Fluke Regulations Decided for 2017—Black Sea Bass Pending
Gradually, and, with much anticipation, the 2017 regulations for the marine recreational fishing season are shaping up. One of the most concerning has been the one centered around summer flounder (fluke). As reported earlier in a column that ran on Jan. 19 (“As the Sea Bottom Changes, So Should Your Fishing”), Option 5 was overwhelmingly deemed to be the fairest as expressed by fishers at the public hearing held by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. However, it didn’t quite meet the required Recreational Harvest Limit and it was questionable if it would pass the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s scrutiny.
Ultimately, Option 5 was accepted and, recently, the new Connecticut recreational fluke regulations were adopted for this season, which will once again run from Wednesday, May 17 through Thursday, Sept. 21. The minimum size limit, though, was increased from 18 inches to 19 inches, and the daily creel limit was reduced from five fish to three.
Black sea bass is another fishery that has garnered much interest among recreational fishers. Throughout the 2016 fishing season, this tasty, sporty fish was repeatedly highlighted as the hot bite and often credited as saving the day on many fishing trips. In view of the last two outstanding fishing seasons, fishers from the northern states, including the weekenders and for-hire vessels, feel that tightening the regulations is hard to digest. However, this is what will most likely happen, even though the preference is to maintain the status quo.
Since this is a regionally managed species, what comes to bear are the unexpected end-of-the-year high harvest estimates from New York and New Jersey. These are having a negative impact on the upcoming fishery regulations and need to be sorted out before any final decision is made regarding the 2017 season. Conceivably, Connecticut might have to bite the bullet on a shorter up-front season and possibly other constraints in order to achieve a talked-about eight-percent harvest reduction. The season is rapidly approaching, so time is of the essence.
Before one knows it, both winter flounder and trout season will be upon us. Striped bass are already moving about and, because of a relatively mild winter, blue crabs should have survived nicely on their food supply. There will be a few downturns in the weather and maybe a blast or two of snow will find us, but all in all, we are pretty much on the downside. Think fishing!
On the Water
Spring in February—this ride continues! The end of the month has slipped away, but not before breaking the 60-degree mark on the thermometer again. Another brief dip in the temps is anticipated and then some rain before heading back up into the 50s. Even Long Island Sound and its tributaries are reacting, with inshore temps rising into the 40s in spite of the cooler Sound waters. Bright sunshine will do that every time. Additionally, this weather, together with the moon tides, have been a boon to clamming.
Last year was milder and, as such, we began seeing limited striped bass catches near the end of February. So far this season, there has been good action in the upper reaches of the main tidal rivers like the Housey by the Derby dam. Both the Connecticut and Thames are also feeling the bite as holdover linesiders continue their movement throughout the rivers.
It might surprise a few fishers that the suggestion of making a couple of casts along the shoreline this early in the season could produce a bass or two, especially near an inlet. Well, do not be taken aback. If this gradual warming weather pattern persists, an early run of small fish could materialize. Anything from a small popper to some bait, including soft plastics and hard swimmers, could be the trigger—even a Gulp sandworm.
All trout stocked waters are closed to fishing through 5:59 a.m. on Saturday. April 8 to allow for preseason stocking. The exceptions are the Trout Management Lakes, which remain open through Friday, March 31, and allow for one trout at 16 inches and the various catch and release Trout Management Areas. All non-stocked waters remain open where pickerel and bass have been feeding. The Shetucket River is the place for Atlantic salmon (one fish through March 31) and a few coves off the Connecticut River have been seeing variable northern pike activity.
A Moment of Silence
Recently, the fishing community lost a friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic fisherman. Those of us who participate in the long-running annual Eddie Beauvais Blackfish Tournament knew Joey Beecher of Guilford. Big fish or small, win or lose, it did not much matter. He loved catching ‘togs with his grandfather Dan and brother Mike. In fact, he enjoyed everything to do with the Sound. Joey left us too soon, but his smile will always be remembered. Rest in peace, friend.
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. 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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