Oh,
the calm and tranquility as another fall season takes hold. This year though,
it’s been quite different. The rush of steady bluefish action in the rivers and
the almost daily attempt to evade the massive schools of menhaden is suddenly
gone. Sure, there’s the occasional burst of action that erupts when a small
school of marauding blues chase some bunker upriver, cornering them for
bit—long enough for deserving anglers to snatch a few baits and hookup.
That
episode, though, creates a blood rush just long enough to warm the body, but it
too is soon over. The river, in all its beauty, bursting with color (some
already toned down), reverts to a more serene environment similar to a summer
town once the tourists depart. Sad to see them go but glad to welcome the return
of peace and quiet.
As
anglers, we greet this time of year with optimism for we know and have come to
expect great fishing. Each year we hope and each year, although the degree of
fishing success may vary, some of our favorite fish will be here for us to
enjoy. Of all the seasons, it’s fall to which most saltwater anglers–and
sweetwater fishers as well–look forward.
There’s
a difference in the way stripers and blues feed after a long respite or at the
end of a tiring journey and the way they gorge themselves prior to an upcoming
migration. Packing away that extra protein during their southerly fall run
cranks up our fishing and fish fights.
It’s
only the beginning of November, but to some, it signals a farewell to hooks
until the sun rises on a new season. To most, though, it’s a striking wakeup
call alerting anglers to hit the shores for the best fishing of the year. It’s
time for hot thermoses, layered clothing, sharp hooks, and good knots—and yes,
big, strong striped bass and alligator bluefish. So join in on a month of great
fishing here on Long Island Sound, one outstanding habitat for fish and
fisherman.
On
the Water
Predawn
cold, wind, and a drop in water temperatures, especially in the tidal rivers,
assisted in driving menhaden into the Sound. The blues seemingly relented and
let them regress, thus easing river pressure for other inhabitants. Notably,
shoreline fall colors are in their seasonal dress, but during the week, seas on
the Sound, for the most part, were kick’n, leaving little windows of
opportunity for anglers to hit the reefs or enjoy a fall cruise.
Schools
of small to keeper-size striped bass have moved in and several of the tidal
river entrances have been hot spots for light tackle action. These fish are
aggressively taking live eels, other live baits, plugs, and soft plastics.
Schoolie bass can be found throughout many tidal rivers including the East River. With much of the bluefish pressure gone from
the upper reaches of these rivers, more striped bass are being caught from
shore and small craft.
Both
inshore reefs like Cornfield, Crane, Menunketesuck, Duck, Charles, and Brown’s
are all seeing an increase in bass activity. A little farther out, Inner/Outer
Southwest, Faulkner’s, Goose, and The Beacon were home to some bigger fish while
trollers hit Six Mile for a mix of bass and blues. Slowly drifting eels along
the edges of Long Sand Shoal and Kelsey produced memorable catches.
October
is known for the fall run of stripers and bluefish blitzes. On cue, birds have
been working the reefs while schools of large blues have been tearing into
bunker and shad. Now that we’re entering November with temperatures still on
the warm side, the action ought to continue. October was a hot blackfish/tautog
month with many whitechins caught from nearshore rockpiles and reefs.
With
water temps edging down (still many spots in the low 60s) and the recent
unsettled seas having churned most bottoms, togs slipped into deeper water.
Recently 30 to 40+ feet has been the zone with crabs topping the menu. Southwest,
Madison, and Charles reefs along with Goose Island
and Townsend’s Ledge scored high. Don’t rule out the protected waters of the
Thimbles.
Fresh
water fishing is mixed. Flows in the main rivers are up so the tributaries are
likely spots to fish. With more than 45,000 fall trout stocked (13,500 browns
and 31,600 bows) river/lake anglers ought to be kept busy. Overall Atlantic
salmon has been above average with walleye, pickerel, black crappie, and
channel cat fishing good. Other species like large/smallmouth bass and pike,
about fair.
So,
wherever fishing takes you, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy
including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair,
clam/crabbing supplies, and licenses. 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
Pictured: Mike Ruggiero of Clinton
caught his career-best 11-pound-plus 26-inch tautog with a nine-pound kicker
near the Madison/Clinton shoreline. These were 2 of 12 caught between three
co-anglers.
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan