Madison, Captain Morgan 10/28/05

1. More fishing days came to light this past week than led to believe by many a predictors. Typically for this time of year, wind is a factor and at times Mother Nature did not disappoint us. However, major storms were held at bay stalling and teasing many east coasters. This of course, opened the door for windows of opportunity and the fish, undaunted, were in the suds just waiting for their seasonal.
2. Stripers are on the move and shore fishing on Long Island Sound has become more productive now that water temperatures are dropping. Yep, shorter days and chilly mornings are starting to have a greater effect on our bass fishery and anglers are noticing a difference in hook ups. If you haven't been out in a few, then get going.
3. Soon bait will also be on the move but for now, there is plenty of it. Bunker schools have begun to scatter, however select mid-shore harbors and tidal rivers are corralling points for large bass and blues. Riverbanks and bridge abutments are getting a workout as bait is being driven to them before being consumed in familiar fall fashion. Casting plugs are finding their marks as well as tin squids and bucktails. Live bait, certainly, is scoring with high marks both from shore and boat.
4. Determining hot spots is wind, current, tide, and bait dependent. Often, both bait and game fish will seek cover to improve their feeding prospects and protection against the elements. At times, for example, the reefs of Southwest were out-produced by Six Mile simply because it was calmer and more conducive to feeding. Up to now, Faulkner Island has been fairly consistent with pre-fall migration bass as was Charles, Kimberly, Sachem's, Brown's, and The Beacon. This is about to change with more bass in the 30- to 40-pound plus range on the move.
5. Live bait, such as eels and menhaden or fresh iced bait, has been drawing hard hits. Tin squidding offers a good alternative in areas where fish are schooled while T/W is a good option for slow-trolling close to shore, along shallow shoals as well as deep reefs and passages.
6. Bluefish fans are in their glory as choppers feed throughout our reading area. Bird activity has become more noticeable especially in and around harbor entrances, rips, and rock formations that trap/hold bait during tidal changes. Small baitfish, as well as adult and juvenile bunker, are attracting large schools of blues and, in turn, gatherings of anglers. Looking for albies? Hit the Race but don't rule out quick-moving schools that ventured well into the Sound.
7. Blackfish (Tautog) fishing has turned on with most popular reefs and rock piles holding fish. From the breakwalls in New Haven to the productive rock formations around Faulkner Island, from Madison and Kimberly Reefs to Southwest and onto Hatchett's and Black Point, togs are the talk. Appetites are changing as quickly as the days and tides change. Togs on one reef may gobble up greenies while those on another jump on hermits and on yet still another, sandworms or clams may be the answer. Go back to the same spot the next day and don't be surprised if the best bait of yesterday is ignored.
8. Water's up and trout are down in the newly formed pools, thanks to the recent rain. Fall fishing for them has begun and there has been some good activity in the recently stocked rivers and lakes. The same goes for largemouth bass but not so for most northern pike fishermen who have tried the Connecticut River probably due to the confusing combinations of barometric pressure and weather fronts. Once things settle down, look for good sweet water fishing ahead. [org pub TheDay.com by Captain Morgan Route 1, 21 Boston Post Road, on the Madison side of the Madison/Guilford town line.