tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66594353496657141942024-03-12T23:21:23.833-04:00ANGLINGwithALLEYA blog devoted to more than half a century of recreational fishing in and around Connecticut in both fresh and salt water. Fishing is more than having fun with fish. The people we met and shared the game with will never be forgotten.Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-47665552356293670532022-10-13T15:47:00.000-04:002022-10-13T15:47:20.957-04:00PIC-TALES -- #1 For The Birds!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2wsyrAN0EysxqUS7O0iGthxu32v9RRe6kcunhwmg8o-56WFHhv4F27pYa7U_HsipfWSTylbrFeOSTNpzm--FQBJzwjRkTJYbkus0gWDEQXuWZk74ndw5gjlQeO4GPHLBpxo83RvNz9hHhxHpcEwZArCAytCVLbyx_0OQvnziR0tpbWWf3IaFTnjh/s2204/85C0FA32-E8BD-49E5-9E77-ABE0C0392645_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1172" data-original-width="2204" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2wsyrAN0EysxqUS7O0iGthxu32v9RRe6kcunhwmg8o-56WFHhv4F27pYa7U_HsipfWSTylbrFeOSTNpzm--FQBJzwjRkTJYbkus0gWDEQXuWZk74ndw5gjlQeO4GPHLBpxo83RvNz9hHhxHpcEwZArCAytCVLbyx_0OQvnziR0tpbWWf3IaFTnjh/w743-h395/85C0FA32-E8BD-49E5-9E77-ABE0C0392645_1_201_a.jpeg" width="743" /></a></div><br /><h1 style="text-align: left;"> Four AND Twenty Blackbirds (and maybe a few more)</h1><div><br /></div><div>It was a long time ago. I was on my way to the Shetucket River in northern CT to try for salmon and drove past this farm where I quickly hit the brakes, pulled to the side of the road and grabbed the camera. Never, before or since that day have I seen so many blackbirds (or maybe starlings) gathered to feed in such a small area. It was early November and they were undoubtedly migrating. It planted another of those special memories in nature that I never forgot. Going through some old photo's today, I decided to share yet another "fishing" memory that helps to explain that fishing itself is only a fraction of the world to be enjoyed in the out-of-doors.</div><p></p>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-4475678674826932242022-08-07T16:31:00.000-04:002022-08-07T16:31:18.584-04:00WESTPORT SMELT - GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!<p style="text-align: center;"> WESTPORT SMELT</p><p style="text-align: center;">GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN</p><p style="text-align: center;">by</p><p style="text-align: center;">Dick Alley</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> I moved to Westport in 1952, but didn't get into saltwater fishing until the late 1950s after my stint in the Army. The other day I was going through old photo's and a shot dated March of 1968 triggered a sad memory. It was the last time I remember a smelt run in the Saugatuck River.</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span> </span><span> In those early years, winters were cold and the earliest activity we could find on the river was netting Westport Smelt with scoop nets. It was something to do and the smelt were delicious. In fact, Westport smelt were known far and wide as some of the best. </span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span> </span><span> Pat Fratino was Westport's Harbormaster. He was also a commercial fisherman and had a small but busy fish market on the lower level of the building bordering the river in Bridge Square just below Cribari Bridge. Pat would lobster in the summer, but he always started his season with fresh smelt from the Saugatuck River. </span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /><span><span><span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeOo6bFVT3WQhsfnc-KBvhyGeOTOrVcKc9qX_4yoDZBVZ-fxZ71mNCspL4DpPRifmAjvzkmleeADpyL4CrfIg2dI3Ku5PqDQicNIjuyhMLjuNEtQOF13yF7Es-Yzkya-_3dZnvy1wzGWPcetTfiFG-VKl4hx6rkyyOqUe-fuBLZja8HHhvnSECBt-/s1286/34FFEADE-1804-434C-98BF-A812CB543402_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1268" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeOo6bFVT3WQhsfnc-KBvhyGeOTOrVcKc9qX_4yoDZBVZ-fxZ71mNCspL4DpPRifmAjvzkmleeADpyL4CrfIg2dI3Ku5PqDQicNIjuyhMLjuNEtQOF13yF7Es-Yzkya-_3dZnvy1wzGWPcetTfiFG-VKl4hx6rkyyOqUe-fuBLZja8HHhvnSECBt-/w612-h411/34FFEADE-1804-434C-98BF-A812CB543402_1_201_a.jpeg" width="612" /></a></span></span></span></div><span><span><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span> </span><span> He caught the smelt in a huge net which he stretched across the river just north of Church of the Assumption and he pulled the net sometimes twice a day depending on the tide. What he didn't sell in his own market, he loaded into his pickup truck and drove down to sell them at the Fulton Fish Market in NYC. . Often local friends and fishermen would stop by to help haul the net and were rewarded with a few smelt for the dinner table.</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> 1968 boasted an excellent spring run of smelt. Pat made good hauls every day. Many of the local gang had scoop nets and waded the upper tributaries leading into the river, scooping up limits of smelt to share with friends and neighbors. My favorite spot was the little brook behind what was then North Main Garage. Others found the fish in good numbers in Dead Mans Brook behind the police station and other small brackish streams.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> On this particular day, I happened to stop by as the guys were making their first pull of the net. I remember Mike and Pat Cofelice were there. So was Joe Saviano. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span>The bulge in the net as they drew it towards shore made it obvious that the net was packed with fish. As the fish came out of the water, guys on shore transferred them into bushel baskets and loaded the fish-filled containers onto the back of Pat's truck. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span>Everyone helping took home as many fish as they wanted and Pat headed for the market. I later heard that he brought the price down to 10 cents a pound that day. The following day, the net came in empty and the day after that and for several days thereafter. To my knowledge, Westport never saw a smelt run again.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 30</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-12117610441252813882021-08-12T13:54:00.000-04:002021-08-12T13:54:19.707-04:00SNAPPER BLUES - SEPTEMBER SPECIAL<p> </p><p><span> 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.</span><br /></p><p><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA08CsCl7jk_2ZfSl9gJj0nbQXuyHWNtG26FtwCexEHxRXGqMRUXmBa_lWdwJMbk4UZJzKVb0KH7k7yIG3CFngzn0lJhvLU7D3dW_eVgAEmf1CJEU8FFPliB4ls6zGZJMR5QGYbcBgoCw/s1600/img731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA08CsCl7jk_2ZfSl9gJj0nbQXuyHWNtG26FtwCexEHxRXGqMRUXmBa_lWdwJMbk4UZJzKVb0KH7k7yIG3CFngzn0lJhvLU7D3dW_eVgAEmf1CJEU8FFPliB4ls6zGZJMR5QGYbcBgoCw/w400-h268/img731.jpg" width="400" /></a><span><span><span><span> Mary Eliason one of Westport's longe</span></span></span></span>st 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.</p><p><span><span><span><span><span> 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 </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><i><b>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.</b></i></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span>and later in the fall put on a snapper feast for one or another of the conservation organizations he belonged to.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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. <b> Not for snappers!</b><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFNZB9Yl5-rCiW9ODedaB_K8lg_DKZoyCVo2V4Ir1pK7qrvtv98n-lz1BbanxMsC3OQrAgwtqSNt7NSejd3rZi-Q6wk-15mAoC1MyhtGgm7BqbAHTpaq-3-2XTi6E8grSPwtCE1hSaog/w400-h270/img474.jpg" width="400" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbprJioRFuATrvfAv-3LYq3G05M4w8zqfZB5PylgucEP2ZNvSjuI0AwRyT5gS4zaeZx4o7-GBJhCtXE-CmYtV8r7MZqA8h9IzfsvvYp90GWOW3WxZmn11DHyJKArmussSGpUlBFUzNsk/s1600/img472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbprJioRFuATrvfAv-3LYq3G05M4w8zqfZB5PylgucEP2ZNvSjuI0AwRyT5gS4zaeZx4o7-GBJhCtXE-CmYtV8r7MZqA8h9IzfsvvYp90GWOW3WxZmn11DHyJKArmussSGpUlBFUzNsk/s1600/img472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbprJioRFuATrvfAv-3LYq3G05M4w8zqfZB5PylgucEP2ZNvSjuI0AwRyT5gS4zaeZx4o7-GBJhCtXE-CmYtV8r7MZqA8h9IzfsvvYp90GWOW3WxZmn11DHyJKArmussSGpUlBFUzNsk/s1600/img472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><b> <span style="color: black;">Take your choice. Depending on the tide, either side of the bridges at the Old Mill can be productive. </span></b></i></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbprJioRFuATrvfAv-3LYq3G05M4w8zqfZB5PylgucEP2ZNvSjuI0AwRyT5gS4zaeZx4o7-GBJhCtXE-CmYtV8r7MZqA8h9IzfsvvYp90GWOW3WxZmn11DHyJKArmussSGpUlBFUzNsk/s1600/img472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbprJioRFuATrvfAv-3LYq3G05M4w8zqfZB5PylgucEP2ZNvSjuI0AwRyT5gS4zaeZx4o7-GBJhCtXE-CmYtV8r7MZqA8h9IzfsvvYp90GWOW3WxZmn11DHyJKArmussSGpUlBFUzNsk/s1600/img472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbprJioRFuATrvfAv-3LYq3G05M4w8zqfZB5PylgucEP2ZNvSjuI0AwRyT5gS4zaeZx4o7-GBJhCtXE-CmYtV8r7MZqA8h9IzfsvvYp90GWOW3WxZmn11DHyJKArmussSGpUlBFUzNsk/s1600/img472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FcQ6aR4mZEVHGvvzpPZojOChrADJ8RsLPfh5PL-TNRJC6tkZQ6zETeKEgK1YFqB52HaWhoJqocKOjCqccnAfO1cDa31yVCtIWA6ZmL5cAns4tQrnm34n3GXdjTi7Rd3zYKwBjcD8EME/s1024/DSC_2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FcQ6aR4mZEVHGvvzpPZojOChrADJ8RsLPfh5PL-TNRJC6tkZQ6zETeKEgK1YFqB52HaWhoJqocKOjCqccnAfO1cDa31yVCtIWA6ZmL5cAns4tQrnm34n3GXdjTi7Rd3zYKwBjcD8EME/w640-h426/DSC_2958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><p></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span> <b><i>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.</i></b><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span> 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. <br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span> 30</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span> </span><br /></span></p>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-41020417570463146032021-03-04T19:36:00.002-05:002021-03-04T19:36:41.133-05:002021 TROUT SEASON IS OPEN! <p> 2021 FISHING SEASON OPENS EARLY</p><p>by Dick Alley</p><p><br /></p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 2021 FISHING SEASON NOW OPEN!</span><br /></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><span> Today, Governor Lamont signed an executive order opening the 2021 fishing season officially open.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span>Trout season is open in all lakes and ponds, rivers and streams throughout the State. Likewise for other fresh water species.</span></span></p><p><span><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwEFFR6FnuHNuslkjllfZSxo9SbZ5mvNL5flXzLMszT51b8-lYg7KZno28nKw0em5nKzzIwI9O9K1UcMlunQqv2Ap4-LLRhSOiDnh48rOYpiLfUztfgOLaVHcxur3rNv9V_pXdwmbx9U/s800/59-img152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwEFFR6FnuHNuslkjllfZSxo9SbZ5mvNL5flXzLMszT51b8-lYg7KZno28nKw0em5nKzzIwI9O9K1UcMlunQqv2Ap4-LLRhSOiDnh48rOYpiLfUztfgOLaVHcxur3rNv9V_pXdwmbx9U/w470-h400/59-img152.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0GPFVA7FeCIVD7xHjuXKVw5WCwcu9R8gKMJvjvNNANN0w98wbkSTqd7wlMb7zdjBSTkcBDfn8gNpVMnhTswHCsTo0y_oFn9VLflz8rhAhOk6wosHL2mMJHTLoJTv10Wy7WM7FrzrgX4/s800/075-Image3-4_edited-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV0GPFVA7FeCIVD7xHjuXKVw5WCwcu9R8gKMJvjvNNANN0w98wbkSTqd7wlMb7zdjBSTkcBDfn8gNpVMnhTswHCsTo0y_oFn9VLflz8rhAhOk6wosHL2mMJHTLoJTv10Wy7WM7FrzrgX4/w464-h304/075-Image3-4_edited-1.jpg" width="464" /></a><img height="178" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/X2P33WNvVciqZAsgsfTV8xDnk5Lwf8UMGG1OYawyPUbzyKmXesFMH5RIvTF--JxirPNktCPkfp01Yop-U5uJ3nuYKSLMHzx7gBr7Cfct7LovvDOdVEHD1TcmYVM_P954YRlD3MZV" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;" width="624" /></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-b7839eb6-7fff-d402-ce05-2afe3f4ba997"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2255095958709716; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 28.414566040039062pt; margin-right: 27.01153564453125pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15.96pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNS ORDER OPENING CONNECTICUT’S FISHING SEASON EARLY </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2135133266448974; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.883193969726562pt; margin-right: 20.389404296875pt; margin-top: 0.58843994140625pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.04pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trout Fishing Season Opening Early to Encourage Social Distancing, Anglers Reminded to Exercise Caution if Fishing on Late-Season Ice </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2195113182067872; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.48000335693359375pt; margin-right: 0.00128173828125pt; margin-top: 15.3726806640625pt; text-indent: 0.29999542236328125pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed an </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">executive order</span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.219511604309082; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.48000335693359375pt; margin-right: 0.00262451171875pt; margin-top: 15.080902099609375pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5279998779296875pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2195120334625245; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.48000335693359375pt; margin-right: 0.00390625pt; margin-top: 15.200897216796875pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3119964599609375pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“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.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2195118904113769; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.52801513671875pt; margin-right: 0.0048828125pt; margin-top: 15.080886840820312pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.03600311279296875pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2195110321044922; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.084014892578125pt; margin-right: 0.003662109375pt; margin-top: 15.080886840820312pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.4560089111328125pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.4560089111328125pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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 </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.219508171081543; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 0.00128173828125pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.5400009155273438pt; text-indent: -0.5400009155273438pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">& Salmon Stamp, and Youth Fishing Passports online, through DEEP’s </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mobile friendly website </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or access through </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DEEP’s main fishing website</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.8280029296875pt; margin-top: 15.0809326171875pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Reminders</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2195107460021972; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5400009155273438pt; margin-right: 0.00244140625pt; margin-top: 15.2760009765625pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.28800201416015625pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rivers & Streams</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: 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. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2195117473602295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.20395660400390625pt; margin-top: 15.200927734375pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.6240463256835938pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ice Fishing</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: 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 </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">safety comes first</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. 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, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">late season ice is not as safe as early season ice</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Thickness that would be safe at the beginning of the season should be viewed with caution now. If in doubt, </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DO NOT GO</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Always let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Visit the </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DEEP Ice Safety webpage </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for more information. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.222010850906372; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.21600341796875pt; margin-right: 0.00262451171875pt; margin-top: 15.080841064453125pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.15599822998046875pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Social Distancing</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: 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. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2195124626159668; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.5279998779296875pt; margin-right: 0.001220703125pt; margin-top: 15.055877685546875pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3000030517578125pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Boat Launches</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: 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. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2215106010437011; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.35997772216796875pt; margin-right: 0.001220703125pt; margin-top: 15.080856323242188pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.16797637939453125pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.16797637939453125pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2195121765136718; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.19195556640625pt; margin-right: 0.00244140625pt; margin-top: 15.060867309570312pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.8160018920898438pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DEEP has many great sources of information available to anglers through social media, email, and the agency’s </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">improved website</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2021 Connecticut Fishing Guide </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">has loads of valuable information for anglers, as do the DEEP Fisheries and Wildlife pages on Facebook (</span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) and Twitter (</span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">twitter.com/CTFishWildlife</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). Questions about </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.219508171081543; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.21600341796875pt; margin-right: 0.00006103515625pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.32399749755859375pt; text-indent: -0.32399749755859375pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">fish or fishing can be emailed directly to </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mike.beauchene@ct.gov</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, who can provide assistance in as timely a manner as possible during normal working hours. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.779998779296875pt; margin-top: 15.0809326171875pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">**</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Download</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 10B</span><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 15.2760009765625pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">### </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 1.0079803466796875pt; margin-top: 15.27593994140625pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-39048872658911594822021-02-22T16:12:00.000-05:002021-02-22T16:12:39.783-05:00TMA TIME!<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">TMA TIME</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">by Dick Alley</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">February 22, 2021</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> TIME FOR TMA FISHING</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUEec1ySsyU4mNnLkqFYTLVgPAksVhxYZo1Mneu4trzSxSf2z9Wj5yC0-UAurx9qdPBo1Uev_qoDeRuzQVPi-AVNARHZ8WC4kAqwJBaNEpMuQI5ybtwsZD7fvAWpunHLIfjhqt6hNLzM/s1600/DSCF5094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUEec1ySsyU4mNnLkqFYTLVgPAksVhxYZo1Mneu4trzSxSf2z9Wj5yC0-UAurx9qdPBo1Uev_qoDeRuzQVPi-AVNARHZ8WC4kAqwJBaNEpMuQI5ybtwsZD7fvAWpunHLIfjhqt6hNLzM/w554-h416/DSCF5094.jpg" width="554" /></a><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> 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 smili</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">ng. 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. </span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span> </span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJSOAMsGcz9_e3MiHRPc4f9XOOLFpl76Ycpo0VMSrXkVaJJ5IdQZkWACZjKAnR2-H3KvMcspjRsoqV31kOHmabo2nuj4rotsJuGaP8poRgtyeFW0SbJPp8q5xr10m4RgCp5hj8rVLSUQ/s692/docmackerel1_edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="692" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJSOAMsGcz9_e3MiHRPc4f9XOOLFpl76Ycpo0VMSrXkVaJJ5IdQZkWACZjKAnR2-H3KvMcspjRsoqV31kOHmabo2nuj4rotsJuGaP8poRgtyeFW0SbJPp8q5xr10m4RgCp5hj8rVLSUQ/s320/docmackerel1_edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span><p></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span> 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.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> A CT fishing license is required for anglers over 16 years of age, as is a trout stamp. ENJOY! Trout season is back .</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 30</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-35150258993001368352020-12-02T06:31:00.000-05:002020-12-02T06:31:23.119-05:00FIRST TROPHY TROUT - GOLLY, I'M GETTING OLD!<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vI3PnrxN7TxevJjQ7iuOi4jUwrFq1pKmNEnSmH2U3jPJ2GhL5PyWneYxU7LE27UIW7Q9euoOGG_ML6YPILdmpmTqP9PR6MzWT9iH10Bzn8gCIotU5krXXY8MdxKjKPvjOA4VyEYYG8s/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="512" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vI3PnrxN7TxevJjQ7iuOi4jUwrFq1pKmNEnSmH2U3jPJ2GhL5PyWneYxU7LE27UIW7Q9euoOGG_ML6YPILdmpmTqP9PR6MzWT9iH10Bzn8gCIotU5krXXY8MdxKjKPvjOA4VyEYYG8s/" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Many years passed before I caught a bigger trout than this beauty.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span> </span><span> </span>This old photo isn't dated. I would guess late 60's to early 1970's. It was then the biggest trout I had ever landed. I had it mounted and it hung on my wall on our three-season porch in Manchester for the 20 years we were there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> The pipe in my mouth puts it prior to 1974. That's the year I stopped smoking. The tent was our first camping shelter. We purchased it when the kids were little after a disappointing "vacation" to New Hampshire that cost a bundle and ended early when the kids became sick from a dirty swimming pool and the cabin we rented was full of little critters crawling around at night. After two nights, we packed up, headed home, stopped at Morsan's Camping store in Milford and purchased our first camping gear. That began a lifetime of family camping adventures, most of them at good fishing locations.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> This particular trip took us to our all-time favorite camping spot, Nickerson Park Family Campground, located on Rte. 198 in Chaplin, CT. The campground is still there and thriving, and that particular site is located at the far end of the camp. </span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> It was always a productive area for fishing, but this particular morning in late April or early May found me casting the upper section where the river reverses itself in a double curve before heading straight down to the main camping lodge.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span> I was fishing with spinning gear and my lure was the flexible plastic Mepp''s Minnow. It was a little bit bigger but less heavy than other lures in my box and could be worked just off the bottom depending on how deep the water and how fast the current, making it a favorite for early-season trout fishing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircbah5R9dRj3ELA3U8Trko6Q48kWwHj6LQuFO9XgoE12Y7fsSfXHUt9JUYmR0ThJ39L76QMMR6sUMxTuPs3L6El2vTzCe6s69lwewunNfAxM6GdO9-HYuhVTapK8Ss07ngaGaFllfnv4/s1600/100_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircbah5R9dRj3ELA3U8Trko6Q48kWwHj6LQuFO9XgoE12Y7fsSfXHUt9JUYmR0ThJ39L76QMMR6sUMxTuPs3L6El2vTzCe6s69lwewunNfAxM6GdO9-HYuhVTapK8Ss07ngaGaFllfnv4/s320/100_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <b>Todd with a nice rainbow in 2018. He caught it at the lower end of the campground.</b><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> That trout hit hard and offered a valiant battle before I guided it into my net with shaking hands. It was by far the biggest trout I had caught in my lifetime. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Nickerson Park became our seasonal campground for the rest of our camping lives and continues to be the summer camping spot for my son Todd and his family. Owners, Mr. & Mrs. Chris Nickerson have been life-long friends.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> The Natchaug River also remains one of the State's top trout streams. The section flowing through the campground is a Trophy Trout Management area, while the State Park a couple of miles upstream of the campground offers family fishing and a five-trout limit. Several other spots along the length of the river offer easy access and good fishing as well, while nearby alternatives for bass, pike and panfish include Hall's Pond and Mansfield Hollow.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Family camping, fishing and the great outdoors provide a fabulous form of entertainment in these days of the Pandemic all less than a couple of hours from the New York border.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> 30</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p></p>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-69393839433174205212020-11-08T16:12:00.000-05:002020-11-08T16:14:23.300-05:00<p> BONUS WEATHER FOR LATE-SEASON ANGLERS: </p><p>by Dick Alley</p><p><br /></p><p><span> </span><span> WOW! As I sit and type, the weather guys are predicting another 10 days or more with daytime highs in the 50's, no frosty mornings and bonus fall fishing.--- and we're not just talking salt water. Fall trout and salmon stockings are happening. There is no better time to squeeze in a trip to the shores and tributaries of Lake Ontario. </span><br /></p><p><span>Salt water species are migrating and stopping off to feed at warm-water spots like power plant outflows. This beauty was caught some years back when Millstone was open.</span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tfDQs4hjS73FZPq8G88FH8KckxbNjvU9veFD9NYJL_zjRUWq4N-DOHoY2ujgEOFpqg75YyjyoQ5bJl47KqdlKPoaf2oxjfASkCwRr0IK_cv-UV-YcZUW3DeZ91qMTOX_vZVwQHo901s/s480/zethMcArglealbie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="480" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tfDQs4hjS73FZPq8G88FH8KckxbNjvU9veFD9NYJL_zjRUWq4N-DOHoY2ujgEOFpqg75YyjyoQ5bJl47KqdlKPoaf2oxjfASkCwRr0IK_cv-UV-YcZUW3DeZ91qMTOX_vZVwQHo901s/w393-h311/zethMcArglealbie.jpg" width="393" /></a> </p><p><span><span>Blackfish are always popular for late season anglers. When we can fish for them in 60-degree temperatures they become a late fall favorite.</span></span></p><p><span><span><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj8l4H3wH-Ye6KU6CeDgdpgOHjcvGF2n7PHG0xtqDp-J1drp9UxjYH3AeaZdrVHTv__kSuuYKYOIG341t7EoN_W-hmKriu6maNk4ixxVqJVMHSXyIMPKOdhGzs-MVlTv2KUJcZYuVLh8/s800/13-img033.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="800" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj8l4H3wH-Ye6KU6CeDgdpgOHjcvGF2n7PHG0xtqDp-J1drp9UxjYH3AeaZdrVHTv__kSuuYKYOIG341t7EoN_W-hmKriu6maNk4ixxVqJVMHSXyIMPKOdhGzs-MVlTv2KUJcZYuVLh8/w562-h358/13-img033.jpg" width="562" /></a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There is still time for targeting lunker-size striped bass and gator blues. As the migration continues and action fades along the Connecticut and Westchester shorelines, the hop across to Eaton's Neck, Buoy 11B then westward to Oyster Bay can bring bonanza catch and release fishing for schoolie-size fish. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhayIShXWEKlXu-a-dXQnZNVNiLxM4m_MxAknGGkScTjVV-947ktZ0VV1eCAIfcSHiMAlKTBtcW_o1-kuG6wVp8B-padRceVgGuWqHWma7_GcrdxkIdOz36P3oUk_DH83n5213d13Dis/s800/09-img028.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="800" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhayIShXWEKlXu-a-dXQnZNVNiLxM4m_MxAknGGkScTjVV-947ktZ0VV1eCAIfcSHiMAlKTBtcW_o1-kuG6wVp8B-padRceVgGuWqHWma7_GcrdxkIdOz36P3oUk_DH83n5213d13Dis/w490-h393/09-img028.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Fall trout fishing can be better than springtime action, minus all the hype of opening day. Check the CT DEEP website for stocking reports, pick your favorite water and enjoy the scenery, the solitude and success of some of the best trout fishing of the year.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjdPkpH_KWOcfD8UjLvFIplSy-IQSLWBEB_I5BZ4wWPujwbSsMvMexvtkv-rn30md82Ic1NeWTVOsBZ3m-9zFNw1Loch1qoC-G6D1obYOhXqNlaoBbY_iRAkQG_zt-S4_tPYLhehbYT8/s800/59-img152.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="800" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjdPkpH_KWOcfD8UjLvFIplSy-IQSLWBEB_I5BZ4wWPujwbSsMvMexvtkv-rn30md82Ic1NeWTVOsBZ3m-9zFNw1Loch1qoC-G6D1obYOhXqNlaoBbY_iRAkQG_zt-S4_tPYLhehbYT8/w400-h340/59-img152.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tpcVwpOtuG1qOWt8yK8Lo5t26vKsiNS1d-heEyNmEjZOUR7Lo0Fks0AzioepW6EhX-YRvTh1N7r5bILAraaYZNG0GrJZFDfoSdLKTYO7ovDgg9Famh_OVkPD8dujiZ-o93FC9pw1ElQ/s800/60-img153.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="800" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tpcVwpOtuG1qOWt8yK8Lo5t26vKsiNS1d-heEyNmEjZOUR7Lo0Fks0AzioepW6EhX-YRvTh1N7r5bILAraaYZNG0GrJZFDfoSdLKTYO7ovDgg9Famh_OVkPD8dujiZ-o93FC9pw1ElQ/w471-h316/60-img153.jpg" width="471" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers have become top picks for fall Atlantic salmon fishing with annual plants of brood stock Atlantic salmon pleasing anglers for several years now. A few lakes have also been added to the stocking list. This fishery has special regulations so be sure to consult the Angler's Guide for all the info.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOKOwW8R7V_xosZVHEvqCS3HO9O3l6n7fk3OMBQzaTIMjMexuLVopXNceFszWzHORlUv6-rE0PgJKKnZ22TfApf57edoG2ePrBxdRKaL-U10X0hqHvcboQa_268JyJ9ynHoqE_V0VB3k/s480/img011+%25285%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOKOwW8R7V_xosZVHEvqCS3HO9O3l6n7fk3OMBQzaTIMjMexuLVopXNceFszWzHORlUv6-rE0PgJKKnZ22TfApf57edoG2ePrBxdRKaL-U10X0hqHvcboQa_268JyJ9ynHoqE_V0VB3k/w559-h373/img011+%25285%2529.JPG" width="559" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Last but certainly not least is the fantastic Great Lakes fall fishery for steelhead, King salmon, trophy brown trout and Coho. Google Great Lakes Salmon Country for the many choices, but my favorite spot is Pulaski, NY for lifetime fishing memories.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRoHems6W5XpvtTccguazTiSuFHJsHsksQYBDcWL3Res9G-Vz8rqQpMaih_1Soc0TXNrLVAjEYL9-9YHgwlnYA7RQOh299ih1j1nDSjH2eyLqELWYZRsg0OTTmPwtEvtaqPWrWs5Xb2U/s800/23-img073.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="800" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRoHems6W5XpvtTccguazTiSuFHJsHsksQYBDcWL3Res9G-Vz8rqQpMaih_1Soc0TXNrLVAjEYL9-9YHgwlnYA7RQOh299ih1j1nDSjH2eyLqELWYZRsg0OTTmPwtEvtaqPWrWs5Xb2U/w561-h371/23-img073.jpg" width="561" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>ENUFF SAID!!! FISHING IS THE BEST ANSWER TO BOREDOM IN THIS TIME OF COVID 19!!!<div><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 30</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-15248812952644370182020-10-07T10:56:00.001-04:002020-10-07T10:56:42.308-04:00ANGLINGwithALLEY: SALT WATER LONG ISLAND SOUND FALL FISHING<a href="https://wwwanglersalley.blogspot.com/2020/10/salt-water-long-island-sound-fall.html?spref=bl">ANGLINGwithALLEY: SALT WATER LONG ISLAND SOUND FALL FISHING</a>: Digestive problems put me in Norwalk Hospital for a few days and off the grid as far as my writing schedule goes. I came across ...Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-34700423053701462022020-10-07T10:52:00.000-04:002020-10-07T10:52:30.819-04:00SALT WATER LONG ISLAND SOUND FALL FISHING <br />
<span> </span><span> Digestive problems put me in Norwalk Hospital for a few days and off the grid as far as my writing schedule goes. I came across this article I wrote for OUTDOOR TIMES back in October of 1998, which pretty much covers the current fishing picture more than 2 decades later. The numbers may differ, but fishing is still pretty good. Just wish I could be out there taking part. I've added a few photo's for flavor. - Dick Alley</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>THE SOUND OF FALL - LONG ISLAND SOUND!<br />
. SALT WATER BONANZA - Indeed, one of the biggest dilemma’s facing sportsmen and women in the fall months of the year, is in deciding which direction to go. There’s an archery season for deer, upland bird and small game hunting season, a fresh plant of trout in the state’s major trout streams and the fall migration in Long Island Sound. Long Island Sound comes alive with striped bass, bluefish, blackfish and winter flounder action, as fall migration patterns kick into gear.<br />
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STRIPED BASS migrate through Long Island Sound to the Hudson River and southern waters where they’ll settle in for winter at spots like Storm King Mountain area of the Hudson River and Chesapeake Bay. Enroute, they’ll delight anglers at spots like Montauk, the Race off New London, both shores of Long Island Sound, before stopping off at Asbury Park, Long Branch, Atlantic City and more spots along the Jersey shore. <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Long Island Sound offers sheltered water fishing and fantastic fly-rodding without the heavy surf of the open ocean. Tremendous schools of stripers often come through in waves, targeting migrating baitfish like bunker, spearing and sand eels, and wherever the food fish are found, a fisherman can find memories that will last through the winter months.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5sHAnMWmA_bj2GFk2tkN_-A_YvLSXA_lg2ni3vyYBedt0iDLWcKgsGFSps9jShLpr_73f4vOCxUnkiIv0RQSU_gXRGmuOFdVHujPv2PdGa-AiRGMXvJRw1L2vsFwsPgLvI5HZxdWODQ/s2636/TODDS+BASS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2636" data-original-width="1762" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5sHAnMWmA_bj2GFk2tkN_-A_YvLSXA_lg2ni3vyYBedt0iDLWcKgsGFSps9jShLpr_73f4vOCxUnkiIv0RQSU_gXRGmuOFdVHujPv2PdGa-AiRGMXvJRw1L2vsFwsPgLvI5HZxdWODQ/s320/TODDS+BASS.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Spin fishermen, bait fishermen and fly-rodders all catch their share of these schoolie bass. Most are under the 28-inch minimum legal length, but still provide plenty of sport on light tackle and fly rods. Inevitably, one day or two or five, may bring the bigger fish, cows with stripes, that roll in the surf, close enough to shore to touch with your rod tip, especially if they’re passing in a Nor’Easter when the waves crash, and bait is trapped among the reefs, sand bars and grasses bordering the shoreline of the western Sound. Anglers lucky and wise enough to explore the beaches at this time of year, usually get their shot at big fish, including the shore-bound anglers who fish the estuaries, casting to pods and pockets of linesiders passing through.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In Connecticut waters, anglers are entitled to two-fish, 28-inches or better a day. Look for the stripers to be around until the end of November.<br />
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BLUEFISH - They migrate a few weeks ahead of the stripers, and can be found schooling up in September well ahead of the striped bass migration. They’ll bounce from beach to reef, feeding throughout the day and night as they prepare for the long trip south. Blues have been on a down cycle in comparison to what they were a decade ago. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZBJynZOmNBTkaAqs4oMaUKEvpXW-bOkS6SoWkGs8hQxSi5DhXcRtSLO7fb3VdqfM-tDwSZPBaRKXkE3Nl8ULinKGLH2g8BKAMq8Th_tSq_e7p0blOGclER-hsnMaWH4MIz6P30MupIk/s1600/img675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZBJynZOmNBTkaAqs4oMaUKEvpXW-bOkS6SoWkGs8hQxSi5DhXcRtSLO7fb3VdqfM-tDwSZPBaRKXkE3Nl8ULinKGLH2g8BKAMq8Th_tSq_e7p0blOGclER-hsnMaWH4MIz6P30MupIk/s320/img675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />That was a time when a fisherman with the time to do it, could head out any day and every day to fight these stubborn critters until his arms turned to rubber and fingers cramped so bad they had to be pried from the rod and reel. In the good years, fish weighing 15 to 20 pounds were fairly common, and 4 to 8-pound specimens were there whenever a lure was cast or a bait dropped to the bottom.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Will that happen in 1998’. I gave up predicting what fish would do a long time ago, but it’s certain that at least some of us will experience that superb fishing. If the bunker arrive in big numbers, the monster blues will be there too. It might be the waters off Greenwich, Norwalk, Bridgeport, the mouth of the Housatonic, or further east around the Connecticut or Thames Rivers. Best bet for big blues has to be the Race off New London, an area that has a history of good bluefishing, when they were absent in other Connecticut waters.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Smart anglers will keep an eye on reports coming out of Rhode Island. When the beaches are bouncing at Watch Hill and Westerly, it’s only a matter of days until the action will move to the mouth of the Connecticut River and on down to the Housatonic and points west as they move on through.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Major stop-off spots include Penfield Reef in Fairfield, Stratford Shoals (Middleground), the mid-Sound reefs between Bridgeport and Port Jefferson, numerous points in the Norwalk Islands, popular Stamford and Greenwich spots such as Todd’s Point, Captains Islands and Buoy 32A. It’s only a quick run to Buoy 11B off Eaton’s Neck on the Long Island side, another popular fall bluefish spot well into November.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some days they’ll be on the surface, and others down deep, reachable with wire line and big trolling lures. If bunker prevail, chunk baits are a sure bet until the waters cool enough to move them south.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Blues have no size restrictions, but anglers are limited to 10 fish per day.<br />
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BLACKFISH - Best of the blackfish action comes in November, but October anglers do quite well. We’ll offer some info on the best spots then, but blackfish have been overfished and we now have size limits, creel limits and a closed season. Still, there is some good fall blackfishing to be had, and a taug or two can bring some of the best table fare to grace any feast.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DGeBXY673fphLuYxF7CZ6Hrm2MW28dKMZ5r7azknzgjIj7ZbXhMxdgqH2XrJf3X0-KQJ_peeS0IsoM-SH43YVHUUkZQsIGQU_ugjWhCbhnFUtooqD7p7W41HVIufqmcuLv7p3oG586g/s1600/img650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DGeBXY673fphLuYxF7CZ6Hrm2MW28dKMZ5r7azknzgjIj7ZbXhMxdgqH2XrJf3X0-KQJ_peeS0IsoM-SH43YVHUUkZQsIGQU_ugjWhCbhnFUtooqD7p7W41HVIufqmcuLv7p3oG586g/s320/img650.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Find some good bottom structure and it’s likely blackfish will be there. Middleground shines as a top spot for blacks, but just about any reef, sunken boat or bump on the bottom is likely to host a black or two.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Green crabs, hermit crabs, sandworms are all good baits. The current daily creel limit for blackfish is 4 fish per day, and the minimum size is 14-inches.<br />
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WINTER FLOUNDER - Earlier measures were exercised to combat overfishing of these spring and fall favorites, and they’re already showing some dividends. Spring flounder fishing has been better for the past couple of years. With flounder migrating from their summer grounds a couple of miles off shore into the bays and rivers, look for some nice flatties weighing a pound or more in the areas of Norwalk harbor, the Housatonic River and Charles Island area, Branford, Clinton, Westbrook and Old Saybrook waters, and the always prolific flounder grounds in the Mystic/Stonington area. Limits for winter flounder are 8 fish per day with a minimum legal length of 12-inches. Chumming is the key to successful flounder fishing. Frozen chum should be a part of your day’s bait supply.<br />
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SCUP - Porgies are at their best in the fall of the year. It was another good spring season, and anglers did very well around Fisher’s Island to the east, outside the Connecticut River, Hatchett Reef, Bartlett Reef, Southwest Reef , Falkner Island, the New Haven breakwaters, Buoy 20 in Stratford, Penfield Reef, Sherwood Island in Westport and Long Neck Point in Darien. The eastern Sound produces much better than the west end, where best porgy fishing requires a trip across to Long Island waters. There is no creel limit on porgies, but they must measure 8-inches or more to be legal.<br />
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The fall fishing prospects are good. Bad storms, excessive wind and rain can greatly affect those prospects, but the fall migration will take place irregardless. Smart anglers will be ready.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>30<br />
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<br />Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-286754433384432372020-09-20T19:02:00.000-04:002020-09-20T19:02:27.510-04:00Until The Snow Flies<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> UNTIL THE SNOW FLIES</span><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> by</span></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Dick Alley</span><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span> <span> </span></span>With only a little over a week left in
September, many anglers are already thinking about pulling their boats and
cleaning and storing their fishing tackle for the winter. WHOA! The best fishing
of the year has already started a few miles to our north and will continue for
several more weeks.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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<span> </span><span> </span>Changing colors signify outstanding angling for fresh and salt water alike.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEHaGNu-rEbcUc-h8TaCqzEo30XAGLTO4OPUUUWVoHNtQ-AiwmfMvBbnnj8yQBxbHh_qPaXw1da11a7Dz102dphxkEksVX99x4LNC9coBWmvbIGyEB2jxaby0AMDsrKkdGYP2CYyFopg/s1024/FALL+SCENIC+2010+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEHaGNu-rEbcUc-h8TaCqzEo30XAGLTO4OPUUUWVoHNtQ-AiwmfMvBbnnj8yQBxbHh_qPaXw1da11a7Dz102dphxkEksVX99x4LNC9coBWmvbIGyEB2jxaby0AMDsrKkdGYP2CYyFopg/s320/FALL+SCENIC+2010+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> In
Long Island Sound, Striped bass and bluefish action dominates through
mid-November for blues and the end of November for stripers. Toss in plenty of
porgies, blackfish and black sea bass and there is barely time for bowhunting
for deer, upland hunting season for small game, and fall trout and salmon
stocking. All of those make for a busy couple of months before snow covers the
ground and we begin to think ice fishing. </div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> For salt water anglers, it is aptly named the "FALL RUN' and while it applies mainly to bluefish and striped bass, on a smaller basis, we can include blackfish, winter flounder, scup and black sea bass. They all put on the feedbag prior to winter, wherever that may be.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE5q9Qa3SnvdcYOqjBrrNiEUsrZnn9LM6Fv0CFS5tF-SjlhbzLXIH7Fvu_4BIqJuehl9s8SfjsD25FFZ_PT5ErWKF2boG9zvrUCkd69oc54E2yNY8qapxrl77XHLLnGEss5DLtLAqrRg/s1600/img703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1098" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEE5q9Qa3SnvdcYOqjBrrNiEUsrZnn9LM6Fv0CFS5tF-SjlhbzLXIH7Fvu_4BIqJuehl9s8SfjsD25FFZ_PT5ErWKF2boG9zvrUCkd69oc54E2yNY8qapxrl77XHLLnGEss5DLtLAqrRg/w274-h400/img703.jpg" width="274" /></a><br /></div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl5j3vwfAKMRNaiPDkWggHLaDuq08-N8yqOHTEniWaYhg0Gqt6baTeDxHu3Hds0lH8v6toOa3DQewlCI_kHTt28ph9nSPzIbALfuz7HpkRHC98rpKM3C2uBtT56Jds2muurN0o154Hq8/s480/WSPG+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl5j3vwfAKMRNaiPDkWggHLaDuq08-N8yqOHTEniWaYhg0Gqt6baTeDxHu3Hds0lH8v6toOa3DQewlCI_kHTt28ph9nSPzIbALfuz7HpkRHC98rpKM3C2uBtT56Jds2muurN0o154Hq8/w309-h320/WSPG+109.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><div> Bluefish are already on the move in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Action should be picking up in local waters any day now. Striped bass build from now through about the third week in October, usually chased out by the first big Nor'Easter of the season. However, many of those that migrate to the Hudson River hang on well into November. Still others have established a winter holdover in the big rivers that include the Connecticut River, the Thames and of course the Housatonic River which provides fishing all winter long. Bottom fish include all of the species mentioned above, with the best Tautog (Blackfish) action of the year coming with a drop n temperature.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON7VEgaIq8wWEIhJnykGDXRheaOPL-S7Djsls_7jfWzpS3cWaOtfCmxavC_-gYzpa4_Ro8CC5d-mmKGdtL0atwXL6UYScDo0psTuAfJx_wcr3gKQocFLzS-6r5WujC0L__S2vjfOtt_8/s2204/P1040206+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2065" data-original-width="2204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON7VEgaIq8wWEIhJnykGDXRheaOPL-S7Djsls_7jfWzpS3cWaOtfCmxavC_-gYzpa4_Ro8CC5d-mmKGdtL0atwXL6UYScDo0psTuAfJx_wcr3gKQocFLzS-6r5WujC0L__S2vjfOtt_8/s320/P1040206+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> A Shetucket River Fall salmon<br /><div><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> </span>Concerning Connecticut's fresh water fishing scene, we are looking at a delayed fall trout picture in rivers and streams due to drought conditions. We will hopefully experience some generous rainfall soon in plenty of time for the annual plant of Atlantic Salmon in the Shetucket and Naugatuck Rivers as well as in several lakes within the State. Northern pike lakes like Mansfield Hollow can offer some dynamic fishing for the big "northerns" in October. Many popular trout lakes provide some jumbo trout for shore-bound fishermen just before the first freeze of the season.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomdX12cxfidporXVG-iNdoMV-Gf_qBOKyhedow_wrsrHGGGzQtwTq10Q8jjbxGFJHdqwY26RtP_dgv3IYmV0dEeBqre5zLlZsLaDU3UH7c_dfdbce9bSbiYjhHqSWTo_Ycj3hYwqj8LU/s729/079-Image3-5_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="588" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomdX12cxfidporXVG-iNdoMV-Gf_qBOKyhedow_wrsrHGGGzQtwTq10Q8jjbxGFJHdqwY26RtP_dgv3IYmV0dEeBqre5zLlZsLaDU3UH7c_dfdbce9bSbiYjhHqSWTo_Ycj3hYwqj8LU/w323-h400/079-Image3-5_edited-1.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div> Trot fishing is great as winter approaches.</div><div><span> </span><span> As fall stockings of trout and salmon occur, we will go into depth on some of the better fishing areas, but for now, don't even think about storing your gear. The best is yet to come.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
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</div></div></div></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-18757056081044769622020-08-13T13:49:00.000-04:002020-08-13T13:49:27.715-04:00THREE SNAPPERS A DAY --RIDICULOUS!!!<p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> THREE SNAPPERS A DAY - RIDICULOUS!</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> by</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Dick Alley</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> While my last blog about NO FISHING signs at Burying Hill Beach made mention of it as a prime location for fishing for snapper blues, it barely touched on an even sadder side of the fishing picture regarding these late summer and early fall favorites.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> SNAPPERS are baby bluefish, spawned in the spring season and now in the 3 to 4-inch size. Before they leave in late September, many will measure half a foot in length.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>I discovered snappers in the late 50's, early 60's, when I first began fishing the waters of Long Island Sound. I started with stripers, thanks to the late Ed Boland, first owner of the Westport Tackle Shop. The summer time striper picture slows considerably, but snappers are fun, fantastic in the frying pan and available in every cove, creek and current flow.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> They are relatively easy to catch, feed on live or frozen fish baits and attack artificial lures with hard-hitting strikes that put a bend in a fishing rod and a smile on faces of kids from six to sixty and beyond. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXkFVNNRU59tezRJuqTsvOPoe3RfeaJQo8HYP5-998qrHPA23NmE14LxlYk9XrLA6VcIJN3ijEnlb8PRT-QBsxtQ-Z4lIoMBkOo3mIQxRlWno5XHGkT9XHc46cr2DO8N4m_THarUQ_3c/s1024/Image1-39_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjXkFVNNRU59tezRJuqTsvOPoe3RfeaJQo8HYP5-998qrHPA23NmE14LxlYk9XrLA6VcIJN3ijEnlb8PRT-QBsxtQ-Z4lIoMBkOo3mIQxRlWno5XHGkT9XHc46cr2DO8N4m_THarUQ_3c/s640/Image1-39_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At PAL snapper derby's the bamboo rods were ideal for starting kids snapper fishing.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> In the good old days, the easiest method was the bamboo pole, line and bobber, baited with a frozen shiner. Weekends in August and September found dozens of anglers lining the Post Road Bridge on the dropping tide and everyone catching fish. They were mostly families--Moms, Dads and youngsters all sharing in the fun.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> More sophisticated and/or more experienced anglers utilized a favorite trout rod loaded with 4 to six pound test line, a heavier leader and a choice of a variety of shiny silver lures. Early favorites were the Thomas Eel, the Kastmaster, the small Hopkins, anything that was shiny and flashy. Then came the Snappa-Popper and variations that combined the splash of a panicked baitfish with plastic or rubber-based small lures. Many of us simply hooked up a bobber and baited with frozen shiners.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> There were dozens of great spots along the river. Almost any dock was fair game for finding snappers. Fire-fighters fished behind the Firehouse in Saugatuck. Anglers lined the river bank next to the Black Duck. The waters under the I-95 bridge and boat ramp was a popular spot. The most popular locations for locals were always Burying Hill and the tidal gates at Sherwood Mill Pond.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2O_psihhuHVE-2r-ejacy0uZTzpbKl5w6Y3NFeT1YGuiyYFeITWGXlPzIXBXYb9xPiwuFRhNJE00huWPphuoNDM9gwwbHYi_DTaxMsb-mBvMfbh-_ifYS_eMjnzbAW5CwAZTSmZTxgTo/s1600/img472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2O_psihhuHVE-2r-ejacy0uZTzpbKl5w6Y3NFeT1YGuiyYFeITWGXlPzIXBXYb9xPiwuFRhNJE00huWPphuoNDM9gwwbHYi_DTaxMsb-mBvMfbh-_ifYS_eMjnzbAW5CwAZTSmZTxgTo/s640/img472.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> A family fishes for snappers at Sherwood Mill Pond. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> A day's fishing consisted of filling a bucket to take home, clean and either feast or freeze for feasting during the winter months. Anglers could keep their catch. There was no limit and for decades, there was never a problem. Snappers came back in droves, year after year, no matter how good or bad the season was for the bigger of the species.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Now the biologists are telling us there is a shortage of bluefish and this year limited the daily catch to 3 blues, irregardless of size. Not in terms of "science" but in terms of common sense, this is ridiculous.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDufYuhHYQvjFJnNGs6iPoPXYp2gPVOI0LJP5WcnnMn2B_r1BKv4uh_ZE28WufwqkpG__BzSeJAwsa5QHzrvGY2_SRoBFXJjZcRGhkji2Fn6VNLGEE0eLKq3qStRYhc7SVd9IXdcB_M8U/s553/img326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDufYuhHYQvjFJnNGs6iPoPXYp2gPVOI0LJP5WcnnMn2B_r1BKv4uh_ZE28WufwqkpG__BzSeJAwsa5QHzrvGY2_SRoBFXJjZcRGhkji2Fn6VNLGEE0eLKq3qStRYhc7SVd9IXdcB_M8U/s0/img326.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An older photo of the creek and bridges at Old Mill.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Snap</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">pers are food fish for many ocean predators. They are a favorite fluke bait. Stripers, sharks, sea bass and probably even bigger bluefish all feed on snappers, along with seagulls, cormorants and likely lots of other critters found in the waters of Long Island Sound.</span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> If the bluefish population wasn't harmed back in the days when few recreational fishermen paid attention to conservation, how can it be a problem now when there are far fewer anglers on the waters and most are aware of and practice conservation.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> I doubt whether any of our so-called scientists could come up with any real numbers showing increased bluefish populations due to a 3-fish limit on snappers. I'm sure that there are real numbers of small tackle businesses that have shut down because of over-regulation of the recreational fishing community. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> </span>How many thousands of bait boxes full of frozen shiners won't be sold this summer? How many lures, rods and reels, bamboo poles won't be put in the hands of kids with nothing to do? Kids who could be safely enjoying the sport of fishing in a time when most other sports are deemed unsafe in these times of COVID-19.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span><span> How do we get a kid excited by letting him or her catch 3 fish in five minutes and then telling them it's time to go home? How do we produce a meal for a family with 3 fish measuring under 6-inches in length? A 3-fish limit is worse than ridiculous. It is obviously the product of a bunch of politicians, probably none of whom ever caught a fish in their life.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span><span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">As were the NO FISHING signs at Burying Hill. As were the temporary signs blocking Westport citizens from Old Mill Beach earlier in the season. There's more, but for now it is snapper season and there is a 3-fish limit that is in fact-</span>-- RIDICULOUS!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h1><div><span><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 30 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></span></span></span></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-69466237872184543512020-08-11T13:52:00.001-04:002020-08-11T13:52:22.289-04:00ANGLINGwithALLEY: NO FISHING AT BURYING HILL<a href="https://wwwanglersalley.blogspot.com/2020/08/no-fishing-at-burying-hill.html?spref=bl">ANGLINGwithALLEY: NO FISHING AT BURYING HILL</a>: NO FISHING SIGNS - BURYING HILL by ...Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-31920716337541828612020-08-11T13:46:00.000-04:002020-08-11T13:46:01.620-04:00NO FISHING AT BURYING HILL<p> </p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>NO FISHING SIGNS - BURYING HILL</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>by</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>Dick Alley</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> Yesterday's 06880 Pic of the Day showed a man with a fishing rod who was obviously crabbing in New Creek, next to a No Fishing Sign. I commented on the photo, wondering about the signs and labeling them as unfair to Westport's angling fraternity.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Having moved back into Westport in December after a 20 year absence, I was shocked when I saw the signs for the first time, but presumed they had been installed sometime during that time due to some tragedy. I made a note to look into the matter once Covid problems were fewer and town offices were all operating normally again. Now I'm hearing they are new this spring and am really wondering why.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Except for 20 years, I have lived in town since 1952. My wife was born here as were her parents and Grandparents. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span><span>I will include a few photo's from the old days, all taken at Burying Hill of fish and fisher</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">men</span><span style="font-size: medium;">. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT0VvfEY2qCRgr0QWPWvPpfFFNzq0OrU7MT6ZafH6s960vFfaadrll7NenA9Wxeg_93DC6womeG1mtAgWNTUBhcWYALN-KC-QoqmT-iu6Nw93Uvg1AIusKkQU8KSpsSGR_ly90uCdmuE/s997/Image4-115_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="997" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT0VvfEY2qCRgr0QWPWvPpfFFNzq0OrU7MT6ZafH6s960vFfaadrll7NenA9Wxeg_93DC6womeG1mtAgWNTUBhcWYALN-KC-QoqmT-iu6Nw93Uvg1AIusKkQU8KSpsSGR_ly90uCdmuE/s640/Image4-115_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westport Striped Bass Club and PAL teamed up for a kids snapper derby at Burying Hill Creek </td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwIaf5GVrT0XI9Noh7rTd_rlMlsf1g0WFXHZO6c7pK7HjwUIqPFEF4-3BIWwI0vv0nNK4i62tZkOkgIBRfZS1DI-yQOYGlY5Q_6i81sFmmO6Jd9Pvqwg0MFj-Uo3fEdqzlzc9vIVIWG8/s1136/img701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwIaf5GVrT0XI9Noh7rTd_rlMlsf1g0WFXHZO6c7pK7HjwUIqPFEF4-3BIWwI0vv0nNK4i62tZkOkgIBRfZS1DI-yQOYGlY5Q_6i81sFmmO6Jd9Pvqwg0MFj-Uo3fEdqzlzc9vIVIWG8/s640/img701.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The late Howard Dreyfuss with a nice catch of blues at Burying Hill Beach<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;">As a Staples teenager, I joined my buddies in hassling Bill Lockwood by running past his car which he sat in as one of the early Security Guards, jumping into the creek to ride the currents on the dropping tides. He would yell at us, then laugh, probably wishing he could join us.</span></span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNRJ6POUfxzfOhcl7a6tok2eFIWoKPx3aVQ-FojuiXnrV4v0y4XNX6a1S8bga0Xu1M91NjkijCBZw1jdTp8BDok-_Y6kIG_bRWOJESZv5TTveBKuL-wp0oGKn8ZWRh0oriNtEqccQb8I/s480/P7031014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNRJ6POUfxzfOhcl7a6tok2eFIWoKPx3aVQ-FojuiXnrV4v0y4XNX6a1S8bga0Xu1M91NjkijCBZw1jdTp8BDok-_Y6kIG_bRWOJESZv5TTveBKuL-wp0oGKn8ZWRh0oriNtEqccQb8I/w625-h469/P7031014.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Burying Hill Beach looking east towards Bedford's Point</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHifCvK3YFqVzrJIvuIEZYalZXn_TJe60RO2p7eb4Yg7J60Q3Hq0GA50oqrxxoRdAhR1kJ7DJbNI3CK53BmdK5MmGMmkc3vLfDyMAvOP7gOQAgDRxPznxqB0-FwucWufByZNYRsEpyOU/s1024/Image2-267_edited-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHifCvK3YFqVzrJIvuIEZYalZXn_TJe60RO2p7eb4Yg7J60Q3Hq0GA50oqrxxoRdAhR1kJ7DJbNI3CK53BmdK5MmGMmkc3vLfDyMAvOP7gOQAgDRxPznxqB0-FwucWufByZNYRsEpyOU/s640/Image2-267_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anglers fishing the Creek at Burying Hill for snappers at flood tide <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDrKgIR2hMLyUmNyHEWv4tUpZJ1pbJyHqJqLyz3Mp8H8z3-5OKBGp2T4LyBdYAlzi44bRdH2Uhv9GcSOF0fKuz-Pwd04jThLupXoc_h0tDYbk7-BB6CNmYMsZtriklC5bNXpJmYnzaPc/s1024/Image4-187.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDrKgIR2hMLyUmNyHEWv4tUpZJ1pbJyHqJqLyz3Mp8H8z3-5OKBGp2T4LyBdYAlzi44bRdH2Uhv9GcSOF0fKuz-Pwd04jThLupXoc_h0tDYbk7-BB6CNmYMsZtriklC5bNXpJmYnzaPc/s640/Image4-187.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PAL dishes out burgers for the kids at PAL Snapper Derby at Burying Hill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXglyk88kqnvs8CxFq8ztifecSkVPTt5PAhVOQQ80OywidHtbpNfNQUvaBn6HEIvh40tYa8nsepffyDG4CyJ08BV3GXfG9Qom5CLEyFprgmHfWj_eUpWVbJZO6B-_DV0aIqwwLAU2r3Vs/s1600/img431.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXglyk88kqnvs8CxFq8ztifecSkVPTt5PAhVOQQ80OywidHtbpNfNQUvaBn6HEIvh40tYa8nsepffyDG4CyJ08BV3GXfG9Qom5CLEyFprgmHfWj_eUpWVbJZO6B-_DV0aIqwwLAU2r3Vs/s640/img431.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son Todd plays a bluefish in the creek at Burying Hill. Probably 1970.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K3yAtFW4TFy123YbE1a2K02ZAT2vk_vr7QZWHbkxc95EOfZ5OlHQSyvRQNO31tVqkYGWokoL-PgyDUmRLq8FsxjEO50_M1SPq4cAPmiUJioUYavmQni6B3HDxbzBvdW39GGXo2xxjM0/s692/docmackerel1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="692" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K3yAtFW4TFy123YbE1a2K02ZAT2vk_vr7QZWHbkxc95EOfZ5OlHQSyvRQNO31tVqkYGWokoL-PgyDUmRLq8FsxjEO50_M1SPq4cAPmiUJioUYavmQni6B3HDxbzBvdW39GGXo2xxjM0/s640/docmackerel1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William "Doc" Skerlick with a couple of nice Boston mackerel caught from the beach at Burying Hill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MeFsm33jJn99qUR12HEsp0axJImvMohhWjha0OpRPlqr_qQrNy67EVH1d-FV0_VY1Hs30e3WouIl3NtNgosQz-v3aUmxIFW3Gz4XnVI422H7h39MKBAMlG0TNycxJPljrx9KIMMjyE4/s800/318-Image3-438.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MeFsm33jJn99qUR12HEsp0axJImvMohhWjha0OpRPlqr_qQrNy67EVH1d-FV0_VY1Hs30e3WouIl3NtNgosQz-v3aUmxIFW3Gz4XnVI422H7h39MKBAMlG0TNycxJPljrx9KIMMjyE4/s640/318-Image3-438.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angler's fishing for blues at Burying Hill Beach. That's the late Louisa "Lulu" Parsell, daughter of Westport legend, Alan U. Parsell, fishing in the foreground.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></span><p></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> It wasn't until a few years later after I was married, that I got back into serious fishing. Burial Hill was a favorite spot.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> It remains a place with special memories, not just of fishing. My kids spent summers at Burying Hill beach since before they could walk. Sun tans and swimming were just for starters. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> My son, Todd was in 3rd or 4th grade the day I picked him up at school, fibbing to the office there that he had a doctor's appointment. I had driven there directly from Burying Hill after seeing bluefish blitzing the bait schools up and down the beach and on up the creek. I headed back to the beach handed Todd his fishing rod and he waded in, school clothes and all. It was possibly the biggest fishing day ever in Westport, but one of many great days over many great fishing years.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> It's too bad that whoever made that decision didn't have the opportunity to talk to Mary Eliason. Mary lived on North Morningside Drive and was my wife's school crossing guard. She was in fact Westport's longest term school guard (more than 30 years) and was honored for her service in a celebration in the classroom by Chief Bill Stefan when she retired. When she wasn't getting thousands of Westport youngsters safely to and from school, first at Greens Farms Elementary and then at Burr Farms, she could likely be found at Burying Hill Beach. She loved the sun and she loved fishing for snapper blues even more. She fished every day, every summer and fall from the time snappers were big enough to eat until that first frosty Nor'Easter chased them out of the Sound to southern waters. What she didn't eat herself, she fed to her cat.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> Whoever decided to post NO FISHING signs would have done well to have spoken with the late William "Doc " Skerlick, a Westport fisherman of legend, known for his conservation work as much as for his fishing. Doc could also be found casting into the creek on a daily basis for snappers. He fished for many different species but liked snapper fishing the best. He didn't have a freezer but would usually persuade someone to store his snapper catch every day and at season's end would put on a snapper cook-out for one of the many conservation organizations he belonged to.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span> On a persona;l thought, I best remember Burying Hill Beach for the Westport PAL Kid's Fishing Derby, a combined effort by the Westport PAL and the Westport Striped Bass Club, two of my favorite organizations.</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span>For several seasons, we gathered at Burying Hill with special kids, supplied them with Bamboo poles, bait and supervision and enjoyed an afternoon of fishing and feasting with burgers and treats cooked up by P-J Romano and others from PAL.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span> I don't know why, how, or who made the decision to post No Fishing signs at this small but popular swimming and fishing spot. I presume it went through the Recreation Commission for discussion. I certainly hope that it could be reconsidered, rather than waste this valuable recreational resource at a time when fishing is a sport that can be practiced in complete safety.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 30</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-83525746572448079482020-08-03T15:34:00.001-04:002020-08-03T15:35:29.133-04:00THE FLOODS OF 55'<br /><div><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> STORM FOLLOW-UP</span><br /></div><div><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>THE FLOODS OF 55'</span></div><div><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> by Dick Alley</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span> <span> </span>My recent post on Hurricane Season 2020, drew a few comments on Facebook, including one from Larry Ritter, who told of boating down Center Street in the big storm of 1955.</span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoGkpWb-fjstQDsIOt9YbRt8MS2TWIs0HfTSCm4Zbem9OVMH4IwGufW2N_Cw5DGDnExjOTpiKnOvZHDd36RhkqCjxWD6HGTvRMeEqsfiyIEmRqbE86xuTQ2R4XwvyDrZoCpbQd0pmdlM/s309/Scan+32.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLoGkpWb-fjstQDsIOt9YbRt8MS2TWIs0HfTSCm4Zbem9OVMH4IwGufW2N_Cw5DGDnExjOTpiKnOvZHDd36RhkqCjxWD6HGTvRMeEqsfiyIEmRqbE86xuTQ2R4XwvyDrZoCpbQd0pmdlM/s0/Scan+32.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Army Days - Godchild, Susie Hodio at her christening.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yGWznzmdh9kTHfI4DqQNgOvjznDW0c7Vc3MwG69Jr0o4sxYn1juBvacTVWp5orHyXaHMhofx1uULFEZn-u_S2-LI0htWw5l3FK8rIN-VnHnr6FhkPLt0a5aNymurixGXSVbdd5KXkmM/s480/Image1-103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="480" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yGWznzmdh9kTHfI4DqQNgOvjznDW0c7Vc3MwG69Jr0o4sxYn1juBvacTVWp5orHyXaHMhofx1uULFEZn-u_S2-LI0htWw5l3FK8rIN-VnHnr6FhkPLt0a5aNymurixGXSVbdd5KXkmM/w500-h319/Image1-103.jpg" width="500" /></i></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My 48 Chevy in 1955 made many "Monmouth Runs" to and from the base. Mary Anne took it over when I was transferred to White Sands Proving Grounds.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span><span> <span> </span>In 1955, I was still a kid. I was just shy of turning 20, a PFC in the United States Army, attending the radar Repair School at Fort Monmouth, NJ. It was about as good an assignment as could be had in the military at the time. That particular school was 8 months in duration which put me on a weekend pass back home almost every weekend. I had my fairly dependable 48 Chevy to make the trips. There was even time during the week between classes to keep it running. I recall doing a valve job on one occasion and replacing generator brushes on another. Cars were simple and fun to repair in those days. Making it even better was the option to attend night classes at the school, which allowed us to begin our weekends on Friday morning right after class.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> I left the base on Friday that weekend and made the uneventful drive home, totally unaware that a storm of major proportions was following me up the coast. My girlfriend who I ended up spending the next "65-years-and-counting-with", and I had a date for the movies.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><span> By the time I picked her up for our date, the rain was coming down in buckets. We were barely 2 miles from her house when the Chevy sputtered then stalled and wouldn't start. I had the hood open, getting soaked while she cranked the engine when I heard a voice next to me. "Here, let me try this", said the voice. This kindly gentleman was standing there with a can of ether in his hand. He sprayed it into the carburetor. Mary Anne pushed the starter and the engine roared to life. " I don't know where you kids think you're going on a night like this, but get on home".</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> This wonderful man identified himself as Dr. (can't remember the name but he had an office next to Christ & Holy Trinity Church). Three years later, we went to him for out blood tests before getting married. We thanked him and followed his advice. I dropped Mary Anne off and headed home.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> Next morning, the news told of major flooding everywhere. The Post Road was closed in Norwalk where the Bridge went out. Bridges on the Merritt Parkway were washed out at several spots all the way to the New York line.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> Locally, every river and stream rushed over its banks. Many roads were impassable. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> Sammy Friedson ran one of Westport's busiest Main Street Grocery stores (Economy Food Store) and was an officer in the National Guard. He was in charge of the emergency shelter at Greens Farms Elementary School. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span>All of a sudden, my biggest problem became getting back to Fort Monmouth. First reports appeared to rule out every route into New York. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> I recalled once being advised a way to avoid being ruled as AWOL was to report into the nearest available military unit. I went to Greens Farms School. Sam looked at me like I was nuts when I told him I was reporting for duty and told me to get lost.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span><span> Finally, </span>I decided to start early on Sunday morning and make my way via back roads to NYC across the George Washington Bridge and into New Jersey which had been spared any major storm damage. I remember the normal 3 hour drive taking 12 hours and a whole lot of detours. I was about four or five hours late and reported in to my company Executive Officer, Lt. Slutsky (funny how one name pops back into your head after after 65 years and the name of the good Doctor didn't). As the base h<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>ad not felt the brunt of the storm, he at first didn't believe me about why I was late. I finally convinced him to check the radio reports and he let me off with a reprimand, telling me to "plan better" in the future.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span> Recovery from the floods of 55 took a long time. In Norwalk, a Bailey Bridge, constructed by Army engineers supported traffic for months. Many homes and buildings along rivers and streams needed major repairs. The floods of 55 were possibly the worst since I lived in Westport. It also showed how only a few miles can spell the difference between a drizzle and a disaster.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span> 30</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span><br /></span></span></span></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-87202453746912101572020-08-01T19:58:00.000-04:002020-08-01T19:58:53.428-04:00HURRICANE SEASON<br /><div><br /></div><div> <font size="5"> HURRICANE SEASON 2020</font><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> by</span><br /></font></div><div><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Dick Alley</span><br /></font></span></div><div><span><span><font size="5"><br /></font></span></span></div><div><span><span><font size="5"> Big weather news breaking on Thursday, focused on Hurricane Iasias, possibly tracking up the east coast and reaching our general area by midweek. Hopefully the most serious aspect of this storm will be learning how to properly pronounce its' name. Unfortunately, each update seems to raise the possibility of some rough weather ahead. Twenty-seven years of dealing with these storms as an emergency responder tells me that the possibility is worth some words in my blog.</font></span></span></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Storm prep is important. It ranges from shopping early for food supplies and stocking up with enough food for a few days to extra flashlights and batteries in working order. Past storms have caused power outages of a week and more. Whether we get a minimum hurricane or a tropical storm, there could be extended power outages. Keeping your cell phones, Kindles, Nooks and laptops fully charged in advance of the storm is crucial. They can provide communication and entertainment. </font></div><div><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><br /></font></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> BOAT OWNERS need to be well aware of just where and how the storm is tracking. I owned a bunch of small fishing boats and docked them at either Compo or Longshore over the years. I learned my lesson early on when my first small runabout filled with water and sunk at the dock at Compo. It rained so hard that the charge on my battery ran out. The bilge pump stopped running. My boat went down.</span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> Tip number one - If you can trailer your boat, the smart play is to take it out well before the storm gets here and park it in a safe spot sheltered from wind and falling trees. Bigger boats should be secured with extra docking lines even if moored in sheltered basins. </span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> Tip number two - Don't wait until the wind is blowing a gale to make necessary preparations. Flood tides will close roads to and from beach areas. Marina's will be closed hours prior to the storm's arrival. When the water rises, it's too late tp make it to Compo Beach or Longshore, Cedar Point or Saugatuck Harbor. </span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> Boats moored out in "the hole"midway between Longshore and Saugatuck Shores will likely end up on Harbor Road if a hurricane hits. Past storms have even found them tangled in electrical wires from downed utility poles. </span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having worked as a patrolman, a desk officer and a supervisor during a number of storms over the years, I can verify that things get very busy at the cop shop. Phones ring off the hook. Trees fall on houses. Transformers blow up. Tree branches big and small break off and fly in the wind. Even a small tree branch a foot or two in length propelled by a strong wind can cause a serious injury. </span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> During one storm, a large group of young folks decided that the hurricane was a great time for body surfing at Compo. Of course it was our job to chase them back to safety. I think the only actual injury was when I was dinged side of the head by a small branch blowing in the wind, but none of us were too happy (except for the kids).</span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> Beach areas where tidal flooding occurs are especially dangerous. If you are asked to evacuate, please do so. Beach areas like Compo and Saugatuck Shores may not be reachable by emergency vehicles when the storm is raging. While body surfing, kite surfing and jumping in and out of a heavy surf sounds like fun it puts those folks who might have to rescue you in even more danger and for them it is not fun.</span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> Sometimes beach areas have to be evacuated. Inevitably, some folks resist. One such incident occurred many years ago on my watch. I was shift supervisor and weather people were predicting a direct hit on our area and the word went out to evacuate.</span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"> </font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> One of the best cops I ever worked with, the late Wayne Dolinski radioed that he needed a supervisor at a Soundview Drive residence. I responded and found that the Town ambulance and Westport EMS were all there pleading with a lady in her 90's to evacuate her beach home. She was disabled and had a live-in caregiver who took her job seriously and also would not leave without her charge. We must have reasoned with the lady for a half hour, with the wind getting stronger by the minute. I asked her again, telling her that we would bring her back right after the storm was over. She was adamant. It was time for some tough love.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>"Do you have any relatives", I asked. "Only my daughter", she replied. "She lives in the city". "Can I have her telephone number", I asked?</span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> "What do you want that for", she questioned. "Well, I replied," It appears you are not willing to leave. If you don't leave, you are probably going to die. If you die, she will have to be notified and I will need her number to make the notification." </span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"> It worked. She gave me the number. I was able to get through to the daughter who had no idea a hurricane was about to hit Westport. Thankfully, the daughter was able to talk Mom into taking an ambulance ride to the evacuation center and five minutes later, she was on her way. </font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span> </span><span> Latest bulletins as of Saturday afternoon have the storm arriving here on Tuesday evening. It has a long way to travel but one never really knows how bad these storms can be until they hit.</span><br /></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><br /></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span> </span><span> I wasn't really aware of my first hurricane. It was the biggest ever to hit New England in 1938. I was three years old. I remember my Dad telling the story about how Gramps wanted him to go out and close the garage door, but not soon enough. Before he could get the door to the house open, the garage door was torn from its hinges. We found it in Percy Baker's yard a hundred yards down the hill the next day. While I don't remember the storm personally, Mom and Dad too some pictures which I will attach. Keep in mind that the damages in these photo's occurred in Rockville, CT some 20 miles east of Hartford, a long toss from the coast.</span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBZFwsYjrNc2uSonPl2mnbdPePcHhL-TRyBIxXV-Cv5_PDikH73Nxvmvg8VdNcPh03wE2ZYgpLQ5sPHo1qR7QMYQEz_yK_v9i76HhkyVuGsIFEQ8Oe5xehdV2lYfOZc8FcRkuQg8mgcw/s543/img166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="543" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBZFwsYjrNc2uSonPl2mnbdPePcHhL-TRyBIxXV-Cv5_PDikH73Nxvmvg8VdNcPh03wE2ZYgpLQ5sPHo1qR7QMYQEz_yK_v9i76HhkyVuGsIFEQ8Oe5xehdV2lYfOZc8FcRkuQg8mgcw/w625-h375/img166.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><i>This photo was at 90 Talcott Ave. in Rockville CT., the day after the 38 hurricane. I lived in the house on the left which belonged to my Grandfather/</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0OeMHf3dvsKsHosMJT9ger_YwYZYnPTkh08dkHfpGboXgNRUJtwgGHaaWnI0j7goNO7NV0At4i6ycjU221kI7ZQ5N1IXmyiHhnJrVZqKq1nGEV7VWTcTctJPGcE8rafn3U7robZx7HE/s608/img165+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0OeMHf3dvsKsHosMJT9ger_YwYZYnPTkh08dkHfpGboXgNRUJtwgGHaaWnI0j7goNO7NV0At4i6ycjU221kI7ZQ5N1IXmyiHhnJrVZqKq1nGEV7VWTcTctJPGcE8rafn3U7robZx7HE/s0/img165+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><i>This photo was taken at a beach in RI where </i></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><i>Gramp's family had a summer cottage. The debris is of houses totally destroyed by the storm.<br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jozol4GyanR7yUNzRGUrxEePV5YeHpXuvGvlN9nvsCLncpT73ZBDYMCW0hDqj23CBaO2tM-weZGhdYPggVje3-9omrl7ssCuqQGDSTInUHbTSEOa9FmNoS0UWYM7GqA8AmfT4d7VIFk/s1408/img148+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1004" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jozol4GyanR7yUNzRGUrxEePV5YeHpXuvGvlN9nvsCLncpT73ZBDYMCW0hDqj23CBaO2tM-weZGhdYPggVje3-9omrl7ssCuqQGDSTInUHbTSEOa9FmNoS0UWYM7GqA8AmfT4d7VIFk/s640/img148+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div><span><i>Normally a small stream of water flows through this tunnel under the Mill in Rockville. This torrent was in the aftermath of the storm.</i></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><i><br /></i></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><i> </i>The latest reports have Tuesday's storm under hurricane strength, but stay tuned to the weather in case things change.<br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 30</span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><font size="5"><span><span><br /></span></span></font></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><font size="5"> </font><font size="5"> </font></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-47139712311810849082020-07-17T14:49:00.001-04:002020-07-17T14:51:33.300-04:00SHOTS N' STORIES - BUNNY AND THE HAWK<div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>THE </span>BUNNY AND THE HAWK</font></div><div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>by Dick Alley</font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"> <span> </span> I was driving through Longshore this morning and just past the 2nd Tee right next to the road was a beautiful hawk. By the time I could pull over and grab the camera, it flew away, but it reminded me of another hawk encounter a few years back. </font></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7oijnit0Lj4_b8F10XgyLUDnBhqO2oFZYZ6HBnYvSZvfTzJccDEYfS-1NGvZCeFG82ou4yuMmtcN4N8EeNyH9G_YUvJOXsEDe96Fsvf0j2ub5qeFTp3ILZ-XEZkNusDyjN75phBcOkw/s2568/2014-06-29+11.52.48-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><font size="5"><img border="0" data-original-height="2568" data-original-width="2335" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7oijnit0Lj4_b8F10XgyLUDnBhqO2oFZYZ6HBnYvSZvfTzJccDEYfS-1NGvZCeFG82ou4yuMmtcN4N8EeNyH9G_YUvJOXsEDe96Fsvf0j2ub5qeFTp3ILZ-XEZkNusDyjN75phBcOkw/w455-h500/2014-06-29+11.52.48-2.jpg" width="455" /></font></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><font size="5">Birds of Prey<br /></font></td></tr></tbody></table><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span>Prior to moving back to Westport, we lived in upstate Connecticut for 20 years. A nice little house on a busy street with a small but beautiful fenced-in back yard. Our favorite room in the house was our three-season porch at the rear of the house which allowed us to enjoy my bride's well-kept shrubs and flora, our busy bird feeders and more. </font></div><div><font size="5"> We had lots of birds, too many squirrels, an occasional skunk sneaking over from under the fence and every year, a bunny rabbit or two that happily fed on our back-yard grass.</font></div><div><font size="5"> One afternoon, I spotted a hawk on a tree branch next to the house. Our friendly little bunny was busily eating the grass. Before I could even yell, the handsome and horrible bird suddenly swooped down, picked up the bunny and flew to a corner of the yard, where it rapidly dispatched the poor little guy. I grabbed my camera and headed for the back yard. Obviously, by now there was nothing I could do for the bunny, but as I approached, the big bird was obviously unconcerned even though I was only about 20 feet away.</font></div><div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>The critter not only ignored me but defiantly stared me down, and continued to feed, even as I approached within a few feet, snapping pictures all the time. I took about 20 photo's before the hawk picked up what was left of the little bunny, spread it's wings and made a beeline for me as it took off. I ducked. as it gained altitude and soared over my neighbor's house, still carrying the bunny. </font></div><div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span>I was too busy ducking at that time to catch it in flight with my camera, but that day when the lessons of life and death in the wild came to my back yard, will forever remain in my memory and on my computer.</font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 30</span><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-18902509695533584882020-07-15T13:26:00.000-04:002020-07-15T13:26:16.438-04:00ANGLING WITH ALLEY - RECORD ATLANTIC HALIBUT<div class="separator"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </div></div><div> <font size="5"> </font><font size="5">ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOK</font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"> On July 28, 1989 I was on assignment for the Fisherman Magazine, doing a series of articles on some of our Party Boat advertisers in Massachusetts and Maine. It was a three-day trip, fishing on different boats sailing out of Gloucester Mass., on up to boats in Maine.<br /> On this first day, I arrived early and introduced myself to Captain Tom Lukegord, skipper of the Nicole Renee, sailing out of Gloucester, MA. We were headed offshore in search of a good day of cod fishing. Tom and I had talked by phone many times and he always provided good fishing reports. The weather was nice, we had a boat full of fishing clients that included some tourists and some regulars who sailed on a weekly basis throughout the season. Captain Tom knew them all on a first name basis. He had fished with them on many occasions, a factor which was to prove beneficial before the day was over.<br /> The trip to the fishing grounds took about an hour before the boat slowed and the skipper directed his customers to drop their lines. He invited me to the cabin and showed me a good body of fish on the finder and it wasn't long before anglers began shouting, rods doubled and fish started coming over the side.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV4G1EjtQ7Bpt3mHVJSQGcQgPziSG1HPhEb9sPqx0OcGzqnoal-9UJ0Dmtt0QlEgyXcsHceAV5Ng5j4LvRwE5VpK7MhBIBJEyNHJ1s5FXBUch_Q98OfgrE2RJvjCZh50VI2EsL4-VSoI/s1600/img490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV4G1EjtQ7Bpt3mHVJSQGcQgPziSG1HPhEb9sPqx0OcGzqnoal-9UJ0Dmtt0QlEgyXcsHceAV5Ng5j4LvRwE5VpK7MhBIBJEyNHJ1s5FXBUch_Q98OfgrE2RJvjCZh50VI2EsL4-VSoI/w500-h333/img490.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> I got busy with the camera, snapping photo's of happy fishermen boating keeper-sized cod. A short time later, the bite slowed down. The skipper ordered all lines in and we moved only a few hundred yards be as fore telling folks to drop lines again. He had of course quickly found the school and noisy laughter quickly returned as customers once again added to their catch. Just as fast as the action started, it turned back off, and it was "lines up" as Captain Tom once again went looking for the school. </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"><br /> That was when he revealed that something really big was swimming below, spooking the fish. He had barely finished speaking when he cut the engines once again, happily announcing that the fish were back under the boat. "Could be a big shark", said Tom as anglers enjoyed a steady bite once again. </font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"><span> </span><span> Anglers were hooking up on a steady basis. </span>Sonny Manley, a steady customer aboard the Nicole-Renee, grunted and smiled as he began cranking another fish towards the surface. Suddenly the line stopped dead and then began coming off the reel. Something had grabbed that codfish and was on the run.<img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1200" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAFC7PcQWdoP6E6VPo2au57mGsBDTK0Nw6Uj2C7bB_1awv3SDnhzmmytiQV41keBH6qhOpijI-NahhHe3Qtpo_GINfeRR40PmnEVdjfNCjm78X36wmdpI946QKalQWvsDEeRGn4gkcAA/w625-h420/Image2-472_edited-1.jpg" width="625" /></font></div><div style="text-align: left;"><font size="5"> </font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font size="5"><br /></font></div></div><div><font size="5">Sonny was a skilled angler. He had good equipment, strong line and the skill and strength necessary.for a long and hard fight. Back and forth they went with short runs getting shorter then taking line again,signifying that this was no ordinary fish. The skipper made ready. Besides his mate, he lined up two or three of his regulars, each with a long-handled gaff as Sonny cranked and pumped the fish towards the surface. The real excitement came when the fish showed itself. The guys were all ready and under Tom's direction, they gaffed the big fish and hauled it over the side.</font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNDfIJF5uObfmsbjz5MgYxiLqoj-DYnHxGHf4TYTPbnk9wAa3rw98Q80_UoMS4aw_4iaaC5SThg_rcy9oRopWQ6-8AgCxsZ5cNFBp6wbm_N_pIF2DkbR8W7PC_gM-2UV-0TNr9RIILRM/s1200/Image4-201_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font size="5"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="763" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNDfIJF5uObfmsbjz5MgYxiLqoj-DYnHxGHf4TYTPbnk9wAa3rw98Q80_UoMS4aw_4iaaC5SThg_rcy9oRopWQ6-8AgCxsZ5cNFBp6wbm_N_pIF2DkbR8W7PC_gM-2UV-0TNr9RIILRM/w398-h625/Image4-201_edited-1.jpg" width="398" /></font></a></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5">Sonny Manley on the left with Captain Tom Lukegord holding Sonny's World Record catch. It weighed in at 255-pounds and the record held for several years before a bigger fish replaced it.</font></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Sonny sat down. So did the gaffing crew. Captain Tom started the engine once again, moved a sort distance where he picked up the codfish school and told the folks to go ahead and fish as it would take a while to measure the fish, take some photo's and get ready for the run back to the dock.</font></div><div><font size="5"> I looked at my watch. We were already late for the run back to Port, but that's what radios are for. Tom called home, making arrangements to have the fish weighed. The customers caught fish for another hour and I took a bunch of photo's and then we headed back.</font></div><div><font size="5"> They measured the fish at more than seven feet in length. Tom thought it could be a record but we would have to see what it weighed. About an hour later, we knew. This Atlantic halibut weighed in at 255-pounds setting a new world record at that time.</font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGowLXI-hhJgXVDWE3hFC7kppr6RZyPEdGsGiWEcfGJtVDHcCUPCJ34imUJtM1lhtL9scfzNflD8NyORqL2BvmYY9bwJAKUOt04nu-XeZnNjtwedgWvvaluf3MtH1nIL5eQnXRFSE8Hj8/s1200/Image3-207_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font size="5"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="810" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGowLXI-hhJgXVDWE3hFC7kppr6RZyPEdGsGiWEcfGJtVDHcCUPCJ34imUJtM1lhtL9scfzNflD8NyORqL2BvmYY9bwJAKUOt04nu-XeZnNjtwedgWvvaluf3MtH1nIL5eQnXRFSE8Hj8/w423-h625/Image3-207_edited-1.jpg" width="423" /></font></a></div></div><div><font size="5"> </font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Northeast coast off Rhode Island, Massachusetts and on into Maine offers a unique recreational fishery for cod, haddock, the occasional halibut and other ground species. Party boat fishing has diminished in numbers over the years, but still makes for a fun day on the water for hundreds of fans every year.</span></div><div><font size="5"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 30</span><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><font size="5"><br /></font></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>30</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-83029866290702873312020-07-03T15:22:00.000-04:002020-07-03T15:23:05.281-04:00SHOTS N' STORIES - FIREARMS AND FIREWORKS 1960<div style="text-align: center;">FIREARMS & FIREWORKS - 1960</div><div style="text-align: center;">by </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dick Alley</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb97F5yI1JP9oQFxf9HGi2emUr_jtuA6lJSFiJ6BtdaupwMIMJGMbsKEQo-29vpVakUYqjpLEvnmK2cBmui75MSyr0gIUq9kAZfXlD1SXLY5oOYNeXtJiUvjwrD1zfxql1Tf5Raf82P2g/s357/wpd27-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="210" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb97F5yI1JP9oQFxf9HGi2emUr_jtuA6lJSFiJ6BtdaupwMIMJGMbsKEQo-29vpVakUYqjpLEvnmK2cBmui75MSyr0gIUq9kAZfXlD1SXLY5oOYNeXtJiUvjwrD1zfxql1Tf5Raf82P2g/s320/wpd27-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Prior to writing stories about the outdoors, I was a Police Officer. Sworn in October 1959, I retired in April or 1986. It was a great career, working with some of the greatest people I ever met. Most days were routing, but I was quickly alerted to the serious side of police work in early July of my rookie year. The story comes from my original notes on that fateful evening. </div><div> </div><div><span> </span>I was working the midnight to eight shift. I had been on the job less than a year. Sgt. Joe Buccieri was Shift Commander. I was assigned to patrol the northeast part of town. Don Bennette had the Saugatuck (southwest) patrol. Chet Cornell (Pappy) was the senior guy and had the Post Road beat and George (Skip) Stanton was assigned southeast patrol.</div><div> After our briefing, I headed out through the main lobby and yelled a greeting to Andrew (Ande) Chapo who was our regular desk officer. Desk officers didn't attend muster. He was just settling in behind the desk and waved as he removed his gun and holster and put them in a desk drawer, just like he did every night. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyudbhYoA1x-3RQgFA6wH42Zuh0L_OjLMK3f5objZcVcKCX2xzGlfcbSSWKselaGVMKIrIjeo5BSqBiDzhQ9_CHft4hYSFLIJcBeal3KjkVhGftxGX2oUkvSMppC3X0Pm9Pl8miPdqVJQ/s344/wpd27c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="201" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyudbhYoA1x-3RQgFA6wH42Zuh0L_OjLMK3f5objZcVcKCX2xzGlfcbSSWKselaGVMKIrIjeo5BSqBiDzhQ9_CHft4hYSFLIJcBeal3KjkVhGftxGX2oUkvSMppC3X0Pm9Pl8miPdqVJQ/w293-h500/wpd27c.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div> </div><div><span> </span>The night got off to a slow start, just the way we wanted it. We all had to report for duty at the annual PAL fireworks show by 5 PM the next day. In those days that was volunteer duty. No pay. Part of the job. With another midnight shift following the fireworks, we knew we'd be dragging the next night.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>A little before 2:00 am, Chet Cornell found an open door at the rear of Cafe Barna on the Post Road. The Restaurant was located where Ed Mitchell's is now. I was parked in the center of town watching traffic and headed east for back-up. By the time I arrived, Chet was inside and Skip was also pulling up. Chet and Skip proceeded to check the inside.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Moments earlier, Brendan McLaughlin had fired several shots from a Colt-45, semi-automatic pistol intentionally killing his father at the family residence on Gorham Island. He then left the house and headed straight for the Westport Police Department, less than half-a-mile away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAxA0aRquK8y7PMEAVARtngl2VNuY7gu4nNBigFEGLX3XUlo09lHNLuFHnoGOEb3c8cE9TfVRmioSf9EzGnaIMlz0FgUEEoT_HZylxI_tYnLm2p9FX3r7qQH_fH8M5A3gT8cYcG28I1k/s353/wpd27b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAxA0aRquK8y7PMEAVARtngl2VNuY7gu4nNBigFEGLX3XUlo09lHNLuFHnoGOEb3c8cE9TfVRmioSf9EzGnaIMlz0FgUEEoT_HZylxI_tYnLm2p9FX3r7qQH_fH8M5A3gT8cYcG28I1k/s320/wpd27b.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Don Bennette had already made his first arrest of the night shift. Somebody was too lazy to go around the rotary before making the left turn onto Treadwell Avenue at the intersection of Treadwell and Riverside and Don caught him. After writing the summons, he drove to Headquarters, left his car in front of the entrance and went inside to hand Ande the summons so he could enter it in the daily log.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>McLaughlin pulled up in the parking lot, walked through the door, his Colt Army forty-five in hand and shot Don, hitting him in the hip, the bullet then striking the main desk where it became lodged and remained for many years. The bullet sent Don spinning through the open door connecting the lobby and the locker room. McLaughlin then turned to Ande, aimed the pistol at his head and pulled the trigger. That's when God stepped in. The firing pin clicked on a dead round. Ande hit the radio mic button with one hand, scrambled to get the drawer open to get his gun with the other and sent out the emergency signal for officer needs assistance. Up at Cafe Barna, our radio's crackled. " Put that gun down", yelled Ande. "All cars. Signal 100 Headquarters".</div><div><br /></div><div><span> McLaughlin turned and headed for the door, clearing his gun while fleeing. </span>Ande followed and chased him outside where McLaughlin again turned and fired, and Ande took a bullet to the leg. Don picked himself up off the floor, not even realizing he had been shot at the time and also ran outside in pursuit of McLaughlin.</div><div> </div><div><span> </span>Chet, Skip and I had just finished the building check at Cafe Barna and jumped into our cars. We drove big black, stick-shift Olds 98s in those days and we were doing 80 mph before we got into third gear. We were about a mile from the station.</div><div><br /></div><div> <span> As we pulled into the lot, McLaaughlin was between Don's patrol car and the front door. </span> Don and Ande were in the parking lot, manuevering for shooting angles and cover. Within seconds, the rest of us pulled into the lot. Skip joined Ande on one side of the lot and I was next to Don on the other side. A few shots were exchanged when McLaughlin suddenly made a break for the lobby entrance. Don and I both fired and we saw McLaughlin open the door and enter the building. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzi87w7tmlcoXfIzUNct6ZDa4tgj-gaX9uHV_-o15L7cbGURK0rzq6Qp1wrh5cHUtI5bpIfhmOX7_Zu-AWGpkcYvbKtpZKkNXq3_R2niottUVQwMebZdo2M7Gc7KnLwOlAal7x6SVbUg/s878/Image+034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzi87w7tmlcoXfIzUNct6ZDa4tgj-gaX9uHV_-o15L7cbGURK0rzq6Qp1wrh5cHUtI5bpIfhmOX7_Zu-AWGpkcYvbKtpZKkNXq3_R2niottUVQwMebZdo2M7Gc7KnLwOlAal7x6SVbUg/s320/Image+034.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George "Skip" Stanton<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Skip saw him stumble, then charged the door and saw McLaughlin on the floor, holding his stomach. Skip kicked McLaughlin's gun away from his body and covered him. McLaughlin was holding his stomach and bleeding. We were all back in the building and the phone behind the desk was ringing. Don answered it</div><div>and was told of an "emergency" on Gorham Island. Don hadn't yet realized he was wounded. The only person left on the road was our Shift Commander, Sgt. Joe Buccieri. Don asked him to go to Gorham Island telling him that everybody was pretty busy. At this time, Sgt. Buccieri had no idea that two of his men were wounded along with the perpetrator and he went to cover the call. Skip took possession of McLaughlin's gun, handed it to me and told me to secure it in the squad room. I put it in my locker.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Ande staggered through the door, bleeding profusely and Chet sat him down in the lobby and applied a tourniquet. At about the same time, Don suddenly felt pain, grabbed his side and loosened his belt and saw the bullet wound. Skip had already called the town ambulance. We put McLaughlin in the ambulance and Don and Ande in Chet's patrol car and they all headed for the hospital. That's when Sgt. Buccieri called in to say he had a homicide victim at Gorham Island and to send some guys up there. I explained that there was nobody to send and filled him in on the shooting at Headquarters. Skip was the senior officer and said he would go to Gorham Island. He had already called Sgt. Marks and told me to call the Captain (Rosenau) and I suddenly found myself the only cop available on the entire shift.</div><div><br /></div><div> <span> </span>Captain Louis Rosenau was there within minutes, closely followed by Sgt. George Marks who headed up the Detective Bureau. Within minutes, Detective Bill Smith and Technician George Ward arrived. The Captain instructed me to call Captain Al Brown and also Desk Officer Skinner to relieve me. The Captain notified Chief Luciano.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>The next few hours were pretty confusing. Once relieved from the desk, I was assigned to block off the parking area and guard it and following that, more personnel were brought in and I was told to make notes of the events and write out a statement. (I still have my original notes).</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I arrived home around mid-morning and went to bed but sleeping was a problem. The adrenalin was up. Plus the phone kept ringing as I explained to family and friends the events of the previous night after the news hit the media. I finally managed a couple of hours before having to report for duty at the annual fireworks display at Compo Beach and I was due in again at midnight. The fireworks ended at about 10 PM and I hit the wall. I was exhausted. I remember going to the Captain and telling him I didn't know how I would stay awake all night. He suggested I try and get someone to cover my shift. I finally reached Tony Fiore and he agreed to cover my shift but I had to pay him back a few days later. It gives me a chuckle today every time I read about an officer being put on leave following a gun incident. Under today's rules I would probably have had to take several days off.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Next day, I was able to get to Norwalk Hospital and visit Don and Ande. McLaughlin was also a patient there and had to be guarded at all times. I parked in the lot and who gets out of a car a few spaces away but the McLaughlin family. I knew and liked Brendan's brother Ross and we all exchanged awkward words over what had happened.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>It was back to work the next night and everything settled down into normal patrol duties once again. Don and Ande both recovered after several weeks. Both retired as Lieutenants several years later. Ande was later injured while working a fire in the center of town when he fell and hurt his back. That injury eventually forced his retirement. Don also fell and badly injured his arm one night several years later.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I also made Lieutenant and retired as an Inspector in 1986. Don currently lives in Arizona. Ande passed away a few years back. Bill Smith attained the rank of Captain before retiring and then suffered a massive heart attack while grocery shopping one day. George Ward retired as a Lieutenant and also moved to Arizona where he later died. George Marks ran the Detective Bureau until his retirement as a Lieutenant and lived past age 90. His son, George Jr. also completed a police career at WPD and is currently retired and living in the Carolina's. Both Skip Stanton and Chet Cornell resigned from the Department for personal reasons within a few years of the incident. Skip passed away a number of years ago and I lost track of Chet. Lt. Joe Buccieri retired and lived past the age of 90, dying in upstate Connecticut.</div><div><span> <span> </span></span>Brendan McLaughlin spent a number of days in intensive care at Norwalk Hospital before dying from his wounds. The Coroner ruled it a justifiable homicide. His brother Ross gave up on plans to join the Department and went on to a career in the military.</div><div><span> </span><span> </span><br /></div><div><span> </span>All of the officers involved in the gun battle received Commendations from the National Police Officer's Association. It was quite a night---with more fireworks than anyone could ever imagine.</div><div> Dick Alley</div><div> Inspector-Retired</div><div> Westport Police Department</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-6354207443373460692020-07-03T13:21:00.000-04:002020-07-03T13:22:40.367-04:00SHOTS N' STORIES - PARTY BOAT TUNA<div style="text-align: center;">PARTY BOAT TUNA TRIPS - THE WAY IT WAS!</div><div style="text-align: center;">by Dick Alley </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1600" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDy0-g7w7KGb1P1LXT2u-vh2fykYgu-MMH-cQ4e6HU2g2dWSxkGFevHaXQSGTEmOkTUmqoC7jDINg2LyJFLx2d5GLbAkDMDeaVRisnICYFp7iFzFbxDE0lCPVEPh9EZMaqDxCD6_KWW0s/w625-h389/img713.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="625" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Over The Rail - Mates play a key role in Party Boat tuna trips.<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div> </div><div>It was called an "assignment" back in the late 1980's. I retired from the Westport, CT Police Department in 1986 and took on a part-time job as a Field Editor for the New England Fisherman magazine, while also writing fishing columns for The Hour, the New Haven Register and free-lancing for a bunch of other publications. I had three solid deadlines a week, but could pretty much work my own schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tim Coleman, my editor at The Fisherman kept me busy with assignments up and down the New England coast from Connecticut to Maine, doing stories in conjunction with many of our advertisers on the various fishing adventures available in nearby waters. </div><div>I didn't make a lot of money, but had more fun than I could ever have dreamed about as a kid while devouring stories from Sports Afield and Outdoor Life and Salt Water Sportsman. Looking back now, I probably would have worked for nothing. It was that much fun.</div><div>A few of those "assignments" included stories on fishing for tuna, both from charter and party boats, during the heyday of tuna fishing.</div><div><br /></div><div>My first tuna trip was aboard the Sunbeam Express, then the Flagship of the Sunbeam Fleet, under the leadership of the late Captain John Wadsworth and his son Captain Bobby Wadsworth. The Wadsworth family were early leaders in recreational fishing boats out of Waterford, CT. Their daily fishing trips ranged from winter flounder in early spring, to bluefish, blackfish, porgies, striped bass and black sea bass. When the recreational party boat tuna fishing phenomenon exploded, Captain John was the first in the area to purchase a 100-plus foot boat capable of long-range trips with accommodations for several anglers, captains and crew including a great cook who provided excellent meals. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5UKoMSqkjz4L3UmwxH-KE4sDzvpSY7FbzUex-JTUgfSIw2fxqH8ANm_UnfIX-T-94su_QOo85juU4bURStZFOI1MSkTejpdXnLppXTuL5WFZkBbNTkJ_Xh0rusVrGMDGZszZDuiyYlc/s1024/Image3-412_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1024" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5UKoMSqkjz4L3UmwxH-KE4sDzvpSY7FbzUex-JTUgfSIw2fxqH8ANm_UnfIX-T-94su_QOo85juU4bURStZFOI1MSkTejpdXnLppXTuL5WFZkBbNTkJ_Xh0rusVrGMDGZszZDuiyYlc/w625-h399/Image3-412_edited-1.jpg" width="625" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Greg Daignault with the biggest tuna of the trip <br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div> While most anglers brought their own stand-up rods, reels and fishing harnesses, there were also good outfits aboard that could be rented at a reasonable price.</div><div> I was lucky enough to cover the first trip to the Continental shelf and the Canyons some 80 miles from shore. We departed Waterford in the evening, slept much of the way out and arrived before sunrise. It was a 3-day trip. During the daytime hours, we trolled up to 6 rods off the back.</div><div> At night, we tied up to a buoy and fished butterfish baits at various depths with most everyone fishing to start and only a few as the hours passed. The bites came in spurts with first a flurry and a fish or three on board, then quiet, then another reel would shriek and the excitement started all over again.</div><div> Trolling was even more exciting. Anglers took turns at the spots for 30 minutes at a time. Near sundown and again at dawn, a school of fish would suddenly come up for the baits and it was everybody hooking up. Mates did a fabulous job, calmly passing rods back and forth under and over other angler's lines, so that almost everyone caught fish. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUv8t59M8J2bqisvfiRH5WqLTaB0rU0kSSP6f2KGeqRsZBOUxJ5fX7KjCLv0kg0fbSIhtVGHirYB-oIPALFaL32Zd4AazPkOdfoqn7-ayrMMBvRpW1qFiD7198bCNI02rwvl3wPqyusE/s1126/img648%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1007" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUv8t59M8J2bqisvfiRH5WqLTaB0rU0kSSP6f2KGeqRsZBOUxJ5fX7KjCLv0kg0fbSIhtVGHirYB-oIPALFaL32Zd4AazPkOdfoqn7-ayrMMBvRpW1qFiD7198bCNI02rwvl3wPqyusE/w560-h625/img648%25281%2529.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The weather was great and everyone was happy on the return trip. I had another new and different offshore assignment only a couple of weeks later and couldn't wait to go. Those pic's are for the next story.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>30</div><div><br /></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-47829572186468975322020-06-27T09:09:00.000-04:002020-06-27T09:09:27.635-04:00SUMMERTIME BLUES<div class="separator"><font size="5"><br /></font></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><font size="5" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFABQuqa8BWOK4djybP3nabpPm1wf_moDPvPHs2ZcctyN9jpZ3GYpS7yujlaNgIHwC3Gx0WVNoSl0NPmPk5eSAyB3zAx-QJInNZX8LdpfVHQtzAczr2qe-umpwgeMLj1Z7jDMW_cJnkI/s411/img077.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space: pre;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="281" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFABQuqa8BWOK4djybP3nabpPm1wf_moDPvPHs2ZcctyN9jpZ3GYpS7yujlaNgIHwC3Gx0WVNoSl0NPmPk5eSAyB3zAx-QJInNZX8LdpfVHQtzAczr2qe-umpwgeMLj1Z7jDMW_cJnkI/w429-h625/img077.jpg" width="429" /></a> </font>1999</td></tr></tbody></table><font size="5"><br /> <br />
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>BLUES SETTLE IN FOR SUMMER!</font><div><font size="5">by</font></div><div><font size="5">Dick Alley<br />
<br /> Blues arrived in Long Island Sound in late May. They alternately frustrate and thrill us on the surface for several weeks while spawning, but by July, they've either moved into the cool deep waters of the western Sound, or if there is an abundance of bunker, will follow them into the estuaries and harbor shallows to feed.<br /> Bluefish are a puzzle at best. While scientist's rush to implement fish management plans, no one really knows if the problem is a shortage of fish or a change in the cycle. As far as Long Island Sound is concerned, we know that fishing ranges from fair to good from one year to the next but doesn't begin to compare with the super seasons of the late sixties and early seventies. Those were summers when we measured the success of a good fishing day by aching muscles and fatigue, rather than by numbers of fish caught.<br /> When I became hooked on Long Island Sound fishing, back in the late fifties, we couldn't buy a bluefish on the Connecticut side of the Sound. Fishing was spelled striped bass, unless we were willing to drive to the east and the Race, the bluefish capital of the area. On a rare occasion, we would lose a favorite bass plug to a blue because we never used wire leaders. To catch even a three-or-four-pound blue on the Connecticut side would draw a table of listeners at the VFW. The ripping tides found in The Race always hosted blues.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BZU-ZsoLvVETq2n_5NiH4ceV6HyBQCBk2eX8gHUTMiiYb8DFiTpD3i0XxnMFqTMnS9yhyOZ5KW9stzGDGmTaL9labyYOG-E5BuxCTgmIKUZJvoflSleqK7yOlxzBwG1JLBiU5Rz9Njw/s416/img016.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="416" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BZU-ZsoLvVETq2n_5NiH4ceV6HyBQCBk2eX8gHUTMiiYb8DFiTpD3i0XxnMFqTMnS9yhyOZ5KW9stzGDGmTaL9labyYOG-E5BuxCTgmIKUZJvoflSleqK7yOlxzBwG1JLBiU5Rz9Njw/w500-h344/img016.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My first bluefish trip was to Smithtown Bay on the Long Island side. Our tackle consisted of stiff jigging rods; 40-pound line, a conventional reel, and a Scotty Gray Rig consisting of several feathers strung above a diamond jig weighing 3 or 4 ounces. Fishing was no more difficult than dropping the jig to the bottom, lifting and lowering the rod tip a time or two, when one-two-three and sometimes a full rig of battling blues would be battled back to the boat.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the late fifties, the blues suddenly showed up off the Connecticut shore in mid-summer. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdTfK_kn4ulC2yG7_D2rAu_dH4jlSklFreXstYtHwdbwMTpHN8MookfjpSOfel8KLce6e7CbMTGy8mhWdVf9UpHsDsDv0pySh7aAqf_RlI31ibCmaf6tZHAC_ye-TbaAhMSibfV23p40/s415/img069.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="415" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdTfK_kn4ulC2yG7_D2rAu_dH4jlSklFreXstYtHwdbwMTpHN8MookfjpSOfel8KLce6e7CbMTGy8mhWdVf9UpHsDsDv0pySh7aAqf_RlI31ibCmaf6tZHAC_ye-TbaAhMSibfV23p40/w625-h411/img069.jpg" width="625" /></a>IIt was probably the dense schools of sand eels almost thick enough to walk on, that first drew the smaller 3 and 4-pounders. That was followed by the influx of menhaden (bunker) schools that suddenly brought in bluefish of a size we had never seen before.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I can remember driving the 30 miles to New Haven when I received a call that a pair of 10-pound bluefish had been weighed in at Dee's Bait & Tackle. They were the biggest blues ever seen in that area and they had come from the Race, and the photos I took were featured in area newspapers the following week and even made the cove of The Fisherman.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The explosion that occurred in the late sixties was phenomenal.<br />
Suddenly, everyone was catching fish topping ten pounds. Some ran into the high teens. Tackle and methods changed, with everyone suddenly fishing live or chunked bunker baits on heavy-duty tackle.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bluefishing today welcomes any and all fishing methods. Tackle can run from ultra-light to conventional, to fly-fishing and to wire-line trolling. And that brings us to mid-summer fishing alternatives.<br /> Wire-line trolling is one of the most effective methods of midsummer fishing in western Long Island Sound. When the hot days arrive, fish go deep. Sure, fishing the early-morning and late-evening tides can bring some surface action in the shallows, but for anglers who want to sleep late and head out mid-morning and return with a limit catch in mid-afternoon, wire-line trolling is the way to go.<br /> The method requires special equipment. Rods should be sturdy and designed for wire line trolling with special guides and a roller tip to bear the pressure of the wire. The reel should be a fast-retrieve, large capacity reel, capable of holding 100 yards of 50-pound test backing, plus 100 yards of solid steel or braided wire line. I prefer wire testing 40-pounds for the solid wire and 60-pound test for the braided wire. They have about the same density, and will under most conditions, take a lure to a depth of 30 feet when 95 yards of wire is behind the boat.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fishing in the Race or at Montauk is different, and sometimes requires more wire and sometimes less. Most skippers rig 200 yards of wire and mark it with colored tape so they can pick and choose the desired depth to run their lures. In the shallower, quieter waters of the western Sound, fish seem to hang at that depth of approximately 30-feet, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsY8F3xDV6xFcaQrOk2UlHJSsnSd1SjSac6h2ZDvVRrvzCmqYqb1qNjw2Ls90rSSVCnvXnQWuIg37yOjMnUtPGVRxVZ8PivMrf3Vh6K0AnTJxVTJw0ursZjFQ0ZESp8oBB2Mu6TqPKw8/s421/img082.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: pre;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="286" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsY8F3xDV6xFcaQrOk2UlHJSsnSd1SjSac6h2ZDvVRrvzCmqYqb1qNjw2Ls90rSSVCnvXnQWuIg37yOjMnUtPGVRxVZ8PivMrf3Vh6K0AnTJxVTJw0ursZjFQ0ZESp8oBB2Mu6TqPKw8/w339-h500/img082.jpg" width="339" /></a>making it a simple matter to find the fish each time out.<br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I like to rig a monofilament leader, 10 to 15 feet in length between the end of the wire and the lure. It allows the lure to ride a few inches above the end of the wire, and provides more action than when the lure is close to the end of the wire.<br /> Choosing lures is relatively simple. BIG LURE, BIG FISH! It's fact, not rhetoric. If there are big fish about, large swimming plugs such as the Atom, Reverse Atom, the Danny, or Rapala Magnums, will undeniably bring that bigger fish out of the crowd. With creel limits on bluefish, it's the way to go. Face it, an umbrella rig sporting four or five hooks, will bring fish in four or five at a time. They'll be smaller and your fishing day will be shortened considerably. Eel imitations are equally good lures, and large lures employing a single hook can allow for more releases if you want to release your fish.<br /> Where to go? We've already mentioned the Race, which provides summer-long fishing and also hosts a large party and charter boat fleet on a daily basis. Further west, charter boats are fewer, and the action is spread out. Eaton's Neck and waters between it and Buoy 11B are favorite summertime trolling spots. The waters outside Port Jefferson Harbor hold good summertime bluefish populations. Mid-Sound waters can also host large schools of bluefish in the depths throughout the summer.<br /> Come September, blues become restless and are on the move, seeking bait schools all along the Connecticut and Long Island shores. Large schools of small baitfish lead to dynamite surface action, and if baitfish and blues are bigger, live and chunked bunker can bring many a trophy into boat and shore. JULY is the start of steady bluefish action, but it will last well into November. When nothing else works this summer, rig the wire and try some trolling.<br />
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</div></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-18642640191815371752020-06-15T09:43:00.000-04:002020-06-15T09:43:20.467-04:00NORTHERN PIKE at MANSFIELD HOLLOW<br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";">MANSFIELD HOLLOW NORTHERN'S</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";">by Dick Alley</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper end of lake to left of launch area. This section is shallow and weedy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> It was way back in 1992 that the Ct State DEP introduced northern pike into Mansfield Hollow Lake, only a couple of miles from UCONN's main campus. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">The Connecticut River has always</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";">provided some pike fishing, and Bantam Lake is the site of an<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";">extremely successful pike program. Pike weighing as much as 29 pounds, </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">measuring up to 45 inches in length have been captured there.In recent years, northern pike have been stocked in even more lakes including Winchester Lake, Bantam Lake, Pachaug Pond and the Connecticut River.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fingerling pike like these are stocked every year</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> Northern pike must measure at least 26 inches to be legal, and the limit is </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">2 fish per day. They </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">compete with carp and catfish for biggest fresh water fish to be found in Conne</span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">cticut waters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";"> While some pike were caught in that first </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">season,</span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">by the winter of 1994-1995 significant numbers of large </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">pike were being taken at Mansfield Hollow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> In the year 2000, we moved from Westport to Manchester CT. I sold my Boston Whaler and purchased instead an 11-foot baby bass boat, ideal for fishing the sm</span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">all lakes and ponds scattered across northern Connecticut. My good friend and fishing buddy Bob Byers had also moved from his home in Rhode Island to the nearby community of Stafford Springs, so we teamed up to explore new fishing ares. Mansfield Hollow was one of the first on our list.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of a few pike we caught that day. Swimming lures did the trick</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> Mansfield Hollow reservoir contains more than 435 acres of fishable waters. A boat launch and large parking lot provides room for cars and trailers. It is a popular spot for canoes and kayaks as well as motor bats. The</span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">re is a posted speed limit of 6 mph and no water skiing allowed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> Fish species highlight northern pike (especially in winter) along with bass, pickerel, perch, panfish, crappie and bullheads. The lake is fed by the Natchaug, Fenton and Mount Hope Rivers. All are stocked with trout. It is primarily a shallow lake and weeds become a problem for fishermen in mid-summer. This is also perfect cover for big northern's.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the tunnel to the even bigger lake, deeper water and fewer weeds</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> Bob and I decided to troll large swimming lures on our first trip to the Hollow. Large Rebel, Rapala and Yozuri minnow imitations were among </span><span style="font-family: "courier new";">first picks. Five minutes out of the launch area just past the small island, I had my first hit, a pickerel measuring 18 inches. We skirted the outside edges, making a complete circle around the lake. At various spots, we saw action and a couple were respectable pike, approaching 5 to 7 pounds. These are hard-fighting fish, have very sharp teeth and should be handled with care. While the flavor is OK, they are very bony and for me at least a fun fish to be returned to the water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> The nice part about a lake like Mansfield Hollow is the large variety of fish. Tired of trolling? Try casting big plugs or even smaller ones and you might catch a nice bass or a big holdover trout relocated from one of the rivers. On one trip, I watched a fisherman wading the shoreline, casting small poppers to spawning bluegills with a light fly rod. Every cast brought a hit. I doubt he cared one bit about the northern pike roaming the lake, at least not on that day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new";"> Mansfield Hollow is located a few miles from UCONN, but water skiing is prohibited. It has a nice launch ramp and large parking area for boats and trailers. It is primarily a fishing lake but is also enjoyed by kayakers, canoeists and other small boat enthusiasts.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText"><font face="courier new"> Anglers who prefer fresh water fishing or those who simply want to give it a try will do well to include Mansfield Hollow on their to-do list.</font></div><div class="MsoPlainText"><font face="courier new"><br /></font></div><div class="MsoPlainText"><font face="courier new"> dwa<br /></font>
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Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-19090718996667946282020-06-14T14:37:00.001-04:002020-06-14T14:37:23.514-04:00Fishing From Shore - Almost A Memory<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">FISHING FROM SHORE - ALMOST A MEMORY</div><div style="text-align: center;">by </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dick Alley</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> Twenty years is a long time. On my return to my home town after two decades, I expected to find many changes but was still surprised to find most of my favorite fishing spots from shore, no more than a memory.</span><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"></table></div></div></blockquote><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> The first shock came when I was denied entrance to Old Mill Beach, even with a beach emblem. I didn't quite believe the sign which said admittance was for Old Mill residents and guests. I stopped to talk to the security guard and she confirmed it.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh_CjBKXIrTGK-WMpdClZT0nGA1Mrx-zn7Z_t9F-GaeydensO_2XK-lFzp1MS1KmiT9yP0od1vZliWC6UxLTTFXq_hN3NaSUggdJOhqsjCEoqMv7zOg8-a1ydU-0Jbfu3eyFwPsxFO5M/s3008/BP-NEW+HAVEN+TO+WESTPORT+FISHING+SPOTS+03232012+3-24-2011+12-35-08+PM.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3008" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDh_CjBKXIrTGK-WMpdClZT0nGA1Mrx-zn7Z_t9F-GaeydensO_2XK-lFzp1MS1KmiT9yP0od1vZliWC6UxLTTFXq_hN3NaSUggdJOhqsjCEoqMv7zOg8-a1ydU-0Jbfu3eyFwPsxFO5M/w400-h266/BP-NEW+HAVEN+TO+WESTPORT+FISHING+SPOTS+03232012+3-24-2011+12-35-08+PM.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I was always under the impression that Old Mill Beach was for town residents and that our beach emblem allowed us to park in the lot adjacent to that beach.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prior to moving out of town, I spent forty years fishing from the walkway to Compo Cove for snappers and from the stone wall into the raceway for bigger fish. I remember the day Bob Skinner caught a 35 pound striper there while on his lunch break when he worked at Gristede's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><span><span> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add cap<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </span>Old Mill is also one of Westport's better fishing spots. Whether fishing from the bridges over the tidal gates controlling the water flow in and out of Sherwood Mill Pond, in the tidal race itself or wading the surf onto the tidal flats of Compo Cove, these areas were always open to anglers for snapper fishing, crabbing, or surf fishing for bass and blues throughout the season. Apparently, private homeowners and guests now have priority, not only for their own use, but for any leftover empty spaces that were formerly allowed for beach-goers and fishermen. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxW_LaMx7AEhpgjTJIbtxwhm7OArFGXklDDXxXsiDbR_CstRqGwcuJaZPoOiRQl_gIsssIq9s6Hz1XN4_mJofU02jMoef3_yD9ovaaUqvKR9oZyV6dCIFS0WKi0t4afpUVgRuhyCmYJs/s800/202-Image3-409.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="800" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxW_LaMx7AEhpgjTJIbtxwhm7OArFGXklDDXxXsiDbR_CstRqGwcuJaZPoOiRQl_gIsssIq9s6Hz1XN4_mJofU02jMoef3_yD9ovaaUqvKR9oZyV6dCIFS0WKi0t4afpUVgRuhyCmYJs/w400-h263/202-Image3-409.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Mill is a favorite spot for fly-fishermen.</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><br /> Burying Hill Beach was another surprise. NO FISHING IN THE CREEK OR FROM THE FRONT BEACH, signs are posted all along the entrance road. Burying Hill at New Creek just happens to be one of the best spots for catching snappers, anywhere from New York City to New Haven. The late fishing legend, William "Doc" Skerlick caught enough snappers there every season to produce an annual "fish fry" for a different conservation organization every season. Our own Westport PAL </span></span>teamed up with the Westport Striped Bass Club every year in the old days to host a special fishing day for area special kids and the ideal spot was Burying Hill. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span> Fall fishing beginning in late August and early September can be truly spectacular from the front beach. Years back, there was one Bluefish Friday, when migrating schools of fall bluefish showed up at dawn and fed along the beaches and up into the creek and were still there at sundown. Anglers were in and out all day long, stocking their freezers with fresh fish for the winter.</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx-0Tz73L1MMlkrur2Sx2MnzT5IwlXgUatt6rxHkPYV9VExKXRlW0qD11gAUr194Xq4ikPQhihJUH29mciKyn_4xctFQ1YG637Vy8s0guNOh9NVbuRKpqXiWnHKfXVIKKmBE80EAvr7w/s1024/Image4-187.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1024" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsx-0Tz73L1MMlkrur2Sx2MnzT5IwlXgUatt6rxHkPYV9VExKXRlW0qD11gAUr194Xq4ikPQhihJUH29mciKyn_4xctFQ1YG637Vy8s0guNOh9NVbuRKpqXiWnHKfXVIKKmBE80EAvr7w/w400-h263/Image4-187.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burgers for the PAL kids fishing derby held at Burying Hill in years past,<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><br /> And then there is the old parking spot at the corner of New Creek Road and Beachside Ave. It only had room for two or three cars, but was ideal to shorten the long walk up to </span></span></span></span>Bedford's Point. Dedicated bass fishermen took that walk often, never violating the signs posted much closer along Beachside Avenue itself. The gate closest to the Bedford estate was used regularly. We were always under the impression that it was a right-of-way. At any rate it was always used and with no complaints. Bedford's Point was and likely still is, the best big bass spot in Westport and ranked among the top 10 opportunities to catch large stripers from shore along the Connecticut coastline.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnErKy7G2ULXqnvV42o-BWIkQBOBo-NsURd0tdtPSipA25x0rO3XuWjjILylVuNjcC19r7XuuI0dReJcWIwR-LEqCWl598Id2QW1OeV-GTrVEp79dnpPmPW4s-Od3rJWwz55L5xANXYQ/s480/P7031014.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnErKy7G2ULXqnvV42o-BWIkQBOBo-NsURd0tdtPSipA25x0rO3XuWjjILylVuNjcC19r7XuuI0dReJcWIwR-LEqCWl598Id2QW1OeV-GTrVEp79dnpPmPW4s-Od3rJWwz55L5xANXYQ/w640-h480/P7031014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedford's Point as viewed from Burying Hill Beach. Plays host to trophy stripers for those willing to <br />take the walk.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Today, a No Trespassing sign decorates the gate and it is overgrown with brush from lack of use.</span><span style="text-align: left;">The parking spot is also now posted No Parking. </span></div></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> Twenty years also makes a big difference in the life of a senior citizen. I don't fish much any more. I'm 84 and my sense of balance has deteriorated. A cane helps and when I do fish, I look for places like the Old Mill and Burying Hill, where I can easily cast my lures without danger of falling. Maybe the fish will blitz Compo Beach if the sand eels show up. For the younger guys, Compo Cannons, the jetty, and wading out to Schlait's are all worth a try.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> Westport has grown. Much of the public access has been lost in the process. We can't blame the homeowners for cherishing their own property, but we can blame the politicians for not preserving the rights of the public and for failing to preserve public access. I'm kind of happy that I won't be around to see what it will be 20 years from now.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> dwa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div>Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-73776803106669153062020-05-27T10:30:00.000-04:002020-05-27T10:30:52.943-04:00BLUES IN JUNEv<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">BLUES IN JUNE ARE BUSTING OUT ALL OVER!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">BY DICK ALLEY</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">June 1998</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">JUNE & BLUES ARE BUSTING OUT ALL OVER!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">by Dick Alley</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Author's note: This story was first published in 1998 in the New England Fisherman magazine. It has been updated and modified for my blog. -DWA</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It's that time again anglers. Every year around the third week in May, enormous schools of bluefish invade Long Island Sound's east end. They first show up off Wading River and on the Connecticut side, the West Haven sand bar but that's a little bit later on. From Wading River, followed by a short blitz off Port Jefferson on the Long Island side, they move into the mid-Sound waters, settling in over the mid-Sound trench where water depths top 100 feet and lobster pots dot the surface.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My first experience with Long Island Sound bluefish occurred more years ago than I care to remember. Ed Stalling and I had just met, and he invited me to ride across the Sound in his 16-foot lapstrake Lyman to fish for striped bass,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We left before dawn traveling across the Sound to Crane's Neck, where we cast big swimming plugs to good-sized stripers rolling among the rocks close to shore. We hooked a couple and lost them just as fast, and managed to boat a couple of smaller fish in the five-to-eight pound class. Too soon, it was time to head back to Westport.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It was mid-June and a warm cloudy, windless day, so Ed's little runabout skimmed the surface as we cruised towards the Connecticut shoreline.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ed Boland with a typical mid-Sound blue.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Visibility was down in the haze, so when the engine suddenly went from a roar to an idle, I asked what was wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> "Nothing's wrong", replied Ed. "Look at those fish." He pointed to a small group of diving gulls and as my eyes adjusted to the haze, I could see the fish rolling beneath them. We were still rigged for bass, with no wire leaders. Ed quickly flipped out a bucktail and began a jerky retrieve, causing the little lure to dance a couple of feet below the surface. I still hadn't made a cast when Ed whooped as his one-handed rod arced and the reel screamed. I dropped my own bucktail a few feet short of the rolling fish, and it immediately bent double and then went slack as a blue grabbed hold, slammed my bucktail and sliced the monofilament in less time than it took for my heart to skip a beat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The bluefish were small in those days, averaging a couple of pounds -----of nitroglycerine! Having recently made the conversion from fresh water to salt water fishing, I really wasn't prepared for the stamina, strength and downright spectacular fighting ability of even small bluefish.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I struggled to tie on another bucktail and made another cast. By this time, I was so excited I forgot to open the bail on the reel . Somehow I finally managed to drop my bucktail next to another swirling fish, and that critter turned around, clamped down and headed for Montauk. I was doing better until I let the line go slack for a second as those sharp teeth found the monofilament again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It took a while to lose most of our lures. In the process, I landed a fish of about four pounds, and Ed did better, boating a couple. We were into the fish for at least a couple of hours, and came back to the dock long after we'd planned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It was our first-ever encounter with the early-summer top-water bluefish experience, and while that day was decades ago, there's never been a summer since that I've failed to find choppers in the mid-Sound trench. Sometimes the blues are bigger in numbers and sometimes smaller, but generally, the size of these fish has increased dramatically over the years.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> It appears they've become more sophisticated and difficult to catch as the years have passed. They're spawning and are often finicky, sometimes downright stubborn, almost always frustrating us to the Nnnth degree, but they can be caught.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> WHERE TO LOOK ? - From Westport, it's about a ten minute cruise from Buoy 24 to the bluefish grounds. A compass heading of 150 degree's out of Westport, brings you to the middle of the Sound, where water depths approach 100 feet and lobster pots dot the surface every few feet. God Bless GPS units. Plug in the numbers when they're first located, and you'll enjoy good fishing for weeks. Usually, prevailing weather conditions at this time of year are as good as they get, with little or no wind, few storms and lots of sunshine.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> The simplest way to find the fish first time out is to keep a sharp eye ahead of the boat as you cruise toward the mid-Sound trench. Small pods of blues cruise on the surface and will usually swirl away just ahead of the boat as you approach. Spot the swirls and begin casting. On the really calm days, they can be seen splashing from a couple of hundred feet away. Sometimes diving gulls will mark a large pod of fish. Pin-point casting is one key to catching fish.. Hit them on the head with a lure and they'll turn and attack by instinct. Miss them by a yard and they'll ignore it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">WHAT TO USE:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Small poppers in the 1/2 ounce to 3/4 ounce sizes work well. I favor poppers like the 1/2 ounce Pencil Popper, and the little Creek Chub poppers up to about 3/4 ounces. Bucktails will often draw hits when poppers won't, but be prepared to lose a few. Wire leaders kill the action on a bucktail. Be willing to sacrifice a couple of lures and you could have a bunch of fun and a fish or two Metal spoons like the Fiord, the Hopkins and the Kastmaster will catch fish too.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc5_Jr1UXzHX2vph-pxdRt3W73upJigkHtbXpWTAY9ahwsXAOsqbx3XRyoLw6qF-EsBq5LeYMW48g_TYQTJZBxEvoTnl-URuE_m0wCrETEfDOwyDae19xklbNgFY6-IVFouKSIuga42g/s1600/img022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="277" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc5_Jr1UXzHX2vph-pxdRt3W73upJigkHtbXpWTAY9ahwsXAOsqbx3XRyoLw6qF-EsBq5LeYMW48g_TYQTJZBxEvoTnl-URuE_m0wCrETEfDOwyDae19xklbNgFY6-IVFouKSIuga42g/s640/img022.jpg" width="379" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This blue hit a trolled bucktail in the eastern Sound</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Some days you can throw everything, hit them on the head, tickle their snouts and think you're doing everything right. They'll be rolling and swirling in every direction, and they won't hit anything you throw. That's the time to troll. No, don't break out the wire line. Simply tie on a Redfin, Rebel, Bomber Lure, Gag's Grabber, or just about any of the swimming minnows, and troll it about a hundred feet behind the boat. Using light lures, you can troll with spinning or conventional gear. The plug only has to run a foot or two beneath the surface. Bet on catching fish within a very few minutes. Once again, forget the wire leader. No, I'm not trying to sell more lures for the manufacturers. These fish are very finicky, and eliminating the wire leader can be the difference between catching and cursing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Blues attack a bait from the rear, and will clamp down on the bottom half of the lure. Every so often, a blue will climb up the lure and cut the mono, but you'll land more fish than you'll lose lures. Poppers by their very action bouncing on the surface, cause the blues to grab the lure wherever they can, and so they must be fished with a wire leader. Be lucky enough to find the blues just after the spawn ends, and they can be especially aggressive, striking anything and everything for one of those days you'll remember all year. Eventually, these blues will quit their mid-Sound shenanigans, school up and head for the shallower waters to seek out sand eels along the beaches and bunker in the bays and rivers, and when they do, it will be time for another story, utilizing different and only a little bit less exciting methods. Then again, they may choose to remain in the deep water, feeding the depths through the summer months and if they do, we'll have to break out the wire line outfits and talk about that favorite old method.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Bluefish cover the big picture. From fly-fishing to bait fishing, casting, trolling, no matter how we do it, catching blues will bring something special to the season ahead. Enjoy!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOHuRTG346EF1Qc4IqnK8EkdG2LWhiMlaBeO1-QjBhb4QHUp6SB0qn4nW0vLin6qDLIgshi9I3xEP2aWiVrRfWOhzF_Bd9sTAk4uWxKmyI81Y18e19CRuyem1gzt8a6urrgGI4Doy9Mo/s1600/img703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1098" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZOHuRTG346EF1Qc4IqnK8EkdG2LWhiMlaBeO1-QjBhb4QHUp6SB0qn4nW0vLin6qDLIgshi9I3xEP2aWiVrRfWOhzF_Bd9sTAk4uWxKmyI81Y18e19CRuyem1gzt8a6urrgGI4Doy9Mo/s640/img703.jpg" width="438" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And as the season winds down ?- This trolled bluefish hit in OCTOBER.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-8935888536211948002020-05-19T19:35:00.000-04:002020-05-19T19:35:44.015-04:00FISHING AND COVID 19<br />
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FISHING & COVID 19</div>
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by Dick Alley</div>
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Compo Beach in Westport opened this past weekend. Burying Hill Beach remained closed and locked and restrictions remain in effect for those of us anglers, citizens and taxpayers at Old Mill Beach, where I was denied permission to enter and park. Not sure if it's temporary because of the pandemic or a giveaway to old Mill residents by the politicians. Time will tell, but for the present, surf fishing is pretty much restricted to Compo Beach. For Geezers like me, that presents a problem, but for everyone else, fishing stands out as one of the best games available.</div>
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Social Distancing is not a problem as anglers need at least the minimum distance to cast and while fishing, don't do much talking anyhow. Anglers always enjoy the fresh air and can choose whether to stand, sit or wade, be it a river, a lake, a pond or Long Island Sound. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZEqHc_3_thOA2yOzFN3pL8SCUWpC694WY9UCiMAp-Q_QNWyuv6bC0fGNBbLaOEFKVFYq7o3gAhXL7PKkDiiS8SMN6Dj48QhnJFueI7PPdcQtFfaBTEMvZ8VBs3ooJNLt70kODnOJ09g/s1600/img184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1200" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZEqHc_3_thOA2yOzFN3pL8SCUWpC694WY9UCiMAp-Q_QNWyuv6bC0fGNBbLaOEFKVFYq7o3gAhXL7PKkDiiS8SMN6Dj48QhnJFueI7PPdcQtFfaBTEMvZ8VBs3ooJNLt70kODnOJ09g/s320/img184.jpg" width="320" /></a> The months of May and June are prime time for fishing in Fairfield County. Trout season is in full gear. Trout waters are fully stocked with the springtime season's trout allocations. Other offerings include largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, perch, crappie, bluegills and more. Spots like Squantz Pond and the Saugatuck Reservoir have healthy walleye populations. Northern pike are available in several designated lakes across the State.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln25QNBWgu7TykSE6GEE35XzsYvh436Y5uHER2FCK7UpNwkF7cBQLb7X8cYw5KNZ818p5d8Gb1z1a9VJDGX6_rjRV6twlQsos5HbA_oS_iNxL9AXcf54z2zSfkX_rDvCgr79RXySxjls/s1600/Img23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln25QNBWgu7TykSE6GEE35XzsYvh436Y5uHER2FCK7UpNwkF7cBQLb7X8cYw5KNZ818p5d8Gb1z1a9VJDGX6_rjRV6twlQsos5HbA_oS_iNxL9AXcf54z2zSfkX_rDvCgr79RXySxjls/s400/Img23.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little schoolie hit a bucktail at Compo Beach</td></tr>
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Long Island Sound is due to really bust loose in the weeks ahead. Schoolie stripers are everywhere and have already showed up off the coast of Maine. Bigger fish are now pouring out of the Hudson River with even more of the Chesapeake Bay strain entering Long Island Sound from the eastern end. The early blackfish season just closed and won't reopen until July 1. Winter flounder are available as are summer flounder (fluke). Porgy season is open year round and black sea bass season opened today, May 19th. Look for the occasional weakfish to pop up off Bridgeport or Stratford and of course bluefish are also due to show up off Wading River any day now. First spot they normally show in Connecticut waters is the West Haven sand bar.<br />
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There are some changes in regulations for stripers and bluefish this year. Striped bass are back under a slot limit. Keeper stripers must be between 28-inches and 35 inches in length, measured from the snout to the tip of the tail. Angler's are entitled to keep 1 fish per day. The bonus striped bass program of prior years has been discontinued.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkbMM8pWRAzSImOozd8T2bqZPxltfMZxX9DSpwk_tldTxZpf5Rlatl2mQAJ-4KzWBYgRmBhz5J8z0q-B-WCag0zJnX2GDzkcc-TkB1dd89l6mYPfbQzecWCa34CcFFZWjKH2gWVbZBw0/s1600/DSCF0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkbMM8pWRAzSImOozd8T2bqZPxltfMZxX9DSpwk_tldTxZpf5Rlatl2mQAJ-4KzWBYgRmBhz5J8z0q-B-WCag0zJnX2GDzkcc-TkB1dd89l6mYPfbQzecWCa34CcFFZWjKH2gWVbZBw0/s320/DSCF0335.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small northern pike on a fun day at Mansfield Hollow</td></tr>
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Bluefish now have a daily creel limit of 3 fish per day with no size restrictions. That's right folks - you can only keep 3 snappers per day. Doc Skerlick and Mary Eliason are probably rolling over in their graves.<br />
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I can recall days when 200 people lined the Post Road Bridge in the center of town. Mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, having the time of their lives catching snappers to take home and cook for dinner. Doc Skerlick used to fill a bucket a day. He usually persuaded a friend to freeze his daily catch and would then host a big cook-out at seasons end for one of the many conservation organizations he belonged to. Mary just kept her cats healthy but enjoyed catching snappers in the creek at Burying Hill well into her 80's. Snappers are bait fish for many predators like fluke and stripers and the numbers caught by recreational anglers are insignificant in comparison to those eaten by predators. They are family fun fish, delicious on the dinner table and could be very valuable in this coronavirus-plagued season. A 3 fish limit on these fish is ridiculous. Bigger blues that are breeders should be limited but not snappers. Just an opinion, folks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkzAAOCGwt3J2qr1ps-1zwIjpQ54lgsB4kGLrthNz-zLDM8aVX8asZBy6-AisQN7mXPCvYlTMd4dxrycJo1yxrpBfPvI3bHW7axnUJIeFpR2wJ82tkNZ2paIO4P5IWL8iGMnjlYKSiak/s1600/img675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1600" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkzAAOCGwt3J2qr1ps-1zwIjpQ54lgsB4kGLrthNz-zLDM8aVX8asZBy6-AisQN7mXPCvYlTMd4dxrycJo1yxrpBfPvI3bHW7axnUJIeFpR2wJ82tkNZ2paIO4P5IWL8iGMnjlYKSiak/s320/img675.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This big blue was caught off the Post Road Bridge</td></tr>
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And that brings us to fishing. Fishing is a low-cost game at today's prices. Basic tackle is not expensive. It can be done alone or as a family with plenty of time and space to social-distance. In an emergency, it can provide nourishment, but on an everyday basis, it offers challenges, entertainment and rewards.<br />
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dwa</div>
Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6659435349665714194.post-73684079011483819502020-05-13T21:54:00.001-04:002020-05-13T21:54:52.280-04:00Lighten Up! ---For More Fun Fshing!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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LIGHTEN UP FOR MORE FUN FISHING</div>
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Dick Alley</div>
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Eddie Boland was a great fisherman and a good friend--and also an excellent business man.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zI2VJBIb-y65kQY4wiYmJpSmT0kBwBy9SLYov43yWuZ54rRVuu84Hlp4QFyyuQbP4RXg_F7bHP4DhN_lYvLT1W966x4tOm4R661GpmX6osDd_hYIEql8euTTKG78gPSfIL8KtCINfq4/s1600/img678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zI2VJBIb-y65kQY4wiYmJpSmT0kBwBy9SLYov43yWuZ54rRVuu84Hlp4QFyyuQbP4RXg_F7bHP4DhN_lYvLT1W966x4tOm4R661GpmX6osDd_hYIEql8euTTKG78gPSfIL8KtCINfq4/s400/img678.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Bill Herold plays a fall bluefish on light tackle</td></tr>
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He had many friends. In fact every customer was his friend and as a result his sources as to where the fish were and what they were hitting was always excellent. In my own case, he introduced me to striped bass fishing, not by telling me where to go and what to use, but by taking me out in his boat and catching my first striped bass, hence hooking me for life. A couple of days later, I was back in the store purchasing my first surf casting outfit.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"> Later in the season when big cow bass moved into our waters, he was happy to sell me a more sturdy rig capable of casting the big Atoms, poppers and metal lures attractive to these bigger fish. When smaller stripers and blues became commonplace in a day's fishing, Ed always came up with an idea to keep everybody fishing. One of his best ideas came when Ed purchased a bunch of one-handed, lighter action rods designed by famed rod-designer Joe Ciaglia and suddenly ultra-light salt water fishing became the new fad. There was an exciting new challenge whether for foot-long stripers and Taylor blues or fish of 5 or 7 pounds that were as much a memory on the ultra-light rod as a 40-pound fish on heavy surf gear.</span></div>
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Our old Westport Tackle group were a fun bunch of guys. Almost any day of the week, it was a place where we could go to swap fishing stories, gather information and on Saturdays, share a beer or two. When the Alou Eel or the Kastmaster became the hottest striper lure, everybody was casting one in a matter of hours. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51mNj2JYAei6P-3tz0Tyv5MZ2pM3Rhdz301ygjeCDer4dBqW80disGdZyuZk_-9zNyg2a6p8aftW6XxQw_Z4lX4UbTh-g9iHRy6elXJxyXp_RtC1FK2uNK9rKCItJDZ83vs_MyEMCpQY/s1600/25-Image4-395_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51mNj2JYAei6P-3tz0Tyv5MZ2pM3Rhdz301ygjeCDer4dBqW80disGdZyuZk_-9zNyg2a6p8aftW6XxQw_Z4lX4UbTh-g9iHRy6elXJxyXp_RtC1FK2uNK9rKCItJDZ83vs_MyEMCpQY/s400/25-Image4-395_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob Byers loved playing 2 to 4 pound blues on a one-handed rod.</td></tr>
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Likewise a new rod or method became part of everybody's arsenal as fast as word of mouth could work. Before we knew it, we were participating in weekly contests for biggest fish on ultra-light tackle. Lures couldn't be heavier than 3/4 of an ounce. Line couldn't test out at more than 10 pounds. It made for lots of fun and some sizable fish showed up in the process.<br />
Ultra-light tackle isn't restricted to salt water. Sweet water anglers whether spinning or fly fishing can find more fun in downsizing their tackle. Down -sizing also offers distinct advantages. Bored on a slow trout day? Bring out the U-L spinning rod or the 3-Weight, fly rod, find a bunch of bluegills on their spawning beds. Flatten the barbs on your hooks and release bluegills on every cast---or keep a few for a delicious meal.<br />
Common sense has to prevail when choosing tackle. Ultra-light doesn't work when hauling big-mouth bass out of the lily pads. It's not preferable for bottom fishing whether in salt or fresh water. It does however provide a challenging alternative when needed.<br />
dwa<br />
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Dick Alleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15817618852327150606noreply@blogger.com0