National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day 2024, a federally recognized holiday, falls on Saturday, Sept. 28. A signed proclamation signed in 1972 recognizes the tradition of hunting and fishing in the United States, as well as honoring contributions of hunters and anglers to the conservation of natural resources and wildlife.

The fourth Saturday in September not only acknowledges NHF Day, but it is the most effective grassroots movement ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. It also falls on the fringe of The Fall Run in New England. As we know, the run is one of the most anticipated and participated in events of the entire marine fishing season, with striped bass being the star player.

Not to play down speedy hardtails in any way, as they are a highly regarded skill challenger, but striped bass aficionados are a cult unto their own. Stripers have endured tremendous obstacles over the years, climbing from the ranks of common fertilizer to a revered sportfish that still fights an uphill battle to beat the odds stacked against it to survive. And resilient fighters they are.

Unfortunately, sharks are an apex predator in Long Island Sound and are having a negative impact on the Sound’s striped bass stock. The Sound itself is one example of what stripers are up against, since it is relatively small with few places a striper can escape to in order to avoid being eaten. Nature always finds a way, and hopefully, a natural balance can be achieved to retain local striper populations despite a warming trend and these incessant shark attacks.

NHF Day is so in keeping with striped bass conservation that we should, in all candor, pay particular attention on how we treat Morone saxatilis. Each one should be treated as if it is your own. After all, for that moment, it does belong to you, and, ultimately, its future is in your hands, whether it lives on or becomes a meal after a hard day of fishing.

On The Water

High pressure that has been over the waters for the past several days gradually retreated north. A frontal system slowly approached from the southwest, as the high continued to drift east out into the Atlantic. The threat of low pressure lingered nearby along a cold front, followed by one that moved in and across the area. Long Island Sound experienced ongoing east winds gusting to 20 knots, with seas running anywhere from under a foot to about three feet while water temperatures held in the low 70s. There were sun and clouds that broke up days of periods of brief rain and the occasional thunderstorm, while pre-dawn air temperatures flip-flopped in the 50-60s, and day tempertatures ranged in the low to high 70s, barely nipping 80 degrees.

All in all, astronomical Fall came in rather mildly on Sunday morning, Sept. 22, when day and night were nearly equal in length. The autumnal equinox generally sets up the fringes of The Fall Run, as opposed to the beginning of September, when meteorologists refer to it as the beginning of fall. This year is shaping up to be similar to last September, when fish moved into the Sound and fired things up. Fishing topwater and subsurface lures for bass and blues during some of those blitzes got one’s arm weary. It was definitely easier on the anatomy when bait was soaked or suspended targeting weakfish - until, of course, the hookup came.

Somewhere, prior to those flurries, along came the bonito and albies just as they did this past week. The first few were a surprise, but after that, all eyes were on the horizon for signs of these speedsters. After they finally showed up (and will most likely be here for a spell), fly and spin fishers are having more than a quick swim-by to pursue. With hard tails capturing much of the attention and Spanish mackerel joining in, weakfish might take a back seat. However, do not discount their availability, since fall is a good time for them both in size and fight.

Bucktails, rigs, teasers, and squid have been drifted effectively for fluke. Shorts are still prevalent, however, some mini-doormats have been lifted from the bottom and netted just south of Faulkner’s, Six Mile, and Bloody Grounds, to name a few locations. Porgy remains a top favorite both near shore and fishing farther out on the reefs, while quality black sea bass catches prove to be successful in around 60 feet using bait and/or jigs.

Shark bites on striped bass continue, as conditions remain optimal for such interactions. There is no doubt stripers have become skittish and attuned to their growing predicament. As a deterrence, they are attempting to play the avoidance game and seeking out areas that would minimize attacks. Their top speed cannot compete with that of a sandbar shark. Consequently, they have been more cautious by sheltering, moving about, and tightening their schools.

In addition to sandbar, tiger sharks, and dogfish, catches of skate, northern kingfish, sea robins, and other bottom fish are very active. These are being caught from shore and a bit farther out on soft and chunk baits. Look to the wetlands for continued good catches of blue crabs.

There is no let-up at all on the freshwater side. Largemouth and smallmouth bass and trout, as well as panfish, are all being targeting and caught. There are plenty of toothy species and bottom feeders in the mix, together with a few odd-ball species. This past week, lakes, ponds, and rivers all drew anglers using a combination of live and artificial baits, including conventional and fly fishing gear. It looks like this activity may have a life of its own and just may allow for prolonged fishing opportunities.

Shark Encounters: Submit your photos of shark vs. striped bass (or other fish) encounters while reeling in a fish. From a nip or a serious bite to the gills, all photos are of interest to further this season’s research efforts. A snapshot of a fish after the fact and/or one being pursued in the water has importance. Submit email to captainmorganusa@hotmail.com and include name, approximate depth, and location.

Tightlined Slam: Save Oct. 11-13 for this fly rod and light tackle catch-and-release western Long Island Sound fishing tournament. There are nine categories for team and individual competitions targeting striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, and bonito during this well-organized, multi-species event. For details and/or registrations for this popular tourney, contact: tayloringraham@tightlined.com

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.

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

captainmorganusa@hotmail.com

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