Through the years, we have advocated for the development and use of an artificial reef program for Long Island Sound. Similar programs along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico have been implemented and continued successfully for years. So, why not Connecticut? New York has one. Even the final draft of the Blue Plan makes mention of artificial reefs being authorized when meeting certain criteria.

After a considerable amount of prodding and some proactive, but reasonable scientific-based presentations, meaningful headway has finally been made. For taking the initiative, we must give the nod to the Sound School's Aquaculture Science and Technology Center located in New Haven's Long Wharf district, led by its Aquaculture Center coordinator Tim Visell; the project manager, popular teacher, diver, and innovator Pete Solomon; and the students who jumped in to see the initial reef ball project from beginning to end.

It all started with the idea that reef balls made by students and deployed into the waters adjacent to the school would have a positive impact on the environment by restoring, enhancing, and protecting the habitat, along with creating new opportunities for the recreational fisher. After much work that entailed some trial and error, reef balls were perfected to the point of being readied for their inaugural setting under a limited temporary permit. Some were set with oyster spat, while others were dunked plain, leaving it up to the sea gods to generate a living ball—and they did. It is vital that any artificial reef is properly prepared by eliminating all potentially harmful chemicals and components before being introduced into the water. The reef balls created by the Sound School are just that: safe and purposeful.

According to an optimistic Tim Visel, we are happy to report that, through their efforts, the temporary permitting of reef balls has been updated. Recently, after an in-depth presentation of the school's comprehensive project to the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and the Connecticut Aquaculture Division, their temporary permit was extended to 20 years with no limits on the number of reef balls deployed. This is a step in the right direction that can eventually lead to a successful artificial reef program for the state and our unique Sound. Thank you and to everyone involved whose hard work and dedication paid off.

On the Water

Water temperatures are rising in both the briny and sweet water. Due in part to southerly winds, Long Island Sound inshore temps hit the 54-degree mark, while the lakes and ponds varied from 54- to 56 degrees depending on depth and exposure to sunlight. While tidal levels are moon-driven (as fishers noted with April's Fish Full Moon), inland river levels are primarily a function of the spring rainfall and melt currently demonstrated by the high flood levels of the Connecticut River.

All of these springtime influences have a bearing on our different fisheries. Certainly, experienced anglers who are fishing trout and largemouth bass see that. Aside from the wet Opening Day of trout season, stocking and fishing continued at a brisk pace. Many popular rivers, lakes, and ponds (including trout parks), already received more fish this past week, adding to the inventory of brook, rainbow, and brown trout that's now reaching more than 350,000 fish. These trout were stocked in 2,000 individual locations, many of which will be stocked up to three more times during the month. As for other fresh water species, catches of largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, perch, channel catfish, carp, and black crappie are improving daily.

Although conditions in the Sound fluctuated from pleasant to small craft warnings, schoolie striped bass action continued all along the shoreline. The mostly small fish were taking sandworms, clams, soft and hard swim baits, and jigs. For these, a 10- to 12-pound test class rod has been doing fine. Meanwhile, fly rodders have been successful with eight and nine weight setups with fluoro or mono leaders and deceiver or Clouser-type flies.

Blackfish (tautog) are biting a little better, especially by the warmer rock jetties and inshore reefs. With April almost over and the spring season winding down on Tuesday, April 30, this season is shaping up better than the last one, but not by much. The last few days could prove fruitful as water temps hit 53 degrees and greater. On the other hand, winter flounder catches have surpassed the past two seasons when taking into consideration the over-fished state of the Southern New England and Mid-Atlantic stock as of the 2017 assessment. Sandworms, clams, and mussels on a lightweight setup (medium trout-size rod) rigged with a flounder hook and about a one ounce weight should do it. Check out the bays, coves, and channels for the best results.

Have You Seen Jaws?

We need your help! Our mascot Jaws is missing from the front of the store. She either swam away (doubtful) or someone took a liking to her. For more than 20 years, both kids and adults had have had plenty of fun taking pictures with Jaws as she showed off her toothy smile. So, please be on the lookout for this Great White landmark that welcomed everyone and really is quite friendly in absence of the typical shark's appetite. Let's find Jaws and keep the kids smiling. No questions asked for her return.

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 fishing trips, 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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