After a slap of wintry chill, weak high pressure gave way to a fast-moving low pressure system bringing in warmer air temperatures and more pleasant weather. Long Island Sound is rebounding from its shock where water temps previously dipped back into the high 40's before moderating once again into the 50's. The Sound has been fluctuating from 46º to 56º west to east respectively.

This set the scene for a chilly, but pleasant, opening of winter flounder and blackfish/tautog season. Up to this point, it has been striped bass only with the exception of jigging for Atlantic herring, white perch, intermittent catches of searuns and some offshore cod. The 'two' fish limit of 'blackbacks' kept a few anglers at bay however, with such a mild winter and fishing activity way ahead of schedule, even many of the warm water enthusiasts headed out in their small crafts.

Several local spots tucked into secluded bays, harbors and channels leading to them, saw some relatively good action. Throughout the shoreline, 'flatties' were drawn in by the chummers and hooked on such baits as sandworms, clams and other soft baits. Duck Island, Clinton, Madison shoreline, The Thimbles, flats from Branford to New Haven and Guilford harbor all had their moments.

Togs held mostly in deeper water but some spots where crabs were tucked in amongst rocky structure saw a better bite. Early action was spotty, more so because fewer boaters had taken advantage of the warm weather and had not de-commissioned their vessels yet. Again, those with 'drop-in' hulls were better able to take advantage of the early bite that occurred along the breakwalls and rock-strewn bottoms.

With only TMA's and 'unstocked' CT waters now fishable until opening day (Saturday, April 21st), sweet water anglers are somewhat limited unless you're an eagle or osprey. However, the catch/release waters and the open lakes/ponds have been offering some fantastic early fishing. Largemouth bass have been in a pre-spawn, and now spawning, mode for a while. Families of other species like smallmouths, pickerel, pike, catfish, perch and related panfish have also generated good fishing due to the early season kickoff.

Captain Morgan's is now accepting registrations for its Annual Codi/Bubba Memorial Trout Contest. Sportsman's licenses are also available at the shop so avoid the last minute rush and pick them up on your next trip by. And, since shellfishing has also been exceptional in the Guilford area, pick up one of those licenses as well, including any clamming gear and accessories you may need.

For all things fishy including the latest gear, bait, flies/fly fishing, rod/reel repairs, clam/crabbing supplies and licenses/permits, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline's full-service fishing outfitter, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Tight Lines,

Captain Morgan

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