Captain Morgan, Guilford

• A long awaited spring-like day greeted anglers as they hit Connecticut waters for opening day. It was a crisp start to the morning with little or no wind, the type that adds a little frost to rod tips. Thoughts of the recent nor'easter were prominent with fast floodwaters etched in the minds of many. Decisions as to which waters to fish and how to prepare for them were made, creating many last minute adjustments.
• Some waters were slow to give up trout while others gave them up reluctantly as fish selectively fed on various baits, lures, and flies. As the sun rose higher warming the air, feeding became more aggressive. Trout caught were common in the 12- to 14-inch range and seemingly more responsive in waters stocked after the storm or in rivers and streams less affected by it. Lakes and ponds were choices of many anglers, figuring the fishing would be more productive especially since wind would not be a factor. Some were right, but others found a sluggish start as in the Salmon where mostly browns were caught along with limited rainbows and brookies.
• Trout parks, like Chatfield Hollow, had early action prior to fish stocking later that morning. Afterwards, fish became selective but soon, once dispersed with the assistance of fisherkids, they began binge feeding before backing off again. Trout limits were caught and as day one turned into day two, more smiles began to dot the banks. Similar results were experienced in trophy trout lakes like Quonnipaug where there were periods of brisk action—a far cry from last year's windy cold start.
• Certainly, this brilliant weekend brought out saltwater anglers as well. Winter flounder were caught, some blackbacks hitting the four-pound mark while schoolie bass were fished in the tidal rivers and all along the shoreline. With Long Island Sound settling down and temperatures rising, these unforgiving April waters began to settle down.
  
• Blackfish (tautog) fishing was spotty close to shore with some of the deeper spots being somewhat more productive. Look for water temps to break 43 degrees this week, turning them on again near the jetties.