A Spring we will not Soon Forget

Posted on by norwalkislandsfishing

Well, it’s a sad time as we’re living through a pandemic of a magnitude our country hasn’t experienced in the last hundred years.  Theres no two ways about it. I hope all my readers and their families are healthy although I know it’s unlikely the COVID hasn’t touched some of you or your friends/family.  

I’ve tried my hand at fishing the local trout rivers, and fishing for holdovers in March, Without much luck on either front. I’m not experienced in either of those fisheries so it’s not much of a surprise I didn’t do well, and frankly It doesn’t excite me much.

The good news is the bass have arrived in Western CT. Cormorants, ospreys, egrets and a variety of waterbirds are are starting to filter in.  Herring have been making their way upriver to safe spawning grounds for weeks, and small baitfish/shrimp are filtering in as well. I caught my first fish on Saturday the 29th, the earliest I’ve ever gotten a local (non holdover) fish. This couldn’t come any sooner in these trying times, and I’ve welcomed the opportunity to get fresh air with a purpose. If you’re wondering if it’s time to start fishing in the saltwater, the answer is yes. Way upriver on incoming rides for bass chasing herring, and in the estuary mouths on the outgoing. If you read my stuff you know the story.   The warm days/nights are best right now, but by all means get out there, and let me know what you’re seeing. This time of year in Fairfield County you’ll have equal opportunity from shore and vessel.  The bite under dock lights, bridges and drain culverts at night is going to heat up soon too.

It may go without saying, but guided trips with me are on hold for the time being. Please keep your distance to fellow fisherman, and it’s best to ride alone or only with others you’re isolating with. If you need to buy gear, have it shipped or shop beforehand online and pickup at Fisherman’s world. My heart goes out to those affected by this terrible disease, hospital employees, first responders and others with essential jobs on the front lines.

James

No Bad News!

Posted on by norwalkislandsfishing

As the title states, I don’t really have bad news to report. Fishing this Past weekend was on fire. The bass have been blitzing for weeks. Mostly small fish, sure, but fun easy fishing. From the rivers and estuaries in your backyard to out front in the sound around islands shorelines and open water. If you want big fish, skip the blitzes under birds and find the rips and fast current areas, nastiest rockiest most treacherous ones you can find. The full moon turned things on for us this past week. Now we have another storm rolling in making it unfishable until the weekend (nice how it worked out that way 2 weeks in a row!).

The blackfishing was pretty great for me on Saturday. I only know what I know, but it was good for me. 15 feet of water roughly, mostly incoming tide. Limit to 21 inches / 8 lbs and threw back keepers . Had a spot in mind, it was packed with boats. Tried a new one (albeit close to a very well knon spot), had some really good structure on the fishfinder, gave it a shot and did well.

As for Albies, they’re still here but they are on the ‘strong island’ side of the pond. I hope they come here, I’m tired of the long bumpy runs and refueling every few days with my small tank. I’ve spotted a few really sparse pods on the CT side but that’s it.

Tight lines, send me your reports if you got ’em, and enjoy the fish porn

Early Fall Update and LOCAL TOURNAMENT

Posted on by norwalkislandsfishing

First and foremost, for those of you who don’t know, there is an awesome local tournament this weekend organized by an acquaintance of mine Taylor Ingraham, the Tightlined Slam. Link here: https://www.tightlinedslam.com if you’re fishing this weekend, you may as well grab a few buddies, join the tournament to benefit conservation, and give yourself a chance at the cup. The prizes and entry Schwag is awesome in and of itself.

Now, for the report. As I predicted in my last post, this was THE year we had the return of Bonito. We also had Spanish mackerel in our waters. Really exciting for the fishery. They may be all gone for the year but it’s the first time they’ve been around in about 12 years so pretty cool stuff. FYI I wasn’t fishing hard that long ago, this is what I’m told. Pics below.


Not many people are focusing on Bass this time of year. But I’ve had some great mornings/nights, particularly when we get a cold front. I’m looking forward to more striper fishing using flies and lures, mostly topwater, this fall. The bassing in the islands has been better than it was all spring and summer in my opinion.


And last but definitely NOT least, the Albies are in! What a great time of year it is. The action has been moreso on the Long Island side of the pond, but not completely. I would say it’s been an open water bite for sure, tough for shore based anglers or kayakers unfortunately. If past years predict this year, we should soon have the funny fish local in the islands though. Even in shallow water, pushing bait against shorelines. It can be pretty wild and unique. Pics of fat alberts below.  If any readers are interested in a charter to do the kind of fishing I’m writing about, check the guiding section of my site.

Tight linesi