Will Santa fulfill your fishing wishes? It seems as though he was exceptionally busy this year as more elves had to be rounded up and trained to work the busy assembly lines. Even those had to be modified to accommodate this year’s high expectations at the North Pole. Consequently, Santa and Mrs. Claus had to sharpen up their technological skills in order to adapt to his increased global deliveries.

That’s right. Santa’s sleigh will be equipped with the latest in GPS navigation systems in the hopes that he will be able to successfully complete all the stops on his whirlwind journey. As such, all of us will be able to track his progress through NORAD with more ease and efficiency. Sorry Rudolph, your glowing red nose will now have competition. But fear not, because, without that nose of yours, it would not feel like Christmas nor would Santa have a reliable backup system when navigating through the fog. Take comfort in the fact that you and only you will still be the head reindeer, leading the other eight and guiding the sleigh overloaded with gifts.

There will be an array of fishing items, boating accessories, gadgets galore, stuff and stuffed stuff, games, interactive toys, and loads of clothes—even a fruitcake or two. Not sure how one of those SUVs will fit, but there will be enough room to tuck in some cell phones, watches, game boxes, action figures, and superheroes. And the list goes on. Certainly, there will be more than enough to stretch smiles from ear to ear.

All kidding aside, even though gift giving is a big part of the holiday season that helps invigorate this festive time, we must remember why Christmas, Hanukkah, and all of the other holidays are celebrated. When it comes right down to it, the true spirit of such days is one of unification. It is a time to remember those who are less fortunate and the people who are serving our country near and far. From the Captain and crew, may all of you have a joyous season right on through and including the new year.

On the Water

Long Island Sound’s average inshore water temperature finally dropped to 43 degrees, coinciding with the last full moon of the decade—the Full Cold Moon. Coincidentally, it brightened the sky at 12:12 p.m. on Dec. 12. Within a week, we saw more blustery winds, choppy seas, and a good amount of rain, along with some moderate snowfall. The shoreline actually shot past 50 degrees before a blast of Arctic cold chiseled that down to the 30s with more snow likely. As always, the road to winter is generally bumpy, but this year, it seems as though the cold season is taking a bit longer to settle into a pattern.

Except for offshore cod trips and some other varied deep water catches, the Sound has fallen into its quiet and peaceful mode. Christmas season has taken over the mindset as gift giving and the holiday spirit is preoccupying most people. The answer to the question, “What do you give a fisher that has everything?” will be repeated over and over again.

Spoiler alert: A fisher never has everything and never has enough. Working on that premise is a good place to start. It all depends on what type of fishing you’re talking about. Certain items, like a multi-tool or scale, can be universal, whereas a fishing reel, net, or fillet knife would not be appropriate for all applications. Visualize your utensil draw in the kitchen paying particular attention to the knife section. How many knives are safely stowed away? How many sizes and styles are compartmentalized? Well, it does not require the same type of blade in order to be efficient steaking a tuna, filleting a cod, or dressing a trout. Just a thought to keep in mind.

Speaking of trout, those stocked rivers containing browns and rainbows, as well as the backwaters that are a haven for brookies, have been surprisingly productive as of late. Considering the up and down weather pattern, managing to get out has been one obstacle, while plowing through the sometimes muddy or hard ground has been another. Nevertheless, venturing off road with a four/five weight fly rod or a fairly light spinning outfit has turned more than one fish. Remember that trout are a cold water fish and they generally move into the oxygen-rich shallows during the winter. Hopefully, you will get out fishing at least one more time to add another memory for this year.

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 crabbing supplies, 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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