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Striped Bass Bite is On and the Action is Hot

Those light gear enthusiasts who mix richly with the marine environment are experiencing an explosion of recent outstanding striped bass fishing. Sure, trout has stolen the limelight these past few weeks with two- to four pound test line challenges. However, it’s tough to beat the hookup and runs of fresh schoolies like we are seeing early on this season.

Initially, the early mornings were chilly and the evenings likewise, although that was quickly forgotten by the second hook set. Weighted soft plastics worked. Hits from small top water plugs were attention getters. Bait, though, cranked up the action even further.

These fish were about as hungry as they could get. Their silvery striped body with dark tops glistened. Each one appeared to come out of the same mold, yet seemed to have its own personality—if that’s possible. Most had reasonably full bellies, but you wouldn’t know it based on the way they were feeding.

No doubt, there were Atlantic menhaden caught in the nets that these fish had already tasted. Nevertheless, this particular school acted as though they hadn’t eaten for a while. Either that or they were just as happy to us as we were to see them. It’s not as if they hung around this one spot. No, these schoolies were passing through on their way up the nearby small tidal river that few fish ventured up the previous week.

This particular river is known to attract some stripers that top 30 pounds in the midst of the season. Still, time will tell if history repeats itself. The earlier runs have all been holdover fish spilling out from the mouths of the main rivers. These, however, were part of the northern migration, and their numbers mostly likely attributed to the 2011 class of mid-Atlantic striped bass.

Each and every one of these stripers were released not only because they wouldn’t meet the non-voucher legal limit if stretched, but also because they deserved it. Except for a 10-pound class rod setup, anything needed to catch these fish (bait excluded) could fit into a pocket tackle box. Other than that, it would help if a heavier mono or fluoro leader was attached to minimize taut line going limp when encountering bottom structure hazards.

Whether trout has your attention or you are yearning for some saltwater action, you have your choice right now. Actually, you can experience the thrill of both, so why not take full advantage of the bite that is going on right now? Enjoy your time on the water and good fishing, my friends.

On the Water

Long Island Sound inshore water temperatures hit the 48-degree mark and, with the upcoming westerly winds and the Gulf Stream temps, we should see them rise at least to 50- to 53 degrees. For now, the rains have moderated, winds subsided, and the seas have laid down. April 30 marked the Full Flower or Corn Planting Moon—a time when flora and fauna really wake up.

Atlantic menhaden have been migrating into the Sound, while swimming into the bays and tidal rivers. With each passing day, more are showing up in nets. Striped bass are not only taking surface and sub-surface artificials, but are feeding on these bunker. Deceivers and Clousers are catching schooling bass all along the shoreline by using a fly rod, while a good choice for your spinning rod would be top water plug. Sea worms fished 18- to 24 inches off the bottom or similarly drifted near structure or outflows have been productive, as have chunk baits.

It looks as though another good spring run of weakfish is coming through. Fish in excess of 20 inches have been showing up fairly close to shore by the entrances to various tidal rivers. For those already fishing from their vessels, some of the recent action spots have been The Race, Six Mile Reef, Faulkner’s Island, and the West Haven sandbar.

Blackfish (tautog) spring season is now closed and will re-open to two fish on Sunday, July 1. Water temps warmed a bit more to slightly increase catches, but not enough for a grand finale. However, winter flounder catches are running about average on the days the weather cooperates. Sea worms and clams have been the priority baits fished on the bottom.

Trout season has been in full swing with re-stocking underway in both eastern and western parts of Connecticut. Key rivers, trout parks, and management areas still are producing the most fish (10- to 12 inches), while only a few breeders have been caught here and there so far. Overall, the trout lakes have been on the quieter side. A mix of baits from naturals and scented to artificials have all been working, depending on weather and water conditions. Fishing for the basses, panfish, catfish, river carp, and especially pickerel have been reasonably productive.

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 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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