The weather is tip-toeing in step with the coming of Thanksgiving. The holiday is running late this year and the fishing season appears to be stretching, as well. A few pleasant days followed by a sudden drop in air temperatures has been reacquainting us with what it means to layer clothing and be extra cautious on the docks.

It is early morning and, while looking across the tidal river, one sees the familiar steam rising from the water. There is a flurry of hickory shad and, undoubtedly within attack range, stealthily lie a few striped bass looking to add some more body fat. Farther down river and out into the nearby harbor, rocks are beginning to show their waterline indicating a dropping tide. Here, tautog are still hugging near shore before cooler water temperatures drive them into deeper waters. Their season is also stretching as their environment, for now, is still on the warm side.

So, here we are. Good marine fishing still abounds. Holidays are rapidly approaching and the chores are mounting. Does one procrastinate, hopefully stretching the season and adding more fish to the freezer or pull early and play it safe? It is a question everyone faces this time of year with the determining factor, ultimately, being the weather. This year the weather and the fish are on our side, but the clock is not. Enjoy every bit of your remaining season.

On The Water

November is still unseasonably mild for we have become accustomed to, however, fall is now gaining a foothold. For every one step of cold forward we are now experiencing two steps of warmth backward. Lately, coastal Long Island Sound water temperatures are averaging 53 degrees while mid-Sound temps have been around 57 degrees.

Soon the inevitable will happen when the fishing activity dwindles and settles into a winter mode. Until then, there is enough action to keep both boaters that can navigate the weather fronts and the shore huggers hopeful. There are schools of bluefish moving through still taking advantage of a Sound full of fall bait. Most of the choppers (not to insinuate large numbers) are being caught along the reefs and avenues leading to and from them. Trollers and jiggers are scoring with artificials while chunkers and drifters are favoring various baits.

Striper activity has been mostly relegated to the schoolie variety. These fish are taking advantage of the moon cycles affecting river baitfish. Smaller plugs, lures, and live and dead baits (hickory shad, menhaden) have been effective at the change of tides. Live eels are enticing larger linesiders out on the reefs when currents have eased while 4-to-6-ounce jigs have been effective in deeper water. However, do not be surprised if you have to crank it up to 10 ounces or so when the seas and winds kick up. For fishers stripping flies, the mid-lower tidal rivers and adjacent flats are worth a shot.

Blackfish and tautog have not yet moved to deeper water. Inshore rock piles are producing quality fish, most of which are between four and six pounds. Crabs and clams are the prime baits fished on single or double hook rigs. Check out Madison, inner/outer Southwest, Browns, and Kimberly reefs, as well as Goose Island, The Thimbles, and structures outside key harbors (including the break walls). Look for the togs in 10-to-20-foot depths. Not all scup have moved out. Try outer Southwest.

Another stocking of Atlantic broodstock salmon from 2-to-15-pounds took place. One hundred of these fish, averaging 10 pounds, were evenly introduced into both the Shetucket and Naugy rivers bringing the seasonal total to 1,800. Pike action is good along with crappie, white and yellow perch, carp, and some catfish. Bassers will have to work, but smallies continue to surprise! Fall river trout fishing has been good especially with nymphs and streamers and small swimmers and spinners. Check out the 10 lakes and ponds recently stocked with 224 broodstock brown trout weighing 3-to-19 pounds. Treat yourself to some terrific fall action!

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,

Captain Morgan

captainmorgan.fish@sbcglobal.net

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