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05/09/2015 12:00 AMFor many anglers, the beginning of this May is turning into unfamiliar territory. Worms are deeper in the ground and so hunting night crawlers has been a chore. Trout have been lazier than normal and shell fishers are finding clams a bit deeper. Even in the Sound, where rising water temperatures are fighting an uphill battle, some species are lagging behind.
However, if you tell that to the seasoned angler, you might hear a different tune. Granted, this spring has been colder than normal and both bodies and boat motors have had their share of coughing, but nevertheless, the waters are seeing baitfish movement before the keen eyes of fisher folks have picked it up. That means sport fish have already been on the scene, foraging whatever food’s on the move. After such a long winter, bellies need filling and energy levels need hikes. Holdover stripers are hungry. Migrating fish are hungry. River herring are hustling to meet nature’s needs, and, needless to say, anglers are extremely hungry.
Striped bass are transitioning from only schoolie bass class to fish in the 38- to 40-inch range. Early lunker hunters are starting to crank up the size of their gear, yet not keeping it too light so as to stress bigger fish. Bigger fish also means turning bite-size baits into more of a mouthful. Since saltwater reefs are still generally quiet and not many boats have been splashed yet, our run of weakfish (sea trout) is going mostly unnoticed. The same holds true for the spring run of Atlantic menhaden.
Some of the Algonquin tribes called May’s full moon the Flower Moon. Certainly, by now, we can see why. Along with blooming flowers that finally are popping up everywhere, there are the fishers who look to flora as an indicator of the beginning of a fishing season. Somehow, blooming dogwoods seem to be more reliable than calendars and clocks. Even though temperatures have been on the cool side, this year is no exception.
Well, now you have it. The fish birds of prey have told us as they dove for bunker and trout. The flora have now told us. The tidal rivers have spoken. Fishing season is here, so grab a cup of java, your gear, and hit the water! May your trips be fulfilling.
On the Water
Action really picked up along the Connecticut shoreline this past weekend. Air temperatures rose to the 60s, marine water temps touched the high 40s, fish were biting, and Fradiani Fever drew huge crowds when American Idol semifinalist Nick Fradiani went to the Guilford Green. In addition, State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr., held special office hours to meet with constituents and discuss pressing issues, like the one rescuing the Kensington Fish Hatchery from the budget ax.
Water flows and levels moderated, as well as temperatures, affording trout anglers greater opportunities to hook into river trout. Stocking trucks continued hopscotching around the state alternating between rivers, lakes, and ponds while hookups were on the rise due to improving fish and weather conditions. Mixed with the ’bows, browns, and brookies were some dace and white suckers that were competing for food.
Other freshwater species are gaining some ground while fighting through the cold water trying to catch up with the time of year. We’re seeing an improvement in smallmouth bass activity with better success rates contingent with smaller baits. Largemouths are still somewhat sluggish, but more active in the warmer shallow water. Pickerel are more active, but northerns are more reluctant. Even the panfish activity is up a bit. Overall, though, the water is still on the cool side.
A trip to Long Island Sound has turned out worthwhile for most. Reef action is quiet, but the spring bait picture is positive. Fishing in the tidal rivers or along the nearby shoreline has been productive for striped bass and winter flounder. The seaworm picture needs improvement, however, the worms are the bait of choice if they can be acquired. Clams are also a good option and, with a spring run of Atlantic menhaden and hickory shad taking place, those baits as well as herring and mackerel can be effective. If not, dig into your tacklebox and tie on a bucktail or swimmer. It might also be a good time to tackle some white perch in the upper tidal rivers and maybe even some channel cats.
Not much is happening on the blue crab scene right now, but oddly enough, they’re already showing in New Hampshire, as Dave of Fish Nerd fame said when he recently visited the shop. At the time of this column, the shellfish beds in the Guilford and Madison area are open and have been seeing more and more diggers with most agreeing that the water temperatures need warming, although the bivalves are cooperating.
Note: Email us pics of your coolest catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends.
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
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