Colored Beads Can Improve Your Scup Catches
Filed under: captain morgan
If there’s one thing an angler can count on when fishing, it’s not counting on anything! Nature is an ever-changing event with variables that baffle even the best of scientific models. We live in a moving environment full of energy with weather patterns that change so rapidly that the term “pattern” is hardly accurate.
Fishing is practically the only sport where not only the fish and water can be moving, but, while in a vessel, the angler will be moving as well. So it’s no wonder that anglers are always looking to improve their chances of success and better their odds of hooking into a potentially respectable catch. Whether challenging lightweight gear or hefty offshore tackle, the object is the same—outwit your quarry.
One evening while conducting a seminar on fishing techniques at the Sound School Aquacultural Center in New Haven, we delved into a fish’s response to color. For those unfamiliar with the Sound School facility, it houses, in part, a secure, environmentally controlled area with many large tanks containing numerous species of fish in various stages of research and growth. It is fabulous!
Led from a library conference room above to this aquarium-type facility below, we gathered around one particular tank, four feet high and eight feet in diameter. It contained several fish—mostly scup, some small tautog, and a few juvenile flounder. The object was to see whether or not any of these bottom fish would react to color and/or motion. They did!
As if electrified, scup from across the way darted quickly to a red dot that was introduced to the tank’s bottom via a laser pointer. Repeatedly, the red dot appeared then disappeared as the pointer was clicked on/off. All scup reacted in the same manner—trying to eat it and then looking confused when it vanished. Like trained fish, these porgies could be led around the tank as if leashed. Eventually, they tired and only kept a watchful eye on the red intruder. The ’togs were more cautious with a periodic nibble, while the flounder were energized and became interested stalkers.
Did these fish naturally respond to an intruder, thereby protecting their territory, or did they react because of a potential meal? One thing for sure, they reacted—and had there been a baited hook instead of red dot, they would have been caught! Try adding red beads to your rig the next time you’re scup fishing.
On the Water
The end of July actually felt like normal with stretches of heat and high humidity, but unfortunately, long-range plans were tough to bank on. Seas bobbled and gusty winds kicked waves to an uncomfortable chop while at times skies opened, unleashing downpours and intermittent hail. Tides ran late and fluctuated between extreme lows and stalled highs.
Schools of Atlantic menhaden remained scarce with spotty schools showing up here and there—enough for a few anglers to snag or net. Sand eels are still in abundance and silversides are everywhere along with the normal shoreline baitfish. As mid-Sound water temperatures hover in the low- to mid-70s and the inshore temps climb to the mid-60s plus, we’re beginning to see more activity with albies, bonito, and some weakfish.
This week saw a good run of striped bass in the 30- to 35-pound range, mostly caught from inshore reefs on live eels, bucktails, and chunks. Southwest, Kimberly, and Faulkner’s Island were top local producers. Throughout the tidal periods, schoolies were prevalent along beaches and in the rivers. T/W’s, small jigs, and seaworms were good choices for light tackle anglers.
The bluefish scene is picking up. What we need is warmer, more stable and seasonal weather to bring on the bunker. However, snapper blues are increasingly showing up along with more of the 10-pounders. Both bottom and top water as well as trolling brellas and diamond jigging are producing steady catches. Birds are giving up the occasional ‘blitzing-type’ activity, but during some tides, all such activity is either void or a false alarm.
Scup/porgy fishing is red hot both from shore and on the reefs! Sizes are mixed however scup bangers are hooking fish to 17 inches. Find the spot and there’s little difference in the choice of rigging. Top baits would be squid, seaworms, and clams—red beads do make a difference! A few good recent fluke catches in 80- to 90-feet, but sizes around the shoal and other inshore reefs are back to the 19-inch range.
Captain Morgan’s has begun to sell registrations for the 2009 WICC Bluefish Tournament, scheduled for Aug. 29 and 30. Tagged fish will account for $50,000 in prize money in addition to the top first-place prize of $25,000. Several other incentives will further enhance this year’s event. As in the past, Captain Morgan’s will host its annual Bluefish ‘piggyback’ contest.
A sad note: The fishing community lost a true friend and dedicated angler, Ron Dougan of Guilford. The first Flukemania contest winner, he loved his fluke fishing and sharing those adventures with others. May there be a welcome “doormat” to greet you in heaven. God Bless.
Note: Having a hard time finding or obtaining a sportsman license? Captain Morgan’s has “all” 2009 fishing, hunting, trapping licenses/permits (rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzle loader, HIP, CT duck stamps, etc.) available including shellfish licenses for Guilford and Madison.
Whenever and wherever fishing, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies, and licenses/permits. Swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
Filed under: captain morgan
If there’s one thing an angler can count on when fishing, it’s not counting on anything! Nature is an ever-changing event with variables that baffle even the best of scientific models. We live in a moving environment full of energy with weather patterns that change so rapidly that the term “pattern” is hardly accurate.
Fishing is practically the only sport where not only the fish and water can be moving, but, while in a vessel, the angler will be moving as well. So it’s no wonder that anglers are always looking to improve their chances of success and better their odds of hooking into a potentially respectable catch. Whether challenging lightweight gear or hefty offshore tackle, the object is the same—outwit your quarry.
One evening while conducting a seminar on fishing techniques at the Sound School Aquacultural Center in New Haven, we delved into a fish’s response to color. For those unfamiliar with the Sound School facility, it houses, in part, a secure, environmentally controlled area with many large tanks containing numerous species of fish in various stages of research and growth. It is fabulous!
Led from a library conference room above to this aquarium-type facility below, we gathered around one particular tank, four feet high and eight feet in diameter. It contained several fish—mostly scup, some small tautog, and a few juvenile flounder. The object was to see whether or not any of these bottom fish would react to color and/or motion. They did!
As if electrified, scup from across the way darted quickly to a red dot that was introduced to the tank’s bottom via a laser pointer. Repeatedly, the red dot appeared then disappeared as the pointer was clicked on/off. All scup reacted in the same manner—trying to eat it and then looking confused when it vanished. Like trained fish, these porgies could be led around the tank as if leashed. Eventually, they tired and only kept a watchful eye on the red intruder. The ’togs were more cautious with a periodic nibble, while the flounder were energized and became interested stalkers.
Did these fish naturally respond to an intruder, thereby protecting their territory, or did they react because of a potential meal? One thing for sure, they reacted—and had there been a baited hook instead of red dot, they would have been caught! Try adding red beads to your rig the next time you’re scup fishing.
On the Water
The end of July actually felt like normal with stretches of heat and high humidity, but unfortunately, long-range plans were tough to bank on. Seas bobbled and gusty winds kicked waves to an uncomfortable chop while at times skies opened, unleashing downpours and intermittent hail. Tides ran late and fluctuated between extreme lows and stalled highs.
Schools of Atlantic menhaden remained scarce with spotty schools showing up here and there—enough for a few anglers to snag or net. Sand eels are still in abundance and silversides are everywhere along with the normal shoreline baitfish. As mid-Sound water temperatures hover in the low- to mid-70s and the inshore temps climb to the mid-60s plus, we’re beginning to see more activity with albies, bonito, and some weakfish.
This week saw a good run of striped bass in the 30- to 35-pound range, mostly caught from inshore reefs on live eels, bucktails, and chunks. Southwest, Kimberly, and Faulkner’s Island were top local producers. Throughout the tidal periods, schoolies were prevalent along beaches and in the rivers. T/W’s, small jigs, and seaworms were good choices for light tackle anglers.
The bluefish scene is picking up. What we need is warmer, more stable and seasonal weather to bring on the bunker. However, snapper blues are increasingly showing up along with more of the 10-pounders. Both bottom and top water as well as trolling brellas and diamond jigging are producing steady catches. Birds are giving up the occasional ‘blitzing-type’ activity, but during some tides, all such activity is either void or a false alarm.
Scup/porgy fishing is red hot both from shore and on the reefs! Sizes are mixed however scup bangers are hooking fish to 17 inches. Find the spot and there’s little difference in the choice of rigging. Top baits would be squid, seaworms, and clams—red beads do make a difference! A few good recent fluke catches in 80- to 90-feet, but sizes around the shoal and other inshore reefs are back to the 19-inch range.
Captain Morgan’s has begun to sell registrations for the 2009 WICC Bluefish Tournament, scheduled for Aug. 29 and 30. Tagged fish will account for $50,000 in prize money in addition to the top first-place prize of $25,000. Several other incentives will further enhance this year’s event. As in the past, Captain Morgan’s will host its annual Bluefish ‘piggyback’ contest.
A sad note: The fishing community lost a true friend and dedicated angler, Ron Dougan of Guilford. The first Flukemania contest winner, he loved his fluke fishing and sharing those adventures with others. May there be a welcome “doormat” to greet you in heaven. God Bless.
Note: Having a hard time finding or obtaining a sportsman license? Captain Morgan’s has “all” 2009 fishing, hunting, trapping licenses/permits (rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzle loader, HIP, CT duck stamps, etc.) available including shellfish licenses for Guilford and Madison.
Whenever and wherever fishing, think Captain Morgan’s for all things fishy including the latest gear, bait, flies/flyfishing, rod/reel repair, clam/crabbing supplies, and licenses/permits. Swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan