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Endangered shortnose sturgeon (top) was carefully brought on board after found just below the surface of the waters off Long Island Sound. Apparently, it was previously hooked before being freed and safely released. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Michael Briggs of North Branford fought and successfully landed this 12.47-pound, 30” hefty doormat fluke in the offshore waters of Nantucket. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

On board FV Kory Alexander, Sam Greenvall (pictured) along with Alexander King, both of Branford, hauled in a catch of Atlantic menhaden and a pair of protected sand tiger sharks by The Beacon, which were released unharmed. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Certain species of fish found in the area encompassing Long Island Sound can startle a fisher when their fishing rod bends, and a subsequent hard unrelenting run baffles the mind. In this scenario, the fish is usually deep peels off unstoppable line and illusions of grandeur conjure up thoughts of a record catch (or at least a personal best). Most always, however, the short intense battle ends without the fisher ever knowing what was on the terminal end of the line.

Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) has been responsible for many such events, including the loss of fully loaded fishing rods and reels overboard. These fish are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), listed as endangered and in danger of extinction. Small in comparison to their strength (growing up to only 50 pounds and 4.5 feet), they can live for an average of 30 years but have been known to reach 67 years. We are referring to a species that has been around for over 70 million years and sustained native American fishermen for both their meat and eggs beginning 4,000 years ago. Even the Jamestown settlers used them as a primary food source in 1607.

Their range is New England, Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast in coastal rivers and bays. Even though Shortnose sturgeon are no longer fished, they are still being compromised by fisheries bycatch, habitat degradation, environmental setbacks, dams, hazards, and other impediments. In our local waters, the only sustaining population is in the Connecticut River - although they are known to stray and are the only known species to spawn in the state. Atlantic sturgeon can also be found in the state but are not known to spawn and are generally 2-4 foot juveniles. The diet primarily consists of invertebrates like insects, crustaceans, worms, and mollusks that are sucked up like a vacuum.

If encountering a Shortnose sturgeon, it will most likely be when they are moving down-river after spawning, or perhaps when transversing the Sound. So when that rod tip takes a deep bend, your reel screams, and what is on the other end of the line is out of the picture, think that it might be a Shortnose sturgeon, so be prepared for a quick, safe release as you would for an over-the-slot striper.

A series of low pressure troughs have moved across the area before high pressure built over the region for the next several days. A cold front then approached before moving through. North-northwest winds settled down to 5-10 knot westerlies, occasionally rising to 15 knots with gusts to 20 and Long Island seas becoming 1-2 feet. Generally, skies were sunny mixed with some clouds, humidity, and temperatures ranging from the early morning lows of 50-60s and daytime highs of 70-80s. Water temperatures in the sound ranged in the low to mid-60s with periodic patchy fog mornings.

Once shifting easterly winds subsided and two tides passed, not only did striped bass begin feeding nearshore with more aggressiveness, but reef and shoal action picked back up also. Live eels were like candy with bucktails, diamond jigs, and flutter spoons alternatively becoming more of the same. Near shore and shallower rip lines that held bass saw soft plastics and swimmers work effectively in the rips and scored fish well over the 40” slot. Schoolie bass hit sea worms, paddletails, and smaller bucktails. Overall, squid, menhaden, and shad are key natural baits that are being foraged. Long Island Sound continues to produce good late spring bass, including at The Race, although northern Rhode Island and New York waters are seeing story-telling releases of cows, especially off the reefs. A word of caution: as per National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), fishing for Atlantic striped bass in federal waters (between three and 200 miles offshore) remains closed, so keep a close eye on those demarcation lines.

While Connecticut fishers are waiting for New York waters to open for black sea bass, New Yorkers are eyeing our waters but are faced with possession issues when crossing back over. Shallow near-shore waters are producing short fish (under 16”, excluding tendril) while 40-60 foot depths, covering uneven bottom structure, are more into keeper territory. Although sea bass are aggressive feeders, squid is the primary bait of choice being used. Jigging and drifting the bottom (with or without bait) can yield worthy catches but will require more effort and often will produce quality fish when using hooks 3/0 and larger. Most agree that the forthcoming meal will be worth it.

Most summer flounder (fluke) being caught are short - now under 19” minimum length. Spots like Long Sand Shoal, the mud bottom off Faulkner’s, and many beaches are seeing smaller fish. Fishing deeper water and some of the key main tidal rivers and channels are producing better results but are still falling short. Farther offshore and in deep water of 100 feet or better, doormats are being caught. Best results are coming from squid and bucktails (scented baits), along with drift rigs fishing the bottom and mid-Sound reefs (perhaps like Six Mile).

Bluefish have been hitting the flats of New York waters and making their way into the Sound through both western and eastern inlets. Those choppers have been taking topwater plugs, jigs, and chunk baits as they hone in on schools of menhaden and squid. So far, bite-offs have not been widespread, as the bass bite moves forward, along with some weakfish mixed in the bottom water column. However, there have been runs of weakies chasing spearing and such along a few of the local rips. When windy conditions have not been an issue, fly fishers have managed to successfully float poppers for the blues.

Scup bangers are catching and scaling more porgies, as the reefs and near-shore humps fire up. Sizes have varied up to a couple of pounds for the better offshore catches and generally smaller near-shore. Sea worms, squid, and clams will keep the rod bending considering the rest of the bottom fishery that is becoming increasingly more active. Compared to previous years, it is taking the scup fishery to catch up. Incidentally, warmer water means better blue crabbing. Get those throws, nets, and traps ready to use.

Frogs, other topwaters, and hard/soft lures have been resulting in explosive largemouth action in many of the local lakes and ponds. Early morning and late evening have been particularly productive. Smallies have been getting into log books as well. Live worms, scented baits, and small jigs have been working on panfish and spoons, and spinners have been good on pickerel.

Fly Fishing Clinic: 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!

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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.