Printer Friendly Version - Kids Week: Big Things Come in Small Packages

James Casey and young Calder Boyle of Brooklyn, New York paddled throughout Toddy Pond in Maine while on a family fishing trip, catching largemouth and a variety of other fish. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Grayson Schaeffer (5) of Chester turned a tiny piece of plastic worm into the catch of the day, when he landed this largemouth bass while fishing Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Jack Carpino (12) of Madison, fishing with dad John, landed these two striped bass in the 46” class out of an eight fish night that jumped on bunker chunks, rather than those being live-lined. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

We in fisheries management look to protect the young class of fish in order to ensure their health in the future and ability to fulfill the biological process of procreation. As humans, we prioritize those goals in our own population’s cycle of life, as well. Certainly, there are outliers in both instances that obstruct the curve, and, in all probability, that will be the case until life’s battle is lost.

Focusing on the upside, we are seeing an uplifting hand to the younger generation - specifically when it comes to fishing. We see it occurring both in the briny and sweet water, as our younger generations are being taught how to follow in the footsteps of anglers going back centuries. As long as fish populations are considered an important resource and looked upon as one not to be taken for granted, angling will be a way to source food and recreation.

More and more, our younger generations are casting their fishing lines and learning the ups and downs of fishing, as well as how to meet and overcome challenges. It makes little difference to fishers whether catching a small or large fish, even in later years, because anglers have many different reasons to fish. Often, it is not the fish fishers are fishing for. However, as the youngsters grow up and their horizons widen, fish pursued get larger, and world record sizes become a goal for many sophisticated and advanced fishers.

Lately, we have been seeing the scenario of how the torch was passed in the form of young fishers learning what fishing is all about. It is not just the excitement and enjoyment derived from catching a fish, but also the importance of conserving a species. Conversations with them bear this out. Some of the best early year experiences are shown on their faces and the stories they tell. It becomes very obvious that big things often come in small packages, and those things are not necessarily always in the form of big fish.

It is inherent for those experienced anglers to reach out and lend a hand to the inexperienced when appropriate. Many times, it is a youngster or someone trying to teach one. Most anglers do just that. With the popularity of going fishing increasing, social media can go just so far when it comes to local water know-how - no matter where in the world it is. Fishing builds character, is a great teacher, and broadens one’s life experiences.

A stalled front that remained over the area lifted north and was followed by another frontal boundary. Originating from the south with a wave of low pressure, it passed over or just south of the area. A couple more waves of low pressure then passed through, bringing unsettled weather followed by a cold front. A weak high pressure system built from the west, bringing improved weather. During these transitions, easterly winds gave way, swinging to the south and eventually west. Throughout Long Island Sound, light winds blew around 5-10 knots, creating waves of a foot or less, occasionally cresting at two feet while intermittent rain and thunderstorms broke 85-90-degree days, mixed with sun and clouds.

This week, we have seen another increase in the flow of Atlantic menhaden into the Sound. As a result, striped bass fishers have been live-lining them. Some have had reasonable results, and others have had them shunned. Still, others scored better using small chunks. The recent full moon cycle saw an increase in live eel hookups along with moderate plug action. Stripers over the slot continue to be as plentiful as those under - the slot limit being 28-31”. Fishers hitting the deep water reefs, success has followed diamond jigs and jerking bucktails. Action has been intermittent but sometimes chaotic by nearshore reefs and lower tidal rivers, as small topwaters, swimming jigs, and soft plastics are being pursued from slack to flood tides.

Spot croaker are racing scup for food. Increased numbers of spot are showing up around piers, breakwalls, and reefs. Scup bangers are having their baits taken before porgies can get to it. For those wondering, spot are good table fare as well, so fret not. For the most part, porgy catches have been good, with slabs coming from deeper reefs. Interest in blackfish (tautog) is holding even during the summer heat. Where togs were being pulled by shore toggers, some have moved off the breakwalls to some of the cooler waters to satisfy their ideal temperature range of 50-68 degrees. Some nearshore water temperatures have reached 74 degrees, but some of their food supply still remained close, which has caused togs to move in and out.

Not much change has occurred in runs of small weakfish, as they feed from location to location across the Sound. The same holds true for bluefish. They are being caught throughout the Sound, but concentrations of them have yet to materialize. Diamond jigs, chunks, and plugs, when periodic surface action is observed, have caught fish around 10-12 pounds. Snappers are about status quo, with a few more showing up here and there.

If you are looking for shark activity, you will find plenty of it. Of the basic sharks found in Long Island Sound, smooth and spiny dogs, sandbar, sand tigers, and dusky are the prevalent ones. Whites, blues, and fresh have been the occasional visitors, but the Sound is not their preferred habitat - at least not in late spring and early summer because of water conditions and food supply. There are federal and state restrictions on the harvesting of protected ones, so know your sharks. It is best to catch and cut the line if unsure. However, if you are looking to catch a dogfish, chunk the bottom. In addition to sharks, skate, sea robins, northern kingfish, etc. can easily occupy your time.

As July wound down, largemouth bass remained the most sought after freshwater fish. Various hard and soft artificial baits, as well as naturals, have been quite productive along the lily pads, weed lines, and drop-offs. Smallie action has clicked up consistent with pickerel, catfish, and carp. In addition, good sized bluegills are snapping up worms, small jigs, and flies.

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/repairs, 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.