Printer Friendly Version - Recharge Your Fishing Exploitations

Gabby Bilotta of Washington, DC, an accomplished fly fisher who cut her teeth on the Potomac River, outdoor enthusiast, and career professional, along with dad John, world fly fisher, guide, and instructor in DC/Madison (inset), team up fishing for sea run trout in Argentina. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

A topwater fishing lure designed to have natural body action, and when worked, simulates a feeding or wounded finfish, is hard for a striped bass to resist. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

As the bottom fishery season progresses, David Petersen of Madison hooks into both blackfish (tautog) and black sea bass from the same spot without moving, using the same natural bait. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Have you noticed the number of anglers who have headed out or are returning from fishing adventures in what used to be far away locations? Flights are becoming more direct from local airports, and the trek to those distant fishing grounds, in some cases, is an adventure unto itself. English is generally spoken, although Spanish or French does come in handy.

But do not fret, interpreters are generally close by, and those cell phone translator apps are becoming universal and generally fairly easy to use - at least for the basics and where there is ample signal strength. I found open water cell phone use to be relatively okay, but remote fly-in locations or rain forests can be an entirely different story.

So, the hopper plane landed and the trip in a vintage Volkswagen-type or converted school bus (with minimal shocks) made it to the lodge safely. That is unless, of course, horseback was a more efficient mode to address steep winding trails. If that were the case, it might be the right time for a little bug control using a pump container of 100 Repel.

Up to this point, the trip may have been a little arduous but definitely adventurous. Along the way, some of your traveling companions, who may have all been anglers or a mix, may have stopped off at small villages along the way. Maybe you were riding solo with just one or two others. At any rate, eventually you finally arrive at your destination!

Sounds of water and voices of the wilderness all but erased recent memory, as focus became strictly fishing. Mentally and physically, one is tired. A quick tour of the lodge for intros and to unload duffels and gear - perhaps, a change of attire - took less than an hour. And then, with fly rod in hand, waders slipped on, with a half-secured vest containing a box of trusty flies, off to the river for a look-see.

A look both up and down this magnificent tidal river revealed not a sole. Late day was overcast, and while others were back at the lodge relaxing, getting prepped, or maybe taking a sip of a local treat, this angler was casting, stripping, and drifting a rubberleg bugger looking to hookup with a trophy sea-run trout.

After word got out, it did not take long before one or two more positioned themselves up and down river, while the others stretched out to catch up on some sleep. At dinner, there were those few telling fish stories and those only listening. One does not need an imagination to visualize what took place over a week of fishing on this spectacular river, especially with each day being different. All of these sea-run trout caught were trophy fish that made memorable strong runs - what anglers’ dreams are made of.

Sooner or later, all dreams come to an end. Why is it that a return trip home always seems shorter and less complicated than the one in the beginning? The final runway touchdown came with a sigh of relief and a momentary glad to be home feeling. As always, returning to familiar waters to hook up with local fish undoubtedly has its rewards. However, not looking forward to the next remote fishing journey to a river like the Gallegos would be a sign of someone devoid of fishing blood in their veins.

Low pressure passed to the south, as high pressure briefly dug in prior to another low passing through the area. The front remained south of us with lows moving along it. A stronger low developed, bringing another period of rain before slowly passing south of Long Island and moving northeast into the Gulf of Maine prior to heading to Northwestern Atlantic. Meanwhile, 50-degree air temperatures dipped into the 40s before bouncing back into the 50s and shooting into the high 60s. Long Island Sound water temperatures pushed into the high 40s, saw increased wave action as winds hit 35 knots with gusts to 45, and seas responded to seven feet heights before everything took a breath and eased off.

Even though opening week of spring blackfish season was hindered by awkward and challenging fishing conditions, striped bassers targeting springtime linesiders have been able to work around them. Holdovers that have been active in the tidal rivers offered opportunities to fishers that have been up against similar conditions that encompassed wet and high surf fall-time scenarios. From schoolie bass right on through slot limit sizes, these holdovers have been taking soft plastic swim baits, spoons, swimmers, quality plugs, and small to medium size bucktails with trailers attached. To date, most of the stripers hooked have been released, however, both hickory and CT River American shad have been creeled for their food and bait value.

Setting anchor or tying off for tog fishing from the breakwalls was trying during these transitional periods. Wave heights and crashing waves made it almost impossible to hold anchor on near-shore spots. Even with cool water temperatures, a few average togs were caught from shore on jigs and soft baits. However, throughout the breaks that were accompanied by warmer air temperatures, thoughts of successful togging began to look up.

Back on the freshwater side, and with a little more than a week to go before the catch-and-release period ends on most waters, anglers are eager to fire up the grill or bake some freshly caught trout. By then, many of these stocked trout have settled into their natural habitat and will have become a bit more educated on what to eat or pass up. Due to the numbers of trout released after being hooked, anglers will also have to sharpen their skills in order to re-catch some of these fish. Therefore, presentation, the type of lures tied on, and bait or fly used should be given more than a second thought. Keeping the whole package realistic in appearance and as natural in movement to its surroundings as possible will increase the catch rate.

After a week of tumultuous weather, it was an opportune weekend for sports clubs and various organizations to hold their trout derbies. Native brook trout rivers were popular, as well. The weather cooperated, although many rivers remained swollen but gradually began making a comeback to more fishable conditions. Lakes and ponds fared much better, even though their banks remained soggy. There were largemouth bass, smallies, pickerel, and numbers of panfish caught on numerous live and artificial (including flies) bait options.

Fly Fishing Clinic: Now accepting reservations for 2024. An outstanding opportunity for the experienced or intermediate fly fisher! Booking inland and marine fly fishing lessons with top flight, highly experienced instructors, and guides. From trout, salmon, steelhead, and sea-run browns to striped bass, bonefish, permit, and tarpon, etc., techniques learned and honed will improve your fishing adventures. Gift certificates are available for a special angler!

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, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, licenses/permits, and much more, 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 and Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.