Toby's Pond

Toby's Pond is practically in my back yard. I lived in Beacon Falls in 2008-2009 and since moving back, I have had a hard time finding local fishing spots (other than the Naugatuck River that flows under the bridge to the train station).

I was recently having an appetizer at the local restaurant in the town, Full Harvest. I asked if they knew of any local fishing spots. As it turns out, one of the cooks fishes every day. Toby's Pond was his recommendation. Here is a great writeup about the pond.

I set out early this morning - around 7:30am. I packed a few snacks and a drink. With my tackle box in hand and pole in the Jeep, I crossed onto the O&G property on which the pond resides. It was super quiet and the water was so calm. I started out using a surface lure - a hula popper - and got a strike with the first cast. I cast again, close to the shore, and caught a feisty small mouth bass. Delighted at the promise of a rewarding fishing excursion, I kept this pace going for about an hour, catching four more fish.

I switched to a rubber worm after a while and that is when the big one hit. An 11" large mouth bass, sluggish at first but then it put up a good fight. I wish I had had my cell phone with me so that I could have taken a photo. It was a beautiful fish.

This fishing excursion may very well be the last of the summer, as I start a new job on September 6th. It is my hope that the fish I caught today will be there when I return.

Trolling for Fishing Holes

Drive by any inland body of water and there they are on the side of the road. Trucks or cars parked in dusty, rocky paths. Look even closer and you will see them. The early bird spring fishers.

Rustling through their tackle boxes, rigging poles, or even congregating in small boats, these are the real addicts. Spring, you see, is feasting time for fish, as they have spent months hibernating under ice or in very cold water (in northern states). As the warmer weather comes, so do the bugs. A bug lands on the surface and wham, it is a feeding frenzy.

I can spot these folks every year. I know what they are doing, as I drive by and gaze longingly at them. But then I snap out of it and realize how grateful I am to have a job. I begin to realize that these people must work the night shift to be able to fish during the morning hours.

Just the other day, I was at a state park. As I drove in, I saw the state sign for fishing (trout) limits -- emblazoned on the dark wood hut in a worse-than-highlighter yellow. I had no idea that fishing was even allowed in this particular park.

Look around and take note. Fishing spots are getting popular. Take a kid fishing. Go by yourself. But don't forget your license.

Here are links for Connecticut and New York.
Tip up!

Unsold Christmas Trees Used to Make Habitats for Fish

I recently read a fantastic article in the NY Times about a group that places unused Christmas trees in the bottom of lakes. These are the surplus trees that would typically get mulched or composted. Wow. Have they found an innovative use for these trees! Click here to read the story.

In placing the Christmas trees in the bottom of lakes, an automatic protective, nesting environment is created for various fish species. This makes a desirable condition for struggling fish populations. It also provides an amazing fishing experience for anglers.

According to the article, this program is done in a variety of larger lakes across the country. It is truly an amazing idea. But then again, I'm a big "sap" for making all beings (including fish) feel cozy and protected. I love this concept and plan to track the placement of the trees (that is, which lake) so that one day, I can catch an ornamental fish of my own. Now, I've got you hooked!

Fall Fishing

Many profess that fishing in the spring or summer is best. I've recently read in a few magazines that fish are fatter and hungrier as the weather gets colder. It makes sense, really. Kind of like a bear that stores up for winter or a squirrel that gathers nuts in anticipation of the advent of the colder winter months.

Through my fishing experience, I have learned that fall is really an ideal time to fish. The weather is milder and the water isn't as warm (so the fish don't go deep in search of colder temperatures). Fish "pop" at this time of year; they "strike" and some strike hard. To me, there is nothing more exhilarating than the strike of a nice fish. The "strike" comes, the line zings, and the race is on.

I have no excuses for not fishing as of late - I live one block from Long Island Sound where, on some weekends, droves of fisher folk flock here to fish. I can remember car doors slamming this past summer at 3:30am. And then brief, low conversation. Ah, the thrill of it. The excitement to get out and fish can "strike" before dawn. And dawn is an ideal time to cast a line in search of that "strike," pull, and reeling thrill. Sheer bliss.

Get Reel!

A couple of years ago, I went fishing with my cousin. It was overcast in the morning and we had trouble catching bait. In Maine, mackerel is used as a primary bait fish. The trick, though, is to catch enough to go into the coves for stripers.

I was using a lightweight shimano rod and reel, which stood up easily to the mackerel. Upon discussing things with my cousin Crit, it was decided that they would not stand up to a strong striper. My poles went underneath and out came his baitcasting reels.

Shimano makes a Calcutta reel. These are designed to feed line fluidly right off the boat. The reel floats the line off of the spool, feeding it out as the bait fish swim. These reels are rarely used for casting, but I suppose it would be possible with chunk bait. The only risk might be back lashing.

Investing in a few good reels is a must for anyone who is an avid fisher. My freshwater equipment is up to par, however I need to make an investment in saltwater equipment. This Calcutta (of which my cousin is an owner) looks like a nice idea.

NO-AAA!!

It has been discovered that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been using funds, which were collected by fining fisherman, to buy expensive cars, lavish boats, and special trips. Senator Chuck Schumer revealed this in a recent NPR Article.

To me, this news comes as quite a surprise. NOAA continues to fine fisherman (and use the money to fund their interests and excursions) while these hard working people continue to toil to provide seafood to the general consumer. Now some would argue against fisherman for over-fishing our waters. Sometimes, illegal fishing methods are used and for these infractions, fines are warranted.

Consider the situation in the Gulf of Mexico. An increasing number of fishing vessels are now required to stop fishing and help with the oil spill clean up. This puts additional pressure on fisherfolk in other areas of the world to produce the requisite amount of fish based on the laws of supply and demand. It is time for NOAA to take a break from over-fining fishermen and start to think globally about the predicament that U.S. fishermen are in at this time. To quote a local legislator in the article, it would be like policemen paying their mortgage using the fines that they collected from speeding tickets. NO-AAA!

What's Scup with that?

Tonight, I wandered over to West Haven to the jetties that typically host a fisherperson or two. Tonight, I came across a dozen on one and two on another. They were all fishing for Scup.

Also known as Porgy, Scup can be found anywhere there are rock formations. Milford and West Haven have plenty of those. But do you know that even with 12 poles in the water, these folks hadn't caught a thing at the time I arrived. We had a brief conversation and I reassured them not to give up as the tide was on its way in.

They were fishing with sandworms, which if you have never seen one, check out the photo at the top! Be careful when thredding these puppies. They do have pincers inside of their mouths!

What's Scup with 12 fisherfolk and no fish?