SNAPPER BLUES - SEPTEMBER SPECIAL

 

    BABY BLUEFISH- More commonly known as snappers or snapper blues show up in August and grow through the month of September at a phenomenal speed. They are fun to catch, delicious to eat and for years capped off summer vacations for hundreds of Westport anglers ranging in age from 8 to 80. That's the good news.

    On the flip side, what was once a thriving sport fishery, has been over-regulated to the point that snapper fishermen are getting hard to find.

    Back n the 60's and 70's, before cell phones, when a fun afternoon consisted of catching the dropping tide at a favorite snapper spot, the Post Road Bridge in the center of town was lined with anglers of all ages, fishing the first couple of hours of the drop  and loading buckets with baby bluefish to be taken home, cleaned, some set aside for the evening dinner and on the good days, some frozen for dinners throughout the winter. Weekends in August and September showed the bridge lined from one end to the other.

    Mary Eliason one of Westport's longest serving school crossing guards fished the creek at Burying Hill on a daily basis, feeding her pet cats at home and releasing the fish she caught after the cats were fed.

    Legendary Westport fisherman and conservationist, William, "Doc" Skerlick, lived in the trailer park on the Post Road and didn't have a freezer, but every year he found someone willing to share some freezer space, caught a daily tally of snapper blues 

An old photo from the creek at Burial Hill. Note the long bamboo poles - were a popular choice for catching snappers without investing in more expensive fishing outfits.

and later in the fall put on a snapper feast for one or another of the conservation organizations he belonged to.

    SNAPPERS are easy to catch. A light spinning rod and reel, artificial lures and/or frozen shiners provide a sure path to a successful fishing day -and that is the flip side of the story. The current 3-fish per day limit on bluefish includes snapper blues.

    I caught my first snapper yesterday. I found them at the creek at Burying Hill. First cast with the popular SNAPPA-POPPER produced a hit. Next cast, a bluefish about 3 or 4 inches in length (released of course) and a couple more hits followed. As the heat index was in the triple figures, I packed the rod back in the car and enjoyed the air-conditioning on the ride home, convinced that there should be some good snapper fishing over the next few weeks.

    By the time these little guys pull out ahead of a cold snap or a Nor'easter, many fish will average 8 to 12 inches in length. Right now, even a 3-fish limit couldn't provide a meal.

    I am sure these biologists are well educated and highly qualified and are convinced that the baby blues need to be preserved. However, sometimes common sense has to enter into the picture.  Snappers have always been a favorite bait for fluke fishermen. Indeed, the fluke population consumes thousands  of these baby bluefish a day, far more than recreational anglers. Many additional species are predators that consume snappers. Three fish a day is a reasonable  limit for adult bluefish.  Not for snappers!

    Recreational anglers who enjoy snapper fishing also like to eat their catch. In these inflationary times, senior citizens, jobless and low-wage workers look for ways to put food on the table. For people who fish for more than fun, snappers head the list. 

    Snappers also have very sharp teeth. They must be handled carefully as simply brushing a finger along those teeth will draw blood. Handling them safely also can injure the fish so that many of those that are released don't live anyhow. Better they be consumed by those folks who appreciate them.

    They are found close to shore. Tidal creeks, coves and shallows are the hot spots. In Westport,  the Old Mill, Sherwood Mill Pond, New Creek and dozens of spots along the Saugatuck River are snapper locations.

 Take your choice. Depending on the tide, either side of the bridges at the Old Mill can be productive. 

    Looking downstream at Pasacreta Park, numerous areas are potential snapper spots. The Post Road Bridge is best  at change of tide and the first hour or so on the drop.

    Unrealistic limits and our high-tech world have robbed a generation of one of nature's greatest gifts. Fishing is one of the safest and best activities for youngsters adults and families in these crazy Covid times. 

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2021 TROUT SEASON IS OPEN!

 2021 FISHING SEASON OPENS EARLY

by Dick Alley

                                                2021 FISHING SEASON NOW OPEN!

    Today, Governor Lamont signed an executive order opening the 2021 fishing season officially open.

Trout season is open in all lakes and ponds, rivers and streams throughout the State. Likewise for other fresh water species.

                                                                                        

GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNS ORDER OPENING CONNECTICUT’S  FISHING SEASON EARLY 

Trout Fishing Season Opening Early to Encourage Social Distancing, Anglers  Reminded to Exercise Caution if Fishing on Late-Season Ice 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed an executive order removing closed seasons for fishing on all inland waters in Connecticut, and opening additional  lakes, ponds, as well as rivers and streams to fishing statewide, effective today. The governor  signed a similar order last year to open the state’s fishing season early at the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Executive Order No. 10B removes prohibitions on fishing for trout, effectively advancing opening  day of trout season from April 10, 2021 to today. The governor said that opening the fishing  season early permits anglers to enjoy additional access to outdoor recreation, which has been a  help to residents’ mental and physical health. 

“Opening the fishing season early helps to reduce opening day crowds and limit the potential for  spread of COVID-19,” Governor Lamont said. “Anglers are encouraged to continue to practice  social distancing, and we encourage fishing to be enjoyed only with members of your immediate  household and not as a group activity.” 

Connecticut saw a 17 percent increase in new fishing and hunting license sales last year, evidence  of how residents are enjoying the state’s spectacular fisheries and natural resources as a safe  respite during the pandemic. 

The Fisheries Division of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection  (DEEP) began its 2021 spring stocking of all traditional trout fishing areas in early February. There  are also plenty of opportunities to fish for bass, pike, walleye, catfish, and carp in areas that are  usually closed at this time of year. Anglers are reminded to purchase 2021 fishing licenses, Trout 

& Salmon Stamp, and Youth Fishing Passports online, through DEEP’s mobile friendly website or  access through DEEP’s main fishing website. 

Important Reminders 

Rivers & Streams: DEEP will be stocking throughout March and early April and anglers are  encouraged to enjoy early season fishing on rivers and streams that are traditionally closed  during this time. 

Ice Fishing: Ice fishing opportunities may exist on some waters in parts of Connecticut. DEEP does  not monitor ice thickness and warns all anglers to exercise caution if planning to fish on the ice.  DEEP reminds winter anglers that safety comes first. Be aware that ice thickness varies on all  waterbodies due to a number of environmental factors, including in-lake water circulatory  patterns. Please check the late season ice carefully before venturing out and check repeatedly to  make sure that ice thicknesses are sufficient. Remember, late season ice is not as safe as early  season ice. Thickness that would be safe at the beginning of the season should be viewed with  caution now. If in doubt, DO NOT GO. Always let someone know where you are going and when  you will return. Visit the DEEP Ice Safety webpage for more information. 

Social Distancing: Anglers should maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, practice  good personal hygiene, and stay home and away from others if you feel sick. If you arrive at a  favorite fishing spot and see that crowds are forming, choose a different location, or return  another day or time. Please respect social distancing for your safety and that of our staff if you  encounter DEEP’s hard-working staff stocking trout. 

Boat Launches: All of DEEP’s 117 boat launches located throughout the state remain open  provided the launch is free from snow/ice, although docks will not be in place yet. DEEP reminds  boaters that social distancing rules still apply and all boaters are encouraged to consider the size  of the vessel, the number of people on board, and the ability of people to keep separation  distances. From October 1st through May 31st, you must wear a Life Jacket (state law). All  children 12 and under must wear a Life Jacket. Whether fishing from a kayak, canoe, rowboat, or  outboard a PFD can save your life should you capsize. 

While Executive Order No. 10B opens water to fishing, all other fishing laws and regulations,  including requirements for a fishing license and trout and salmon stamp when needed, and all  methods, creel limits and length limits remain in effect. The executive order does not change the  regulations for Trout Management Areas that are currently open for catch and release fishing  only nor does it change the one fish per day, 16 inch minimum length, currently in effect at Trout  Management Lakes. 

DEEP has many great sources of information available to anglers through social media, email, and  the agency’s improved website. The 2021 Connecticut Fishing Guide has loads of valuable  information for anglers, as do the DEEP Fisheries and Wildlife pages on Facebook  (facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife) and Twitter (twitter.com/CTFishWildlife). Questions about 

fish or fishing can be emailed directly to mike.beauchene@ct.gov, who can provide assistance in  as timely a manner as possible during normal working hours. 

**Download: Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 10B 

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TMA TIME!

 TMA TIME

by Dick Alley

February 22, 2021

                                                    TIME FOR TMA FISHING

        Today is George Washington's birthday. Late February.  Looking out the window, it's raining, or maybe a mix. It was snowing hard an hour ago, hard enough to coat the parking area. I'm still smiling. The thermometer is supposed to rise into the high 40's on Wednesday, maybe 50 this weekend. That is enough to make me smile. I had my first Covid shot almost two weeks back. One to go in early March. Another reason to smile. It is all good, but even better, the early trout season will begin in just a few days. 

    Regular trout season doesn't begin state-wide until the second Saturday in April, but if the normal schedule is followed, maybe this week, maybe next, Trout Management Areas in Connecticut will receive their first trout plants of the year and catch and release fishing will open up in these areas. Add in a few specially designated lakes that offer an extended trophy trout season through March 31st and forget all about those winter doldrums.

    Westport's local TMA is the Doc Skerlick Trout Management Area located in a stretch of the Saugatuck River between the Dam at the old Dorr Mill, on down to the Merritt Parkway where the river feeds into Lee's Pond. That stretch of river is restricted to FLY FISHING ONLY, but is open to fishing throughout the year with the added restriction of catch and release fishing between the end of September and  the second Saturday in April.

      

I snapped this photo of Doc with a catch of mackerel at Burying Hill Beach about half a century ago. He fished all day and nights, attended meetings all over the State related to conservation and fish preservation. He loved all kinds of fishing but trout and snapper blues were his favorites. 

Another popular TMA is the Cascades on Mill River in Fairfield, where catch and release fishing restrictions are similar in the pre-season, but where fishing with spinning gear or bait is also allowed.

    Another nearby spot is the Mianus River in northern Greenwich which has a TMA section. This stretch is especially noted for its stonefly population, making those imitations the big attraction for fly fishermen. Additional locations are listed in the Angler's Guide, the DEEP publication which will be coming out with the latest edition in March but is also available on the CT DEEP website.

    Also listed in the Guide are the Trophy Trout Lakes which offer an extended season through the end of March. Depending on the weather, fishing can be in open water or through the ice, but a two trout over 15-inch limit is  the rule. Some of these lakes also have been stocked with Atlantic salmon, often surprising lucky anglers with a real trophy.

    Most of the freshly stocked trout in the TMA's will hit streamers and nymphs in the early season. Patterns like the Mickey Finn, the Hornberg Special, Woolybuggers and the Hare's Ear nymph have always produced well for me.

    Where spinners are allowed, try Trout Magnets, Rooster Tails, Blue Fox spinners, but be sure to consult the guide in advance as some spots require single hook only lures.

    Early spring, late winter trout fishing is the best cure for cabin fever. It wasn't always like this. Way back when I was young, trout season ended the last day of October and opened the third Saturday in April. I think it was back in the 60's that the DEEP tried opening the first TMA on the Willimantic River.  The Cole Wilde TMA quickly grew in popularity, offerring CT anglers a chance for early season fishing for the first time. Today, similar areas exist across the State, including the one dedicated to my old friend, the late Doc Skerlick.

    A CT fishing license is required for anglers over 16 years of age, as is a trout stamp. ENJOY! Trout season is back .

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