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12/17/2015 11:00 PMAtlantic herring are a cold-water fish and among the most important group of fish in the sea. They have a huge biomass that probably makes them the most populous of all species and they mostly forage on zooplankton including krill, which are small crustaceans. In turn, numerous other species such as whales, sharks, seals, and even salmon feed upon large schools of these herring. Of course, there is a large human consumption thrown into the mix, thereby creating a substantial commercial market on both sides of the Atlantic.
What makes herring especially attractive to North Atlantic recreational fishers is their coastal migration that brings them close to inshore waters and accessible to anglers. Many will catch these fish for consumption, while others will stock up their freezers and use them later on for bait. These are different than what we refer to as river herring (alewives and blue back herring), which are protected and generally don’t enter into tidal rivers.
This year, unlike past seasons, we are experiencing exceptionally mild weather, which creates comfortable fishing conditions. If one were to mosey down toward the shore and to harbor during an incoming tide, be it in day or night, chances are you will run into schools of herring, especially if seals have been in the area. If that’s your inclination, take along a heavy-size freshwater or light saltwater rod loaded with about an 8- to 12-pound test line. Attach a herring or Sabiki rig, add the appropriate weight (one half-ounce or better), and cast away, retrieving with a moderate sweeping action. There is no daily creel limit, but try to not be wasteful or greedy. If you haven’t fished for Atlantic herring this time of year before, give yourself a treat.
On the Water
Who would have thought we would experience this kind of weather the week before Christmas? Of course, El Niño gave us a hint, but still, Long Island Sound remains in the low 50s and has been relatively calm, leading one to ponder exactly what is there for anglers to catch.
For starters, our local striped bass population is taking full advantage of the December bounty. The key holdover rivers like the Thames, Connecticut, Quinnipiac, and Housatonic have been seeing schools of adult bunker that are casually being consumed by our local linesiders. Those bass are also taking to soft plastics, sliders, top water plugs, and small jigs, as well as slow sinking flies. Although most fish are moving slowly upriver, there is action in the lower tidals and out into the Sound.
What has been occurring beyond the shoreline is a migration of coastal Atlantic herring and very large schools of them. The birds are a dead giveaway! Of course, this activity is drawing striped bass to their location for a feast. Our population of pinnipeds (harbor seals) have also been called into action and can be seen throughout the Sound diving and coming up with more than just a snack. For those with the time, there has been some very good fishing. To top it off, winter flounder are showing up inshore.
Continued good weather has meant some outstanding inland trout, Atlantic salmon, sea run trout fishing, and even a few largemouths. With almost 75,000 trout and more than 1,280 broodstock Atlantic salmon stocked this fall, fishing opportunities have been plentiful. It’s recommended to scout out the water ahead of time to ensure the levels are accommodating.
Saved from the Budget Ax
Time for a shoutout to the action taken by people concerned with our fisheries and how important they are to Connecticut residents, visitors, and the state in general, which has succeeded in keeping all three state fish hatcheries open for the fiscal year 2016.
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 flies, 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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