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!