Printer Friendly Version - Founding Fish

During colonial times, including the period of the Declaration of Independence, American shad (top) was an important resource and commercially fished in the Potomac River by accomplished angler George Washington, who also utilized one of his personal kits (bottom) for pleasure fishing. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Larry Bartlett and John Donadio fished eastern Long Island Sound waters aboard the Osprey during one of those hot catch/release over-the-slot striped bass runs. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Dean (8) and Blake (6) Petsche of North Chittenden, VT enjoyed fishing Long Island waters, catching clear nose skate and dogfish while on a family vacation. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

July 4, 1776 is a significant date in United States history. It was then that representatives from the American colonies met in Philadelphia to sign the Declaration of Independence. At that time, those 13 colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. It was not until 1801 that President Jefferson presided over the first Fourth of July public reception at the White House.

During that period, and prior to George Washington becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army when he said that he would not accept a salary for the position, he had already been known as an accomplished and innovative fisherman. His commercial adventures were very lucrative, plying the Potomac River for American shad. This important and bountiful fish provided food and income for his Mount Vernon estate. Alosa sapidissima was an important food source for indigenous peoples, early colonists, and generations of Virginians.

During the Revolutionary War, these feisty, flavorful fish helped feed the Continental Army, and so, deservingly, author John McPhee called them America’s “founding fish.” In those days, colonists said that the streams ran silver with thousands of migrating shad and herring. Today, the world record for America shad, set by John Thibodo in 1986, stands at 11 pounds, four ounces taken from the Connecticut River in Massachusetts. The Connecticut River is the only waterway through the state where American shad thrive - born in freshwater in the spring and migrate downriver to the Long Island Sound and into the Atlantic Ocean in the fall.

When Independence Day comes to mind, it is no wonder that the Declaration, Continental Congress, original 13 colonies, George Washington, and, yes, American shad, tie together. In a sense, it truly is a founding fish that runs a very long and varied thread through our unique history right up to the present day. Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July.

Summer weather persisted, as the high 80s reached into the low 90s along the immediate shoreline. Intermittent rain and thunderstorms, overshadowed by sun and clouds, brought limited relief before humidity somewhat subsided. A cold front continued to push offshore with high pressure building before it settled south of the area. Another cold front moved across the region, as a high pressure system returned, during which time gusty winds to 25 knots and better kicked up on Long Island Sound. This caused waves to reach three to five feet, eventually lowering to a foot or less. Near-shore water temperatures broke the 70-degree mark, while tidal rivers experienced high temperatures during low tides.

Most fireworks went off without a hitch, with the exception of a few forecasts, just prior to the fourth, that caused some cautious concern. The noise, vibrations, and ruckus cause by vessels coming and going did negatively impact waters that traditionally hold striped bass, bluefish, and other species. After a tide or two, fishing returned to normal - that is, today’s normal, which has been above expectations lately.

Back to normal was an understatement. As Atlantic menhaden and runs of mackerel maintained their presence, striped bass gorged themselves, feeding in the key main tidal rivers. Indiscriminate feeding was evident, as they primarily smashed top water plugs and swimmers - most in the 7-9” range. The reef activity was quite similar, except diamond jigs and bucktails were solid choices. Live eels were hot, as well as chunk baits. Fishing ramped up when some fishers felt that the strong run of bass that went on earlier was over. That is hardly the case, at least for now.

Bluefish catches are up, as double-digit choppers are starting to destroy tackle. Smaller harbor blues have been giving light gear and fly fishers a run, but those runs have been broken up. Depending on conditions, reach for a popper, spoon, and jig, or troll a swimmer. Pop a drail on if not running leadcore or wire. Get some poppers or spoons ready for when the snappers begin to show. Young weakfish are considerably up in numbers, overshadowing the over-16” class of fish. Keep an eye on the near-shore rips for those, and the familiar bays and sandbars for the ones that peel off line.

Porgy fever is on the verge of breaking wide open. Catches are up, including some hubcap-sized ones. They are liking squid, clams, and seaworms fished on single hook setups, hi-lo, and side-by-side rigs. Northern kingfish are in, along with striped sea robins, toadfish, and skate. Dogfish are really schooled up and are being caught from shore and vessels after showing off their telltale runs. For something more in line with heftier shark fishing, do not be surprised if your rod is bent over by one of the protected/endangered sharks found in Long Island Sound, like the generally docile sandbar or sand tiger.

Black sea bass fishing in Connecticut waters closed on June 23, while New York waters opened on June 24. Remember, possession of legal catches is key in the waters when a fisher is checked by enforcement. Know the demarcation line between Connecticut and New York.

Meanwhile, sea bass fishing has been quite good. On average, smaller fish have been dominating most catches, while the knotheads have been in deeper water. Keeper-plus fluke catches have been slowly improving, offset by numbers of shorts being caught. Mini-doormats hooked in key tidal rivers and deeper water are taking large baits. The trend still favors the eastern waters of Block Island to Nantucket for real doormats. While in the tidal rivers around low tide, have a blue crab dip net, throw, or trap handy. Blue crabbing has turned the corner, and catches have surged with the rising temperatures - despite the rain.

Hardly interrupted, even through threatening wet weather, inland fisheries rage on giving anglers fishing experiences they will remember for quite some time. Heavy winds and drenching downpours excluded, both largemouth and smallmouth bass are protecting territories, as they use vegetation, drop-offs, and natural bottom structures as ambush points. They are taking frogs, popping plugs, and wobbly floaters that are creating vibrations during the dim hours of the day. Soft plastic jellies, cranks, and jigs will also get their attention in early summer. The trick is to locate the fish and work that area so they do not have to chase and use/replenish stored energy. From bluegills to crappie and perch to pickerel, some northerns and catfish, waters are holding fish.

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.