A Teaching Moment for Fish and Fishers
The striped bass bite continued to intensify, as shore fishers and an increase in boat activity took advantage of the range of linesiders available. Unlike today’s brick and mortar or internet-based classrooms that attempt to force-feed our younger generations into new ways of thinking and acting, what can be learned by exploring the outdoors, specifically water habitats, is a teaching moment.
Interacting and observing how the various fisheries co-exist within the food chain can be one of life’s lessons. At times, fish move about freely without trepidation, until tides and currents change when it then becomes time to exercise dominance within a very unique watery restaurant. One learns about territories, feeding habits, existing together, and how Mother Nature plays a hand in manipulating fish cycles and migrations. Eventually, one sees how taking more than one’s share at the dining table may leave someone without any food.
Early spring affords one the ability to fish for and release many striped bass, for example, below the 28-31” slot limit. In so doing, we technically teach these youngsters what is food and what is not - even if it is for a short duration. Anglers are also taught how to catch these formidable adversaries. As fish forage, rigging up a six to 12-pound test outfit (or 7/8 fly combo) will go a long way in drilling down to what is actually food and what is not. It also amplifies what the experience of hooking into a striped bass on light gear offers.
In most cases, an angler will be using artificial lures (flies included), where any hookup will immediately bring on a call to action. The hard bite will feel jolting, as the rod bends and the drag sounds. Line will melt away and then slowly be retrieved if it survived a wrap around some bottom structure or piling. After several runs, a young striper will be brought to the surface before being released. And if one was caught, there will be others running a river or along a beach. There is one thing for certain - the fisher learned something of value and so did the fish during this episode.
On The Water
A frontal boundary lingered south of the area before being pushed offshore leaving a weak high pressure in control, as a weakened low passed to the north. Another cold front moved through the area along with a weakened frontal system that approached, bringing in a period of rain. High pressure then built in, as more springtime conditions prevailed, and air temperatures climbed into the 70s. All the while, Long Island Sound water temperatures continued to edge up to the low to mid-50s, winds moderated, and for the most part, seas remained relatively calm.
As one fishery’s season closes out, another seems to pick up the slack. It is one of those management decisions favoring the best options for a stock, as well as an effort to keep the fishing stream alive. In that vein, blackfish (tautog) wound down on April 30 after an active last two weeks that saw some fine catches. On May 1, porgy season opened to a 30 fish creel limit at 11” for boat anglers and 9.5” for shore anglers, and fluke opened on May 4 to three fish at 19”. Blue crab season also opened on May 1: 5” hard shell/3.5” soft (no egg bearers).
The hot species on the Sound remains to be striped bass. Surrounding and including the range of the 28-31” slot limit, the bite carried over to May, as shore anglers and small boat fishers continued to score hookups using natural live, fresh frozen baits, and artificial lures (including flies) when winds cooperated. Although for the most part, stripers are considered low light predators. Many of the catches have been during daylight - the majority of which were fresh and spirited. For these schoolies, try a paddletail, spoon, topwater plug, swimmer, bucktail, or fly - all of which have been producing fish.
Summer flounder are migrating closer to our fishing grounds. At this time, squid are currently moving through 100 feet of water and will be making their way in closer. If you are looking to get a jump on fluke, one might consider starting to fish the western waters of the Sound and/or farther east toward Gardner and Peconic Bays. Three-way and hi-lo setups trimmed with squid and ample weight are simple enough to entice a mini-doormat or better when into a decent drift. On the other hand, flipping fins to winter flounder, recent attempts at catches were hit or miss. Tides and winds were a factor for fishers, but it looks as though the coming days ahead may turn the tables in the bays and channels.
End of April and the beginning of May saw intermittent stocking, while the remainder of the trout waters saw continued activity from anglers. Chatfield Hollow has been a point of concern because of the short periodic closures due to improvements (mainly road work) that interfered with the flow anglers. It is advisable to check on public access before heading out. Overall, spin and fly fishers have been into the full range of trout species using an array of natural/scented baits and artificial lures - including newly tied nymphs, dries, and streamers. Largemouth and smallmouth bass remain interested in jigs, cranks, spinnerbaits, and soft baits, as well as some topwaters. There is more pickerel activity, an increase in catfish catches, an improved black crappie bite, and more than enough bluegills for the entire family. Live worms, small jigs, and inline spinners, along with stinky baits, have brought fish to the hook. Keep in mind the white perch and American shad run up the CT River.
Fly Fishing Clinic: An outstanding opportunity for the experienced or intermediate fly fisher to sharpen up. 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 that 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.
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
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