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Is This Only the Beginning of Sandworm Shortage?

The most recent—and what appears to be the worst—shortage of sandworms in 20 years can be attributed to, in effect, a proverbial perfect storm. First, heavy rainfall coupled with a new moon tide made harvesting worms almost impossible for several days straight. Second, berry crops needed harvesting, so diggers temporarily left the sandworm beds in favor of better wages. Third, experienced workers have not been being replaced by younger workers who opt instead for better paying employment opportunities when available, thus reducing the number of laborers. Fourth, the towns associated with the sandworm industry are quite small ,so when diggers transfer out of harvesting sandworms, there’s little employment base from which to draw replacements. Finally, there’s the over-harvesting.

It seems as though the economy is also hitting this commercial enterprise as well, and the effects are trickling down to those who fish. Serious consideration of the sandworm industry as a whole is overdue and a comprehensive program designed to enhance stocks and alleviate shortages, whether artificial or otherwise, should be developed. This resource cannot continuously be harvested without repercussions or the pinch will be felt not only on your finger by this popular sea critter, but also by your pocketbook

On the Water

Once the effects of several weather events consisting of heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning, and wind were felt, a passing cold front chilled the morning air. Air temperatures dipped into the low 70s while water temperatures in Long Island Sound only fluctuated a couple of degrees, but still pressed 80 degrees. As the dog days of summer linger, this warm water continues to invite sea life that normally hug the Gulf Stream to our shores.

A recent surge of menhaden once again bombarded many harbors and tidal rivers. Oddly though, some of these schools lacked the familiar thrashing of feeding predators causing some anglers to scratch their heads, wondering where the blues and bass were hiding. Out on the reefs, however, there was a different tune.

Six Mile, Kimberly, Charles, and Faulkner’s did see relatively good bluefish action with many thrills coming from 8- to 10-pound choppers slamming top-water plugs. The same held true for chunkers that bottom fished structure with bunker and mackerel. Trollers dragging umbrella rigs or pulling straight and jointed lures had similar results along rip lines. The occasional weakfish was caught up in the mix. Inshore, snapper blues worked the flood tides, hardly ever passing a snapper popper, flashy lure, or shiner.

With the coming of the new moon, bass hunters were out looking for stripers during the nighttime flood tide. In spite of rough water and higher and lower levels, the undaunted tossed eels, darters, and swimmers in an attempt to lure linesiders from the cooler depths. Even with a touch of fall in the air, stripers still showed signs of lockjaw both in and offshore. Nevertheless, the reefs did give up fish, but no “cows.” Eels and bunker were good baits and ’brellas, jigs, and chutes were good artificial choices. Southwest, Six Mile, and Faulkner’s North Rip were spots to fish.

Porgy/scup are providing excellent sport even with the shortage of sandworms. Catches of black sea bass have been good, except the undersized young class of fish is greatly outnumbering those above 13 inches. Nearshore fluke hookups continue to outclass those from deeper waters with squid and sand eels being the primary baits—and of course, there are numerous bottom fish to entertain the casual angler as well as an abundance of blue crabs for serious crabbers.

NOTE: Deadline for registering for the WICC & Captain Morgan’s Bluefish Tournament is Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.

Rainfall and cooler temperatures have improved early morning river trout fishing along with a better trolling bite in the lakes. Large and smallmouths remain active, calicos are taking live bait and small jigs, some pike and walleye are being caught, and panfish are relentless.

For all things fishy including licenses, 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,captainmorgan.fish@sbcglobal.net

Captain Morgan

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