With the looming state budget deficit on the forefront and a directive to agency heads to hold back $93 million in expenditures, there are a few proposed items within legislative bills that, if passed, could potentially affect fishers. Whenever proposals like these surface, one of the first concerns anglers have is whether funds collected go into the general fund or are dedicated to our fisheries.

In these particular instances, it’s been stated that, “By statute, any additional revenues generated by these initiatives, if passed, would pass through the general fund to DEEP [the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection] to support the fisheries program.” A follow-up question that’s often asked is, “Why?” The answer is quite simple: to raise revenue.

A proposal set forth by the DEEP takes up the matter of resident sport fishing licenses for senior citizens aged 65 and older. Traditionally, fees for these licenses have been, in essence, free. However, if passed, there will be a “modest” one effective Jan. 1, 2017 with $5 for inland (freshwater) and, if desired, an additional $2 for marine (saltwater). Thus, the cost for a senior all-waters license would be $7. No mention has been made of any provision for those only looking for a senior marine license. No mention of any consideration for retired vets, either. It seems similar to paying into Social Security and, when the time comes to reap benefits, the rules change.

Senate Bill 139 has already been introduced and raised to the Environmental Committee. This has to do with establishing a trout stamp and a salmon stamp over and above the purchase of an inland fishing license. Of course, if one isn’t fishing for trout or salmon, but only largemouth bass, for example, then that fisher wouldn’t need a stamp. However, no mention is made when fishing for other species in waters stocked with trout or salmon.

The bill provides for a maximum charge of $10 for a trout stamp and $28 for salmon. This will be a process in which regulations need to be adopted and a hearing held. No fees have been established yet, since the cost of the stamps and how they’re to be administered are currently in review. Senate Bill 139 could die in committee or be voted down. These programs attempt to advance the self-supporting efforts of inland fisheries.

Now for the saltwater side of things. Everyone who fishes for striped bass, as well as other species in Block Island Sound, knows how solid fishing has been recently. The migratory cows and those of spawning age have been frequenting the reefs and record numbers of linesiders have been caught with some released.

From landward south of Montauk, New York to south of Point Judith, Rhode Island lies the proposed newly amended boundary in part of the federal Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In other words, if Bill HR 3070 (introduced by Rep. Lee Zeldin, New York) is passed by the U.S. Congress, fisheries management of Block Island Sound will fall exclusively to New York and Rhode Island and any interstate marine fisheries management commissions—that is, 150 square miles of fishable waters, including the EEZ in Long Island Sound.

From a recreational standpoint, there will probably be very little, if any, effect considering our reciprocity. However, commercially there would be a negative impact that would hit Connecticut hard. These federally permitted fishing grounds, which have been open for centuries, could now become state managed and so there could be additional costly licenses required. In some cases, a non-resident license may not even be granted as in the case of lobstering.

Fishing for striped bass has been prohibited since 1990 in the EEZ. If this bill is passed, what will be the effect on the striped bass population and, more specifically, the spawning biomass? That question hopes to be answered when the Secretary of Commerce reports in three years from enactment to Congress on the impact. For now, HR 3070 is with the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.

On the Water

Pipe-freezing cold morphed into near 50-degree weather before moderating into the 30s and 40s again. It was the west wind that brought warmth and the low pressure battling a dipping jet stream that gave us more rain instead of snow. With that swing came stiff winds and a reminder that spring is on its way.

This has been primetime for scoping out our resident eagles. If patient enough, you might even see them plucking fish from the rivers or returning to their nests clutching one. You might even spot one returning with a rabbit. If you prefer the beach, scan the rocks at low tide for harbor seals. Look carefully. It’s also a good time to learn a new knot.

What little ice we had along the shoreline all but melted and fishing on the hard water became even more tentative. It appears that in addition to anglers preparing for the spring bite, many are hitting up the soft water for fish that seem to be a bit more active. There has been limited striped bass activity in the tidal rivers, a better bite in those waters stocked with salmon, some fun trout action, and white and yellow perch nibbling on bait.

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 rod 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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