Printer Friendly Version - A Little Creativity on the Water

A family Father’s Day fishing trip yielded black sea bass and fluke for dads Dan Lanoue (left) of Northford, Phil Fitchthorn (top right) of Rising Sun, Maryland; Ed Rubino (top right) of Guilford, and son Jake Rubino (bottom right). Photo illustration courtesy of Captain Morgan

Now is the time to be creative. We are seeing more fishers or one-time fishers bring in their once-used tackle boxes to be re-stocked. They are often surprised when, in some cases, it is suggested to re-use an item or two that they already have—only in a different fashion. Of course, the essentials would need to be replaced or perhaps even added, but re-tooling one’s thought process is not always easy.

For example, to offset a shortage of stainless steel, using some old and infrequently used trolling wire to make some bluefish leaders can save the day. A swivel, wire, and hook put together with a haywire twist can be used with conventional and fly fishing gear depending on thickness. Is it as good as one constructed professionally? Probably not. Will it be effective? Yes!

Lures can be re-configured, rigs can be altered, and methods of fishing can be improvised. The art of fishing all started with a thought and a little imagination and, somewhere along the way, development got us to where we are today. Remember, it all began with a hook, line, and sinker. And you know what, that method still works today. Have fun and good fishing.

One of the best days of the season came when the recent cold front pushed through, breaking the heat and humidity. Morning air temperatures dropped from the 80s to the 50s with zero humidity, while Long Island Sound inshore water temps moved a couple of degrees from 67 to 65. Seas calmed and early morning dense fog burned off, leaving a clear window of visibility across the Sound.

The transition to and from the cold front rejuvenated fishing from both shore locations and popular spots. Live eels generated some decent striped bass hookups. Pre-dawn was the best time to work a top water plug where, in some cases, unstoppable bass won the battle in skinny water. Other catches were made on flies, bucktails, plugs, jigs, and umbrellas in deeper water. Although Atlantic menhaden hit various harbors and bays, hookups on them were sporadic. Tidal river schoolie action continues in most of the tidals. Catches were definitely up during the Full Strawberry Moon phase. Do not forget to use inline circle hooks when fishing for stripers when using bait.

Sea trout (weakfish) catches are getting more common throughout the Sound, but not to the point of being certain. Catches are coming from the harbors, shoreline, and along the shoals and reefs. Sea worms and squid are the good baits, typically fished in conjunction with a rig or jig. Most catches are coming from the lower water column. Harbor bluefish are being caught more so this year than last, even though schools are scattered and blitzes are few and far between so far. There seems to be little preference between chunks and artificials. Location, tide, and timing are the keys.

Keeper summer flounder (fluke) catches are gaining momentum in the six- to nine-pound range both in and offshore. Fishers continue to struggle catching mini-mats within the Sound, but outside these waters, catches of more substantial-size ones from deeper waters are a bit better. Squid and spearing, coupled with an array of both rigs and bucktail and teaser combinations, have been the best producers. Do not underestimate the use of a net!

While are well into black sea bass season, New York waters finally opened on June 23. Catches are solid and limits continue to be caught. Larger fish are still coming from deeper water, while smaller sizes are generally being caught when fishing inshore waters. By far, variations of presentations that incorporate squid are prime approaches for a catch. From jigs to rigs, simple setups are the way to go, rather than elaborate combinations.

Porgy (scup) remains a hot item. Scup fever is rising as more fishers hit the jetties, rock piles, and reefs. Slabs are no longer the surprise, although plenty of smaller fish are taking the bait. Seaworms, squid, scented baits, and small jigs (with or without bait) and a simple rig or hook setup when fishing the bottom is what is needed, in conjunction with a light- to medium rod and reel setup.

Caught any skate or sand sharks lately? If not, you will if fishing the bottom. Sea robins, northern kingfish, and toadfish have settled in with more arriving daily. Almost any bait, especially chunks and clumps, will do the trick. However, if the lure of catching and releasing a shark is your goal, then work one of the late-evening incoming tides. Expect to see more catches of these popular dorsal fin favorites as their populations grow due to protective management regulations now in place.

From largemouth bass to channel catfish and walleye to bowfin thrown in for good measure, inland waters are cranking. Lakes, ponds, and key rivers are seeing very good action, especially when avoiding the heat of midday. Artificials seem to be out-producing live bait with the exception of worms and, in some cases, shiners. Sunfish and perch, along with aggressive pickerel, some pike, and carp are joining in on the action. River trout catches have been challenging, even though anglers are catching them with hard lures, flies, and scented baits. Fishing the cooler protected areas like by bridges, deeper water, and bottom structure will often yield the best results.

Get ready blue crabbers! Sizes are improving in several rivers as baiters currently are out-performing scoopers. Clammers in Guilford are eating well. Keep an eye on any closures due to weather or other concerns.

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.

Pat O’Leary of Guilford with a nice golden brown trout that took a nymph while fly fishing the Battenkill River. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan