of inline circle hooks now being mandatory. Fly- and conventional fishers all had success with many quality fish being caught in the shallow bays and nearshore reefs. At first, bunker schools were scattered but eventually became thick and far-reaching.
Weakfish picked up from last season. Tiderunners from 16- to more than 30 inches were landed, their run continued right through fall. Striped sea robins were quite plentiful, with more being eaten than in the past. Like many fish of the season, there were many more larger fish including specific sea robin (gunard) contests held. Scup (porgy), known as the “family fish,” also had a banner season with loads of 15-inch or better fish caught. Small scrappers were also in the mix, which is good sign for the stock.
Perhaps, the fish that got the most play was the now ever-popular, attractive, and tasty black sea bass. That fishery is well established in Connecticut waters since water temperatures of the Sound is cooler than those warming in the DelMarVa region causing a northern migration. Fluke (summer flounder) had its ups and downs. Some fishers claimed they had a good season, while others found it lacking compared to years past. Shorts were plentiful! Deep water produced and whole squid was the ticket for many. Winter flounder, on the other hand, fell between the cracks. Fish were caught but weather and the two fish limit dampened more participation when considering other options.
Bluefish was probably one of the surprises of the season since their appearances have been wanting. Where recently dominant sizes have been 3- to 4-pound harbors, this year saw more fish in the double-digit range that came out of the woodwork. Of course, the influx of menhaden had a lot to do with that as it did for schools of reappearing visiting bottlenose dolphins. In the mix of blues and weakies, fishers caught Spanish mackerel, another surprising re-appearance. Most blue crabbers could chalk up another good season while shellfishers hit the beds in high numbers for fresh food, salty air and exercise.
It was definitely an active shark season with sizable dogfish, sandbar, and sand tigers caught. Large skate were hooked and many visitors such as gray triggerfish, northern kingfish, pufferfish, and oyster toadfish were caught—even black drum, spotted hake, banded rudder fish, and ladyfish. Offshore tuna hunters had a good year as did those landing threshers along with the occasional elusive deep-water swordfish. It was not surprising how close some tuna fed to shore considering the good squid runs.
Fall rolled in cranking up fishing activity even more and, as winter tried to take hold, fish would not give up feeding. The season kept rolling on as mild temps continued interrupted only by typically unpredictably predictable weather and angry seas. Even as Christmas and the New Year approached, linesiders, trout and bucketmouths, for example, hung in there as did several die-hard fishers. If that is any indication, 2022 could top last year.
On the Water
Long Island Sound is quieter now that the holidays have passed and water temperatures are wavering around the low to mid-40s. Weak frontal systems have come and gone with low pressures stunted by brief high ones. Another cold front is on our doorstep signaling a rain and possible snow mix prior to the weekend. Seas continue with swings of being calm to angry while seagulls hunker down and harbor seals seek the comfort of the craggy coastline during times of low tide.
Although January is attempting to turn the wintry corner, periods of mild weather persist and a few anglers are hitting inland and tidal waters for trout, Atlantic salmon, and even holdover striped bass. Ice fishing is tentative, even north of the I-95 corridor, however a few of the soft water lakes and ponds are seeing short spurts of activity from anglers giving it a go. Most rivers and streams remain flowing and peaceful with the stocked or those holding native trout enticed to take a bite. Do not be too fooled, though, as air temps are slipping.
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 the latest gear, 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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