An estimated 5.8 million people are expected to fly this Thanksgiving, and 8.2 million are anticipated to wing it Christmas. Somewhere tucked in a jammed luggage compartment or hidden in the belly of the beast will be fishing paraphernalia belonging to anglers heading to all points on the compass. Some of those destinations will be direct flights, some will require multiple connecting flights while still others will demand an additional puddle-jumper to a remote fly-in destination.

With time to spare, a handful of anglers may take the more relaxed approach by bundling several weeks together and taking a leisurely drive down south or across country. Once the thought process begins churning, it may take one to waters that are familiar or one popularized in the media but never fished. Images of lagoons, mangroves, remote blue water atolls, Caribbean islands, distant archipelagos, the untamed Amazon, and more are visualized. All may have their own unique idiosyncrasies, but they all have fish and spark one’s imagination.

Destinations that have been on bucket lists time and time again are the Bahamas, Bermuda, Key West, Costa Rica, Cabo San Lucas, Prince Edward Island, Belize, Panama, Graham/Langar Islands, Kenai Peninsula, Hawaii, Christmas Island, Scotland and so many more including numerous largemouth bass and trout waters situated across the country.

It is a rare occurrence when these distant fishing holes do not measure up. Waters are almost always pristine, their surroundings test the imagination, and the people are about as friendly and accommodating as they can be. If a largemouth bass lake is less than breathtaking, then the fishing is awesome. Rain forests, mountains, jungles, island chains, colorful beaches, back countries, and so forth, all found in these remote ports of call, just add to the outstanding fishing experience.

Blue water will excite marlin fishers, as will sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The flats invite the pursuit of bonefish, permit, and barracuda while somewhere in the channels and backcountry lurk tarpon - the silver king. Mangrove snook is always a pleaser when not on rooster fish, cubera snapper, trevally, or sierra - ceviche style. Lest we forget, heading upcountry for king salmon or south of the border for giant searun brown trout can be intoxicating. When it comes to choices, it can be difficult to decide whether to choose a destination, a target species, or both.

A funny thing. Sometimes, during a stay, one cannot help but talk a little bit about the fishing back home - a destination many fishers gravitate to in its own right. After all, what we took a momentary diversion from is a popular stop-over for many traveling anglers. Packed full of memories and eager to talk about fishing once caught up on sleep, journey’s end is at hand. When touching down on the tarmac and finally coming to a full stop, somehow returning to home waters generates satisfaction, knowing that these unique grounds have an attraction all their own. Something to keep in your Thanksgiving thoughts. Happy T-Day!

On The Water:

High pressure continued as it moved in from the west and remained in control for the next couple of days. A deep low-pressure system then impacted the region, bringing unsettled weather, a period of much-needed rain accompanied by the typical following winds gusting to 30 knots that created 2-4 (and occasional 5) foot waves. Air temperatures dropped from the 60s to the low 30s before rebounding during the day to the 40-50s and reaching highs of about 54ºF. Long Island Sound temps hovered around the low 50s as northerly winds eventually swung easterly before blowing from the south and west.

The lack of adequate rain has been creating below-average water levels. In many regions, low rivers exist with less than ample flow to support optimum fishing conditions. That being said, tidal rivers supporting bait runs have been showing off sustained striped bass runs. For instance, during the most recent full moon phase, when tidal waters rose to the point of minor flooding, heights rose above normal high tide levels. As a result, both hickory shad and smaller finfish were able to swim farther upriver. These were followed by pursuing stripers easily crossing breached dams that otherwise would have hindered foraging.

Feeding linesiders covered the spectrum of throwbacks to slots and above - some exceeding 40”. Generally, though, fish below 28” were the norm, with some caught being within the slot of 28-31”. A great recreational sport for any angler - especially when pairing an 8-10# pound test line with a light-sensitive rod having a little backbone and 1/2-3/4 ounce swim bait or jig. Since most of these striped bass are lip-hooked, these young, hardy and strong fish are able to withstand skirmishes with anglers generally without negatively affecting their release mortality rate. That’s a good thing!

The way the season is progressing, interaction with striped bass is likely to continue into December and from that point on, any activity will likely be confined to the tidal rivers. As more stripers hold over in these waters, easing off on fishing pressure should be something to consider. If anything, catch and release using artificial lures and or flies during this period or, perhaps, even a nighttime closure to curb poaching would be a step in the right direction to enhance the stock.

Thanksgiving week also marks the end of the fall blackfish (tautog) season in Connecticut, with the final day being Thursday, Nov. 28. Overall, blackfish season will go down as a good one as togs were caught up until its closure. As water temperatures began dropping and headed to 53ºF, fish moved into deeper water - first from the nearby rocky structures, then to the closer reefs, and then ones a little deeper. Basically, from the 2-3 ounce, then the 4-6/8 ounce, and lastly into the 10-12+ ounce sinker depths where some of those elusive white chins migrated to and evaded being caught until our 2024 season ended.

Are you still hankering to wet a line but your marina pulled the plug or the last of your vessels have been or are about to be winterized? Re-visit the tidal and inland waters. We are still seeing slab white perch being caught as well as, in the tidal rivers and farther upriver, some bowfin, channel catfish and certainly migrating stripers.

But more on point, the inland rivers, lakes, and ponds are still producing trout, bass, pickerel, and panfish. Add the native brook trout class habitats, Seeforellen brown trout waters, as well as the Shetucket and Naugy rivers being stocked with broodstock Atlantic salmon, and you have plenty of options to wet a line. The way this weather pattern is shaping up, expect your T-Day and fishing days around it to be a mix of sun, clouds, and a little cool with a few stories to tell.

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. Or, contact Captain Morgan for a fly fishing trip of a lifetime to a remote national or international fishing destination.

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. Face coverings optional but recommended inside. 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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