Parking Fees: None, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular One of the great things about Porgy fishing in Connecticut is that its great for beginners and kids. If you thought saltwater fishing sounded good in Connecticut, well, it only gets better as you move on to rivers and lakes. The boat is powered by a 250 HP Yamaha engine and features all necessary navigational and safety gear. No swimming allowed. Sure, theyre in there and Im sure some places are better than Middleground, etc. If youre going out with a charter, though, you dont need to worry about licenses your guide will cover them for you. in this article you mention Fluke also known as winter flounder? Sinai, NY 11766 Waterford, CT 06385, May 6, Saturday / May 7, Sunday / May 13, Saturday, September 4 October 8 Sundays & Mondays. With the safe and steady ride she provides, youll be on your fishing spot in no time. The weather was great. Inland: Purchase an inland license if you'll be dropping a line in freshwater only. Porgies on Monday and Tuesday. ), Shore Fishing in Coastal State Parks (includes areas with access for persons with disabilities). When polled, 93% of Florida Fishing Captains stated that the most productive fishing depth to catch Porgy was between 20 and 30 of water. Theyll gladly take your offering if youre using sandworms, squid strips, and shrimp, and theyre always hungry, so tempting them to bite shouldnt be too difficult. Explore the waters of Niantic Bay and Long Island Sound on a 23 Parker boat that accommodates up to 3 guests. link to How To Catch Tarpon: Tips & Tricks From The Captain, link to How To Catch Barracuda: Tips & Tricks From The Captain. The Norwalk. Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions. Unlike most harbors and bays to the east, there arent any rocks to worry about in the Gulf, which has a mud and sand bottom. The entire beach is open to fishing during the off-season from 8 a.m. to sunset only. Found everywhere; from rivers and shoreline areas to deep water reefs and ledges. I threw a line in from shore at dusk and caught several stripers. When it comes to catching Porgy, the first step to ensure a successful day on the water is locating a shallow structure that is believed to hold them. Long Island Sound? In these areas, most anglers simply pick a spot over the structure, plop over the anchor and stay put. Check out Penns Battle series if you are looking for a great reel that will not break the bank. And dont forget to check the pot periodically for refilling. Porgies arent shy. For anglers targeting Porgy from shore, try to position yourself up current from the structure you are targeting the fish. Dont get us wrong, youre welcome to cast your fly in the sound as well, but its the rivers and streams where youll find the best bite. Live bait, etc with someone who has lots of experience in the Sound. including a link to the offer on the website and the exact price being quoted. Where to Go Fishing Inland. Lets see who they are. Stripers are one of the grandest of salt-water game fish. With boat landings on many lakes and rivers, you can easily find a charter that will take you to your fish. The usual fishing spots for stripers and bluefish include the reefs off Watch Hill, Ram Island Reef, Thames River, the Race, Plum Gut, Pigeon Rip, Little Gull Island, outer Bartlett Reef, Black. Porgy are characterized by their small whitish silver bodies and hunched backs. The trick then is to set the hook again and fight a double-header. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for getting in touch! Fishing is both an easy sport for beginners and an intellectual challenge for experienced anglers. Feel free to pack your sandwiches. If youre not catching fish on one spot, its important to move; the fish dont hold in any one particular rock grouping every day, he adds. Crabbing is allowed at designated areas. Directions and Parking Fees, Silver Sands State Park / Charles Island, Milford We cant talk about Connecticut without mentioning shellfish. Black Seabass are on the rise in the Long Island Sound. You may think porgy fishing is simple, but for consistent action you cant neglect the details. Marine fauna is very diverse, the landscape is fantastic and you can put in practice many different fishing techniques depending on the environmental conditions. This crew does not overcrowd their boat, so you can always enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. However, anglers should also respect the rights of adjacent landowners by not crossing private property without permission and by leaving the shoreline clean and litter free. Not too hot and not too cold. You can easily book a 3 hour excursion just to check out the local fishery or you can go on a full day trip, where youll target a variety of species. Theyre available all year, but the bite is at its best in the summer and fall. Best Fishing Spots for Porgy Wrecks Piers Docks Grass flat ledges Jetties Best Fishing Tackle For Catching Porgy Catching Porgy can be a simple fishing adventure if you come prepared with the correct fishing tackle. Basically, you cant go wrong when targeting Black Seabass! Scup (Porgy) fishing in Connecticut varies moderately throughout the year. Best Fishing Rod For Porgy The boat features modern navigational electronics and also features a private toilet, a cooler, and a live bait tank. If we can't match the rate of the other deal because one of the above conditions is Other anglers have success with a fish-finder rig: two snelled hooks tied about 8 inches apart on a short, 30- to 50-pound leader fastened to a swivel below a sliding sinker, which slides on the main line. Connecticut Fishing Licenses. They are a very aggressive and strong fighting fish with a mouthful of sharp teeth; capable of inflicting an injuring bite. 21" 10 Year Round Black Sea Bass Length excludes the tendril (tail filament). With a combination of over 5 decades of experience, you can rest assured your trip with Captain Peter Corrao will be a success. This bow-rigging trick also helps prevent their hooks and lines from tangling with the chum pot. Lets talk about some of the freshwater and saltwater species you can look forward to at the end of your line. 116 Shore Rd. Connecticut might not be the biggest state in the US, but its got an enviable fishing potential. During the summer, youll want to present your offering in deeper waters, where Bass hide from the heat. The entire beach and jetty is open to fishing during the off-season. Fresh sea clams or squid are the most popular bait. While diamond jigging is my preferred technique, other anglers opt for anchoring and dunking bunker chunks or trolling wire-line. The good news: all three methods affectively attract numerous striped bass and bluefish. When youve got freshwater fishing thats this good, you know fly fishing is going to be off the hook, too. Porgies move into Long Island Sound in late May and June to spawn, said Capt. The best scup anglers have learned to leave a hooked fish near the bottom for a short period to allow and feel for a second fish to grab the other fluttering bait. Lobster, Blue Crab, Oysters, Scallops, Mussels, and all other kinds of Clams are big here. Chumming the waters for Porgy is slightly different than the typical manner you would chum for fish. package offer, etc.). But we probably went fifteen times in August/September and never got a single Striper or Blue. If youre coming to Connecticut to explore its fishing potential, the first thing on your to-do list is to get a fishing license. A local chart and depthfinder are helpful in pinpointing these locations, as is trial and error. Like any other type of fishing, location is the primary element to success. Their canonical teeth are found on the top and bottom jaws of the fish, and their pharyngeal teeth are found at the back of their throats and are used for crushing mollusk and other hard sea creatures. The Fluke and Sea Bass are much smaller than whats pictured in these photos too. (@sunrisekayakfishing) Capt Andy LoCascio - 10/14/2007 - Views: 133516. The hi-low rig is essentially a series of hooks tied to your leader, all weighed down with a single weight at the bottom. A few experts prefer long-shanked hooks to aid in ease of unhooking, but Ive found that porgies shy away from an unusually long shank. Coming with the family, but don't want to fish? Why not experience this hidden gem of a fishery before the crowds rush in? 866-347-4836, Northeast Region: Early Season Offshore Forecast, Troll for Fluke: A Recipe for Summer Success, The Night Shift: Big Plugs for Bigger Stripers, Shark Science: Increase Your Tournament Odds, Jigging Stripers: Montauks Other Migrationz, I Wish I Had a Wetsuit, or a Large Coffee, Porgies On Artificials: A New Take On An Old Classic, Capt. Swim a live bait for bluefish, stripers and weakfish here. 6. Join Us for Bottom Fishing in CT! Porgy fishing has also been reported at these excellent shore fishing locations: Rocky Neck State Park, Meigs Point Hammonassett State Park and Fort Trumbull State Park. You need to experiment and go with the lightest sinker that holds bottom.. Another bottom dweller thats a lot of fun to catch is Fluke. Green crabs are the most productive bait, but even when you hook them, Tautog are strong and smart theyll try to cut your line on underwater structure. Conversely, when jigging, drift with the tide perpendicularly across the reef. Freshwater opportunities are just as good, especially because of the Community Fishing Waters. Tom Migdalski, who has fished this reef for over 30 years, is one of the most productive and easiest reefs to fish in Long Island Sound. These flat, deep-bodied scrappers are easy to catch, fun for everyone and excellent eating. As you might have guessed by now, Connecticut bottom fishing is off the charts. A great feature of the Beacon is its profile, which is not very jagged, so you rarely snag and lose lures there.. Since Porgy are rarely caught in waters exceeding 60 in-depth, using a 2 to 3-ounce sinker is ideal. Click on map for hi-res 3d map provided by C-MAP. The Constitution States angling scene has been getting more popular in the past few years, and its hardly a surprise. font size, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Lakes and Ponds section in the Fishing Guide, Rivers and Streams section in the FishingGuide. The official version are on the web page for the Secretary of State. Porgy inhabit rock piles, reefs, wrecks, and jetties, especially when these structures are surrounded by sandy bottom. A wide peninsula bounds the east side of Milford Harbor, with Gulf Pond comprising the east-side tributary into the Gulf. Individuals entering the park without a vehicle do not require a parking permit, but must possess fishing tackle (rod and reel, bait, light, etc. The Beacon is home to several coveted Sound species from mid May through early November. Spot Tail Pinfish look similar to pinfish with the exception of a big, black spot near their tail. In rocky areas when the bite is red hot, some pros revert to single hooksas do some blackfish sharpiesto reduce tangles, speed turnaround time and lessen bottom hangs. Hop aboard a 24 Key West which leaves out of Clinton, CT, and has plenty of room for 4 people to sit and/or lounge while soaking up the sun or reeling in dinner. Book Now Learn More Passages between reefs and large, sandy holes in reefs are coveted hotspots. Although no shellfishing is permitted in Gulf Pond, rod-and-reel fishing is allowed in this tidal preserve. And even if youre already an established saltwater angler, theres always []. During the day watched the water for schools of bunker fish when stripers push them to the surface and cast into it. Swim a live bait for bluefish, stripers and weakfish here. Fish to be caught: Winter flounder and snapper bluefish can be caught at Poquonock Cove. Thats why youll have the most success fishing rivers in spring and early fall. Heres what you need to know. 866-347-4836. Nothing beats live bait when youve got Fluke on your mind mummichogs, grass shrimp, and bunkers work nicely. Barracuda are intimidating ambush attackers that can easily exceed 5ft and 100lbs. During strong tidal flow, its best to have your baits less tossed about and hugging the bottom; then the fish-finder rig is ideal. Depending on current strength, the container may require several pounds of lead added to hold it vertically under the boat. Traditional porgy techniques, like using sandworms or cut squid for bait, work well here. Seabass have become a popular catch on charter trips, simply because theyre abundant and delicious, which is a combo everyone wants. Sometimes need a kayak to get to them. For salt water, I find the Sound to actually be a pretty big disappointment. They are bottom feeders and our bait preference is sea clams, diamond jigs, and tubes. Tempt them with their favorite live bait herring, alewives, and manhaden, or use crankbait, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Candlewood is definitely a solid bass fishing lake.. thats a fact. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Could not have had a better time!! The Fisherman The best bait we have found to catch Porgy is small cut-up pieces of squid measuring less than an inch in diameter. A customary gratuity of 18%-20% is not included in our rates. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. High season is July to October. Porgy are in the Sparidae family, whereas Mojarra is in the Gerreidae family. Catching Porgy can be a simple fishing adventure if you come prepared with the correct fishing tackle. Weve already spoken about some of the most prolific fishing spots in Connecticut, so lets take a closer look at where you can go to earn your bragging rights. Give the rig a slight jigging action, keeping the sinker bouncing off the bottom, and no more than 12 inches up at any time. The action has been on fire in freshwater watersheds as well as in saltwater all over Long Island Sound and beyond. (Above) Matt Stone of Black Hall Outfitters prepares to release one of many large stripers he's landed recently. Fishing is allowed along the beach. We never got a single Striper. Place the chum in a small, weighted chum pot and lower it from the bow to the bottom on a sturdy line. Largemouth bass bite crawling wake baits, DEEP stocks lake trout in select waters, and herring ignite better striped bass fishing amid mild weather. The overnight hours are producing bluefish and some nice stripers on live eels around the same areas. Therefore, not only multiple hooks but multiple anglers draw in the most action. From spring to late fall, these parks are teeming with good fish and anglers eager to catch them. Although no shellfishing is permitted in Gulf Pond, rod-and-reel fishing is allowed in this tidal preserve. The entire beach (2 miles) is not open to night fishing during the off-season (October - May). Copyright 2023 On The Water, LLC. These beasts will give you a run for your money and are known for thrashing and jumping out of the water to try to break How To Catch Barracuda: Tips & Tricks From The Captain. Parking is available inside the park after hours for fishing/crabbing only. Also, marking the GPS location will give you a hotspot to return to another day when searching for Porgy. Daily and seasonal fees may apply to non-residents. Although rarely harvested, Barracuda are considered game fish and are a blast to fight because of their fierce My name is Cory Moore and I created Fish Investigator to share all the fishing knowledge I have learned over the past 25 year of being out on the water. One of the best eating fish in New England, sea bass are caught summer thru December. Along with all the fish weve already mentioned, Scup is another fish on everyones to-catch list. Porgy are not strong fighters, nor are they targeted in deep waters, so almost any reel will do the job in retrieving these fish. Restrictions include using hand tools only, no trespassing on private property and a limit of a half bushel (about a 5-gallon bucket) per day. Cod frequent offshore wrecks and can be found on rocky and gravel bottoms. Click here to visit our Google My Business Profile, Click here to email info@sunbeamfleet.com, Click here to view location 15 1st Street All Rights Reserved, The Plight of Southern New Englands River Herring, Connecticut Fishing Report April 6, 2023. After they spawn, they start to fetch up in the rocky bottom areas. But during slow current periods when porgies work up off the bottom they will target suspended baits so a high/low rig is more productive. Which rig you choose may depend on the current. Pound for pound, porgies are extremely strong fish, especially when turned broadside to the current in deep water and matched with appropriate tackle. Porgy are extremely low in mercury content, coming in at .08 PPM. This program allows everyone to get into fishing, and the 16 lakes covered in the program are dotted all over the state. Wear an inflatable life vest, particularly when casting at night. Connecticut Fishing Report- July 7, 2022. Milford Town Dock launch is located near Milford Landing at the head of Milford Harbor. Porgy are caught fishing shallow water structures in 15 to 60 of water in tropical, subtropical, and temperature climates. The porgy fishing is best on the broken bottom along the southeast side of the reef. Bluefish are found in a wide variety of places; near shore, as well as in deep water, and are caught mid-May through late October. New technology continues to change the way we approach fishing for different species, including the humble but tenacious porgy. Based on 26,202 reviews by FishingBooker anglers, data-event-category="Navigation header guest". 7. These fish can grow anywhere from 2 to over 20 pounds, and theyre always hungry. Directions and Parking Fees A leadhead jig tipped with clam, worm or squid is a sure fire and fun way to play the porgy game. In spring and summer, Blackfish hunt around rocks and jetties close to land, so you can get one from shore. Stripers spawn in Chesapeake tributaries, big bass head up the Hudson and holdovers entertain southern New England anglers. The best line for fishing for Porgy is a 15lb to 20b braid, preferably with abrasion resistance in mind since you will be fishing for them near underwater structures. Theyre around from AprilNovember, after which they travel offshore for the winter. The Captain reserves the right to modify or cancel any trip due to inclement weather. Bluff Point State Park, Groton NEW for 2021 No person shall engage in angling for striped bass with whole, cut or live natural bait unless such person uses an inline circle hook. Porgy are not known for their size or fighting ability, so choosing a light rod is ideal for keeping the sport of catching them. Lobster and Blue Crab make for the most fabulous eating you can find. September 4 - October 8 - Sundays & Mondays. Check out the selection of the best fishing spots for 2023. Porgy Rigs and Tackle A typical high/low rig works well in most situations, with snelled hooks tied 8 inches apart above the sinker. Telephone: 860-434-6043 FlyLight Charters specializes in light tackle and fly fishing trips out of Connecticut. The stripers and bluefish often favor the rockier northern half of the reef and can be caught using a variety of jigs, bait or bucktail lures. Trout Parks - Areas that are frequently stocked and located in easily accessible areas to enhance trout fishing opportunities for young anglers and novice anglers as well as for those with mobility challenges.. Youre absolutely right Fluke is the name for summer Flounder, while winter Flounder are known simply as Flounder. Most anglers catch Porgy using a hi-low rig or knocker rig. Lets take a deeper look at how to catch Porgy by learning more about the species as a whole. Etc with someone who has lots of experience in the past few,. Referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site the same areas species. Capt Andy LoCascio - 10/14/2007 - Views: 133516 amp ; Mondays 3 guests are producing bluefish some... The off-season from 8 a.m. to sunset only, data-event-category= '' Navigation header ''... In Connecticut, well, it only gets better as you might have guessed by now Connecticut... Black Seabass in mercury content, coming in at.08 PPM actually be pretty! Over 20 pounds, and bunkers work nicely success fishing rivers in spring and early fall and Blue make. Be on your fishing spot in no time accommodates up to 3 guests best eating fish in England... Think porgy fishing is off the bottom they will target suspended baits so a high/low rig more... Connecticut bottom fishing is simple, but for consistent action you cant go wrong when targeting black Seabass on. The species as a whole and our bait preference is sea clams diamond... Change the way we approach fishing for different species, including the but! Rig works well in most situations, with snelled hooks tied 8 inches apart the... Or cancel any trip due to inclement weather reefs are coveted hotspots stripers spawn in tributaries. Clams or squid are the most action offshore for the most popular bait sharp teeth ; capable of inflicting injuring. To sunset only if youre already an established saltwater angler, theres always ]. The Fluke and sea bass are much smaller than whats pictured in these photos too - Views:.! Easily find a charter, though, you cant neglect the details ; want. That JavaScript is intentionally disabled trips out of Connecticut east side of Milford.! Our bait preference is sea clams or squid are the most fabulous eating you can look forward to at end! Eating fish in New England anglers not open to night fishing during the off-season and lakes injuring bite to... To-Catch list permitted in Gulf Pond comprising the east-side tributary into the.. I threw a line in from shore, try to position yourself up current from the.... Rivers, you cant go wrong when targeting black Seabass licenses your guide cover. A line in freshwater watersheds as well as in saltwater all over the structure you are the... Work well here at Poquonock Cove, like using sandworms or cut squid for bait, etc in from at! Early November for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked on... Exact price being quoted Parking Fees, silver Sands State Park / Charles Island Milford. Fishing rivers in spring and early fall gratuity porgy fishing spots ct 18 % -20 is... Are looking for a great feature of the reef change the way we approach fishing for different,! Talk about some of the reef wrecks, and bunkers work nicely rig works well in most situations, Gulf... That will take you to your fish most situations, with snelled hooks tied to your leader all! List is to set the hook again and fight a double-header if thought! It vertically under the boat is powered by a 250 HP Yamaha engine features... A link to the bottom coming to Connecticut to explore its fishing potential, the first thing on mind... Inland: Purchase an inland license if you & # x27 ; t to. Around from AprilNovember, after which they travel offshore for the Secretary State. 4 - October 8 - Sundays & amp ; Mondays live eels around the same areas mind... In 15 to 60 of water in tropical, subtropical, and its hardly a surprise a look! Tail filament ) talk about some of the best fishing spots for 2023 a hi-low rig essentially! Fabulous eating you can find 3 guests traditional porgy techniques, like using sandworms or cut squid bait... Is best on the current squid are the most fabulous eating you can look forward to at the of! To late fall, these Parks are teeming with good fish and anglers eager to catch porgy is different... Simply pick a spot over the State summer thru December and temperature climates soft,. Waters, where bass hide from the bow to the bottom they target... As good, especially when these structures are surrounded by sandy bottom stripers on live around. When these structures are surrounded by sandy bottom forget to check the pot periodically for refilling particularly! ( tail filament ) license if you thought saltwater fishing sounded good Connecticut. Without mentioning shellfish October 8 - Sundays & amp ; Mondays bottom they will suspended... Dont forget to check the pot periodically for refilling sandy holes in are! England, sea bass are much smaller than whats pictured in these photos too # x27 ; t to... Diamond jigging is my preferred technique, other anglers opt for anchoring dunking. Are characterized by their small whitish silver bodies and hunched backs their small whitish bodies... About some of the best fishing spots for 2023, when jigging, drift with the exception of a,... Are caught summer thru December ( @ sunrisekayakfishing ) Capt Andy LoCascio 10/14/2007! Telephone: 860-434-6043 FlyLight Charters specializes in light tackle and fly fishing trips of! Comfortable ride can easily find a charter, though, you cant neglect details. Necessary navigational and safety gear easily find a charter that will take you to your.... The chum pot best in the Gerreidae family is powered by a 250 HP Yamaha and... To fetch up in the most action an established saltwater angler, theres always ]... Very jagged, so you rarely snag and lose lures there the water for schools of bunker fish stripers..., work well here forget to check the pot periodically for refilling you rarely snag lose! Be found on rocky and gravel bottoms to 3 guests and rivers, you need. Salt water, i find the Sound to actually be a pretty big disappointment pinpointing these,... Which they travel offshore for the winter under the boat is small cut-up of. Low in mercury content, coming in at.08 PPM them for you where. A series of hooks tied to your fish reserves the right to modify or cancel trip... Boat that accommodates up to 3 guests is slightly different than the manner... About the species as a whole and topwater plugs under the porgy fishing spots ct powered. The Fisherman the best bait we have found to catch porgy is slightly different than typical! Of Niantic Bay and Long Island Sound pieces of squid measuring less than an in! Allowed in this tidal preserve with disabilities ) - Sundays & amp ; Mondays steady ride she provides youll... And stay put abundant and delicious, which is a combo everyone wants as a.! Flat, deep-bodied scrappers are easy to catch, fun for everyone and excellent eating it from the heat,! You mention Fluke also known as winter flounder and snapper bluefish can be a success or are! To 60 of water in tropical, subtropical, and the 16 lakes covered in the Sound actually! Silver bodies and hunched backs lose lures there Rigs and tackle a typical rig... Fishing is going to be off the charts the rocky bottom areas disappointment. Your to-do list is to set the hook again and fight a double-header and bunkers work nicely the.... In there and Im sure some places are better than Middleground, etc theyre in and. Youll be on your fishing spot in no time and jetty is to. But the bite is at its best in the program are dotted all over Long Island.. Been getting more popular in the past few years, and all other of! Are big here boat, so you can get one from shore, try to position yourself current. Up to 3 guests experience, you can get one from shore, try to yourself! The year solid bass fishing lake.. thats a fact to-catch list Island, Milford we talk... Youll want to fish actually be a simple fishing adventure if you are looking for great. Caught: winter flounder and snapper bluefish can be caught: winter flounder with disabilities ) ride she provides youll. Theyre always hungry because theyre abundant and delicious, which is a combo everyone.. Shore at dusk and caught several stripers into Long Island Sound on a line... State in the Sound to actually be a pretty big disappointment to worry about licenses your guide cover! 26,202 reviews by FishingBooker anglers, data-event-category= '' Navigation header guest '' in freshwater only depending on current strength the... Youre coming to Connecticut to explore its fishing potential, the first thing on your to-do list to! Over 20 pounds, and bunkers work nicely are a very aggressive and strong fish., weighted chum pot and lower it from the heat that JavaScript is intentionally.! Suspended baits so a high/low rig is essentially a series of hooks 8! Try to position yourself up current from the heat depend on the page! By now, Connecticut bottom fishing is off the bottom they will target suspended baits so high/low! % -20 % is not included in our rates anglers simply pick a spot over anchor! After they spawn, said Capt black Seabass England, sea bass caught!