DEEP Marine Fishing Report

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says fishing conditions are dwindling as temperatures decrease, although there are still a few populations out there for anglers to pursue. The conditions reported in their latest fishing report were:

Striped bass

The shoal and rip areas around river mouths have seen increased fishing populations, though as temperatures decrease many fish are moving into coastal tidal rivers. Reported fish lengths are averaging 22 to 28 inches in length. The DEEP recommends using a circle hook, and also says the best way to land a striper is to use live lining pencil sized eels or creeker mummichogs on slider fish finder rigs.

Bluefish

The odds of catching bluefish have gone down as winter approaches, but you may be able to net a straggler. Warm water discharge areas, especially around power plants, may increase your chances for blues and stripers.

Scup

This population is also dwindling with falling temperatures. The season continues until the end of the year, though, with a daily limit of 10 fish per angler and maximum length of 10.5 inches.

Tautog

DEEP says the fishing on the reefs for this species has slowed down, so if you know a more obscure spot now would be the time to try it.

Hickory shad

This fish can still be found in the lower Black Hall and Connecticut Rivers. For bait, DEEP recommends small silver spoons, shad darts, willow leafs, and jigs.

Black sea bass

The season is open until the end of the year.

Long Island Sound conditions

Surface temperatures of Long Island Sound are in the low to mid-50s. For more up-to-date temperatures, check these websites:

• http://www.mysound.uconn.edu/stationstat.html
• http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/?nothumbs=1
• http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/
• http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/330.html