Printer Friendly Version - Final 2024 Rule for Scup and Summer Flounder Regulations

CT DEEP MAG meeting discusses and provides input to NOAA’s 2024 Final Rule for Scup and Summer Flounder. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Knowing ice thickness is the first step in preventing a potentially life-threatening experience. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

It has been a while since we have had meaningful local safe hard water, so be prepared for any eventuality when going ice fishing, since rescue efforts may not be immediate. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

NOAA Fisheries Final Rule for 2024 and Projected Specifications for the Summer Flounder and Scup Fisheries for 2025 has been released. In both cases, it calls for coast-wide harvest reductions in recreational regulations for 2024 - 10% (scup) and 28% (fluke), respectively. Ultimately, CT will have to decide which options will best serve those goals, and what regulations to adopt in order to achieve those annual Recreational Harvest Limits (RCL).

On Jan. 17, a meeting of the CT DEEP Marine Advisory Group (MAG) met to provide input for Marine Fisheries to consider, prior to enacting these goal-oriented regulation adjustments. In attendance was a cross-section of the recreational and for-hire sectors, numbering twenty-four and hosted by Justin Davis, PhD, Assistant Director CT DEEP Fisheries Division, Marine Fisheries Program.

Where the Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) of scup is well above its target, it has continued to decline. Recruitment has been relatively poor, and has been trending downward since its peak performance in 2015. In view of the next stock assessment being scheduled for 2025, cautionary measures of a 10% coast-wise harvest reduction for 2024 has been mandated.

It must be added that consensus among the group has been adamant that Marine Recreational Information Program survey results (MRIP) by themselves continue to be unrealistic, misleading, and on the high side. Recognizing the short-fall, it was the primary reason for implementation of the Harvest Control Rule (HCR). Part of the Recreational Reform Initiative (RFI), it offers regulatory stability and improvement over the prior process.

Of the options considered at the MAG meeting, Option 1 was deemed most palatable. It calls for a May 1-Dec. 31 season for Private Boat and Shore, a Creel Limit of 30, and a Minimum Size of 11” (boat) and 9.5” (shore). Most notable is an increase in size from 10.5” to 11”. Party/Charter Boats continue their split season of May 1 - Aug. 31/Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 (30 fish at 11”) and Sept. 1 - Oct. 31 (40 fish at 11”).

Summer Flounder (fluke) took on a more drastic approach. Compared to the 2021 stock assessment, where the SSB was below target but trending upwards, overfishing was not occurring, and there was a decent year class in 2018, the 2023 assessment was troubling. It showed the SSB below target and trending downward, overfishing was occurring, recruitment was relatively low for over 10 years, and the next assessment was not due until 2025.

Because CT and NY are in a management region, and therefore must maintain Identical fluke regulations, it is imperative for both states to work together to achieve regulations to accommodate the 28% recreational harvest reduction for 2024. The rub is that CT considers size important, while NY favors season more. But is that a deal-breaker?

Unlike scup, needing only three options to consider, fluke had six to consider for 2024, varying in seasons, creel limits, and minimum sizes. Even so, all things considered, Option 2 was the basic standout, with changes across the board, including season reduced to May 3 - Sept. 15, creel limit reduced to three, and minimum size increased to 19”. It is a tough pill to swallow, but the one less bitter. Now it is in the qualified hands of fisheries management to negotiate the best 2024 scup and fluke regulations for our fish and fishers.

As record-high tides finally subsided, high pressure built to the south of the waters and weakened with the oncoming low pressure that approached from the southwest. That system passed to the south and east, before high pressure built back from the south and west, eventually slipping offshore. A low pressure system developed off the Mid-Atlantic coast that passed east of the region, but not before ushering in frigid 16-degree air temperatures and precipitation in the form of rain, ice and snow. Long Island Sound water temperatures remained in the low 40’s, while winds gusted to over 30 knots under small craft warnings, and seas rose from 3-5 feet. In due course, air temperatures rebounded into the high 40’s and low 50’s, before once again dipping closer to average winter readings.

Prior to recent winter storm activity, there was a small surge in angler activity, directed specifically to inland trout waters. That period following the new moon and just before a dive in air temperatures, when the barometric pressure dropped, both spin and fly fishers hit public access and privately stocked sports clubs. Depending on the level of stocking and quality of fish remaining, fishing the soft water was quite good. Mostly browns and rainbows were caught using nymphs, streamers, inline spinners and swimmers, as well as both natural and scented baits. Native brook trout anglers took to the backroad rivers and streams, exercising their fly rod roll and side-arm casts. Some even broke out their ultra-lite setups, spooled with a 2-4 pound test line that proved to be a good move.

Of course, after this recent bout with frigid air temperatures, hard water prospects got a more realistic shot in the arm. We have not only seen a couple of back-to-back wintry days that have eluded many local ice fishers for so long, but also the rest of January and the month of February could be offering hope. North of I-95 had some developing ice. Mid-state to the northwest/northeast corners, 4-5” +/- was possible, and bass and panfish were caught.

Everyone will be looking for black ice, and the urge to start punching holes will be great. However, check the ice for thickness at various locations, starting close to shore (Littoral Zone) and gradually moving farther out. As a guide, looking for a minimum of four inches is reasonably safe for individuals on foot, keeping in mind that thickness can vary at different locations. Look for 5-7 inches for snow mobiles and ATV’s, 8-12” for small pickup trucks, and 12-15” for medium trucks. Keeping a pair of ice awls and an emergency ice kit ready for use, as well as notifying someone of your plans, is essential when planning an ice fishing excursion.

Long Island Sound has been all but quiet lately! Its wintry mode was rudely interrupted by unruly seas, higher than normal flooding tides, and gusting winds. Gulls have been sighted diligently working the shoreline. They pecked for whatever marine life or handouts could be scavenged, as holdover striped bass rested and foraged key tidal rivers after their hectic season.

As one scanned the horizon, freighters and tugboats could be spotted on their pre-determined slow routes to port. If weather had not been so disruptive, there could have easily been more in the line of fishing activity, but that has not been the case of late. Even the shellfish beds have been temporarily closed due to excessive rain.

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 and 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 (Authorized Penn Premium and Daiwa Tournament Dealer) where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.