In
these trying times, there is a new phenomenon developing along the
shoreline–and leave it to anglers with fish-catching ability to be the
grassroots catalyst. Throughout the year, many species are caught for both
sport and table fare. Conservation-minded fishers do their part in releasing
their catch to live another day and enjoy some magnificent fish fights in the
process. But this season is different.
Today,
there’s a growing interest to return to the days of yesteryear when fishing was
solely for sustenance, sharing catches with tribal folk and neighbors. This
appears to be re-emerging as prices at food stores skyrocket and supply
periodically is thin. Isn’t it appropriate that now, of all times, the Long
Island Sound bluefish population would be this dense.
Our
tidal rivers, especially the East River, have
a bounty unlike many have seen in decades. The fish are big, strong, healthy,
and fat. They are feeding well, pursuing menhaden far into the upper reaches of
the headwaters. As other adjacent tidal estuaries are experiencing similar
occurrences, the Sound itself is absorbing huge schools of these feeding
machines.
Fall
is here and marine fish are bulking up for their southerly migration, when
water temperatures reach lower tolerance limits. Then both bait and sport/food
fish depart and anglers switch their focus. So far, it’s been fabulous fishing
weather and great fishing. Not withstanding their perhaps unfair reputation as
less than delectable, blues are now becoming a sought-after food. In fact, when
there’s a break in the action, you might hear anglers swapping recipes,
discussing the art of filleting and dressing, or doling out brine or smoking
tips.
The
sea giveth and the sea taketh. A provocative exchange and now isn’t it marvelous
that at a time of need for many, the sea now gives us such a bounty? Within
reach of many land-based anglers, blues are emerging from the Sound and
traveling inland a cast away from anyone wishing to engage. There are more
bluefish racks visible along the banks than in recent years indicating fillets
are indeed being cut for food. Bled, dressed, and iced quickly, the food value,
as well as taste, greatly improves.
So
the next time you’re out and about hooking into pound-for-pound one of the best
fighting fish, before releasing it, check over your shoulder or think of a
neighbor. It wouldn’t hurt to ask if anyone would like to take it home for the
table. Certainly, in this—the year of the bluefish—there are plenty of fillets
to go around, and then some. Do remember though, the daily creel limit is 10—no
size.
On
the Water
This
superb Columbus Day holiday weekend, the weather and fishing were at their
peak. Air temperatures hit the mid-70s, water temps were low- to mid-60s, and
one was hard-pressed to sight clouds. The early morning hours were chilly, but
as the sun rose, an early blend of fall colors appeared and the waters in the
Sound were calm.
Anglers
had choices but the ambitious could have easily claimed a fall LIS slam—bass,
blues, and blacks. Larger striped bass moved onto the reefs, bluefish
maintained their dominance in the tidal rivers, and hefty blackfish/tautogs
hammered crabs on the local rock piles and reefs. Although at times scattered,
menhaden could still be found along tidal avenues mixed in with fall runs of
hickories and white perch.
This
weekend though, it was the tautog that brought out the ‘tog pullers. Fish from
8 to 12 pounds were caught from many local inshore reefs. Kelsey, inner
Southwest, Madison, Charles, Goose, Brown’s, and
Wheaton, to
name a few, were hot spots.
Look
to Southwest Reef for pre-dawn stripers in excess of 40 pounds. Charles as well
as Faulkner’s are also proving to be good for early morning live bait drifters.
Jerking chutes continues to be classic reef technique while Six Mile has been
producing multiple hookups for the trollers. There’s an increase in top water
plug action as well flipping eels along shoreline structure and passages. Hit
the rivers at night!
“Obscene”
continues to be the word best describing the bluefish surge. They are here in
force and show no signs of relinquishing their grip on the shoreline—at least
not yet. They are keeping anglers on their toes though, preferring plugs one
moment, bait another, and a mix during tide changes. One thing for sure,
anglers best come prepared for all eventualities including bringing along a few
Band-Aids.
Note:
The 20th annual Eddie Beauvais Blackfish Tournament is Saturday, Oct. 25 with
cash prizes for first, second, and third place, a buffet dinner, and raffle.
For info, contact VFW Post 7666, 104
Mill Street, Guilford
or call 203-453-9252 or Captain Morgan’s.
Fall
stockings of trout have brought sweetwater anglers to the banks. Fishing is
good both on the rivers (flies/light spinning gear) and lakes (trolling deep
pockets and along structure.) There has been a good pike and black crappie bite
with several local lakes/ponds seeing fairly good largemouth action on live
shiners. Catch/release Atlantic broodstock salmon fishing in the Shetucket River is underway after its initial fall
stocking. As the temperatures cool and fish get acclimated, fishing will
heighten.
Time
to batten down the hatches so when fishing Long Island Sound, think Captain
Morgan’s for all things fishy including 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: Al Ozols of East Haven was one of
several enjoying a day of great fishing with good catches including this
8.5-pound, 23-inch tog caught on greenies in the Madison/Clinton area.
Photo
courtesy of Captain Morgan