A cold front was eminent and, while the sun promised to keep us
somewhat warm, temperatures were in the mid-20s. Wind from the previous
day subsided and we were looking for a catch of panfish. As the ice
season was young and these little scrappers were figured to be in the
shallows where vegetation was prevalent and forage staged (especially
in view of the impending weather), we proceeded to drill a few test
jigging holes.
The arsenal was simple. Light jigging sticks, two-pound test, a
variety of micro jigs, grubs, a few pimples, and a couple of favorite
chubby darters were made to fit nicely into a small backpack/seat along
with a skimmer. Being familiar with this particular lake, we knew that
our first attempt positioned us over a point adjacent to a gradual drop
off.
When jigging for small fish, it’s best to establish a smooth, slow,
steady routine—jig up for about 15 seconds or so and then down. Since
panfish often take bait lightly, any interruption should be met by a
hook set. You’ll find that most hookups will come on the drop so stay
alert. Keep in mind also that fish react to stimuli and will move
accordingly. Food, temperature, weather conditions, oxygen, cover,
etc., all play an important role in locating them. They may be
bottom-feeding, top-feeding, or suspended.
These conditions, in part, determine whether the fish caught this
time last season or yesterday are in the shallows or have moved to
deeper water. As panfish grow, their diets change—going through a
spectrum of insects, plankton, shiners, crustaceans, and other assorted
invertebrates. Understanding that small fish school and larger ones
usually run solo and are often timid, fishing techniques should change
accordingly.
Panfish migrate and being successful in locating them means an
understanding of the lake/pond and its bottom structure. An overcast
cloudy day during a warm front may, for example, concentrate panfish in
the shallows. As the weather changes, they may scatter or go deep.
Knowing what their routes may be as dictated by points, dropoffs,
natural/unnatural bottom structure, etc., will assist in locating a
school or prize catch.
Add more fish to the cooler by tipping jigs with a grub, worm, or
partial shiner, threading a red bead, or adding a shiny spoon above
your baited hook or jig for extra weight and flash. It worked for us
this day. Fish smart and be safe by not walking on ice thinner than 3½
to 4 inches.
On the Water/Ice
Happy New Year to all and hello winter, ushering snow, sleet, wind,
and frigid temperatures down the aisle, offering more than a tease to
shoreline ice anglers. Areas that were relatively protected were able
to build ice, enough to sustain light hole-punching and a handful of
fishers. Limited spots, however, did manage in excess of four inches
where near-shore fishing was productive.
First ice, so to speak, saw intermittent black crappie bites along
with some largemouth bass and yellow perch action. For the most part
though, southern Connecticut weather needs to stabilize for more
consistent results. Northern Connecticut lakes, ponds, and coves, on
the other hand, did bring out more tipups and jigging sticks and
northern pike was added to the above catches.
Prior to the cold fronts moving in, several key rivers were dotted
with trout anglers both in the catch and release zones and those open
to creel limits. Wind was a key factor but in between blows, fish were
more than cooperative. Atlantic salmon fishing in the Shetucket River
was on again/off again. At times, the broods were “porpoising,”
ignoring everything but their frolic, frustrating anglers no end.
Patience paid off and, when the bite was on, 12- to 15-pound fish
hooked up.
Captain’s thought for the week: “A fisherman with little patience catches trees; one with too much catches bottom.”
Upper reaches of the Thames, CT, and Housey rivers are the places
to be for striped bass action. Soft plastics, small jigs, and
lightweight deep trolling are the go-to tactics to use. Stripers are
usually stacked up this time of year and fishing for them is usually
best before a cold front moves in. Go deep and keep the retrieve/troll
slow. Remember, you’ll need your 2009 fresh water license to fish this
far up.
Note: Captain Morgan’s has all 2009 fishing, hunting, trapping
licenses/permits (rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzle loader, HIP, CT duck
stamps, etc.) available including shellfish licenses for Guilford and
Madison. Don’t wait until opening day. Git’er done now!
Time to welcome in the 2009 fishing season so think Captain
Morgan’s for all things fishy, including the latest gear, bait,
flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies, ice fishing,
and licenses/permits. 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