Our
rivers and nets filled with a bounty of fish not seen in many years. Voices
raised in cheer as anglers lifted heads in appreciation while onlookers
extended special thanks for gifts of freshly caught fish, for, in many cases,
it will mean the difference of not only fresh food for the Thanksgiving Day
table but also food for the cold winter months ahead.
One
doesn’t have to look too deep to find things for which to be thankful. As
fishers, it doesn’t take much to paint a smile or create joy. A catch of a
lifetime, a quiet day on the water, the wide-eyed youngster hooking into his or
her first fish, recounting a memory, sharing the day’s catch with family and
friends—and the list goes on.
We’re
in a society that’s changing globally, with developing nations playing catch-up
and leaders attempting to stay ahead of the pack, always looking ahead but
rarely looking back to lessons learned. We, as fishers, always seem to keep
what we’ve learned in the forefront, never forgetting what was successful in
the past, while always looking to be innovative and unafraid to try something
new.
We
cherish what we have and when we go astray, we make attempts at a fix, albeit
not as quickly and with foresight as many would like but, nevertheless we stay
on top and force a corrective game plan. True, it’s more of a challenge in this
global environment with different cultures viewing issues differently, but
sooner or later, we somehow come together. If we don’t, in this case
fisheries—and ultimately all fishers—suffer the consequences.
As
fishers, we have a lot to be thankful for and, in some instances, regrettably
sorry. We have a strong heritage stemming, in part, from the sea. We have
waters filled with fish, but some going by the wayside due to unnatural causes.
Some of those actions can be curtailed while others, too far gone. We have a
strong young generation that appears to care in areas where many adults failed
and for that, we should be thankful. And we should be thankful that in today’s
hurry-up society, we have a place to go to enjoy a pastime garnered in
centuries of history and memorable fish stories. Never stop being mindfully
innovative! Give thanks this day and Happy Thanksgiving from captain and crew.
On
the Water
Seas
thrashed the shoreline as more wind and cold fronts invaded the area. Still,
with water temperatures hovering the mid-50 degree mark, fish, so far, have
been reluctant to give up. But they are gradually yielding. Very soon, the last
of blues will depart, if not by press time. Clearly, water temperatures are
dropping and the activity in the Sound is dwindling noticeably from east to
west. Many small striped bass have already begun to infiltrate the tidal
rivers, while others have joined their bigger cousins on the way to the
southern bay states.
A
clue to this time of year is the gannets. They have already displayed their
acrobatic dive-bombing skills for bait as coastal striper anglers searched for
their whereabouts. When they found the birds, they found the fish and often
encountered top water lineside blitzes that have lasted for some time. In the
meantime, small top water plugs and flies imitating baitfish have been ideal
choices for the rivers.
If
the weather would only cooperate, there could be a few more productive trips to
the reefs for bass or deepwater ’togs–unless you’re up to following the striper
coast into warmer latitudes. Not a bad thought considering the time of year!
But unfortunately, we have been experiencing below-normal temperatures and wind
conditions, making it a little difficult for boats to get out and a bit easier
to get them ready for the winter season. By week’s end, the water temps could
easily drop another a few more degrees.
So
far, there’s been a slow start for sea run trout. However, with the colder
conditions, fishing for them ought to improve. The Atlantic salmon bite is good
and hitting a river for some fall trout would be a good way to work off a few
of those turkey laden pounds. Look toward the Hammo, Salmon, Housey, and Farmington for the best
action. Pike, perch, and carp are good bets in main tidal rivers with walleye
as a backup at Gardner.
Wherever
fishing, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy including the latest gear,
bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies, and licenses.
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 where we don't make the fisherman,
we make the fisherman better...
Tight
Lines,
Captain
Morgan
Pictured: "and they cast the net on the night side"; created
by AW Rice '87.
Image courtesy of Captain Morgan
Good luck to Brian Kobus of Meriden
in his bid to take CT’s black seabass offshore record with his 25 ¾-inch,
6.8-pound trophy caught in Block Island Sound.
Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan