It was a Father’s Day weekend where we finally saw a solid stretch of seasonably good weather. Bluebird skies stretched across horizons, seas were calm, and Long Island Sound was still filling with new fish as others were beginning to settle into their seasonal homes. Whether father was taking son fishing or the other way around, it didn’t really matter. The weekend could not have been scripted any better.

As years pass, it will become apparent that being together and sharing the day mattered more than catching any fish. However, as it turned out, there were fish to be caught and decisions to be made. The tide and times were such that selecting which species to target and when to target them were questions that needed to be answered. Actually, clamming even figured into that decision, because tides coming off the new moon were negative—lower than normal.

Since the day was to be a somewhat relaxing one, black sea bass and fluke (summer flounder) were of interest to many. The morning brought a flooding tide and, with a slight 5- to 10-knot breeze, conditions were optimal. Going through the routine of what gear was intact from last season and what new items were required is something that every fisher does as the real season gets underway. For most, this ritual was no different.

It just so happens that on this day, striped bass stuck their snouts into the equation. Word was out that a fresh run of linesiders were coming in off of the Atlantic and numbers of fish around the 30-pound mark were feeding. To add a little more interest, there were a number of fishing rods that were met with varying degrees of damage sustained from battles with unexpected endings. These became props during show-and-tells as fishers related their stories at the docks.

It did not take long for these tales to spread. Perhaps the upcoming morning was not to be as relaxing as planned after all. At any rate, the tide was right for whatever the morning was to bring, and the gear on board could easily accommodate sea bass, fluke, and those aggressive stripers.

Any fisher out on the Sound during this past weekend most likely had fish to dress or, at the very least, a good story to tell. Certainly, social media was abuzz with prizes of the day. Whether drifting for the key bottom fish or taking advantage of the striped bass bite, this weekend turned out to be the best two days of the spring season.

On the Water

The weather broke wide open under the new moon phase as inshore water temperatures rose to the low- to mid- 60-degree range. Some fog persisted, as did periodic robust seas, although Long Island Sound flourished with the filling of fish. Renewed enthusiasm was obvious when fishers recapped recent fishing adventures encountered out on the water.

An influx of fresh striped bass from 40- to 44 inches have been feeding on many of the inshore and offshore reefs with eels and menhaden having the clear edge. Even those soaking chunks of mack had little to complain about, as did those using hickories. Jerking wire had its ups and downs, but still caught fish, as did three-waying and diamond jigging. Early morning or post sundown inshore flood tides seemed to be the best times, however, tides approaching low managed to surprise a few less cautious bass. It is near-shore structure during incoming tides that have proven to attract fresh migrators. Many of these fish, including aggressive schoolies, are on the feed, and so if ever there was a time to experiment, it’s now.

Weakfish showed up more this week than last on reefs and sandbars. They have been taking jigs, squid, scented crabs, and soft plastics that were either trolled or drifted. The Sound is also seeing more harbor blues coming in to feed on the bunker, squid, and sand eels. They can easily be sidetracked with plugs, spoons and jigs. Lightening up on the gear to the 10- to 12-pound test class really enhances the experience.

Bottom fishing remains good. Black sea bass keeps on drawing fishers to the wrecks and reefs. Humpbacks are being brought up from varying depths on everything from squid and crustaceans to jigs and teasers. Anchoring has been the preferred method, although many of these sea bass are being caught while drifting. Scup fishing needs no prompting. The reefs and bottom structure are holding schools of these scrappers worthy of being a main dish. Seaworms, squid, clams, and even a few artificials are catching outstanding slabs to 17 inches and more than two pounds. More short fluke (under 19 inches) are showing up and being caught inshore, with the exception the enhanced areas where 17 inches is the minimum size. Landing a doormat will require effort, deep water, and a good offering that may include a fluke sandwich. Even smooth dogfish got into the act.

Estuary waterways are warming up, while crabs just meeting the five-inch, point-to-point size limit are showing up with a little more regularity. However, water temperatures need a little more help to get their cycles moving forward.

Sad Note

The fishing world has lost another long before his time. An ardent and enthusiastic fisher and previous winner in one of our shop contests, Billy Zadrozny of Clinton passed away at 18 while doing what he loved: fishing. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family and may he forever rest in peace.

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 fly fishing, 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

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