Fishing is a BLAST!

I came across an article on Dynamite Fishing. Basically, you throw a stick of the red into an area populated by fish, and bam! All of the impacted fish float to the surface, stunned from the experience. You can read about it here. Not only is this dangerous, it also kills an unnecessary number of fish who sink to the bottom. Sometimes, their air bladders are ruptured and then sink (die) rather than float (die anyway from the gill-seeking pescatarian). But better the fish go to good use than waste on the floor or the lake, creek, or ocean. The other area, for ocean dynamite fishing, are the coral reefs. Sometimes, fishermen use dynamite to release snags on coral (with their fishing nets). Dynamite Fishing is scary business. Don't try this at home.

City Fishing

It is hard to find places to fish in the greatest city in the world. I did finally venture to Prospect Park over the summer, and managed to catch nothing (except a rubber and rope dog toy, abandoned by its owner). I just want that spinning of the reel, and the chase of landing a fish. It reminds me of my leisurely spring and summer days and evenings on Oscaleta Lake in South Salem, NY. Living there was a dream. Calm waters. Trout half way down in the middle. I even had my own boat with a quiet, electric motor. I caught fish all of the time and it is times like the present when I realize how much I took that amazing situation for granted. My parents came to visit me a couple of times when I lived there. They loved the thrill of catching lots of different types of fish, from large mouth bass to walleye to perch. It was just an amazing place.

Making Time for a Pastime

Living in Brooklyn and working in Manhattan the past two years, I haven't had much time to fish. Also, I haven't dedicated much time to exploring for fishing spots. In the local park (Prospect Park), there is a large pond or small lake. It is somewhat consumed by algae, but I do occasionally see people fishing there. Last year, we took a fishing party boat to fish for fluke/flounder just off the coast. We caught a lot of fish, but it was one of those pull up to the fishing spot and drop your line kind of outfits. My goal this year is to find more fishing spots. Coney Island is only a short subway ride away and if the fishing is boring, there are always the great Nathan's hot dogs. And cotton candy.

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.