2023 FishingBooker.com. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. Porgies are best described as the saltwater equivalent of bluegills or sunfish. New technology continues to change the way we approach fishing for different species, including the humble but tenacious porgy. Experts fish two hooks to lessen the chance of a bare hook unknowingly picked clean, as well as to increase the chance of a double, of course. The best leader to use for Porgy is a 15lb Fluorocarbon leader. Directions and Parking Fees, Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic The overnight hours are producing bluefish and some nice stripers on live eels around the same areas. As you can see, theres a lot to target all over Connecticut, its only a matter of choosing where youd like to start. Caught four stripers in twenty minutes. Directions and Parking Fees, Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford Milford Harbor isnt the large bay (the Gulf) itself, but rather the mouth the lower end of the Wepawaug River, which is rimmed with marinas and one of the best menhaden hotspots in the Sound. following conditions are met: Popular with anglers looking for Scup (Porgy) fishing charters in Connecticut. Everyone who is 16 and older needs to choose a valid license from the given options, and the prices will differ for residents and non-residents. Our helpful crew and talented captains will make sure you have a good day on the water. 116 Shore Rd. Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, catfish, tomcod, winter flounder, hickory shad and white perch. FishingBooker.com. Phone: 860-434-6043. One of the best eating fish in New England, sea bass are caught summer thru December. Pound for pound, porgies are extremely strong fish, especially when turned broadside to the current in deep water and matched with appropriate tackle. W, Mt. The "public trust" area includes beaches, rocky shores and open waters along tidal and navigable waters. Conversely, when jigging, drift with the tide perpendicularly across the reef. No vehicle will be admitted into the day-use areas of the park from 6:30 a.m. - 8 a.m. Porgies, also called scup and sea bream, typically range in size from 1/2 to 2 pounds, with 3 or more pounds considered a trophy. They normally prefer saltwater but are known to head to freshwater when its time for spawning. font size, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Lakes and Ponds section in the Fishing Guide, Rivers and Streams section in the FishingGuide. A local chart and depthfinder are helpful in pinpointing these locations, as is trial and error. Directions and Parking Fees, Ferry Landing State Park, Old Lyme Circle hooks are scientifically proven to reduce hooking injury and improve post-release survival. The main reason freshwater fishing in Connecticut is such a big deal is the variety of fish. On one side, the Volunteer State is the home of Nashville and Memphis, two music giants that helped shape music as we know it today. Sound, while bottom fishing for scup and sea bass continues to fill coolers. Connecticut Fishing Report- April 13, 2023. Many anglers choose this area because, unlike other nearby spots, the Beacon is safe, convenient and offers a 1/3-mile-long fish-attracting structure. 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. Green crabs and hermit crabs are the most popular. In a pinch, even canned cat food or tuna will work. Thats why youll have the most success fishing rivers in spring and early fall. Just a note if you have mobility issue the access to the boat might be tricky. This means: It is for the same fishing charter, package and date(s), It has identical amenities attached (including the meal plan, cancellation policy, Fishing is open throughout the area including the tombolo which extends about a mile from the mainland to Charles Island. If youve never fished in Connecticut before, well help you figure out what you can target, when, and where. The Fisherman The best time to catch them is early morning, however, they are known to feed throughout the day. Directions and Parking Fees, Silver Sands State Park / Charles Island, Milford The porgy fishing is best on the broken bottom along the southeast side of the reef. They are bottom feeders that inhabit rocky areas, wrecks, ledges and gravel drop offs. Fishing is allowed on the jetty year round. Scup arent very big and they usually weigh 14 pounds, but they make for delectable table fare. Candlewood is definitely a solid bass fishing lake.. thats a fact. The flesh of the fish is white and flaky, with a mild flavor profile often compared to snapper. Directions: I-95, Exit 70 to Route 156. A typical high/low rig works well in most situations, with snelled hooks tied 8 inches apart above the sinker. Lobster, Blue Crab, Oysters, Scallops, Mussels, and all other kinds of Clams are big here. Get the porgy from the surface to the boat or shore quickly. This allows for quality fish to thrive in Connecticut. Deep water is open to interpretation, but inshore waters like Long Island Sound or Buzzards Bay boast hot porgy spots in 30 to 100 feet. Check the specific park for parking fee details. . Fresh sea clams or squid are the most popular bait. You can also go after Little Tunny, Bonito, different Shark species, and, yes, you can even target the majestic Bluefin Tuna in the bluewater. Its easy to spot the folks who dont know what theyre doing because they fish so far down-current of the reef. As you might have guessed by now, Connecticut bottom fishing is off the charts. The other deal is subject to the same booking conditions youve opted for with 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. While Trout and Bass take the most prominent spots, there are many other species that deserve your attention. During the day watched the water for schools of bunker fish when stripers push them to the surface and cast into it. I hope you enjoyed at least some parts of the article. You can also drift live bait, diamond jig or troll a tube-and-worm rig for bass and blues along the small rip where it rises from depths of 25 to 28 feet deep. different, you still keep your existing reservation including the cancellation policy. There are dozens of species you can target, but there are a few that everyone wants. Fish to be caught: Blackfish, bluefish and striped bass can be caught off the rocky point and summer flounder off the beach. BLUE CRABBING remains good to excellent in the tidal rivers and creeks. Porgy becomes most active when your chum block is lowered to the lower third of the water column. Make sure you use light tackle, small hooks, and lures. This saltwater boat is powered by a 250 HP Suzuki engine and reaches the speed of 45 knots. Low season is January to April and December. Trout is the name of the game, especially Rainbows and Browns. They are a white meat fish and excellent eating. Its a favorite spot for kayakers pursuing schoolie stripers, snapper blues and menhaden. From spring to late fall, these parks are teeming with good fish and anglers eager to catch them. With a combination of over 5 decades of experience, you can rest assured your trip with Captain Peter Corrao will be a success. Liquor Laws prohibit guests from bringing any alcohol aboard the Sunbeam VII. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for getting in touch! With all the stocking programs and efforts to bring fishing to the wider public, its only a matter of time before everyone figures out just how good fishing in Connecticut can be. No matter which rig you use, there is a good chance you will have success catching Porgy if you can find a large school. Under the common law public trust doctrine, the public may freely use land and waters waterward of the mean high water line to fish. Their average weight runs from lb to 7 or 8 lbs. Looking for a place to fish, launch a boat, find a bait and tackle shop and more? Most anglers catch Porgy using a hi-low rig or knocker rig. Theyre available all year, but the bite is at its best in the summer and fall. Porgy are a fun, easy fish to catch, making for a great fish to target with the entire family. Would highly recommend them! Departs: 7:00 am. They are caught offshore while bottom fishing. You may think porgy fishing is simple, but for consistent action you cant neglect the details. Fishing is allowed only at the Meig's Point Jetty (south end) and at West Beach Jetty during the peak season from 8 a.m. to sunset. Sinai, NY 11766 They inhabit the rockiest and roughest of hard bottom. Porgy are not strong fighters, nor are they targeted in deep waters, so almost any reel will do the job in retrieving these fish. You may purchase water, soda, beer and snacks on board at shoreside prices. Fish to be caught: Blackfish, bluefish, scup, summer flounder, winter flounder and striped bass can be caught off Sherwood Point. Diamond jigs and bucktails are the most popular. Book Now Learn More Lake McDonough (Barkhamsted) Follow the amazing walking trails along the water until you find the perfect spot. W, Mt. If August, then expect to have a lot of fun fishing for scup and seabass. The best way to get your chum to the bottom is to use a weighted chum bucket or tie a 1lb+ sinker to your chum bag. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for reading and for your clarification. This program allows everyone to get into fishing, and the 16 lakes covered in the program are dotted all over the state. Hot spots like Farmington, Naugatuck, Housatonic, and Pomperaug Rivers are the fly fishing epicenters for all levels of fly fishing. This means you can get a specimen that weighs anywhere between 28 eight pounds. During that time, theyre primarily on sandy bottom. Why not experience this hidden gem of a fishery before the crowds rush in? When fishing at sea: it is advised to fish in deep water, farther away from the coast and islands. Scup (Porgy) fishing in Connecticut varies moderately throughout the year. Give the chum pot a shake every 15 to 20 minutes to help release more particles into the current. font size, Silver Sands State Park / Charles Island, Milford, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad and weakfish. It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. Where to Go Fishing Inland. Crabbing is allowed at designated areas. You might consider another Marina or arrange a pick up at a different place. The Fluke and Sea Bass are much smaller than whats pictured in these photos too. Parking Fees: None, Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison For more information, call the Office of Long Island Sound Programs at 860-424-3034. Since Porgy are rarely caught in waters exceeding 60 in-depth, using a 2 to 3-ounce sinker is ideal. If youre going out with a charter, though, you dont need to worry about licenses your guide will cover them for you. W, Mt. Consider adopting the use of circle hooks and other best practices into your . . info@thefisherman.com We had fun catching porgies in Connecticut with my brother!! Theres a wide variety of flies you can use on these watersheds, the best choices being stoneflies, caddis, and other streamers and dry flies. From there, you can try your hand at catching any and all the species we mentioned earlier. Remember, there are some phenomenal states in this country for fishing. Porgies move into Long Island Sound in late May and June to spawn, said Capt. They are a flat fish and inhabit sandy and gravel bottoms that butts up against rocky areas. The Captain reserves the right to modify or cancel any trip due to inclement weather. Swift tidal currents during a flood tide can make passage dangerous and person unfamiliar with the area may be stranded on Charles Island until low tide. Good for kids, and first time and casual anglers. Best Fishing Rod For Porgy Not too hot and not too cold. A lot of Stripers hunt in shallow waters, so light tackle gear is the way to go, even though the fish can get pretty big. While porgies feed well throughout the tide, baits are best presented during the slow-current periods of one to maybe two hours on either side of slack tide. 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. Do you have any stories and tips to share? Also known as Summer Flounder, these flatties usually weigh from 26 pounds, though there are bigger ones out there. Lobster and Blue Crab make for the most fabulous eating you can find. 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. An excellent rod option for catching Porgy is the Triumph, a 66 medium-light, fast-action spinning rod by St.Croix. Therefore, not only multiple hooks but multiple anglers draw in the most action. Sure, theyre in there and Im sure some places are better than Middleground, etc. Trout fishing in Connecticut is the pinnacle of freshwater action. Porgy have small mouths, so an ideal hook size for catching them is a #4. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I am a novice at fishing. A customary gratuity of 18%-20% is not included in our rates. Digital Freshwater Fishing Guide and changes to the inland regulations effective December 27, 2022. Basically, you cant go wrong when targeting Black Seabass! Squid is a popular bait alternative because it holds better on a tide-swept hook, is less expensive and smaller fish have more difficulty stealing it. Clinton to Old Saybrook and Old Lyme to Niantic have been . NO pre-boarding. Swim a live bait for bluefish, stripers and weakfish here. Porgy are caught fishing shallow water structures in 15 to 60 of water in tropical, subtropical, and temperature climates. When fishing for fluke on the Black Hawk, types of bait vary. In the fall, youll need a boat to get to them, but when you do, be ready to fight. All under 28 inches, but fun to catch. For this application, the new leader material called Perlon is stiffer than mono, and therefore creates droppers that stay more perpendicular to the main vertical leader. You can slowly work inside Buoy 1 on the east corner of the island to cast to the boulders and idle around the island. And even if youre already an established saltwater angler, theres always []. But any fish under 12 inches and over 16 inches is strictly catch-and-release. Place the chum in a small, weighted chum pot and lower it from the bow to the bottom on a sturdy line. Fishing access (handicapped accessible) consists of a fenced bulkhead area and a fishing/crabbing boardwalk. Fishing Areas (lakes, ponds and major rivers) near Connecticut cities. Public Fishing, Charter Fishing, and More in Waterford CT View All Trips & Charters VIEW ALL TRIPS & CHARTERS CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION (860) 443-7259 Featured Fishing Trips Most Popular From $750 5 - 7 hours Ages 6+ Private Fishing Charter Join us for a private fishing charter! Check out Penns Battle series if you are looking for a great reel that will not break the bank. With boat landings on many lakes and rivers, you can easily find a charter that will take you to your fish. Your captain will lead the way to the best spots, share their local insight, and often clean and fillet the catch for your convenience. A great feature of the Beacon is its profile, which is not very jagged, so you rarely snag and lose lures there.. 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. Here are a couple of artificial lures that may come in handy next time you cant get bait. Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions. Porgy congregate heavily around reefs, wrecks, piers, and jetties, especially in areas with a sandy bottom. They like calm waters and muddy bottoms of estuaries where they can camouflage and wait for their prey to swim by. Feel free to pack your sandwiches. A leadhead jig tipped with clam, worm or squid is a sure fire and fun way to play the porgy game. A small reef protrudes from the south side of Charles Island, which ends just south of Buoy 16. Its a bulls-eye to me, marking one spot where we always catch fish: the Branford Beacon. 21" 10 Year Round Black Sea Bass Length excludes the tendril (tail filament). Passages between reefs and large, sandy holes in reefs are coveted hotspots. Porgies are usually found in 15 to 60 feet of water around here, so sinker size with that rig will vary from 3 to 12 ounces, depending on tide and depth. Fishing for porgy is an excellent eating fish and a great way to acquaint children into the sport of fishing. The Norwalk. Night fishing can be amazing as well. Porgy are excellent to eat. During strong tidal flow, its best to have your baits less tossed about and hugging the bottom; then the fish-finder rig is ideal. After they spawn, they start to fetch up in the rocky bottom areas. Of course, the sea bass bite is hot nowadays, and having quality hooks will help you land bonus sea bass to round out a great day of bottom fishing. We catch them in waters that range from 25 to over 100 feet deep. The best chum for porgies is crushed clams, mussels or periwinkles. We cant talk about Connecticut without mentioning shellfish. Fish for blues, bass, fluke, and more! For anglers like me, strong tidal currents present a serious problem. Heres what you need to know. After anchoring, the pros say if you dont hook-up within 10 minutes you should move and re-anchor until you find a school. To put that into perspective, that is 1/5th the mercury levels found in the commonly consumed Snook. Porgies arent shy. 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular 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. The popular freshwater bass rig also catches big in the salt. A small, tide-swept reef runs south from the nun, and is a great place to anchor for porgies, blackfish and sea bass. There is no closed season. The best time to catch yourself a Fluke is in late spring and summer. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. This includes harbors, rocky points, as well as shallow shell bars and reefs, and never fish deeper than 30 feet. Fish to be caught: Blackfish, winter flounder, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, weakfish and striped bass. When youve got freshwater fishing thats this good, you know fly fishing is going to be off the hook, too. Barely even got a Bluefish either. You can catch them using a hi-low rig outfitted on a light fishing setup and using cut squid for bait. Click on map for hi-res 3d map provided by C-MAP. 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. Theres no shortage of productive lakes in the US, and you dont need any specialist gear for some good old Bass fishing. Whether youre looking to land a striped bass in the spring or hook a porgy or bluefish in the summer, the Branford Beacon consistently proves to be a reliable and easily fishable hot spot. As many anglers already know, chum itself typically floats, so to get your chum block down to the bottom, you will have to come prepared. It is a truly superior material for this application. Tired of fishing the same spots? We provide the native files for your Garmin (*.gdb), Humminbird . When your anchor is holding the bottom and your boat is positioned just up current of the structure, its time to get a chum block in the water. Although most Porgy species are not toxic, one species, the Salema Porgy, is known to be toxic. Known to most locals as the Beacon, our no-fail spot is situated about two miles south of Indian Neck, a small peninsula in Branford, Connecticut. At the start of the spring tog season, soft baits like seaworms sometimes out-produce hard-shelled crabs. A wide peninsula bounds the east side of Milford Harbor, with Gulf Pond comprising the east-side tributary into the Gulf. And then hang on! Catch blues, striped bass, and more! Directions and Parking Fees On the other side, youve [], Looking for more inspiration? Fishing is my passion and I hope to share what I have learned with you! Night Fishing Rules: Anglers entering a park by vehicle must obtain a vehicle permit in order to park and fish. Porgy are caught year-round but are most prevalent in the summer months, particularly May and June. Youre not a buzzkill, its always great to hear from local anglers and how they experience the fishery. All the freshwater superstars are here, including Trout, Bass, Catfish, Walleye, and more. For more information, check the CT.gov website. You can walk and fish the entire spit at low tide, but use extreme caution because strong currents rush over it at high tide and can sweep you into deeper water, especially on a full moon. Found everywhere; from rivers and shoreline areas to deep water reefs and ledges. 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. If you cant or dont want to tie your own outfits, said Jon Hillyer, fishing authority and owner of Hillyers Tackle Shop in Waterford, a good pre-made porgy rig is the Fin Strike #461 with #2 or #4 beak hooks. This new center console was built in 2019 and features the latest navigational electronics. For anglers targeting Porgy from shore, try to position yourself up current from the structure you are targeting the fish. Join Us for Bottom Fishing in CT! True bottom feeders, Tautog, also known as Blackfish are a white meat fish and excellent for eating. The entire beach is open to fishing during the off-season from 8 a.m. to sunset only. . Check out the selection of the best fishing spots for 2023. Consider adopting the use of circle hooks and other best practices into your own catch-and-release fishing; the fish will thank you and so will future Connecticut anglers. Ive updated the article to reflect this. If you thought saltwater fishing sounded good in Connecticut, well, it only gets better as you move on to rivers and lakes. Porgy are not known for their size or fighting ability, so choosing a light rod is ideal for keeping the sport of catching them. The official version are on the web page for the Secretary of State. 866-347-4836. Sinai, NY 11766 Long Island Sound? At first and last light, the harbor is usually dimpled with bunker schools, and predators hang nearby. Similarly to Trout, there are Bass Management Lakes all over the state, where you can land lunker Bass. Striped bass frequent the Beacon starting around May 15, and depart about November 10, or when the water temperature falls below 50 degrees. Lets see who they are. You need to experiment and go with the lightest sinker that holds bottom.. The porgy fishing is best on the broken bottom along the southeast side of the reef. And dont forget to check the pot periodically for refilling. When polled, 93% of Florida Fishing Captains stated that the most productive fishing depth to catch Porgy was between 20 and 30 of water. The best reel size for catching Porgy is 2000 to 3000. Caution is advised when fishing or walking the tombolo. This is because fishing too close to the coast or islands may result in catching only Common fish or fishing in a similar table with no Prize Catch fish. Fishing is allowed along the beach. This structure is densely covered with buoyant rockweed, so be wary of hang-ups at low water. The entire beach and jetty is open to fishing during the off-season. Lets take a deeper look at how to catch Porgy by learning more about the species as a whole. Digital Saltwater Fishing Guide and our simple one page overview. The best bait we have found to catch Porgy is small cut-up pieces of squid measuring less than an inch in diameter. Depending on current strength, the container may require several pounds of lead added to hold it vertically under the boat. There are several types of bait the Black Hawk uses to catch tautog. September 4 - October 8 - Sundays & Mondays. Regulations are posted on the pier. One of the great things about Porgy fishing in Connecticut is that it's great for beginners and kids. Things are even better when it comes to saltwater fishing charters in Connecticut coastal cities like Stamford, Old Lyme, and Norwalk have plenty of crews to choose from. Fishing in the "public trust" area is not trespassing; the DEEP encourages anglers to enjoy their rights to use the public trust lands for fishing. This was a great trip! To the southeast, Welches Point offers a cluster of tidal rocks, which break immediately southeast of the point, but the dangerous boulders are well inside Nun 2. this is a great boat to fish from. Traditional porgy techniques, like using sandworms or cut squid for bait, work well here. Hope to see you there! Season. There are more and more juvenile fish every year, which is great news for recreational fishermen. As a reminder this guide is provided as a simple summary of fishing regulations and definitions. One great line option is Power Pros Super Slick V2. The boat is powered by a 250 HP Yamaha engine and features all necessary navigational and safety gear. Video, instruction and news for inshore and offshore fishing for Connecticut and the other regional states at Northeast Angling TV. Multiple baits can draw multiple fish, and porgies become even more aggressive when competing for food. Porgy rarely exceed 2lbs in weight, so if you are interested in eating them, it is recommended to harvest multiple to make a complete meal. 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. Click here to Learn more about private charters, Click here to Learn more about public fishing (open boat), Click here to Learn more about blues & bass, Click here to Learn more about sunset fishing, Click here to Learn more about fluke fishing, Click here to Learn more about porgy fishing, Click here to Learn more about half day bottom fishing, Click here to Learn more about blackfish (tautog) fishing, Click here to Learn more about special cruises, Click here to Learn more about private event cruise, Click here to Learn more about burial at sea, Click here to Learn more about private harbor seal boat tour, Click here to Learn more about fireworks cruise.