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07/13/2022 12:00 AMSummertime always brings a variety of migrating fish into Long Island Sound and its numerous estuarine habitats. Since the Sound is one large productive nursery for marine life, it serves as a magnet to a variety of species, many of which are regular visitors and familiar to most fishers.
Some of these fish migrate up the Atlantic coast, others come in from the Continental Shelf, while still others filter in from their holdover tidal rivers. The mix of fish affords fishers many opportunities for catching and, certainly, a shot at adding a new specie to their bucket list. As many have already realized, this season is different.
The main difference is that, for the most part, there appears to be more fish available to catch and many more larger sizes. From dogfish and striped bass on through to sea trout (weakfish) and black sea bass, we are seeing a very active fishery. We are even seeing an influx of Atlantic menhaden entering the Sound in unusual numbers, sparking energized feeding in the rivers and bays and out on the reefs and shoals.
Although early and late-day tides falling on dawn or dusk are typically prime times for striped bass, there are linesiders within the slot limit being caught during the day. These are joined by many other popular species like porgy (scup), summer flounder (fluke), and an array of bottom fish that non-early risers or night-owl avoiders can hook into while enjoying a pleasant day on the water.
So far, the season is shaping up to afford fishers choice opportunities to learn more about our fishery while catching a variety of fish at different times of the day. Some of this can be attributed to management protocols, changes in habitat conditions and, most notably, the influx of large schools of what we call baitfish that have come into the Sound—one bright side and benefit amidst the high cost of fuel encountered by commercial netters.
If given the opportunity to fish, you, too, can experience this phenomenon that Long Island Sound is experiencing. And while you are at it, send along a photo of your experience to captainmorganusa@hotmail.com so others can share in the moment. Fish hard, be safe, and enjoy this unique season.
On the Water
Mid-week brought a cold front followed by building high pressure that remained as the weekend approached, when a weak system took over. High pressure returned with air temperatures remaining in the low 80s with 5- to 10-knot winds and seas generally calm, around a foot or less. Long Island Sound water temperatures held fairly consistently in the low 70s as we entered July’s Full Salmon Moon. Fishing in the Sound and tidal rivers is above average, while temps have been cooler for July.
Remarkable as it seems to the average fisher, the striped bass bite has taken a turn, whereas fish in excess of 40 inches have not only been in proximity, but are actually being caught and released in numbers that just a few seasons back were wanting. There are certainly enough Atlantic menhaden and other baits and finfish that have entered the Sound and its estuaries to have increased the food supply—a major reason for this active fishery.
Stripers are taking live eels and bunker, as well as a myriad of artificial hard and soft lures, including umbrella rigs and flies. The top water action has been quite good in the shallow water of bays and lower tidal rivers. Out on the reefs and shoals, there have been catches of slot limit linesiders taking jigs, trolling rigs and lures, along with live and frozen baits.
Bite-offs caused by bluefish are on the rise, causing fishers to replace mono leaders with wire, especially during the day. There are times when schools of baitfish are being decimated, yet there are other times when similar schools can be seen just haphazardly finning on the surface in a carefree manner. Bluefish are ranging from harbor size to thin double-digits and can be caught inshore and offshore with topwater plugs, spoons, umbrella rigs, and dunking baits. Keep an eye open for bird activity above and near the surface, although these flurries have been erratic.
As expected, the weakfish are adding that extra addition to the cooler and have been taking bucktails and squid, spearing, sea worms, and other bite-sized baits most often found at the lower part of the water column, except when heading toward nearshore shoals on the wash to the tidal rivers. When hooked, it is advisable not to give them any slack line at all due to their mouth tissues.
July means that porgy pounding has begun and, like clockwork, we are seeing fishers lined up on the jetties, humps, and bumps catching these saltwater scrappers. These fish are ranging in size to over 4 pounds, are fun to catch, and make for a delicious meal. From a simple small hook and weight setup to side by side and hi-lo rigs, rigging is simple and baits can vary, even though squid, clams, and sea worms are most popular.
No doubt, black sea bass continues to be the rage of the bottom fishery. The one fish that has really taken hold in the Sound, they have quite the appetite and are fairly easy to catch once found. Since they move according to water temperature, bottom structure, and food supply, their range can vary from shallow water to around 400 feet. Hi-lo rigs and jigs tipped with squid and dropped to the sweet spot will typically produce your daily catch limit. Both the Connecticut and New York sides of the mid-line have been productive.
Fluke are gaining momentum. Stretching them to 10 pounds and better within the limits of the Sound has been no easy task, but some 7- to 9-pounders have been boated. Drifting the bottom with bucktails and squid or other enticing strips with an added spearing teaser or scented bait have been successful. Unfortunately, short throwbacks (under 18.5 inches) have been more than willing to take the bait in places like Long Sand Shoal and Six Mile Reef.
In pursuit of other bottom fish, like blackfish (tautog), more fishers are hooking up with large dogfish, skate, and sea robins. Fun to catch, they will be attracted to chunk baits and other edibles offered on gear or on the bottom. If you are near an estuary and would like a good blue crab meal, now would be a good time to toss out a crab line, drop a trap, or scoop the banks.
Climbing temperatures have sparked inland catches with some species and also caused others, like trout, to be more challenging. Nevertheless, lakes and ponds have been quite productive, while the rivers and streams are in need of more finesse. The basses are more active early and late in the day. Pickerel can be a good daytime fish, as are perch, crappie, catfish, and sunnies.
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 rods, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located 21 Boston Post Road in 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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