Printer Friendly Version - Tightening of Emergency Striped Bass Measures Reviewed

Jeralyn Wells of Madison hooked into this superb November black sea bass while fishing one of the more popular and productive reefs off Clinton/Westbrook waters. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Tim Visel of Ivoryton and former Sound School’s Aquaculture Director caught this pre-Thanksgiving, double-digit bluefish on a mackerel chunk while fishing the Madison shoreline. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Knox Chandler of Guilford delved into this fall’s striped bass run and caught slot limit linesiders from shore, including this 29-incher on a swim bait. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

The spotlight continues to be on the status of striped bass, and how the stock assessments will shake out. Ongoing and upcoming public hearings might suggest further adjustments to the emergency regulations that were put into place for the 2023 marine recreational fishing season. Time will tell, and we should be notified about any changes by March-April 2024, when Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, along with the Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board, adopt any new management regulation changes.

Currently at question is rebuilding the stock by 2029, since it was found to be overfished in 2022, but no longer experiencing overfishing based on 2021 data. However, based on updated 2022 data, indications suggest a low probability of rebuilding the stock by 2029 if the high 2022 fishing mortality rate continues. Total removals increased by 32% in 2022 relative to 2021 recreational removals. Note that recreational harvest increased by 88%, and live releases increased by 3% - all based on numbers of fish.

The concern is that Amendment 7 measures, combined with the strong 2015 year class, will lead to a high catch in 2024. If the 2024 stock assessment bears that out, more management changes are needed and the Amendment process will take too long to respond. Therefore, Draft Addendum II was initiated to address these concerns and support stock rebuilding.

Draft Amendment II considers options for: 1) Recreational and commercial measures to reduce removals and achieve the fishing mortality target in 2024; 2) Allow the Board to respond with action more quickly to stock assessments; and 3) Establish minimum requirements for states that allow filleting of recreational-caught striped bass.

Additionally, draft Amendment II builds upon 2023 temporary emergency action (31” maximum size for recreational fisheries) effective through Oct. 28, 2024, or until Addendum II is implemented, whichever comes first. It also considered options to formally change measures in the Fisheries Management Plan (FMP).

Key recreational options including percent reductions directly affecting our waters based on 2022 seasons are: A (0%): 28”-<35”/1 fish, includes approved 2017 Conservation Equivalencies (CE); B (-14.1%): 28”-31”; C (-14.0%): Private vessel/shore, 28”-31”/1 fish; For-hire, 28”-33”/1 fish; D: (-12.8%) 30”-33”/1 fish; E: (-12.8%) Private vessel/shore, 30”-33”; For-hire, 28”-33”/1 fish. Stay tuned for additional input on recreational, for-hire, filleting responses to assessments, and other points of interest discussed at the ASMFC statewide public hearings.

High pressure built in from the northwest, then moved off the New England Coast as low pressure approached from the southwest. The low moved through the region, bringing rain and winds. High pressure then re-built, clearing the air and briefly returning air temperatures into the 50’s with some clouds and rain before dipping back into the 40’s. Meanwhile, early morning air temperatures bounced around the 30’s. Long Island Sound experienced gusty to light breezy winds and choppy to relatively calm seas, supported by water temperatures in the low 50’s, occasionally dipping into the 40’s.

Overall, fishing is sliding off the deep end, but not as quickly as in previous years. Recreational blackfish (tautog) season came to a close on Nov. 29 in CT. However, Rhode Island extends their season through Dec. 31 - check their regulations for sizes and limits. Prior to CT’s closure, tog fishing remained good right up to the end, when dodging winds and choppy seas became less of an issue. Up to T-Day and through the 28th, crabs were in demand, and fish that were caught fell anywhere from being short, to 3-5 pounds and over, as well as tipping scales in favor of double digits. Successful depths did vary as water temperatures continued their downward trend.

There continues to be little let up in striped bass activity, especially with short schoolies and slot limit fish that are bound for their local holdover waters. Action with light gear has been very good along the shoreline, whether casting convention artificials or flies. Live and frozen baits have been productive as well, however, drifting and/or setting anchor created challenges on gusty days. It is most interesting to note that the number of 2015 young of year striped bass have developed into such a formidable class of fish for the recreational fisher. Most anyone hooking up will vouch for that impression. The number of straggler bluefish still around is giving pause to fishers who are targeting stripers with soft swim baits - a lure that stripers have been hitting and blues have been tearing up.

Chunk baits, spoons and jigs are still choice options to pursue any remaining bluefish. These blues would be the ones that have ignored the stormy weather and put their sights on available forage held in check by milder conditions. They also would be gator size choppers! Targeting them now is not unrealistic, but connecting would be akin to looking through a glass half full. If one would choose to cook a late season blue up, bleed it quickly, ice it down, and cook it with some apple wedges to absorb any oil - especially if they were feeding on menhaden. Smoking might be a better option.

Of the remaining bottom fish to attempt to catch, black sea bass are drawing attention and will do so through Dec. 1, the last day of the 2023 CT season. For quality fish over 3 pounds, drop a rig tipped with squid in depths of around 45-105 feet. On the other hand, porgy and winter flounder (the right handed flattie) can be harvested by recreational fishers through Dec. 31. Even though the daily creel limit of winter flounder is 2 at 12 inches, fishers are looking to connect with them. For blackbacks, try depths of 5-15 feet at 45-50 degrees, with a sandy or clean muddy bottom - bays, channels, etc.

If your boat is out of the water, turn your attention to freshwater, where the lakes, ponds and rivers are quite fishable, and support enough fish to keep an angler casting. Stocked, management, and native trout rivers are being fished, and will continue to be productive throughout 2023 and into 2024. Large and smallmouth bass are among the favorites, along with many other species, including a variety of panfish.

Report Shark/Fish Interactions: Seeking images/videos of shark vs. hooked fish encounters while fishing in Long Island Sound. Specifically, include images of striped bass bitten and/or of shark actually attacking a striped bass while being reeled in. Email to CaptainMorganUSA@hotmail.com and include name, home town, and any other pertinent data.

Fly Fishing Clinic: Now accepting reservations for 2024. An outstanding opportunity for the experienced or intermediate fly fisher! Booking inland and marine fly fishing lessons with top flight, highly experienced instructors and guides. From trout, salmon, steelhead, and sea-run browns to striped bass, bonefish, permit, and tarpon, etc., techniques learned and honed will improve your fishing. Holiday gift certificates are also available.

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 for holiday gifts, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, licenses/permits, gift certificates, 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.