• Best Striped Bass Locations In Connecticut

“The Connecticut coast boasts numerous reefs and rips that hold bass throughout the season. For anglers without a boat, the Nutmeg State has several great shoreline access spots as well as many party boats and private charters to put you on the fish.

“Listed from east to west, here are some of the top bass hotspots in your area this month....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: GameAndFish

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• How To Catch Blackfish…Video

“Tautog—a.k.a. blackfish—are one of the most delicious fish in the ocean…

“Here’s a quick (video) rundown on how to get in the game....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: FieldAndStream

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• As Long Island Sound Enters Winter

“Of late, Long Island Sound continues to see days of nil visibility, gale force winds, and cooling waters. The offshore surface temperature has hovered around the 45-degree mark, while inshore temps remained in the low 40s. Overall, the Sound has substantially quieted down…

“However, farther up the main rivers, striped bass have been showing some signs life where many of these fish will hold over for the winter months….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: Zip06.com

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• ASMFC: The Complexities of Sustainably Managing Striped Bass

“Today…Atlantic coastal striped bass populations appear healthy and capable of
producing high levels of recruitment in any given year…

“However, the latest stock assessment results indicate that female spawning stock biomass (SSB) has declined steadily since 2004 and is approaching overfished status....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: ASMFC

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• The Tuesday Rant: Will the Last Corporation To Leave Connecticut…

“Bristol-Myers Squibb Co…has announced it will close its Wallingford site by the end of 2018 and no longer plans to build a development facility in the state…

“…long-running problems with state budget deficits and concerns by Wall Street ratings agencies directly have an impact on the state's business climate and the relocation decisions by major corporations....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: HartfordCourant

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• How To Catch Flounder

“This is a fish with a very toothy mouth that is no doubt dangerous to the bait fish the species normally feeds on…

“But predators are lazy, and as a member of the family, flounder are not going to move one tiny inch more than they have to. Since they are on the bottom - literally stuck there - you have to put a bait very very near them to trigger a bite....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: TheOnlineFisherman

Photo from TheOnlineFisherman.com

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• To Our Readers...

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"The Lord bless you and keep you;

"The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;

"The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”

[Numbers 6:24-26]

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• New Issue of This Is Fly Now Online

“We are proud to release the 60th issue of This is Fly Magazine. Since 2007, we have collaborated and worked with the most talented writers, photographer, artists, musicians and anglers in and outside of the fly fishing industry. As a publication we strive to broaden the reach of fly fishing…

“We are very excited about the upcoming year and the next 10 issues leading the magazine to it's 70th issue. It’s our goal to continue to work with elite contributors, but to also seek out the next generation and undiscovered talent....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: ThisIsFly

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• The Pharaohs Were Fly Fishermen?

“The history of flyfishing started with ‘dapping,’ when the first fly anglers used rods as long as 14' or 15' with a horsehair braid and a hook on the end…

“Two flies—mayflies or caddis—were hooked on and dappled on the surface of the water. The line not touching the surface simulated the natural food, and soon after people started making artificials with string, hair, fur, and feathers....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: OnLineFisherman

Drawing from: FreeBibleImages.org

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fly Casting in Salt Waters

“In saltwater casting there are three skills that almost everyone can improve: using the backcast to present the fly, making a short (quick) cast, and increasing line speed…

“Here are my thoughts on why these three skills are so important (and under-appreciated) and how to improve on them....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: FlyFisherman

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• The Tuesday Rant: CT Energy Bills Highest in Nation

“Not that the cost of living isn’t high enough here in Connecticut, but a new study just named the state as the most expensive for yet another thing that is essential to our quality of life…

“When it comes to energy costs, Connecticut tops the list as the most expensive in the country....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: KICKS1055

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:> —

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Getting Started In Saltwater Fishing

“The first thing that fledgling saltwater anglers need to understand is the primary difference between fresh and saltwater fishing, which is inherent in the water itself…

“Adding salt to the equation can complicate things negatively in regard to the longevity of your gear when you do not maintain it properly....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltFishing

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Rigging Fly Rods For the Salt

“To keep the system simple, I started with the premise that 9- and 10-weight saltwater outfits cover nearly all fishable New England beach situations…

“I stayed with the most popular 9-foot length for all my rods, and began with standard 30-pound-test backing on all reels. From there, I developed a three-rod setup, each rigged with a specific-purpose fly line and leader....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: OnTheWater

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• EPA Allows GE To Leave PCBs in Housatonic River

“EPA allows GE to leave too many toxic PCBs in both Housatonic riverbank soils and river sediments when there are demonstrably effective and ecologically sound ways to first, remove them from the environment, and then second, successfully restore the environment that has been remediated…

“EPA’s Rest of River Remedy unnecessarily allows these remaining PCBs at high levels to continue to put both human health and the health of wildlife and the environment at risk....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: LitchfieldCountyTimes

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Why Are Flatfish…Flat?

“Flatfish are some of the most unusual vertebrate animals on our planet. They start out their life fully symmetrical, like any other fish, but undergo a spectacular metamorphosis where the symmetric larva is transformed into an asymmetric juvenile whose eyes end up on one side of the head…

“As they relocate from open water to live and feed on the seabed, a second change occurs....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: ScienceDaily

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:> —

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fishing Inshore Structure

“One of the best tactics to discover potential structures is to head out at low tide, when you’ll have a better view of the bottom landscape in an area.

“Full and new moon low tides are best, and it’s wise to time trips near the very bottom of falling water, so as not to get caught high and dry....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltWaterSportsman

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Ten Most Common Mistakes Anglers Make In Saltwater Fly Fishing

1. “Lifting the rod to set the hook instead of using a strip set…

2. Failing to “become efficient with your double haul....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: RioProducts

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• The Tuesday Rant: Malloy Wants To Tax Your Insurance Policy and Your Prescription Drugs?

“’I’ve argued for a broader sales tax at a lower rate,’ Malloy said. ‘I think that there are industry-specific tax changes that we should take a serious look at, particularly with respect to the insurance industry (and) maybe the pharmaceutical industry, as well…’

“…Malloy…[said] he hoped to be remembered for his work to extricate Connecticut from its pension crisis and rebuild its creaky transportation system, the product of decisions by prior administrations and legislatures stretching back decades....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: NorwalkCitizenOnline

Yes Governor Malloy, it's everyone's fault but yours...and the answer is more taxes...always more taxes.

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Two Articles for Kayakers

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• You Yakkers Might Like to Read This

“Kayak anglers often say they get to know a fish’s zip code. I’d argue that it’s more personal than that; we get to know their living rooms…

“Rather than riding the raging 300-horse race boats or suffer the sensory trauma of a smoke-belching, piston-slapping two-stroke, kayak anglers slow the adventure down to connect with the aquatic environment on the other side of the thin plastic hull. The keys to success are locating quality fish-holding habitat and focusing on precise presentations....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: OutdoorLife

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• “Five Must Haves for Kayak Fishing”

“Over the last decade kayak fishing has boomed in Florida as anglers learn that they don’t need a big boat, tons of rods, reels and tackle to go out and have an enjoyable day on the water.

“A kayak set up for fishing seemed to end the money hole that most power boats seemed to become….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: FloridaSportsman

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• SHU Prof Extends Lordship Reef Project

“Recently, Mattei and her team calculated ways to expand the reef, adding another 325 balls that will accumulate sediment and help add to the reef. It’s hoped the expanded space…

“…and the 4,000 grass plugs and shrubs and trees her team will plant — will make the area more hospitable to fish, shellfish, birds and the 50 species of beneficial butterflies and moths who once called the area home....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: DarienVoice

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:> —

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Umbrella Rigs

“Trolling these high resistance multi-lure rigs requires strong medium gage saltwater tackle, which includes a sturdy trolling rod, either a quality conventional reel or a heavy duty spinning reel that is spooled up with 25 to 40 pound test line…

“Braided line is preferable because of its strength and thinner diameter, although a quality monofilament line can be used if necessary....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltFishing

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fishing Report: Rhode Island

“Cod and tautog fishing was good last week when boats were able to get out due to rough seas…

“The biggest surprise has been the number of cod fish we have caught while targeting blackfish. This past week's bonus was catching 20 cod…

“The striped bass are still here in good numbers. All are fat and the larger fish (three years and older) are getting ready for their long migration to Chesapeake Bay, Hudson and Delaware Rivers….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: ProvidenceJournal

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:> —

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Long Island’s East End

“The last of the striped bass have not completely left our area. Hopeless fishing addicts can still have some fun on very light tackle with the numerous tiny stripers lingering in the surf…

“Black sea bass, porgies and a few cod are the best bets for finding fish....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: 27East

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Long Island Sound, Housatonic River Saltwater Fishing Report: 06 December2016

Click on any photo to enlarge...see a slide show:

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Most of the boats have been pulled from the docks at the marina...

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...and that includes Shoo-Fly. She'll be wrapped up for the winter and taking a rest (as will her captain) until the coming spring...which—perhaps because of global warming—we hope will arrive early next season. Best wishes to all for the holiday season. Stay warm!

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• An Historic Bluefish Blitz

“It was the biggest fall bluefish blitz I have ever seen,” says Bushell, who has owned the renowned bait shop for 47 years. “It lasted three days straight…

“All I saw were thousands of beached blues, dozens of broken rods and reels, and an untold number of snapped lines….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: OutdoorLife

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Big Fish: Line Crimping Done Right

“Most experienced saltwater anglers who pursue large gamefish like marlin, tuna and wahoo will agree that one of the most frustrating things that can happen is to have the connection between your line and leader fail during an intense battle with a trophy-sized adversary…

“This is a particularly common occurrence while using a wire leader, unless that link has been reinforced with a metal crimp, sometimes referred to as a swag....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltFishing

Photo from Cabelas

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Striper Feeding Blitz

“The striped bass now were mercilessly pressing their prey against the beach. Broad tails were viciously slapping about and baitfish leaped for their lives…

“Moms, dads, and little kids were now getting into the action from the beach, casting lures of all shapes and sizes with immediate results. It was joyful pandemonium....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: EastHamptonStar

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Latest Info On Atlantic Salmon Fishing

“Anglers are allowed to fish for salmon in the Naugatuck River from the confluence of the East and West branches in Torrington, downstream to the Housatonic River in Derby…

“Anglers may also fish for Atlantic salmon in the Housatonic River downstream of the Derby Dam. The salmon are typically stocked into two designated Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Areas on the Naugatuck River....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: Dick Alley in The Hour

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fishing Report: CT Shoreline Area

“…both the bait supply and certain fisheries are holding their own even as water temps are slipping. With blackfish (tautog) season scheduled to close on Wednesday, Dec. 7, ‘tog pullers are taking advantage of windows of opportunity...

“Not only have ‘togs staged on the offshore reefs in 35- to 40-foot depths, they have been taking crabs in about 15- to 20-foot depths, as well....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: Zip06.com

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fishing Report: Long Island...Rhode Island

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• Long Island

“Leaves are falling to the ground, there is a bite to the early morning air, the sky is dark before quitting time, and now there’s snow on the roof of my car...

“At least for me, the 2016 fishing season is over....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: EastHamptonStar

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• Eastern Sound…Rhode Island

“Tautog fishing remains strong in the lower Bay and along the coastal shore...

“…managed to land eight keepers to 20 inches off Newport. The ratio was about six or seven short fish to every keeper 16 inches or larger....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: ProvidenceJournal

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Excellent Article On Striped Bass

“The migrations and habits of oceangoing fish like striped bass remain a mystery even today. Unraveling their secrets consumed me. What prompted schools of stripers so willing to feed one day to shut off, or even disappear...

“Was the fishing really 'least' when the wind was from the east? Why were some current rips so attractive to fish, but others, nearly identical in appearance, so often barren? Did barometric pressure really matter….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: NewYorkTimes

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Long Island Sound, Housatonic River Saltwater Fishing Report: 28 November 2016

Click on any photo to enlarge...see a slide show:

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On Monday Charlie W. and I ran into one of the most amazing three hours of fishing either of us can remember. We were working the breakwater with jig/plastics when Charlie spotted birds out over the Sound. We lit out to see what was going on: Birds working all the way from the mouth of the Housatonic to Charles Island.

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The Garmin showed what was going on below the birds.

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From that point on we were constantly into fish.

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They weren't big fish, largest was 25 inches, but they were on the feed and hitting about anything we threw at them.

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I got out the 7-weight and caught a bunch with it. Got this photo by setting the Canon for a delayed exposure and then putting it on the top of the console...explains the tilt.

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The traditional chartreuse/white Clouser minnow did the trick. This one's looking a bit bedraggled after being worked over by a half-dozen stripers.

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Maybe the largest fish of the day.

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We were doubled up on several occasions. Did have to keep moving Shoo-Fly to follow the action which slowly dissipated as the afternoon went on.

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They say you should never leave fish to find fish...but on this day we left fish because they'd worn us out...at least they'd worn me out. It would appear that this is part of the annual fall pattern as the stripers return to the Hudson River, Chesapeake Bay, and to a lesser extent the Housatonic River for the winter. Hopefully, it's just the start of a long migratory season.

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• The Tuesday Rant: Connecticut Job Picture Continues to Falter

“With an estimated loss of 7,200 jobs in October, Connecticut's labor market may be headed for its worst year since 2009, according to a monthly report released by the state Department of Labor…

“If these monthly reports are sustained when more data comes in, Connecticut will have added just 3,200 jobs over the past 12 months....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: HartfordCourant

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Maine’s Worms Go On Your Hooks

“Working a couple of hours on either side of low tide, the state’s 700 or so licensed worm diggers wade out onto tidal flats along the coast and harrow the mud searching for two different kinds of polychaetes, bloodworms and sandworms…

“Last year, the diggers landed some 396,000 pounds of bloodworms worth about $6.25 million and 206,000 pounds of sandworms worth about $1.57 million. That’s just about $7.8 million for marine critters that most people have never heard of, or thought of, unless they angle for saltwater fish....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: MDIslander

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• How To Work A Pencil Popper On Stripers

“Pencil poppers are one of the most effective lures for mimicking large baitfish, such as menhaden or shad, splashing on the surface. But unlike standard short-body poppers, pencils take a little more than a nudge of the rod tip to make a joyful noise…

“Follow these steps to whip a pencil like a Northeast sharpie....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: FieldAndStream

Popper photo from Cabelas.com

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fly Rods: How To Break One

High-sticking…hand assist…fly impact…unseated ferrules…

“You wouldn’t believe how many rods get slammed in car doors or snapped by a power window because the tip is hanging out or broken by trying to yank a fly off a log or a branch…

”Rods only break for one of three reasons: they’re either injured, stressed beyond their design limits, or defective….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: AmericanAngler

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Maybe Why You Lost That Big Striper

“When a rod gets hit on the troll, many anglers’ natural reaction is to grab it and set the hook,” says Allen (striperslayers.com). “Stripers are powerful fish, and setting is the fastest way to break the line or pull the hook…

“Pumping lets slack into the line, which can cause the hook to come loose, and it also widens the hole in the fish’s mouth....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: FieldAndStream

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fishing Report: Norwalk Area

“This cold air may call for hot coffee, hand warmers and heavy jackets for humans, but beneath the surface, fish will continue to feed and migrate...

“Water temperatures will drop more quickly now, limiting the opportunities in local waters but also signaling some fabulous fishing in western Long Island Sound as striped bass skirt Long Island’s north shore to move into Manhattan and ultimately up the Hudson River to their winter quarters....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: NorwalkHour

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Long Island Sound, Housatonic River Saltwater Fishing Report: 23 November 2016

Catching Up On Photos From Recent Trips:

Click on any photo to enlarge...see a slide show:

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Dave M. joined me on Shoo-Fly one day last week. We got into schoolie stripers using both spin gear...

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...and the fly rod. No picture-worthy fish though.

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Later in the week Charlie W. and Jim W. [not related] came on board. Day started slowly but we eventually found fish around the bridges.

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We were drifting with the incoming tide and picking up several fish on each drift.

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Once again, all schoolies although this near-keeper was worth a photo.

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On one drift we actually had three fish on at the same time.

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We were casting up under the I-95 bridge but the work boat came over and told us not to go so far under as there was work going on above and if they dropped something! We got out of there.

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Caught a bunch of fish.

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Nice photo that Charlie W. took earlier in the month.

© 2016 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
><}}}}:>

URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/