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12/20/2022 02:23 PMAfter all the hustle and bustle, the long awaited day is finally here! Christmas Eve is about to be observed and Christmas Day celebrated as the holiday season officially begins. Noticeably, it has been looking a lot like Christmas for weeks judging by so many early decorations and advertisements strung together in a never-ending attempt to commercialize and monetize the holiday.
For decades, Christmas was celebrated for events originally put forth in the Bible. There was no guttural hate from those whose goal was to dismantle beliefs and eradicate history. Students stood for the pledge, all holidays and individual beliefs were respected while history lessons were taught, unabridged, as they occurred. Ethnic foods were swapped among each other during which time worldwide religions were discussed and explained.
Delving deeper into the time of Jesus, who was said to be familiar with fish, fishermen and the sea, it was noted that there was a small flourishing fishing industry around the Sea of Galilee where Jesus lived and sardines were pickled. It is said that several of his disciples — Andrew, Peter, James, and John — knew the trade well and most likely were selected because they were rugged and accustomed to hard work and long hours — something inherent in fishermen and would fit in with Jesus’ mission.
The Old Testament refers to catching fish with hooks, spears and several types of nets (Job 18:8; Ecc. 9:12; Isa. 19:8) of which seines were the oldest, mended often (Matt. 4:21) and used by Jesus in his description of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 13:47-48). Other nets referred to were circular casts nets (Mark 1:16-18) and trammel nets (Luke 5:1-7). Besides nets, fishermen, like Peter, used a hook and line (Matt. 17:24-27).
Jesus’ disciples soon learned their goal was to reel in all kinds of people to follow Him — in essence, fishers of men and women. Since the Greeks likened him to a fish (ichthus), the symbol to represent Jesus ultimately became none other than a fish. If, on Christmas Eve, your table celebrates ‘The Feast of the Seven Fishes’ or some other varied and delectable spread, remember that, historically, fish have always played and will continue to play an important role in our lives. So, whether the teachings of the Bible is your belief or not, in general, wiping out history (good, bad or indifferent) not only creates major voids but eliminates all lessons learned that are valuable assets needed for a stronger and brighter future. From Captain Morgan and crew, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.
On the Water
High pressure remained in control before a weak pressure impacted the waters. High pressure returned again and built to the north before yielding to some rain, followed by mixed precipitation from winter storm Diaz, clouds and partial sun. Daytime air temperatures dipped into the high 30’s and low 40’s and nighttime dropped into the 20’s and 30’s. Long Island Sound seas wavered between 1-2 feet, with winds fluctuating between 10-20 kts and gusting to 20 kts, while maintaining nearshore water temps around 47 degrees.
Even with some mixed precipitation and colder (not shocking) temperatures, inland rivers, and stocked lakes and ponds, trout are drawing anglers equipped with their spinning and fly rods along with a small assortment of hard and soft lures and flies. Multiple casts may be more prevalent than in prime fishing times and hookups fewer in number but most dedicated anglers will agree that’s the challenge and rewards are well worth the effort.
This is how fishing for trout and salmon this time of year is often characterized. When many are gathered around the holiday table and fire, resting and recouping from multi-course meals and belts loosened by one or two notches, a few of us anglers will be out working a river. After all, those one or two bites that might result in a fish taking a realistic looking meal being retrieved through the water is the real challenge. Setting the hook and fighting the fight is another story. Absent of foul weather conditions, expect trout fishing for bows, browns and brookies (including natives) to be above average for the remainder of 2022 and well into 2023.
Largemouth bass fishing is slowing down with the drop in water temperatures, but nevertheless, ‘bucketmouths’ continue to take live baits and artificials. Right about now, only a very few small vessels can be randomly spotted on local lakes or ponds. Bank anglers number about the same, as well as those fishing from docks. Fluctuating water temps are affecting other species as to their tight schooling, stacking and feeding, but until water layers actually flip and ice forms, pickerel, perch, crappie, catfish, sunfish, etc., will be caught on live, scented and artificial baits in normal ways.
Fly Fishing: Outstanding Opportunity for the experienced or beginner! Booking inland and marine fly fishing lessons for 2023 with World Fisher, certified Master Fly Fishing Casting Instructor and Fishing Lodge Director. From trout, salmon, steelhead and sea-run browns to striped bass, bonefish, permit and tarpon, etc., techniques learned and honed will improve your fishing.
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 fishy Holiday gifts including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, licenses/permits and much more, 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 and Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
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