Capt Morgan 5/4/06

1. Probably one of the best early blackfish seasons in recent memory just concluded. This year's spring season was on the side of the fisherman with togs coming in earlier than usual due to the mild temperatures. Normally, the weather would have coincided more with the regulated season but because of conditions, more anglers were on the water to greet these bulldogs of the sea.
2. Togs huddled the breakwalls, jetties, reefs, and irregular bottom structures. Ten-plus pound togs were not uncommon although four- to six-pounders were the norm. Softer baits were responsible for a good portion of the catches while meat from crabs certainly attracted their fair share. We'll just have to wait until June 15 before loading up those Virginias or Gammies again.
3. Not to fret, striped bass are red hot. The major tidal rivers are loaded up with many of the smaller tidals seeing similar activity. As more and more fresh stripers enter the Sound through Hell's Gate from the west and the holdovers come down our rivers scattered throughout the shoreline, anglers are gathering to meet them. Lighter, more sensitive gear is being used to catch fish in the low- to mid-20-inch range while bass in the 30-inch plus range are doing their best to destroy those sensitive setups.
4. Signs of fish slipping in from the east are also beginning to show as schools of bass are hitting the Rhode Island shores. Still a bit in the early stages, anglers, nevertheless, are beginning to troll/drift the reefs and shoals. Spring runs of menhaden are making their way toward mid-Sound and entering the tidals and heading up river. Needless to say, the bass are right behind but don't grab your snaggers just yet.
5. Check out the smile on Madison's Maureen Andes after landing this hefty 40-pound plus striped bass on an American eel. Drifting over a local reef, this trophy was hooked and landed after reluctantly giving in to this determined angler. Could their future use as a bass bait be in jeopardy? From all indications, the answer is, most likely, yes.
6. On the freshwater side, trout are continuing to be stocked and challenge anglers. Deep holes still hold plenty of hatchery breeders that are doing their level best to taunt anglers by shunning their offerings. Hatches have been more predictable for the fly rodders fishing the rivers while live baits and traditional lures are successful options not only in the rivers but also in the lakes.
7. Both largemouth bass and crappie have now put on their spring colors. Activity in the lakes and ponds—especially in the shallows, by the drop-offs, and adjacent to submerged structure—is climbing. Coves in the upper main tidal rivers are drawing small boaters who are looking for mixed-species action. There has been an influx of bait in the rivers not only from the Sound but also as a result of being washed from the banks and recently hatched fry.