Constant
wind and wave action made for extremely difficult holding of ground tackle–no
matter the scope. It was one of those “should we or shouldn’t we” types of
decisions that was pondered over. Although safety is always first concern, it
really didn’t figure in here as much as knowing that the trip was going to be
wet, bouncy, and very salty.
If
the season wasn’t waning so quickly and holiday gears weren’t forcibly meshing,
the day would’ve been chalked off in favor of a pigskin game. But there were
still blues lingering in the mid-50 degree water, stripers just aching to be
caught, and togs, although deeper, still well within reach. A somewhat
reluctant decision was made to uncleat and head out. And so we did.
Normally
this time of year, mooring lines have already begun to stiffen while outboards
begin to develop that early morning cough and shake. Soon that will be the case
but not just yet. Knowing that in one week this could all change, we loaded hot
thermoses to offset the gloomy day and ice chests optimistically reserved for
the tide’s catch on board.
A
little bit of this bait and a little more of that, we steamed ahead with the
thought of letting Mother Nature dictate our game plan. Other than fishing,
there was none. If conditions allowed for tautog then we’d drop a hook but if
drifting or trolling seemed more productive, we had that covered as well.
When
a couple of old salts get together, there can either be non-stop conversation
or few words spoken. Often though, it’s an expressive glance that tells the
story. That was the case here. With limited options, trolling and rolling the
rips was the only logical choice–going with the flow, so to speak. Somehow the
fish didn’t mind as much as, quite honestly, we did.
In
the curls, as port and starboard gunwales slapped the water, fish could be
seen. There was a mix of striped bass and bluefish chasing heavy chromed
spoons. Wiping spray and the occasional peak wave from our brows was effort
enough but cranking in line while maintaining sound footing was the absolute
chore–let alone de-hooking and releasing fish. A few fish were kept for the
cooler. The hot thermoses? They weren’t even touched until the vessel was once
again secured to the dock. And, that’s the way one of the last trips of a
season can take place.
On the Water
Warm
water temperatures have somewhat stalled the fall migration of blues and bass,
giving us plenty of fishing but unfortunately winds and subsequent wave action
have closed many windows of opportunity. When the weather chose to cooperate,
fishing proved to be fantastic with schools of both bass and blues becoming
seasonally aggressive.
With
little time left before Thanksgiving and anglers beginning to focus on year-end
events, precious bonus days have been few and far between. Nevertheless,
striped bass are here in numbers, schools of blues continue to linger and
blackfish/tautog are heading for deeper water beckoning ‘toggers to follow. In
fact, bluefish blitzes have occurred within casting distance from shore just a
few short days ago.
With
cows either moving in from the Rhode Island coast or splitting ranks to follow
the Atlantic coast, anglers are looking for that 50- to 60-pounder that’s been
eluding them–in some cases, for a lifetime. Now is prime time to try for that
record-buster as the big gals cruise the inshore reefs, move across Long Sand
Shoal, linger around Southwest Reef, and head west and, in a few cases, move up
along tidal rivers to hang out for the winter season.
Hints
are that we’re in line for impending cold front(s), which ought to tighten the
window on remaining blues. But look for striper action to continue a bit longer
and, if another bonus day or two were to materialize, there should follow an
arm-weary top water session or two. For those surf casters, jetties, some
beaches, and a few of the wharves are producing fish on plugs, chunks, and
eels. For these guys and gals, the season will continue–longer if you follow
the striper coast.
As
water temperatures continue to drop, Atlantic broodstock salmon in the
twelve-pound range are becoming more active. Single hook spoons and small
spinners have been connecting along with mixed-colored and dark streamers.
These, along with trout in CT’s stocked rivers, have been offering decent fall
fishing when the winds beg off.
Largemouths
have not been very active but ‘smallie’ fishing has been hot, joining the good
pre-front bite for northerns and black crappie. Carp are being caught in the
main rivers while both river/lake catfish taking bottom baits. It seems that
certain labrador retrievers have taken a liking to cheese/blood baits so watch
your frisky outdoors pal. Tom Megargee (DEP fishing instructor, avid freshwater
angler and excellent fish chowder creator) landed this colorful CT River cove
40½” 15.7Lb northern pike using live bait.
Wherever
fishing, 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 on 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