Printer Friendly Version - Are You up for a Fishing Challenge?

A formidable marine fish to hook and excellent food to eat, who will be the fisher to catch a state record-breaker Cobia in Long Island Sound on either bait, hard lure, or fly? Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Can you name this masked togger who maxed out on a limit of blackfish to 19” as Halloween approached? Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Jonny Gould (13) of Guilford had great results this outstanding fishing season, catching largemouth bass in surrounding local inland lakes. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Let your imagination run wild for a moment. If a six foot tarpon can be caught off a beach in Cape Cod while shark fishing at night in 2023, what challenge can Long Island Sound have in store? Several short nose sturgeon, a variety of sharks, and odd-ball fish like lookdowns and monster stingrays have been caught in this pond called The Sound. There was even a Connecticut record 43-pound cobia caught in 2022 - short of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world record 136.5-pounder caught in Australia’s Shark Bay in 1985, and the world record length of 139 centimeters (54.724 inches) caught in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia in 2011.

The more Atlantic coast water temperatures inch up, the more fish species will leave their previously comfortable southern habitats and migrate to more compatible ones. What we slowly have been experiencing is this gradual movement. With that, new doors open to fishers, and, instead of traveling distances to catch certain fish, those distances shrink - even to the point of fish traveling to the fishers instead of vice versa.

The Sound invites a stop-over, or, at the very least, a look-see. With its diverse habitat and intricate ecosystems, it is a magnet for spawning populations of fish, a place in which to nurture and grow, and, in some cases, set up stakes and hold over. If we take a closer look at cobia, we find that there are no reasons sufficient enough for this species of fish (Rachycentron canadum) not to become more familiar with our waters during the warmer months.

Cobia can live to 12 years of age. Their optimum water temperature range is 68-73.5 degrees - similar to bluefish. They are bottom feeders that eat crustaceans, fish, and squid (small fish, shrimp, crabs, blue crabs, flounder, mackerel, and eels) and can be found in bays and channels - often in 15-30 foot depths.

Catching one can be a test of skill and stamina. Their mouths are hard and lined with sandpaper-like teeth, so sharp 7/0-8/0 offset hooks are a must and should be attached to a wire leader coming off 15-20# monofilament line. Cut baits ring the lunch bell, however, lures (spoons), bucktails, plastic eels, and worms are all good options. Expect powerful runs, and perhaps, some acrobatic jumps.

In addition to them being a challenging fish to catch, they are delicious to eat. Many food critics consider them to be good table fare. The flesh is mild and buttery to the taste as well as being flaky, moist, and tender. If you enjoy sushi and/or tacos, then this could be one of your go-to meals. The preference here is beer-battered.

We know that black drum and jack crevalle have been caught in our neck of the woods, while other south and mid-Atlantic fish venture on up, as well. Fishing for cobia is not much different than fishing for bluefish. From the gear used to the baits and lures cast, why not see if you might be the one who takes a swipe at the current state record and reels in a topper. Who knows? The big one that got away may not have been a bass after all.

Following a deep drop in air temperatures from the high 70s into early morning ones down into the mid-30s, the trend reversed itself. High pressure built into the Northeast before shifting offshore. A warm front then lifted through the region with a trailing cold system eventually finding its way back into our area and continuing to a colder fall pattern. Days were mixed with sun and clouds and the occasional dab of sorely needed rain to ease drought conditions and minimize fires. Meanwhile, Long Island Sound nearshore water temperatures, for now, jockeyed around the mid-to-high 50s, while light to moderate 5-15 knot breezes that gusted to 20 knots created 1-3 foot seas.

Fall weather conditions are definitely favoring the blackfish (tautog) bite, and, no doubt, toggers, as well. Short fish have been causing rod action to move right along, while, at the same time, quickly reducing the number of crabs in the bait bucket. Good fish are still being picked off from nearshore rock clusters, but fish around five pounds are best caught a bit farther out in deeper water. Most are in agreement when saying that short fish dominate catches on the quest to catching 3-5 pounders, while any larger ones are more evasive, and heavier whitechins are at a premium. Those evaluations seemed to have held water for the past few weeks. We are also seeing that whenever a tog is caught around 10 pounds or better, it is generally released. Crabs, clams, tog jigs, and simple setups (usually dictated by conditions) are catching a majority of the fish caught.

Striped bass continue to show their dominance in the tidal rivers, in the shallows, and on the reefs. Whether working diamond jigs, bucktails, plugs, flies, or natural live or frozen baits, preferential foraging seems to be less of an issue. However, many times, it is the small offering that finds its mark. Schools of menhaden, hickory shad, and other finfish have been scattered all along the shoreline prior to the brief crash in air temperatures. However, their bounce-back has spurred more feeding sprees and intermittent blitzes. Slot fish and better (over 40”) are being caught and released, while the younger class of shorts continue to be caught on lighter spinning and fly fishing setups. From small swimbaits, bucktails, spoons, and eel imitations to sinking and/or deceiver-type flies, the spunky, younger class of striped bass are inhaling, running, and stripping line.

Scup and black sea bass of quality are deeper, while weakfish are still involved in the fall classic. Squid and clams for the former and squid for the latter are the baits to use on the appropriate rigs. Bluefish, on the other hand, are the variable with time running out for serious blitzes as we head into November. The time for an October surprise has run out. Meanwhile, there are enough miscellaneous bottom fish to pick through using natural baits - some worthy of the table. While fishing the tidal rivers, try for some white perch in the upper reaches.

Inland waters remain more than viable considering the fall trout stocking program and the soon-to-begin Atlantic broodstock one. In spite of drought conditions perpetrating the state that have been affecting river and stream water levels, trout fishing remains good. Concentrating in the deeper pools and reasonable water levels and flows will make all the difference in success, whether using inline spinners, swimmers, live/scented baits, and/or flies. Switching to the lakes and ponds, topwaters, jigs, soft plastics, spoons, and crankbaits are attracting large and smallmouth bass as well as pickerel. Natural live baits have definitely caught a good share of bass and panfish.

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.