Creeping into our lives, most notably via connectivity with computer applications, has been Artificial Intelligence (AI). This phenomenon has been evolving behind the scenes, gaining prominence in science, technology, industry, business, etc. It is software that learns and progressively improves, making advances based on models built into systems that actually can be trained.

Anyone who has attempted to compose texts, write emails, or simply order items from a website has run into anticipated auto-fills and auto corrections - often suggested or made incorrectly. Well, this was the beginning for most users and only the tip of the iceberg, as many anticipate that this rapidly advancing technology will eventually impact all aspects of our lives. People and think tanks are now seriously considering to what extent AI should be pursued and developed, and what the ramifications could be in the long run.

As we have been monitoring progress, citizen science - the term used for the non-scientific volunteer community (the public) - has been gaining traction in the recreational fishing community. Its primary value here is utilizing crowdsourcing research to fill data gaps otherwise left open or immeasurable through normal processes and procedures utilized by fisheries management. To fill that void and improve stock assessments, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA ) has been taking a hard look at the collaborative citizen science approach while expanding projects like shark tagging, migrating American eels, tracking tides, and water levels.

Whether striped bass, tautog, or a myriad of other species are targeted under the auspices of NOAA, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), or Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAMFC, the more pertinent and current data that becomes available, the better the management results will be. Citizen science is another tool used to make that a reality. Through the more than 564,000 volunteers and 1.3 million hours logged just in 2022, the public passed their information to researchers in order to assist in answering questions. Throughout, science and technology’s best practices have been focused on our oceans and atmosphere. As a result, the tide has turned in favor of a growing trend in public participation in data collection relevant to scientific research.

On The Water

Small Craft Advisory warnings, prompted by 30 knot persistent winds (with gusts to 35 knots) churned Long Island Sound waters before strong high pressure built into the area. That system slowly moved farther northward away from the region, opening the door for a weakening frontal system that approached from the west. Meanwhile, an ocean storm passed well to the east and moved into Canada, remaining over the Maritimes for a spell. Air temperatures ranged from early morning 31 degrees to daytimes of 40-50s and skies mixed with sun, clouds, and an occasional spattering of rain. For the most part, Long Island Sound remained unsettled, with seas rising three to six feet before calming down, water temperatures registering in the mid 50s, and winds swirling salt spray.

The struggle to navigate to where the blackfish are located and securing anchor has been the typical fall challenge - only this season, more so. It is the time for our small boat trailer army to hit local spots, but dodging winds has been problematic. After slipping into milder weather, toggers were able to resume their assault on the near-shore rock piles as well as venturing farther out to deeper reefs. Catches improved over those previous days when the elements were less than desirable. Shorts are still around in numbers, stripping hooks of clams and crabs, but some of the larger togs of around six to seven pounds and better have been caught but generally requiring much heavier weights to get to them.

With striped bass meetings coming up regarding 2024 stock assessments and pending changes in regulations for 2025, there is no less effort dedicated to striper fishing. Fishers were out under the Full Beaver Moon, looking to add to their catch and release totals (and possibly add one for a season-ending meal). However, in all fairness, we have spoken with several avid striper fishers who have backed off from their normal routine in lieu of recent striped bass stock conditions and regulations. Nevertheless, anglers are still casting from shore and working reefs, bays, and rivers, as they continue to experience activity in the varying classes and sizes of fish caught. Noticeably, there have been more slot limit fish caught and those over the top, including plenty of shorts. Most fishers are sticking with artificials, artificial/bait combos, and drifting or chunking baits. Several tidal rivers continue to see hickory shad working their way upriver, which lends itself to a baitfish alternative.

If heading up one of the key tidal rivers to maybe hook into a channel catfish or bowfin, it might be a good idea to grab a little live bait, a light gear setup, and plan a stop for migrating white perch. A few of those inlets and coves have been holding some two-pound slabs or better. Not only is their mild, sweet flesh tasty, but these Marone americana (sometimes called stiffbacks) are also native to the Atlantic coast and hold up quite well in the freezer over the winter. A favorite of many anglers, white perch should be on your seasonal list of fish to catch, keep, and eat.

Not the only marine fish in and around Long Island Sound at the moment, blackfish, striped bass, and white perch are the three top ones targeted. Diverting attention to inland waters, trout, bass, pickerel, and panfish are the top attention getters there. Add Seeforellen brown trout and Atlantic salmon that are being stocked, and we have a nice selection of fish to catch now and more to come, as stocking will continue. With a drop in water temperatures (and in some cases levels), overall conditions have improved, but rain is still needed.

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.

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. 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

captainmorganusa@hotmail.com

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