What do Christmas trees and fish have in common? The simple answer is rings. Who would have thought? Show someone a treasured antiquity, fossil, or vintage antique, and the response will invariably be, “How old is it?”

In the world of fishing, anglers and non-anglers alike will generally ask something to do with age, size, weight, or all three when referring to a fish. Realistically, people who fish can reasonably estimate the size and/or weight. Age, though, is the one biological factor that grabs the curiosity. Establish age, and a fisheries biologist can extract a lot of data supporting growth and development. It is a definitive starting point in evaluating other reference points.

Otoliths or ear stones are part of the inner ear’s vestibular system. They function as linear motion detectors, stimulators of sensory cells, providers of spatial orientation, and distinguishers between head tilts and linear movements. They are small, white structures found in the head of bony fish that typically have three pairs of these otoliths each. Almost like counting the rings in a tree, alternating light and dark ring-like formations can determine a fish’s age. To date, ages estimated with sections of halved otoliths provide the most accurate and precise age estimates of fish.

Christmas trees in particular and pine forests in general are more familiar to everyone than otoliths. More specifically, anyone cutting down their very own hand-picked Fraser or Balsam fir (or any number of others) has seen the concentric circular rings in the trunk. Light colored rings are the wood that grew in spring and early summer, while the dark rings indicate growth in late summer and fall. Associating a light ring and a dark one together represents one year of growth, so counting them in total will determine a tree’s age.

Layering is not something new. Observers can see geological striations visible in our canyon walls and other natural rock and sediment formations found throughout the world. Zircon crystals encrusted in rock dating back approximately 4.4 billion years, for example, were discovered in Western Australia. And based on where some of the oldest fish fossils were unearthed in China, that period is estimated to be between 518-530 million years old using radiometric dating. Not to get too far astray, peoples’ teeth form tooth rings as soon as a tooth emerges from the gum. Count the annual rings around the tooth’s root formed by cementum, and age can be determined. Accordingly, when sitting around your festive table in celebration this season, ring in the holidays with this unusual and most unexpected perspective.

On The Water

Low pressure over the Canadian Maritimes slowly weakened and lifted northeast going into Thanksgiving week. High pressure then built in from the southwest and moved offshore. An approaching frontal system moved through the area followed by a low pressure system that impacted the region with an anticipated unsettled weather event. Periods of light to moderate rain followed, interspersed with clouds and sun. Air temperatures waffled from the high to mid-50s down to below freezing, and into the mid-20s before rising back into the high 30s. Long Island Sound recouped from multiple small craft warnings and high seas cresting to eight feet, as winds moderated and water temperatures averaged 48-49 degrees.

Busy as can be, fishers were squeezing some of the last moments out of this year’s fishing season. While shrink wrappers have been busy heating white polymer plastic film used to secure hauled and winterized vessels for the winter, gear and other assorted tackle that have been removed are being attended to before being stowed. Smart anglers are giving them a good cleaning before servicing over the winter. Others, in many cases, will be left with the task of undoing what gremlins accomplished over the winter.

Currently, as water temperatures in the Sound hover around 49 degrees and below, black sea bass are taking a migratory track pointing them to deeper water. Those depths can easily reach 300 feet, as they exit the Sound heading south and west to spend winter in the deeper waters off the mid-Atlantic region. The last day of Connecticut’s season was Nov. 28. However, vessels still operating in New York and Rhode Island waters, including any head boats, have through Dec. 31 to catch these beauties.

The one fish that continues to feed on small baits such as sardines, peanut bunker, and silversides, is striped bass. Bunched up in Long Island Sound and in many of the tidal rivers, they are responding to hard and soft artificials as well as frozen baits. Balancing the tides, currents, and winds with the time of day has been a challenge, but nevertheless, linesiders are being caught even as we go into December.

Surprising anglers, those caught under, over, and within the slot of 28-31” have been higher in numbers than we thought. Of those, many young of year fish are now estimated to be eight years old, while many others foraging in the Sound fall within the harvesting slot limit. What we have noticed this striped bass season is that the majority of fishers have been releasing most of their linesider catches irrespective of size. Some have even begged off fishing for them altogether. As one fisher said - “Considering the emphasis on stock re-building and the one fish limit, I’m giving it a rest.” Contrarily, another emphasized that he “enjoys more river and shore fishing releasing every one caught - mostly short fish and those under 35.”

Spurts of rain here and there have helped to quell brush fires dotting the state, and, in a few instances, helped river water flows and levels. Most vessels have been hauled, and even the trailer army has dwindled down, opening the door for bird hunters, and, of course, inland anglers. Sweetwater anglers continue to manage their days so as to leave a little private time to trample on a few fallen leaves, bend a few branches, and check out nearby waters to flip something to a bass or lay a fly down for a trout. One is more apt to bump into wildlife perched high or stalking the wooded edges than another soul.

One thing for sure is that rivers, lakes, and ponds are holding fish. Techniques and presentations will vary with conditions, forcing anglers to roll with the punches. From live natural baits, to an abundance of crafted lures and flies, it is time to take out something proven. Scan the area for hidden clues where a fish might lay low or be able to tackle something worth the effort without spending too much energy. Fish that were catchable in lakes and ponds during the warm season are still there - just slow it down and adjust fishing depths accordingly.

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 this holiday season, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, 2025 licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop (203-245-8665), with abbreviated winter hours, 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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