tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89689162024-03-07T03:48:30.882-05:00Connecticut Fishing Tips and NewsAll things regarding Connecticut Fishing. Links to articles, reports, books, charts, etc. Most postings are copies of published online articles. To view original article, CLICK on post title.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.comBlogger350125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-71158879784298036352017-03-12T20:46:00.000-04:002017-03-12T20:46:52.916-04:00Sea run TroutWhat brings trout anglers out, in many cases, those who primarily frequent saltwater, in mid-winter to fish for the elusive sea-run? The air is cold, the water chilled, and often, the wind piercing. Nevertheless, this small but dedicated slice of angler population braves the elements each and every season. There are river rainbows to catch along with normally stocked browns and brookies. But it’s the sea-run that brings fishers to the banks.<br />
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The popularity of this anadromous fish has even caught the attention of many state inland fish and wildlife divisions–so much so that here in Connecticut, several lower tidal rivers have been given the designation of “sea-run trout rivers.” Studies are ongoing in various New England states and New Jersey in an attempt to gather meaningful data and bolster or create sea-run trout programs.<br />
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Sometime in the fall, these stockier, silvery trout enter from their saltwater environment and return to the sweet water. The avenues traveled are tidal rivers that lead to spawning grounds farther inland. Here they remain and, after a few weeks, regain their familiar brilliant colors. In the spring, these “salters” return to the briny where they forage on a variety of foods and gain the weight and stamina lacking in many of their non-salter cousins.<br />
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It is believed by many that sea-runs travel to and from the fresh/salt water throughout the seasons, similar to striped bass. Others maintain that their experiences seem to indicate salters are more apt to be caught in spring and fall. At any rate, catching these beauties is both challenging and rewarding.<br />
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Bait, flies, spinners, spoons, and swimmers can all be used to catch these traveling trout. During a winter thaw and just prior to a following low/cold front can be ideal conditions to cast for these sea-run browns and brookies. On the surface, lower tidal rivers may seem dormant but lurking below can be sub-surface activity generated by migrating salters. When drive and determination to head upriver is interrupted, their fight can be exciting.<br />
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Such was the case on this February day when things came together. After fishing the catch and release stretch of this popular river and hooking into mostly rainbows, a move was made much farther downriver. About a mile and a half from the Sound, at a spot where it wound its way toward the headwaters, fishing action heated up. Maybe for an hour tops, we managed to intercept several salters heading out.<br />
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Occasionally, the least likely watercourses can turn out to be productive tidal avenues for sea-run fishing. If there’s a way for salters to reach upriver spawning grounds, then chances are they’ll take it. If spawning is then successful, there will be a lasting imprint and these paths will be used again and again by both fish and fishers.<br />
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On the Water/Ice<br />
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Soon we’ll be drifting into another low/cold front combo but, in the meantime, a mid-winter thaw took hold. Although central Long Island Sound remains at the 35-degree mark, our midweek air temperatures hit the 40s. Entering into a new week, early morning temperatures dropped to well below freezing, enhancing ice fishing along the shoreline. However, farther inland there was less of an impact where ice remained thick although slushy in places.<br />
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During our recent spring-like weather, tidal areas sheltered from strong winds offered good sea-run trout fishing. Overall, sea-run trout activity has been on the upswing and probably will improve as February moves into early March.<br />
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With the temporary reduction in edge and bank ice, salmon fishing in the Shetucket and Naugatuck rivers improved. Both Mashapaug and Crystal lakes have also become popular destinations for lake salmon. Generally, our stocked trout lakes are producing fairly consistent catches. Mansfield Hollow along with the coves dotting the Connecticut River are still seeing good pike catches on large shiners.<br />
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Perch and other panfish catches continue to be numerous with jiggers, while large/smallmouths are being caught using tip-ups rigged with free-swimming shiners and jigging sticks/lures. The bullhead and channel cat bites seemed to have eased but not so for pickerel. Lakes and ponds keep on looking like a typical Norman Rockwell winter scene with anglers, shanties, sleds, tip-ups, and cooking stations. What a great winter for the sport! <br />
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Note: Captain Morgan’s has all 2009 fishing, hunting, trapping licenses/permits (rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzle loader, HIP, CT duck stamps, etc.) available including shellfish licenses for Guilford and Madison. Don’t wait until opening day. Git’er done now!<br />
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Whenever and wherever fishing, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, 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... <br />
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Tight Lines,<br />
Captain Morgan<br />
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Pictured: Mark Punzelt of Madison had a good day of sea-run trout fishing when he landed fish to 17 1/2 inches on artificial swimmers. Catching a break in the weather, he opted for the Hammonasset River. Here he is seen releasing a fine winter sea-run brown trout caught in the Hammonasset River.<br />
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Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-81928819824028952672009-06-19T18:44:00.001-04:002009-06-19T18:44:47.850-04:00Whoops! Saltwater licenses sold before Gov signed billState environmental officials have stopped selling new saltwater fishing licenses, after realizing the bill creating them still awaits the governor's signature. <p>State lawmakers approved the bill on June 3 and the Department of Environmental Protection began selling the "marine waters fishing licenses" for $10 apiece two days later. </p> <p>Officials say the DEP sold about 2,800 of the licenses before discovering its error and shutting down the sales. The DEP will wait to see if Gov. M. Jodi Rell signs the bill before issuing refunds, if needed. </p> <p>The governor's office is not saying whether she'll sign the bill, which would require an estimated 100,000 people to get annual licenses to fish in Long Island Sound. </p> <p>A DEP spokesman says staff members made a mistake, but had good intentions.</p>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-5963897980906743802009-06-19T18:38:00.000-04:002009-06-19T18:39:42.825-04:00CT Tightens Laws on Drunken BoatingPenalties for drunken boaters who cause a death are being boosted in Connecticut to mirror those faced by intoxicated motor vehicle drivers.<br /><br />The state House of Representatives voted unanimously Friday for the tougher law, previously approved by the Senate. Gov. M. Jodi Rell pushed for the change and is expected to sign the bill, which would take effect July 1.<br /><br />Currently, intoxicated boaters who cause someone's death can be charged with reckless operation of a vessel, a crime with fines up to $5,000 and up to two years in prison.<br /><br />The new measure would let authorities charge those people with manslaughter with a vessel, making it a felony similar to motor vehicle law. Penalties include fines up to $10,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-34954228476306029712009-06-13T18:06:00.003-04:002009-06-13T18:12:57.539-04:00Maine Cancels Salmon SeasonMaine officials canceled the month long fishing season for Atlantic salmon (May 22 to June 22) in the latest possible sign of escalating tension between the state and the federal government over the imperiled fish. <br /><br />The sudden reversal came after federal regulators met with Gov. John Baldacci and the Atlantic Salmon Commission last week to discuss the pending decision about whether Maine salmon will be added to the endangered species list. During that meeting, representatives from the National Marine Fisheries Service apparently reiterated their strong opposition to a catch-and-release season for Atlantic salmon on the Penobscot River.<br /><br />Federal officials are expected to announce in the coming weeks whether salmon in three of Maine’s largest rivers — the Penobscot, the Kennebec and the Androscoggin — will be protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Penobscot River is the only U.S. waterway that still sees a sizeable run of spawning Atlantic salmon. But more than 90 percent of the returning fish can be traced to two federal fish hatcheries, and the 1,000 or so fish that typically return to the river annually are a fraction of historic runs.<br /><br />Friday (May 22, 2009) would have been only the second “opening day” for spring salmon fishing on the Penobscot in a decade. The state held an identical catch-and-release season last spring, again over the vocal objections of federal officials. While fewer than 200 fishermen participated last spring — resulting in a financial loss for the state — the commission and DMR staff said the season proved that the state could run a carefully monitored fishery without harming the population. Anglers were restricted to using single-pointed, barbless flies and were required to re-lease all fish immediately.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-90022788316550060902009-06-12T19:07:00.002-04:002009-06-12T19:28:12.596-04:00Saltwater Fishing Fans Will Soon Pay the PriceGov. Rell is expected to sign into law requring saltwater anglers to have a license. The only question that remains at this point is where the money will go.<br /><blockquote>Revenues from the licenses projected at about $1 million per year - will go to a DEP environmental conservation fund. That could change, however, depending on what's in the state budget once it's adopted. Rell's proposed budget calls for all DEP revenues to go into the general fund, which would include the license fees. <p>State Rep. Edward Moukawsher, D-Groton, who opposes the new fee wrote a letter to U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, asking for an investigation of new federal laws that prompted the state to impose the new license. State officials and others who supported the bill said the state license made sense as a way to keep revenues in the state rather than let them go to the federal government. Without a state license, anglers would be required to sign on to a national registry and pay federal fees to catch certain types of fish. </p></blockquote><p>If the money goes into a general fund - they might as well rename it - Saltwater Fishing Tax To Help Pay For Things Connecticut Can't Afford.<br /></p>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-60797553199386546232009-06-09T16:21:00.001-04:002009-06-09T16:21:54.219-04:00Fisherman Reels in Live Military Missile<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/w0KApD8JrAU' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/w0KApD8JrAU'/></object></p><p>He caught the fish, I mean 8' missile, while long lining in the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles off Panama Beach. He thought it had already been detonated and wanted to keep it as a souvenir, so he tied it up to his fishing boat, the "Bold Venture". "For two days, I had lightning striking all over my boat and I had that on my roof," Salomon said. "Nothing happened." </p></div>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-63129166595000675202009-06-04T22:52:00.002-04:002009-06-04T23:06:36.100-04:00The Case for the Saltwater Fishing LicenseBob Sampson makes the case for why Connecticut anglers need to support the saltwater fishing license. My understanding is a saltwater fishing fee or license is coming and it's only a matter of who get's that money - Connecticut or the Feds. Read Bob's <a href="http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/x2085745597/Outdoors-Key-fishing-license-legislation-needs-support">article</a> on this important matter.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-82208043667212532582009-06-04T16:57:00.004-04:002009-06-04T17:14:07.222-04:00600ft Jellyfish Crop Circle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFEL5DA4CVPAfdR9_KbtU2fE08ViOQeRNstIpIKiIcxPLZkteXR9yuajhrByN5cg3b_qUfknOBx93u-ccuRfcCHt1kbgD2IFjzVMpj0fG4c2z9XQM-MGFXEJyAtAbow1cVeTGbA/s1600-h/jellyfish+crop+circle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFEL5DA4CVPAfdR9_KbtU2fE08ViOQeRNstIpIKiIcxPLZkteXR9yuajhrByN5cg3b_qUfknOBx93u-ccuRfcCHt1kbgD2IFjzVMpj0fG4c2z9XQM-MGFXEJyAtAbow1cVeTGbA/s320/jellyfish+crop+circle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343580289426286274" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgajQfeG9I_r3ASNF5kxEW_KXhyphenhyphen-9UC72Hv3N1COAqMvFl4cBU_E0-MDPTHajsg08fCBaBQF8e1x8oFXCvltyHW6MwrvORHQx8CoJaP8E91gTi9hT8b8HBByAxRDWmiu-cwzh8w/s1600-h/dragonfly+crop+circle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgajQfeG9I_r3ASNF5kxEW_KXhyphenhyphen-9UC72Hv3N1COAqMvFl4cBU_E0-MDPTHajsg08fCBaBQF8e1x8oFXCvltyHW6MwrvORHQx8CoJaP8E91gTi9hT8b8HBByAxRDWmiu-cwzh8w/s320/dragonfly+crop+circle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343581044821390338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Apparently July to August is <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5443033/Dragonfly-crop-circle-appears-in-Wiltshire.html">crop circle season</a> in Britain. "<span style="font-style: italic;">I imagine this will not be the last one we will see this summer and it has already been a busy summer for spotting them as they are well ahead of schedule. In past years the crop circle season has typically run from July to August but already four have been found in barley fields stretching from Wiltshire to Oxfordshire this year.</span><p></p><p>Where'd they come from? <span style="font-style: italic;"> 'Croppies' (crop circle theorists) believe the patterns are created by UFOs or by natural phenomena such as unusual forms of lightning striking the earth. </span><br /></p><p>Watch out: "<span style="font-style: italic;">People believe they will increase in frequency up to 2012 where there will be some kind of cataclysmic world event.</span>"</p>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-6753537614303769832009-06-04T11:36:00.002-04:002009-06-04T11:44:54.971-04:00Striped Bass & Bluefish Comsumption AlertThe Connecticut Department of Public Health is issuing renewed warnings that young children, and women who are pregnant, nursing or of childbearing age, should not eat two types of fish.<br />Authorities in Connecticut and six other East Coast states — Maine, New Hamsphire, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland. — released coordinated warnings about the striped bass and large bluefish over 25 inches from their local waters. In Connecticut , both are commonly caught in Long Island Sound.<br /><br />The fish contain polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, at levels that are of potential concern to the general public, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. PCBs can affect the endocrine system and brain development and can cause cancer in animals.<br /><br />Wednesday's advisory reflected new data indicating that PCB levels have dropped. In the past few years, the state health department has recommended that the general public eat large bluefish and striped bass only once every two months, rather than every month as advised this year.<p></p> Children under 6 and women who are nursing, pregnant or of childbearing age are considered at higher risk and should not eat the fish at all. Everyone else should eat no more than one meal of the fish per month, according to the state health department.<br /><br />The seven states released their advisories together so travelers would know to be cautious about the fish in all of the affected states, since the fish tend to move between states. "The species are migratory and many of the fish that are in Connecticut today could be in New Jersey in the fall," said Brian Toal, an epidemiologist with the state health department.<br /><br />PCBs, which were used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment, have not been used in U.S. manufacturing for more than 30 years, but they exist in the ocean off the East Coast from past use, when they leaked into storm sewers and made their way into rivers and the ocean. Larger, predatory fish tend to accumulate higher levels of PCBs from eating smaller fish that have PCBs in them.<br /><br />The health department is urging people to continue eating fish for their health benefits, such as omega 3 fatty acids. Other commonly eaten fish from Long Island Sound, including blackfish, winter flounder, fluke and scup, are low in PCBs and other contaminants.<p></p>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-86295192690192377372009-05-30T17:23:00.002-04:002009-05-30T17:28:23.509-04:00$10 Saltwater Fishing License Coming SoonOh great: Connecticut's House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a bill requiring saltwater licenses as of June 15. The proposal is before the state Senate.<br /><br />Why?: The licensing program is intended to keep pace with federal law aka Because they said so that's why!<br /><br />Read More: <a href="http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=a7f772ce-f911-4411-8189-1d1ba6080e81">Bill Sets Fee for Saltwater Fishing </a>and <a href="http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2009/05/30/news/415307.txt">Saltwater Fishing license soon to be required.</a>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-77095240116831425922009-05-23T22:18:00.002-04:002009-05-23T22:26:21.936-04:00Fishing Column - Conn Post 5/23/09Fishing column by Charles Walsh<br /><br />The air temperature was running high, but the TMA area of the Housatonic River above the covered bridge in Cornwall was running low. It felt like a day better suited for sipping beer than for casting for smallmouth bass in a river that was no deeper than two feet in any given spot.<br /><br />I reared back with my ultra-light spinning rod and chucked a small, yellow Rapala toward what looked like a deeper hole three-quarters of the way across the river. The lure landed far from its target but with one turn of the reel handle the water exploded like the lure had hit a submerged mine. Out of the spray shot a foot-long silver fish that, even from so far away, looked to be more angry than scared. <br /><br />Smallmouth on! For the next two hours I forgot about the oppressive heat as smallie after smallie blasted my lures.<br /><br />Hard to believe that it's been almost a month and a half since Opening Day of trout season in Connecticut. Hooking a nice fat brown or rainbow never gets really old, but by now many freshwater anglers are ready for a change of pace.<br /><br />Our suggestion is to grab that ultra-light spinning outfit or fly rod and try for some of the aforementioned smallmouth or largemouth bass.<br /><br />In streams and rivers largemouth bass tend to lie up on shallow rocks or just inside the weed lines. More often than not the fish are found in less than five feet of water. Smallmouth, on the other hand, can often be found hanging out above deeper weed edges.<br /><br />Dropshotting is a particularly effective system for catching both largemouth and smallmouth in Connecticut's weedy lakes.<br /><br />The dropshot rig uses a tear-shaped sinker suspended 12 to 18 inches below a hook that has been attached to the line using a Palomar knot that keeps it at a 90-degree angle to the main line, its point facing up. A three-inch soft plastic lure like a Bass Assassin shad is threaded on the hook through the nose so that it also hangs at a 90 degree angle to the line.<br /><br />Stick baits also work well, while Texas-rigged soft plastic lures will do the job, too.<br /><br />Spinner baits and crank baits are effective on both species. Lately, hooks tipped with three-inch Gulp minnows or grubs in black or natural colors have been doing well.<br /><br />Male largemouths are stay-at-home dads building their nests at this time of year while the ladies cool their fins. Bass spawn when the water temperature is between 62 to 68 degrees, When the water temperature reaches 65 degrees the bass' metabolism speeds up as does their feeding pace. But bass don't spawn at the same time. The fish at the southern end of a lake or pond usually bed and spawn first.<br /><br />Unlike trout, there is no need for state-run hatcheries and stocking programs - these fish maintain their own hatchery system.<br /><br />In Connecticut the season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year round with a six-fish limit for both species. (Be a sport, return all fish to the water.) Bass caught in lakes and ponds or in the Connecticut River must be 12 inches long to be kept. Fish taken in rivers and streams can be any length.<br /><br />Match the lure to the bait that is around. Jerk baits, white spinner baits with chartreuse blades, small, shallow diving crank baits, and spider jigs are killers now.<br /><br />If you just can't get off the trout bandwagon the DEP says spoons, either Mooselooks in silver or a 4-inch flutter spoon in silver,, have worked well.<br /><br />When fishing a Flutter spoon make a long cast and let the spoon fall on slack line. Slack line gives the bait its distinctive dying shad fluttering action. Once the bait hits bottom reel up your slack, holding your rod at the 9 o'clock position. Raise your rod to the 12 o'clock or even 1 o'clock position, pulling the spoon well up off the bottom. Some days the fish will hit the spoon when it is raised briskly. Other days a slow steady lift works better. [Charles Walsh, Connecticut Post]sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-91564246763251277172009-05-22T18:31:00.007-04:002009-05-23T10:41:51.437-04:00Porgy (Scup) Facts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEzKx4lPyvJY_n5YV68C1XUhJZ7AwNd5qCJC8VtqMz35cJj2SzsVNyWGKPfrbpXAt1x564wo2aak4wOYh7VzFgBJjbx4EMYKqeMnUAs99wtoVvcu3vlSZZfxiTwqPt0OuW7gkRw/s1600-h/scup+black+sea+bass.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEzKx4lPyvJY_n5YV68C1XUhJZ7AwNd5qCJC8VtqMz35cJj2SzsVNyWGKPfrbpXAt1x564wo2aak4wOYh7VzFgBJjbx4EMYKqeMnUAs99wtoVvcu3vlSZZfxiTwqPt0OuW7gkRw/s320/scup+black+sea+bass.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338779824655055362" border="0" /></a>Scup and black sea bass hovering around a reef ledge. <br /><ul><li>Scup undertake extensive migrations between coastal waters in summer and offshore waters in winter.<br /></li><li>Scup migrate north and inshore to spawn in spring, with larger scup (age 2 and older) tending to arrive in spring first, followed by smaller scup.</li><li> Larger scup are found during the summer near the mouth of larger bays and in the ocean within 20-fathoms, and often inhabit rough bottom areas. </li><li>Smaller scup are more likely to be found in shallow, smooth bottom areas of bays during summer. </li><li>Scup migrate south and offshore in autumn as the water temperature decreases, arriving in offshore wintering areas by December. </li><li>Spawning occurs from May through August and peaks in June. </li><li>About 50% of age-2 scup are sexually mature (about 17 cm total length), while nearly all scup of age 3 and older are mature.</li><li>Scup reach a maximum fork length of at least 41 cm and a maximum age of at least 14 years, with a likely maximum of 20 years.</li></ul>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-7607763377794523452009-05-19T23:09:00.002-04:002009-05-20T17:54:31.626-04:00Greenwich weighs sale Steambot Rd Pier & LotA popular fishing spot located at the end of Steamboat Road in Greenwich CT is at danger of becoming private. A pair of suitors have expressed interest in buying the small lot and pier from Greenwich. First Selectman Peter Tesei said selling the property could reduce public access to the waterfront in Greenwich, where most of the shoreline is dominated by multimillion-dollar mansions or town parks that charge admission. "We may not want to sell it," Tesei said. "I think that's a public policy issue that needs to be considered. Waterfront access is certainly important."<br /><img src="http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site7/2009/0513/20090513__gt0514gtPier%7E01_300.jpg" title="" alt="" border="0" width="300" height="237" />sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-24732203462503887102009-05-19T23:04:00.005-04:002009-05-20T18:06:58.393-04:00Native Plants return in Stamford's Mill River Restoration<p>If a river herring had tried to swim up Mill River to spawn last spring, it likely would have been thwarted by a hulking concrete block beneath the Pulaski Street bridge -- a remnant of a dam dating to the 1800s. Today, the herring instead would encounter a riverbed engineered to encourage its life cycle. Part of the ongoing $7.9 million Mill River restoration project creating a 26 acre park & 3 mile greenway stretching from Scalzi Park to Long Island Soound. </p>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-86161704838224685332009-05-19T23:04:00.003-04:002009-05-20T18:01:51.481-04:00Menhaden more critical than people thinkBob Sampson in the Norwich Bulletin writes about the growing imbalance between predator & prey in our coastal ecosystems.<br /><blockquote>Because menhaden were not there in sufficient numbers to support the huge population of striped bass that was created back in the 1980s, every other possible source of prey has been devoured by this aggressive, omnivorous predator. The result is an imbalance balance between predator and prey in our coastal ecosystems.... While menhaden were functionally missing from the food chain, striped bass (along with bluefish and other predatory species) may have literally eaten once-large populations of river herring, American shad and contributed to the demise of winter flounder, fluke and other species through predation around the edges.</blockquote>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-23839426801116092232009-05-18T23:02:00.004-04:002009-05-18T23:12:59.770-04:00After 10 years, Oyster-ing returns to GreenwichFrom March 1, 2009 until the seasonal closing of the recreational Shellfish Beds at Greenwich Point, in early May 2009 (or as posted), the ban on taking oysters has been lifted and the taking of oysters is permitted.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-74836427258023826012009-05-11T21:24:00.000-04:002009-05-11T21:25:01.991-04:00Experience the SoundThe Greenwich Shellfish Commission welcomes you with friends and family to "Experience the Sound" from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Tour the Sound Waters Schooner and learn about its educational voyages in local waters. Visit the Atlantic Clam Farms Shellfish boat and discover how it collects clams from Long Island waters. Learn about scuba diving opportunities and talk with fishing experts from Sportsman's Den.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-18286027501181241752009-05-11T17:04:00.003-04:002009-05-11T17:39:13.926-04:00Herring Run in Weymouth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXpMHgPZSMohMZhOsNWlWAEL9VWSEYzRt7CMUMlPoFAXLRLuiC7bnUZjCxbk1jmuA_yN-kc3ZPpT3p_jfffWrrRSWkC6s8miyxp8IODoj2ZPIOHLvUjlfuhLT7jAA9SweyHE-jw/s1600-h/herring+run+park.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXpMHgPZSMohMZhOsNWlWAEL9VWSEYzRt7CMUMlPoFAXLRLuiC7bnUZjCxbk1jmuA_yN-kc3ZPpT3p_jfffWrrRSWkC6s8miyxp8IODoj2ZPIOHLvUjlfuhLT7jAA9SweyHE-jw/s200/herring+run+park.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334675641209036402" border="0" /></a>Every year between April and June about 250,000 herring pass through Weymouth. The fish travel from the Atlantic Ocean and make their way to ponds via various streams including: Weymouth, Pembroke, Braintree and Plymouth.<br /><br />The herring “run” through the start of June in several local places, including Thomas Reading Memorial Herring Run Park on Route 14 in Pembroke, Town Brook behind the Jenney Grist Mill on Spring Lane in Plymouth, and at the intersection of Water and Commercial streets in East Weymouth. The fish typically are most active – and most likely to jump – between 11 a.m. and noon.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-17101446916737729492009-05-08T23:09:00.001-04:002009-05-08T23:11:27.857-04:00The Calamari Causeway - Fishing for SquidSquid fishing on the causeway to Goat Island: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JeWIOgrLZg8&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JeWIOgrLZg8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-77710839894958682772009-05-08T11:56:00.002-04:002009-05-08T12:00:38.731-04:00Stop the increase of ethanol to 15%<p class="style9"> <strong><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:130%;" >Boaters Need To Comment Before May 21st</span></strong><span class="style5"><span class="style3 newscopy"><strong>: </strong></span></span><span class="style9"><span class="newscopy style3">Strong pro-ethanol advocates are pushing the Obama Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) <strong>to increase </strong>ethanol levels in gasoline to 15% (E15). As you may have read in <em>BoatUS Magazine</em>, ethanol at the currently allowed 10% (E10) level has been shown to cause significant problems for some marine engines and boat fuel systems.</span></span></p> <p class="style9"><span class="newsdate"><a linkindex="5" href="http://smtp.boatus.net/t?r=3&c=7037&l=728&ctl=1E6FBE%3A2C6A17341AB0A5DC0858327BFF960CF3&" class="copylinks">Click Here </a></span><span class="newscopy style3">To read the BoatUS Article -<strong> <u>A Serious Problem</u>, A Corny Solution</strong></span></p><p class="style9"><span class="newscopy style3"><strong></strong><a linkindex="6" href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123993106781727761.html" class="copylinks"></a></span></p><span class="style14"><span class="style5"><a linkindex="8" href="http://capwiz.com/nmma/issues/alert/?alertid=13199386" class="copylinks"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>Click Here</strong></span></a> To send comments (due before May 21) directly to EPA!</span></span>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-27658841127845048102009-05-06T16:36:00.003-04:002009-05-08T15:30:50.058-04:00Free KFC Meal -download coupon today!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkNBRcSYR2lSrp-46ump1z37L00UF_OZxdUt6wsCn2WGsqR2l0UwzFIXHI6jR2MysX5KT-RifaruRtK0mceyTIYDHyQE7nUupKn7P5Fi6hRJqbVKCM5tyk3uoKuHCXuXB8jjz6A/s1600-h/KFC.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkNBRcSYR2lSrp-46ump1z37L00UF_OZxdUt6wsCn2WGsqR2l0UwzFIXHI6jR2MysX5KT-RifaruRtK0mceyTIYDHyQE7nUupKn7P5Fi6hRJqbVKCM5tyk3uoKuHCXuXB8jjz6A/s200/KFC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332813781334115522" border="0" /></a>Update: Promotion is over. I hope y'all had better luck printing it then I did. <br /><br />Kentucky Fried Chicken is giving out coupons for a free Kentucky Grilled Chicken Meal (2 pieces, 2 sides & biscuit). You have to print it out today by 11pm. It's good until 5/19/09.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-9055407156368068222009-04-30T22:49:00.003-04:002009-04-30T23:16:32.025-04:00Stimulus Money Set for Long Beach West Cottages DemolitionCongresswoman Rosa DeLauro announced $909,000 for the Barrier Beach Restoration on Long Beach West through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (aka Stiumulus money). This funding will allow for the demolition and clean-up of the 41 abandoned cottages on Long Beach West.<br /><br />According to the press release this project meets one of the criteria for stimulus money: it will generate the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time.<br /><br />How many new jobs will this create? When will these new jobs be created? A worthy project but will it help a high value employer like <a href="http://www.courant.com/business/hc-ctlayoff-pg,0,2378886.photogallery?index=hc-cignalayoffs-pic">CIGNA rehire the 1000 employees</a> who recently got laid off?sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-89109261408909672432009-04-30T16:14:00.002-04:002009-04-30T16:48:25.220-04:00Rell Seeks $12.6 mil Stimuls for Coastal Restoration & Marine Improvements$12.6 million dollars would be going to these four projects:<br /><ul><li>Removal of the Springborn Dam on the Scantic River in Enfield</li><li>Construction of a fish passage at the Tingue Dam on the Naugatuck River in Seymour</li><li>Construction of a fish passage at the Rainbow Dam on the Farmington River in Windsor</li><li>Restoration of tidal wetlands along the lower Connecticut River in the towns of Chester, East Haddam, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Lyme and Old Saybrook</li></ul><br />According to Rell these projects "will create jobs for engineers, construction workers and others".<br /><br />While these projects may be worthy and needed is this really the best way to stimulate CT's economy? How many NEW jobs will be created? When will they be created? With more than 600,000 people losing their jobs every month is this the best way to spend our money? Will these projects hire the thousands of CT workers who have or will lose their jobs because of the cancellation of the F-22 & presidental helicopter programs? I doubt it.sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-77843691152212091672009-04-28T12:13:00.003-04:002009-04-28T12:18:53.915-04:00Windsor & Holyoke Shad Derby'sHere's the dates for the regional shad derby's:<br /><a href="http://www.windsorshadderby.org/events/fishingtournament/">Fishing Tournament Windsor Rod & Gun Club</a>: May 2-4th<br /><a href="http://www.hged.com/html/shadderby.html">Holyoke Gas & Electric Shad Derby</a>: May 9/10 & 16/17sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8968916.post-20557453608718938352009-04-27T18:44:00.002-04:002009-04-27T18:56:24.934-04:00Stop the EPA Push for 15% Ethanol FuelLike many boaters in the Northeast I've suffered from ethanol fuel causing a couple of thousand dollars of outboard motor repair and a new custom fuel tank installed. That was only 10%, I can only imagine the headache and wallet-ache 15% will cause. Ethanol fuel is a bad solution to our energy problem. Ethanol diverts corn from food to fuel - raising the cost of food, causing food shortages, food riots and adds to world hunger. It also uses another precious resource water that we should not waste. <br /><br />Today I received an email from Boaters World asking boaters to fight against the increase to 15% ethanol. Here's the <a href="http://capwiz.com/nmma/issues/alert/?alertid=13199386&PROCESS=Take+Action">link.</a>sandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00202011286604353935noreply@blogger.com0