Talk of the Sound during last year’s fishing season was that of black sea bass with respect to how they have settled in, their abundance, clockwork catches, and food value. Whether dockside, on the water, in tackle shops, or through the media, these tasty and fun-to-catch fish (not ignoring their beauty) were a constant topic.

After all, easy-to-use rigs or simple hook setups with rather common in-season baits and the appropriate amount of weight is pretty much all that’s needed—save for rod, reel, and line. A quick check of the tides and one was off for a fun-filled fishing trip. But how will they fare this year?

From all indications, fishing will be just as brisk. There are two stocks of black sea bass: Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic stocks. Both stocks, according to the latest stock assessments, are not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. Among fishers, there is little disagreement on that point. However, since the biology of these species is not well-known and there is a lack of data, the resulting stock assessments do have a high degree of uncertainty built into them. Therefore, as management decisions are based on science, erring on the side of caution is an accepted practice and most always followed.

This brings up the point that if this species is apparently that prolific, especially in Long Island Sound and, since the coastwise water temperature shift, how can we be facing a reduction in the recreational harvest? Without getting into a discussion about the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) data and the fact that data collection, to a point, has been negatively affected during COVID, the most-recent technical data suggests a reduction in the recreational harvest.

It was obvious at the February meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (MAFMC) that, despite the analysis of the MRIP data by the Technical Committee, voting in favor of a recreational harvest reduction was like taking a bite out of a very bitter lemon. The options on the table were a 28-percent default reduction, a painful 27-percent reduction, or a less painful 20.7 percent. So, with that in mind, the least-painful management decision to achieve the most-favorable recreational harvest limit was chosen and it looks like we will be looking at a new set of regulations once any final hurdles are met.

The following is a recap of the motion passed: During the Feb. 8 meeting of the MAFMC board meeting encompassing black sea bass, it was moved to adopt conservation equivalency for recreational management. The move incorporated the Technical Committee’s analysis of the MRIP data to achieve the coastwise 2022 Recreational Harvest Limit and specified a 20.7-percent reduction in coastwise harvest compared to the 2018-’21 average. It also adjusted the non-preferred coastwise measures for consistency to: 14-inch minimum size, 5-fish possession limit, and open season of May 15 to Oct. 8. Motion passed with no objections and two abstentions, 10-1. If no action was taken, then the reduction would default to 28 percent, 16-inch minimum size, 3-fish possession limit, and open season of June 24 to Dec. 31.

On the Water

Prior to the weekend, the cold spell was broken by warmer temperatures and a few unseasonably sun-filled warmer days. Mid-week temperatures broke the high 40s before hitting 54 degrees. Accompanying this system were rather mild south and south westerly winds and calm seas, along with changing visibility throughout the Sound, while water temperatures fluctuated between the mid- to high 40s. This high pressure settled nearby before moving offshore, along with a passing warm front that offered a 50-degree-plus Saturday. A cold front returned on Sunday as a southern Mid-Atlantic low pressure developed, but passed well to the south and east of the area, leaving the door open for some ice fishing weather ahead of another warming trend.

These repeatedly changing weather patterns have put a damper on making plans as more and more ice fishers have been adopting a wait-and-see approach and have been reacting much quicker to changes. As a result, those hitting the hard water based upon changes in the barometric pressure have been doing quite well jigging and flipping flags.

We seem to have been going from good hard water to slushy surfaces (or no ice) and then back to iffy hard water. Unfortunately, that can create areas of tentative ice conditions in one area of a lake or pond while, in another, rock-solid ice is found. Be aware and take precautions such as testing thickness and carrying a pair of ice awls. Nevertheless, anglers sensing an approach to an early season have already been testing the trout waters for natives and holdovers. Word on the street is that a few clubs have been stocking trout for their February ice derbies with the proviso that they could turn into an open water event if unsafe ice prevails.

Where safe ice has sustained these flip-flopping weather conditions, lake and pond action, although varied, has continued to include the typical catches of largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, pickerel, some trout, and more instances of northern pike.

Meanwhile, tucked back into a few of the quiet coves off key tidal rivers, some ice fishers are hooking into mostly undersized striped bass while jigging both hard and soft lures. Since these rivers are tidal and influenced by the rise and fall of the tides, finding fish can become a challenge, especially if bottom structure is unfamiliar. Similar to the warm season, these linesiders will move with the tides, as well as with the forage.

Although jigs will generally outperform baited tip-ups, setting up a few with a live shiner will draw attention and generally add to the day’s production. Don’t be surprised if a slot-limit-size bass is hooked! Therefore, when drilling a hole through the ice, opt for an auger that will bore a larger diameter hole. It will allow for an easier time when a fish is pulled through the ice and reduce chances of damage upon release. When bait fishing for these holdover striped bass, either through the ice or open water, remember that an inline circle hook is required. Speaking of bait, sea birds (along with seals) have been busy feeding in the Sound, suggesting that an early spring is in the offing.

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 reels, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Masks required inside. 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

captainmorganusa@hotmail.com

captainmorgan-fish.blogspot.com

twitter @captmorgan_usa