If you have been putting it off and are in need of a new clam rake for the coming year, best get your hint in before Christmas. Why? Because ideal low tides are falling right in line with the merry day. That means fresh shellfish will fit right into plans for the traditional Italian-American Feast of Seven Fishes that certainly complements any holiday table on Christmas Eve.

Throughout the years, people are always surprised when they discover that winter’s cold months offer the best clamming. Water temperatures are colder but generally warmer than the air, making the meat of bivalves often sweeter and tastier. Keeping your body warm will require a bit more attention - however, shedding a layer, especially on a sun-filled day, is commonplace. Except for oysters, a clammer will have to scratch the bottom with deeper tines, since clams will be found a little deeper. Nevertheless, since crowds are thinned out, shell fishers are able to explore grounds during lower tides, which brings them within reach of clam beds not regularly worked over.

What is surprising to us regular clammers is the number of longtime shoreline residents who have never clammed in those numerous, well-stocked shellfish beds located practically in their own backyards. Sure, in many cases, they do clam or have clammed, but that is usually relegated to places like Block Island or Cape Cod when on vacation. Getting away and taking in clamming, fishing, shopping, and sight-seeing is understandable. But to not take advantage of such a fine resource so close by is not. Go figure.

The irony is that many folks living so close to or on the shoreline that eventually give it a try all have had similar reactions. Some of those reactions have included never realizing the all-around benefits with particular attention to health; being surprised at the number of clams available; how close the calm beds were; minimal cost of a shellfish license compared to store/restaurant bought clams, or should have tried this years ago.

No matter what your preference - clams on the half-shell, grilled, chowder, fritters, on a roll, fried, etc., or oysters Rockefeller, raw bar style, stew, baked, or fried - gathering fresh bivalves are only a stone’s throw away. Of the 15 Connecticut shorelines (year-round and weather permitting), Guilford is known to operate one of the most prolific and best recreational shellfish beds in the state.

One does not need much to get started. Select a clam rake suitable to your needs, a clam basket/float, a measuring ring, clam/oyster knife, a shellfish license, and you are ready to go. Like any tool, a quality rake will be more efficient, get the job done easier, and last longer with proper care. All you need for clamming, including advice and instruction, is available at Captain Morgan’s and has been for over 25 years.

On The Water

Our region remained between low pressure over southeastern Canada and high pressure being built into the Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. High pressure then built from the west, remaining for a short period before weakening, as low pressure passed to the north bringing another cold front across the area. A weak high pressure system then returned after a period of gusty high winds to 30 knots accompanied by 3-5 foot Long Island Sound seas (occasionally rising to six feet). Meanwhile, water temperatures in the Sound ranged from 45-47 degrees. Pre-dawn air temperatures were hard pressed to get out of the 20s, while daytime temperatures fluctuated from the low 30s to the low to mid-40s. During this period, sun mixed with clouds, as days brought frigid temperatures and limited snow/rain showers.

As such, a touch of Indian Summer managed to squeeze itself into signs of the coming winter. Considering what has been happening around the Great Lakes region with mounds of lake effect snow piling up, obliterating the line of sight, we have been having it easy. As in past seasons, nature’s last short breath of summer comes when air temperatures climb into the high 40s, as the sun sweeps the chill away for a couple of days.

This year, we actually felt 50 degrees once low pressure systems eased off, winds calmed down, and seas were actually inviting. During these few days, fishers were able to catch some lingering striped bass before heading into the rivers. If one was in a small vessel, they pretty much had the Sound to themselves. There were even a few other fish around - even an Atlantic tommy cod or two that have popped up now and again. Stripers were mostly taking soft or hard artificials, including flies. Those tommy cod invariably were attracted to small bait chunks that were fished in some of the local reefs where a fisher might find a linesider.

Most recently, inland waters have taken over in terms of number of anglers and fish caught. Holdover trout (including a few savvy tigers) have been irritating dedicated anglers who have been running out of ideas and struggling to come up with new ones. Add a fussy brown trout that is probably more interested in protecting its territory than eating, and the obsession to hook it could get under one’s skin. Hiking over to a lake or pond can uncover a bass, perch, or crappie while exploring the Atlantic salmon waters, or those stocked with a Seeforellen strain of brown trout (thanks to the Kensington Hatchery) can be just as rewarding. It is anticipated that those bass, trout, catfish, carp, and panfish rods will continue to get a workout.

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 holiday 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), located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison - now on winter hours. Calling ahead and leaving a message is advisable. 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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