Captain Morgan, 5/20/09

Holdover striped bass, continue to migrate down from the tidal rivers and into the Sound...blues, are following the Atlantic coast northward...Hudson River as well as Chesapeake Bay ‘linesiders’ . Water temperatures fluctuating around the 52- to 55-degree mark—a low comfort range for active bass.

Catches of small- to mid-size bluefish are becoming rather common as runs of baitfish persist. Weather conditions permitting, top water action is there for the taking.

A few more catches of winter flounder are being made along the shoreline with some attempts at sea bass that have come out of their winter holes. Sea conditions made holding ground difficult, but soon that will change giving rise to more ‘humpbacks’ being caught. Unless there are any changes, porgy/scup season opens on May 24.

Trout season continues in good fashion with all major stocked rivers, trout parks, and lakes producing fish. Intermittent rainfall has affected flows and clarity, but overall fishing remains above average. Both dries and terrestrials are being used effectively—try a caddis. Lakes are producing cats, pickerel, and largemouths with heightened ‘bronzeback’ action both in the lakes and rivers. Take a shot at some northerns at the Meadows.

Captain Morgan’s will be sponsoring Trout Unlimited’s Hammonasset Chapter’s Catch & Release Trout Tournament. Plan on a date with the Farmington River and plenty of fish on June 6 at 10 a.m. whereafter, the four-member teams will enjoy a great dinner, prizes/awards, a raffle, and a whole lot of fun. Proceeds go toward TU’s youth education programs. Contact the shop at 203-245-8665 or Ted Gardziel at 203-415-2117.