Captain Morgan's Bait and Tackle

Captain Morgan’s emailed over their report to say, “And the green crab saga continues to plague toggers as they scurry around looking to fill their buckets or flip rocks at low tide. There is nothing shell fishers would like better than to see them disappear because of damage they cause. On the other hand, being a high producer, toggers would like more of them. The season moves forward with multiple throwbacks hooked but also more keeper limits caught on both flood and ebb tides. Tog jigs are performing quite well in the shallower incoming and rigs with 6- to 8-ounce weights on the outgoing. The majority of keeper blackfish have been under 18 inches, while the notable ones from local waters have been 7 to 8-pounders. Catching larger togs caught in deeper water also resulted in hooking into keeper sea bass, but, the shallower, the smaller. Porgy catches remain solid. Snapper blues have been having a good run as well. Schools of small menhaden sparked some harbor bluefish action bolstered by larger choppers feeding at either end of the Sound. Weakfish have been mixed in with those schools of bass and blues while single average-size weakies have been caught mid-Sound. The hunt for albies and bones continues locally, however of the hardtails, bonito have been more of a reality to the sight-fishers working the nearshore reefs. With 62-degree water, the action should be better! The rest of the bottom fishery remains solid for now including most of the migrating shark population. We started off with a ‘hot’ bite and we’ll wind up the briny with another: striped bass. The reefs and shoals are being embraced by over-the-slot linesiders! Live eels, chunk baits, diamond jigs and bucktails are really connecting out on the reefs and shoals. Three-waying land trolling are producing. Closer to shore and in the lower tidal rivers, switching over to hard/soft lures fished on either the surface or just below are producing bass below, in, and above the slot. Although these stripers have been taking small live and chunk baits, artificials have been playing a larger role especially, in the shallows and during surface feeding. There has even been good action farther up in some of the tidal rivers where small baitfish have been pushed up during a flood tide. On the freshwater side, trout anglers are smiling ear-to-ear as ‘personal bests’ keep mounting. Double-digit rainbows into the low 20-inch range are providing lasting memories as the fruits of fall stocking are paying off. There have been good catches of well-developed browns, colorful hefty brookies and feisty tigers that have battled right through their releases. Now is the time to stretch your adventures into the back country, native brookie waters after testing out the heavily stocked parks, rivers, lakes, and ponds. Fire up your bass initiatives and target large/smallmouths as well as fast-attacking, hard fighting torpedoes and bottom-hugging feeders. Expand into some great panfish territory and look to the upper tidals for huge carp and hungry catfish. Colorful surroundings and peacefully-calm waters await. For more on this year’s fall fishing season and much more, click over to Captain Morgan’s fishing blog. Captain Morgan’s (an Authorized PENN Premium and Daiwa Tournament Dealer) is on top of the fall season while supporting the fishing community. Calling ahead and leaving a message is advisable. Pay us a visit at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison and you will see why, as a seasoned full-service fishing outfitter, we say, ‘We don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better!’”

Captain Morgan’s emailed over their report to say, “As expected, fall blackfish season opened to a break in the supply chain leading to a lot of scurrying around and a sudden change of plans for toggers. Fishermen are an innovative bunch and those that joined the fleet found fishing conditions more than palatable on opening day, but somewhat deteriorating from then on. A great sunrise, generally cloudy with variable winds and calm seas prevailed at around high tide which provided a good backdrop for toggers who had little difficulty in pinning mostly small togs, but reeling in keeper fish. This marked the beginning of the season and predictions are that catches will improve as water temps continue to drop. The shop had green crabs to go around! A big shout out to the harvesters we’ve worked with for the past 30 years who came through, in spite of the hardships endured during the Nor’easter. In the past week striped bass kicked into gear especially, in some of the lower tidal rivers. Several of the linsiders caught were nicely over the slot and gave fishers using light gear some great action as these fish, caught on artificials, were hooked on topwaters and swimmers in 4-feet of water and actually broke the surface. Additionally from the recent storm, bass were feeding on small menhaden pushed in from easterly winds. Any fly rodders not on the water, missed out on some serious feeding! Harbor blues were still making a splash in and around these schools of small bunker. Major blitzes - not seen, so far. Chasing black sea bass and porgies has not let up as catches continue from the reefs and rock piles. Current action has been dependent on ‘chowing down’ and dropping water temps. Fluke has been spotty until flukers have come across a tight school when the steady but short bite, has been consistently with these 21” summer flounder. All three species grabbed jigs and/or rigs tricked up with squid. Fresh water fishing continues on the path of being way above average! Trout and Atlantic stocking only adds to the action. Want a change in pace or to add to an already productive season? Hit those lakes, ponds and rivers/streams to hook into some great bass, quality panfish and an array other species these waters have to offer. For more on this interesting Fall fishing season and much more, click over to Captain Morgan’s fishing blog. Pay us a visit and you will see why, as a seasoned full-service fishing outfitter, we say, ‘We don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.’”