Printer Friendly Version - Get Tuned Up to Sing the Blues

Stoked Cameron Crawford of Madison finally lands his first striped bass (1 of 2) while kayak fishing Long Island Sound’s nearshore waters. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Charlie Russell of Holden, MA and son Brimmer (one year), grandson to Betsy Russell of Hartford, paired up catching striped bass in local waters during the long Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Paired up for a terrific night of striped bass fishing producing multiple hookups, Jackson Durant (12) of Lyme (top) caught his first striper at 46” while joined by Frank Schifino of Clinton (bottom) with his 37” bass that was part of the night’s non-stop action. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Move over striped bass! Is it the mass migration of baitfish up the coast or the warming waters? The striped bass bite has been repeatedly over the top, but a surge of chopper gator bluefish are on their way. Popping in almost ahead of the harbors that generally beat them to the starting gate, these super fighters seem to be making an appearance sooner each season.

No complaints, mind you! The biting and fighting just begins earlier and definitely gets the adrenalin flowing. We used to get through the early season without being bitten off too much, but wire leaders are now unexpectedly creeping into the picture. If fish are breaking the surface, rest assured that bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) are already at work.

After a school of bluefish make their way up the Atlantic coast, their energy level has somewhat dropped. Even after chopping into schools of baitfish, their high metabolic rate calls for frequent replenishing - even though they do have periods of inactivity. Like us, they may consume a heavy meal at a rapid pace (blitzing), or they may dispatch a meal with little fanfare. From a fisher’s point of view, they are those blitzes that turn a scouting boat ride into a fury of activity requiring extra hosing down and elbow grease.

When happening upon one of these blitzes, they energize every fisher in the vicinity. Soon thereafter, other vessels appear once spotting diving gulls from a distance. Rods in hand, arms are cocked, ready to cast away topwater lures and spoons, while fly fishers attempt to outmaneuver the chaos underway. Anyone hanging back and fishing the lower water column will most likely hook up with a striper, but for now, it is the raging bluefish activity that will have most eyes laser-focused.

Whether casting from shore or powered by motor, paddle, or oar, the fury and excitement is the same. Re-capped stories will circulate at the docks, inner circles, and social media. Word will get out fast and then (to some) summer will actually begin. So, get your gear tuned up and ready for some pulsating action that could be just around the corner.

High pressure that enveloped the area gave way to a strong frontal system that dropped air temperatures and brought unsettled weather to polish off the Memorial Day weekend. A series of supporting cold fronts moved across our waters, leaving in its path dense fog, periods of poor visibility, clouds, and intermittent rain with some accompanying quick-moving thunderstorms. High pressure built back, with mostly sunny conditions raising air temperatures back into the high 70s and low 80s with spotty rain among a couple of ideal days. Long Island Sound nearshore water temperatures fluctuated around 59-60 degrees, and seas ranged from 1 to 2 feet with multi-directional 5-10 knot winds, blanketed by intermittent patches of morning fog.

The Sound is the benefactor of a diversified run of bait quality finfish, notably tinker mackerel, larger squid, menhaden, hickory shad, and spearing. All of these schools infiltrating our waters is a draw for existing schools of fish, as well as those migrating up the Atlantic coast. It will not be too long before mantis shrimp begin dueling with striped bass and, before one knows it, sand eels will permeate the pond.

The striped bass bite remained steadfast under a new moon with a few insignificant weather-related interruptions. Their appetite has not changed, as the preferences still lean toward top waters, soft plastics, and swim baits. Spoons and bucktails have been doing well in nearshore and tidal waters as well as sub-surface worked flies. Live eels and seaworms, along with an assortment of chunk and strip baits, are deserving of some really hard hits. The reefs and shoals have picked up steam where diamond jigging, drifting, and working flutter spoons have been quite effective. Farther up the lower tidal rivers, the white perch bite is hanging in there.

Black sea bass catches are up! Schools are fired up now that the Sound is filling with an array of forage, which means that competition for it will increase. Picture a cauldron drenched with broth that ultimately will turn into a fine Zuppa di pesce containing all sorts of fish. Well, Long Island Sound is heating up with enough different species of fish to create an angler’s delight and a good meal to boot. Turning a strip of squid into a meal of these black beauties is just what is happening after a tide on one of those productive reefs found in 40-60 feet.

Porgy, currently running close to being one of the most popular reef fish to reel in at the moment, are liking squid, seaworms, and clams. It does not take much bait on the hook to generate a hookup by these aggressive feeders. Soon to be on most every reef, hump, or rock pile, these favorite light gear fish will be sought after all over the fishable waters. Skate, striped sea robins, toadfish, some dogfish, and others are working the bottom. Winter flounder activity varies greatly, and at the moment, nothing to write home about. Summer flounder or fluke cranked up a notch with a few 6-8 pounders being caught on bucktails, rigs, and squid fished along the bottom at around 40 feet. Teasers add more punch!

Bluefish, including scrappy harbors, are tearing up flashy spoons, swimming jigs, and top waters as they move through the Sound. The best shot at meeting up with them is during a moving tide. Employing either diamond jigging or soaking chunks on offshore rips will let a fisher know really quick if schools are around. Both the western and eastern parts of the Sound have been hot spots.

The last of the spring trout stocking took place, and catches on artificials and live baits continue to score catches. Anglers remain diligent and are taking full advantage of fish living in the rivers, streams, and trout parks. Fly fishers are being successful working nymphs, streamers, and dries when best conditions prevail. Live worms and artificial lures continue to command strikes, although the bite has been up and down. Bass, of late, have been more predictable during the early and late parts of the day. Frogs, jitterbugs, cranks, jigs, poppers, and soft plastics have all been productive. Vegetation and general all-around growth is beginning to choke some areas, so weedless lures should be considered. Pickerel are still quite active, as are perch, crappie, and bluegills. Look for some channel catfish in the upper Connecticut River.

Fly Fishing Clinic: Accepting reservations for 2024. An outstanding opportunity for the experienced or intermediate fly fisher! Booking inland and marine fly fishing on the water 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 adventures. Gift certificates are available for your special angler!

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 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.