As we work our way into the heart of winter, this might be a good time to take a trip to a place where the weather is warmer. Whether you like the Carolinas and their great mid-Atlantic fishery or want to head farther south to the islands, a break from New England could be just the ticket you need. There are such a diversity of fishing opportunities that the choices can be mind-boggling.

One fun trip is down the coast across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and onward to the Overseas Highway headed toward Islamorada or Key West. There are plenty of sights to see, numerous land-based spots from which to fish, and more than enough charter vessels and guide boats that are anxious to take a small party fishing.

A trip to the Bahamas opens the window to island fishing. A puddle-jumper to the out-island of Andros or any of the chain islands reveals the secrets of island living. Wading the flats for bonefish and permit or tackling barracuda will always produce memorable moments.

You can get lost in time the farther south you go. There are rainforests and dormant volcanoes surrounded by unusual fish species and wildlife. The air is humid, beaches are pristine, and the blue water is crystal clear. Island food is fabulous, as are the unusual liquid refreshments. You may see the occasional iguana pay a visit to your fan-cooled bungalow, but it’s still worth it.

Packing a travel rod or two with some varied tackle is a good idea when considering remote destinations. The more isolated the destination, the more scarce fishing gear becomes. If meeting up with a guide is more to your liking (as opposed to going it alone), then there’s no need. A camera or smart phone will do the trick. When booking a trip, be sure to ask what the rules are and what to expect.

Techniques, as well as the gear used, will certainly be different from what you are used to. The simpler, the better. Talking to an experienced fishing traveler or doing a little web surfing can eliminate some of those concerns and help prepare for a trip less confusing and disappointing. When traveling to distant locations, think emergency and limited cell phone capability and then pack accordingly. Also, be aware that a passport may or may not be required. Plan ahead.

Some of the best trips ever taken were to far-away destinations that had little to no tourist traffic. The fishing was great, the people were friendly, and the whole experience turned out fantastic. If fishing is in your blood and the lure of warm water and exotic destinations harboring a plethora of different fish species gets your attention, then this might be time to go for it!

On the Water

Ice fishing weather melted into nearly 50-degree weather, shaving down the thick ice to just a skim in some cases. Then the rains came again, followed by heavy winds, before temperatures took a downward turn. And so goes this flip-flop season where ice fishing reigns one day and then there’s questionable ice the next day—unless one ventures inland, where chances of finding good ice increase. In fact, a few of the local protected lakes and ponds actually held onto their base and had activity like bass, perch, pickerel, crappie, and bluegill, although the surfaces developed into slush.

The shrinking snow piles along the shoreline are mostly all gone, but the major rivers like the Connecticut and Housatonic continue to experience ice jam issues of late. As ice fishing seems to be suffering, notwithstanding that we still have to get through February, open water fishing has taken a tick up. Sure, the edges might be crusty, but near the natural spillways or outflows, there may be a trout hidden below.

It might take a little work to generate interest and probably more patience than one might be used to, but sooner or later, curiosity will win out. A small lure may do it, live bait slowly jigged may be the answer, or even a fly tantalizingly retrieved could evoke a strike. Rest assured, though, that the chances are good for a hookup.

Even some of the lakes and ponds that opened up were seeing some limited activity. Whatever fishers used to attract fish, slow and steady repetitions seem to pay off the most. Slow jigging along a sunken vegetation line or a not-too-deep drop off held a few schools. Typically, no more than one-sixteenth of an ounce flutter jig tipped with a small grub or fished bare was enough to connect.

Meanwhile, the Sound is relatively quiet, except for a few gusty days. Some schools of Atlantic herring are squirting around the population of seals. Mummichogs are in the estuaries and may be a little easier to trap now that some of the ice has broken up. Seagulls are working the beaches for any food they can find and the cod lit up south of Block Island.

Update

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection’s pending trout and salmon stamp is alive, on track, and could still be anticipated for 2018. However, it is taking a bit longer to go through the legislative process—specifically, legislative review where language of the bill SB139 is being scrutinized.

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, 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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