Big Tournament, Small Bluefish
Posted by Shore Publishing on Sep 03 2009, 02:52 PM
Filed under: captain morgan
The stormy weather, economy, slight increase in registration fee, new marine fishing license, or a combination of all no doubt led to a drop in participation in the WICC Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth compared to previous years. However, the diehard tournament contenders were undaunted, although somewhat apprehensive and hesitant, not knowing what the seas would bring or, for a time, not knowing whether or not the tournament would be postponed.
Last minute end-of-the-day registrations spiked, bringing hopeful anglers from many parts of the state (and beyond) to the shop. Several weren’t aware that the new marine fishing license would be necessary in order for their catch to qualify so that added one more item to the weekend plate. Careful thought was given to the gear selected—everything from catch-ready tackle to component parts to be rigged in such a way as to entice even the wariest of bluefish.
After a long night of fishing for many, a lone 10.45-pound blue was weighed in, later followed by 13-pound class fish. The first morning saw 13.71-, 13.62-, 13.34-,13.17-, and 12.85-pounders ranking first through fifth place. Inclement weather persisted as rain fell and the Sound swelled. This was a contest in which contestants repaid their dues fishing in less than desirable conditions.
At the end of day one, the standings barely changed. Now 13.92 pounds held first place, bumping each down a peg. Bottom weight then was 11.70, qualifying it for 20th spot. Captain Morgan’s Port Prize was 11.07 pounds and the shop leader was 13.13 pounds. Now, the stage was set for a photo finish as night slid into day two.
Tides appeared to favor anglers fishing mid-Sound as half-tide would arrive at or near the 5 p.m. weigh-in deadline. The bottom would occur farther east accompanied by rougher waters and optimum fishing wouldn’t reach the western end until well after scales closed—at least that’s what all indications pointed to. But as we know, fishing is fishing and it’s not over until the fat fin swims.
Rain now subsided as fishing conditions improved with the passing cold front and anglers were raring to hit the water for a second day more worn than previously. For the most part, the standings changed little with a bump from one slot to the next without changing the overall picture. The flood tide brought some sun and a little more wind but the bite remained stubborn. Stomachs were mostly empty as blues held off feeding during the stormy weather and now, at tournament’s end, they began to feed more aggressively.
A big surprise—1.11 pounds separated the No. 1 fish from the 20th. A 13.92 bluefish held on all weekend to unofficially capture the win. The bottom weighed in at 12.81. There were 14 choppers caught in the 13-pound class followed by six in the 12. Connecticut scored 12 in the rankings and New York eight and of the 12 Connecticut fish, five were from eastern Connecticut.
Tides and weather could have been much more accommodating, but thought must be given to the lack of sizeable blues caught. Could that be indication of cyclic conditions, stock depletion, climatic factors (long spring, short summer, potentially early fall), or just unfavorable timing? This skipper thinks it was all to do with timing. Perhaps tomorrow will bring the “alligator” blues, but that bite will be too late! Special thanks goes out to all who assisted in making this another shop success especially my first mate, Lori.
On the Water
Tropical storm Danny miffed forecasters for the better part of the week, leaving anglers questioning whether or not their fishing plans would materialize or be postponed. This ill-formed storm tracked toward the northeast as a western cold front continued on a collision course fixed on New England. There were some winds, choppy seas, and more rain than one would have liked for the long bluefish tournament weekend.
For all things fishy including licenses, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
Posted by Shore Publishing on Sep 03 2009, 02:52 PM
Filed under: captain morgan
The stormy weather, economy, slight increase in registration fee, new marine fishing license, or a combination of all no doubt led to a drop in participation in the WICC Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth compared to previous years. However, the diehard tournament contenders were undaunted, although somewhat apprehensive and hesitant, not knowing what the seas would bring or, for a time, not knowing whether or not the tournament would be postponed.
Last minute end-of-the-day registrations spiked, bringing hopeful anglers from many parts of the state (and beyond) to the shop. Several weren’t aware that the new marine fishing license would be necessary in order for their catch to qualify so that added one more item to the weekend plate. Careful thought was given to the gear selected—everything from catch-ready tackle to component parts to be rigged in such a way as to entice even the wariest of bluefish.
After a long night of fishing for many, a lone 10.45-pound blue was weighed in, later followed by 13-pound class fish. The first morning saw 13.71-, 13.62-, 13.34-,13.17-, and 12.85-pounders ranking first through fifth place. Inclement weather persisted as rain fell and the Sound swelled. This was a contest in which contestants repaid their dues fishing in less than desirable conditions.
At the end of day one, the standings barely changed. Now 13.92 pounds held first place, bumping each down a peg. Bottom weight then was 11.70, qualifying it for 20th spot. Captain Morgan’s Port Prize was 11.07 pounds and the shop leader was 13.13 pounds. Now, the stage was set for a photo finish as night slid into day two.
Tides appeared to favor anglers fishing mid-Sound as half-tide would arrive at or near the 5 p.m. weigh-in deadline. The bottom would occur farther east accompanied by rougher waters and optimum fishing wouldn’t reach the western end until well after scales closed—at least that’s what all indications pointed to. But as we know, fishing is fishing and it’s not over until the fat fin swims.
Rain now subsided as fishing conditions improved with the passing cold front and anglers were raring to hit the water for a second day more worn than previously. For the most part, the standings changed little with a bump from one slot to the next without changing the overall picture. The flood tide brought some sun and a little more wind but the bite remained stubborn. Stomachs were mostly empty as blues held off feeding during the stormy weather and now, at tournament’s end, they began to feed more aggressively.
A big surprise—1.11 pounds separated the No. 1 fish from the 20th. A 13.92 bluefish held on all weekend to unofficially capture the win. The bottom weighed in at 12.81. There were 14 choppers caught in the 13-pound class followed by six in the 12. Connecticut scored 12 in the rankings and New York eight and of the 12 Connecticut fish, five were from eastern Connecticut.
Tides and weather could have been much more accommodating, but thought must be given to the lack of sizeable blues caught. Could that be indication of cyclic conditions, stock depletion, climatic factors (long spring, short summer, potentially early fall), or just unfavorable timing? This skipper thinks it was all to do with timing. Perhaps tomorrow will bring the “alligator” blues, but that bite will be too late! Special thanks goes out to all who assisted in making this another shop success especially my first mate, Lori.
On the Water
Tropical storm Danny miffed forecasters for the better part of the week, leaving anglers questioning whether or not their fishing plans would materialize or be postponed. This ill-formed storm tracked toward the northeast as a western cold front continued on a collision course fixed on New England. There were some winds, choppy seas, and more rain than one would have liked for the long bluefish tournament weekend.
For all things fishy including licenses, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan