Printer Friendly Version - Rebuilding the Bluefish Fishery

Ongoing management re-building efforts, including catch allocation adjustments, appear to be having a positive effect, as illustrated by recent occurrences of bluefish blitzes. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

A guided Maine backwoods fishing expedition led Horacio Hernandez of Guilford to some great release catches, like this 25.5” chain pickerel (top) on four pound test line, and feisty smallmouth bass (left), in addition to panfish destined for a unique fish fry (right). Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Patricia Gedney of Madison caught/released this fine Long Island Sound Atlantic mackerel on squid while fishing with husband Richard for black sea bass in about 60 feet. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Bluefish catches have gained traction in the past few years, up from the paltry numbers and sizes of recreational catches, and prior to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) implementing a re-building management program. Earlier on, it became evident that runs of harbor and gator blues had diminished, in large part by being overfished. We saw that during normal seasonal recreational catches, as well as length and weight results of various sponsored bluefish tournaments.

It was during that down period, bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) protocols were initiated, and rebuilding began by limiting recreational catches to 3’ - including snapper blues. Since then, monitoring progress was at the forefront, with particular attention to stock assessments and recommendations of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC).

Today, bluefish are deemed overfished, and on Jan. 1, NOAA Fisheries announced “Final 2024 and Projected 2025 Bluefish Specifications.” Those specifications were developed using the 2023 stock assessment and the rebuilding plan. Additionally, all 2024 catch limits were reduced, but followed by a 2025 optimistic projected increase.

The bluefish Overfishing Limit for 2023 was 45.17 million pounds, for 2024 it was reduced to 25.87 million pounds, and for 2025, it was projected up to 27.49 million pounds. The Annual Catch Limit (ACL) for 2023 was 30.62 million pounds, for 2024 it was reduced to 17.48, and for 2025 it was projected up to 21.83.

Total Quota Pounds for 2024 is 2,422,880, and for 2025 it is 3,031,356. In comparison, RI’s 2024 share is 8.01%/194,025 pounds, CT’s share is 1.19%/28,821 pounds, and NY’s share is 14.40%/348,898 pounds. Projected for 2025, RI’s share rose to 8.41%/254,876 pounds, CT’s share became 1.16%/35,284 pounds, and NY’s share rose to 15.74%/477,171 pounds. Conversions from metric tons to millions of pounds used in the ACL may slightly shift due to rounding.

Incidentally, all other management measures, including the recreational daily bag limit of three fish per person for private fishers and five fish per fisher on for-hire vessels, remain unchanged. If rebuilding the bluefish stock remains on track, then 2025 should see a projected Annual Catch Limit (ACL) increase, at which time fishing for these aggressive predators and voracious feeders will continue in earnest. For those fortunate enough to have timed it right, or have followed those schools of Atlantic menhaden, can expect to see more sustained blitzes in 2024 - provided adult and peanut bunker show up in Long Island Sound as last season.

All through the New Year festivities, NFL and NCAA football games that left bizarre commentary and everyone talking about the officiating and questionable flags thrown, mild weather persisted. High pressure rose from the south and west that broke the pattern of inclement conditions, affecting both Long Island Sound and inland waters. That eventually departed, making way for a cold front to move through, as low pressure passed well offshore. High pressure returned and remained in control until a wavering storm system (Ember) impacted the area that brought snow north of I-95, but mostly a mix and less of an impact along the shoreline. The Sound did experience stiff gusty 25-30 knot winds, seas 2-4 feet, and water temperatures of 44-46 degrees, before conditions moderated with developing rain.

Striped bass fishers have not abandoned fishing for the ever-popular linesiders. With the weather being so mild and conditions conducive to working the banks of key tidal rivers, or launching a jon boat in order to reach stretches of agitated water, fishers have been able to make a connection. That was prior to the weather models that all but assured varying degrees of snowfall, forcing gears to shift toward some wintry preparation. This was something that many along the shoreline have been out of practice doing. That being said, this system may cause the bite to pause, however, striped bass fishing will continue as their metabolism creates a need to feed.

Shifting to the inland rivers and streams, trout fishing continues to be productive, but persistence, location and conditions still play a part. They, like most fish, will not waste energy and travel very far for a morsel of food. So presentation, depth and a good food imitation is key. Considering that most fish are cold-blooded and some can thrive in extreme cold conditions, if confined to a space like a pond or lake, they can survive by warming themselves in the warmest part, or bury themselves in mud. Another way would be to go into what is called a torpor state - a deep sleep where they stop aggressive feeding while their bodies slow down. Even in this state, they can still arise to escape peril, or even grab an easy snack. Practically any species of fish found in local lakes, ponds and rivers will react in the same manner.

Mild winters can have sudden swings in temperature. Surprisingly, a slight change of a degree or two can have an adverse effect on fishes. Whether fishing in hard or soft water, the same holds true. With that in mind, it is important to keep real-time water temperatures in mind, as well as oxygen levels. Carrying a pen-sized pocket water thermometer attached to a length of fishing line is a very useful gadget.

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. Gift certificates are also available.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who frequent social media to keep up with the latest fishing news.

For all things fishy, 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.