Capt Morgan 5/18/06

1. Intermittent midweek downpours and wind kept many anglers off of the Sound but, during the breaks, they found all of the schoolie bass they could handle. Fortunately, the weather held during much of the weekend in spite of chatter predicting a washout. Most shoreline stretches and tidal rivers held these feisty linesiders and we were able to hook them with a variety of baits, hard/soft plastics, and jigs. Those boaters catching a break were able to troll up larger bass from inshore reefs and shoals while anglers venturing to the Six found 'brellas and bucktails working.
2. Striped bass action continues to heat up as water temperatures rise above the 55-degree mark and more fish enter the pond. Stripers in the 30- to 36-inch range are cruising the shallows and are providing challenges to fishermen/women using light gear. Ten- to 12-pound test class outfits are proving to be a good match and a skill-tester for the heftier fish however, improperly set drags, weakened line, and bad knots are spoiling an otherwise good fight.
3. T/W action could spice up your trip. Try trolling along troughs and dropoffs as well as casting to structures surrounding passages. Shallow runs are proving to provide multiple catches of bass, especially evidenced by the passing of this recent full moon phase. Just prior to the front, catches were up astoundingly but as the east wind blew, the scene changed. The bites subsided but increased again as the winds eased and changed direction.
4. Much to the dismay of striper fishermen, many anglers are welcoming more sightings and catches of bluefish. Not quite enough yet to start rummaging through the tackle box for last year's shredded and chewed up wire leaders, however, consider bringing along some heavier mono or a couple of new wire ones the next time out since schools of toothy fish are on their way.
5. It's getting close to when fluke or summer flounder migrate into our waters for the season. The open season began on April 30 and a few have already shown up. It's also getting close to the end of winter flounder season, which closes on May 30. Fluke now need to be 18 inches (six fish daily limit) and winter flounder need to be 12 inches with a 10 fish daily limit. Know the difference between the two, particularly when fishing the tidal channels or you could unknowingly be in violation of fishing regulations. FFL-fluke face left. WFFR-winter flounder face right.
6. More trout for freshwater anglers as stocking continues in the trout parks, rivers, and lakes. The rains brought high and fast water in the rivers and streams, requiring anglers to pay more attention to exactly where the lures, flies, and baits were. It's the time of the year for various hatches and where naturals come into play. Spring encourages new life and forage fish just love it. Bring on the light weights!