Excluding Atlantic menhaden, the recreational fishery that got the most play in Long Island Sound and beyond was undoubtedly black sea bass. A hint to such an explosive season were the thousands of juvenile fish that were evident in coastal habitats and inshore bays the previous year. Their increased numbers were actually topics of conversation two seasons back.

Last season, hardly one fisher who ventured to reefs in search of this tasty table fare returned without a limit, which then was either three or five 14-inch fish, depending on which of the split seasons one fished. In fact, it was often commented that it took longer to steam out and set up than to catch one’s daily limit.

This was not only indicative on the Sound, but throughout this fish’s Northeast management region from Massachusetts to New Jersey. Humpback hunters were out in force to take advantage of the bounty, thus creating pressure on its biomass. True, warmer mid-Atlantic water temperatures did cause some northerly migration into cooler waters, which, in turn, seemingly increased the number of fish in the region.

However, in spite of the optimistic 20-percent increase for the 2015 harvest, it appears that the recreational regulations will change for 2016. Where fishers were looking for more relaxed regulations this coming season, they can expect the opposite. Due to the large numbers of black sea bass harvested in 2015, it will be necessary to reduce the 2016 harvest by 23 percent. To achieve that goal, new considerations in the minimum length, daily creel limit, and length of seasons need to be undertaken. The new regulations will be published in the 2016 Angler’s Guide.

On the Water and Ice

The recent Arctic blast provided us with the coldest days of the winter, knocking air temperatures into single digits and below. Add the wind chill that was as low as 30 below and, for a little while, one could actually believe winter is here. Sea spray from the Sound froze, waves crashed, and short blasts of snow covered the ground as amounts greatly varied. In a short span, water temps in the briny dipped from 40 degrees to 34, yet there were still fish that remained hunkered down instead of departing.

With the temps tanking the way they did, one could hardly expect our fin friends to be enthusiastically biting. In fact, one would have been better served to sit by the heat of the fire and tend to gear that would be put back in service sooner rather than later. However, that was not necessarily the case since rumor had it that fish were, in fact, nibbling at the same time eagles were on the hunt for food. Big mistake.

These birds of prey were seen actively hunting and returning to their nests with their forage, most of which were fish, along with a rabbit or two scooped up for good measure. The river still had menhaden stretched throughout that made for equally good eating, as well as the trout from nearby stocked waters. Rivers also contained perch and pike that were feeding on shiners in the coves. In lieu of ice, these fish attracted hardy open water anglers eager to hook up and have some fun for the day.

Scouting out a few of the soon to-be-stocked rivers, it was found they had good flows and levels. The shaded areas still had patches of snow along their banks, while many of the ponds and some lakes were split—some with tentative ice, others mostly skimmed with ice or completely open. Ice conditions were somewhat more favorable in the middle and northern parts of the state.

However, we are approaching the end of February, when fishing in most stocked waters will cease until opening day. This is a leap year, so we all get an extra day of fishing. If safe ice does set up, some unstocked waters that do not close and can be fished are Beeseck, Dooley, Messerschmidt, Pachaug, and Pattagansett. Other Trout Management Lakes like Rogers, will remain open through Thursday, March 31. Check your angler’s guide for closures.

Sunday, March 20 marks the first day of spring and, believe it or not, wildlife are starting to sense it. There are more robins and blue jays poking around for worms, foxes and coyotes searching for food, and red tail hawks eyeballing the fields for a quick kill. In the rivers and lakes, we can expect an early spawn. So get your gear in order and don’t let a few more February blasts fool you. Discounting extreme winters and based on majority of past experiences, we only have about two more weeks before the weather begins to level off.

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 reel repairs, 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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