• “Video: Beginner’s Guide to Tautog Fishing”

“A quick lesson in blackfish basics…

“Tautog—a.k.a. blackfish—are one of the most delicious fish in the ocean. Here’s a quick rundown on how to get in the game.....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: Field&Stream

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Bluefish in the Surf...on Flies

“Bluefish are one of those fish that many of us associate strictly with New England waters…

“While it is certainly true that blues don't get much bigger than they do in northern waters, they range all along the eastern U.S. and into the Gulf of Mexico. They also readily take flies, and at times they'll take almost anything else....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: LINKHERE

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• “2017 Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show in Hartford”

• “2017 Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show in Hartford”

“The 20th annual Northeast Fishing & Hunting Show is coming up in Hartford, featuring everything from live fishing demonstrations to a variety of seminars by fishing and hunting experts…

“Taking place at the Connecticut Convention Center, the three-day event kicks off Friday, March 31, and runs through Sunday, April 2....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: CTPOST http://www.ctpost.com/entertainment/article/2017-Northeast-Fishing-Hunting-Show-in-Hartford-11026022.php

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Spring Stripers on Flies

“Movement of herring and shad in the estuaries and creeks are the first indicators we look for. Generally this will be followed by sporadic groups of schoolies followed by pushes of bigger fish…

“When they first show up they’re on larger baits like herring, shad, pollock and pogies (bunker), so larger Deceiver style flies, Grocery flies, and half & halfs from 2/0 to 4/0 are common....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: LINKHERE

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Harm Caused by Marine Litter

“Millions of animals that live in the oceans are debilitated, mutilated and killed by marine litter every year…

“Marine litter can be transported by ocean currents over long distances, and is found in all marine environments, even in remote areas in the open oceans and the deep sea....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: ScienceDaily

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Striped Bass in Summertime

“Whether you call them the dog days or the summer doldrums, they generally signal a drop-off in the action on many fishing fronts, including striped bass fishing along the East Coast. The exciting spring migrations of April, May and early June are past and the autumn blitzes waiting in the wings are just a distant promise…

“Fishing in summer is different from fishing spring or fall. The same fish that made us look like heroes a few months back can make the best of us eat humble pie in summer....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltWaterSportsman

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• CT 2017 Fishing Regs…and…Latest Issue of This Is Fly

• Latest Issue of This Is Fly

This online magazine is well worth a look…

…even if you look only at the photos.

Please visit this link to read the full article: ThisIsFly http://www.thisisfly.com/

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• Connecticut Fishing Regulations

The 2017 Connecticut Angler's Guide has been delivered to the DEEP's Sessions Woods office in Burlington…so, it should be available at other DEEP offices and outdoor retailers within the next day or so.

A printed version of the Angler's Guide can be obtained anywhere you can purchase a fishing license or by calling (860) 424-FISH (3474). It should be available at other DEEP offices and outdoor retailers within the next day or so.

Please visit this link to see the Guide online [when CTDEEP gets around to posting it]: CTDEEP

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Understanding Tides and the Clock in Striper Fishing

"I am here to tell you that the key to becoming a successful striped bass angler is to fish what I call the tidal clock…

“Fishing the tidal clock is something that most professional fishing guides worth their salt practice day in and day out. While they may not talk about it publicly, believe me, they use it every day they hit the salt....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltWaterSportsman

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fly Fishing: Improve Your Backcast

“Keeping an eye on your backcast will help you ensure it's straightening out correctly.

“If you’re looking to improve your cast, start by perfecting your backcast. Here are three tips that will help you accomplish a better backcast and therefore....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: Orvis

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fast Filleting Video

“You have never seen anybody fillet a fish as fast as these people…

“Little wonder the video got well over a million views since it was first put up....”

Please visit this link to see the vid: OnLineFisherman

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fly Caster's #1 Mistake

Orvis asked guides: “What is the single most common mistake you see your clients make…

“The single most common mistake clients make? Clients make too many false casts....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: Orvis

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fishing Nights for Striped Bass

“At night finding the fish means not just looking but listening for them. When fishing back bays, sound is definitely key as I'm usually listening for fish feeding on the surface…

“On the ocean side, wading out a few yards can key you in to popping fish that you might have missed because of the sound of the shore break....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltWaterSportsman

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Important Info About Your Smoke Detectors

A story for you: My step-daughter and family have been staying at our home as they had a fire in their house the other night. They were just about to go to bed when she saw smoke coming out of the heatilators that are built into the fireplace. Seems whoever built the fireplace...which may have been generations ago...allowed part of the heatilator riser to be in contact with wood. That wood finally dried out/charcoaled itself to the point where it burst into flame.

Most of the damage is from smoke, but their whole living room wall was torn out by the firefolk.

Here's the point: Their smoke detectors did not go off...this despite having just replaced the batteries and tested the beeper. The fire responders said that older fire detectors have a life of only about 6 years, and that has nothing to do with the batteries or the beeper. Newer ones, they say, last about 8-10 years. So, obviously, it's a good idea to review the status of your fire detectors...beyond the beeper.

And…apparently CO detectors have an even shorter service life.

Please visit this link to read more on this: ConsumerReports

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Add Some Seaweed To Your Diet?

“Over the past 2.5 -- 2 million years human brains have gone through the most significant development…

”Our ancestors needed lots of energy-rich foods…for this impressive, significant brain development…

"Nutrients needed for this transition from a primitive ancestor to modern Homo sapiens were (and still are) available in seaweeds....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: ScienceDaily

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Find and Catch Spring Stripers

“It was a blustery March afternoon when we set out to find our first stripers of the season…

“As I cut across the bay, the damp, cool air, full of the familiar scents of salt marsh, baitfish and ocean, was already curing my cabin fever....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: OnTheWater

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Fly Fishing: Video: Shooting the Line

“Most people don’t consider shooting fly line to be an advanced tactic, but even many veteran anglers don’t shoot line at the point of maximum efficiency for a great cast and maximum distance…

“In this great video, Orvis casting instructor Pete Kutzer demonstrates the best way to maximize the efficiency of the cast....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: Orvis

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• The Hudson River’s Striped Bass

“Striped bass are found throughout much of the Eastern Seaboard and breed in several river systems, but the majority of local stripers are a gift of the Hudson River. These fish swim past New York City, following the harbor upstream to spawn in less saline waters. Adult females lay thousands of eggs annually, which float in the tides, and eventually develop into juvenile bass, which thrive in the briny complexities of the lower Hudson...

“Young-of-the-year bass begin to move to the saltier, but still relatively sheltered, waters of the western Long Island Sound and the South Shore in the early autumn along with other species of Hudson-spawned fish….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: NewYorkTimes

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• 10 Flies That Will Make You A Better Saltwater Fisherman

“Here are some of the best saltwater flies ever tied, promising the kind of catches you’re hoping for.…

1. “The Clouser Minnow is a fly that is considered essential across the board, for just about any type of fly fishing. Its importance extends into the saltwater realm....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: WideOpenSpaces

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• “New Techniques for Atlantic Striped Bass”

“From Virginia to Maine, striped bass (Morone ­saxatilis) are often the center of every hardcore angler’s universe. Strong, hard-striking and gorgeous, with fleeting hues of pink and purple, the extraordinary bass is revered by sportsmen along the coast.

”Yet most fishermen who spend more than a few days on the water each season acknowledge that the dynamics of the fishery have changed considerably…. Numbers have diminished gradually but significantly since 2006…

“Yes, things have changed since the boom years…it certainly isn’t all doom and gloom…. But to stay in the game, anglers will have to adjust....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SportFishingMag

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• “Let’s Face It. Saltwater Fly Fishing Is Tough”

“Wind, weather, and difficult fish force errors on even the most experienced fly fishers from time to time. There are simply too many uncontrollable variables to become ‘perfect,’ but with practice you can reduce your margin of error and become damn proficient—taking advantage of a higher percentage of your opportunities.

“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

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• 2017 Marine Recreational Fishing Regulations

Most of the recreational fish species sought by Connecticut anglers are managed by fishery management plans developed and implemented by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC). The Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act requires that states comply with mandatory provisions of these plans.

Upon consideration of public comment obtained at an ASFMC Public Hearing on summer flounder on January 10, 2017 and a DEEP Public Meeting regarding summer flounder and black sea bass on February 22, 2017, and comment from the Marine Advisory Group at a meeting on February 23, 2017, the management measures for summer flounder have been amended as indicated below. The management measures for black sea bass may have to be amended later in the year.

The 2017 regulations governing recreational fishing are as follows:

American Eel: Minimum Size: 9 inches, Creel Limit: 25 fish;

American Shad: Open Season: Year Round. Creel limit: 6 fish (in aggregate with hickory shad). American shad may only be harvested from the Connecticut River system, the southern boundary of which is a line extending between Griswold Point in Old Lyme and the outer light on the Old Saybrook breakwater. American shad fishing in all other waters is limited to catch and release only;

Atlantic Menhaden: Creel Limit: 50 fish or 5 gallons, whichever is the greater amount;

Black Sea Bass: Open Season: May 1 to December 31, inclusive, Minimum Size: 15 inches, Creel Limit: 5 fish; Note: for paying passengers on party or charter fishing vessels the measures are: 15” min length, 8 fish creel limit, open May 1 to December 31. Minimum lengths exclude the dorsal tail filament or tendril. Please check our website: www.ct.gov/deep/fishing for up to date rules.

Scup [Porgy]: Open Season: May 1 to December 31, Minimum Size: 10 inches*, Creel Limit: 30 fish; Note: the party or charter fishing vessel “bonus” season of 45 fish from September 1 through October 31 for paying passengers remains in place.

Striped Bass: Creel Limit: Open Season: Year Round, Minimum Size: 28 inches, Creel Limit: 1 fish; Note: The bonus striped bass program will continue in 2017 with 3,018 fish allowed for harvest. Stripers harvested under the bonus program are required to be tagged. Tags and accompanying catch report cards will be available at agency offices beginning in late April. The bonus program season runs from May 1 through December 31. See the 2017 Angler’s Guide for more information.

Summer Flounder [Fluke]: Open Season: May 17 to September 21, inclusive, Minimum Size: 19 inches*, Creel Limit: 3 fish;

Tautog: Minimum Size at all times: 16 inches. Open Season: April 1 to April 30, inclusive, Creel Limit: 2 fish; Open Season: July 1 to August 31, inclusive, Creel Limit: 2 fish; Open Season: October 10 to December 6, inclusive, Creel Limit: 4 fish;

Weakfish: Open Season: Year Round, Minimum Size: 16 inches, Creel Limit: 1 fish;

Winter Flounder: Open Season April 1 to December 31, Minimum Size: 12 inches, Creel Limit: 2 fish;

*Enhanced Opportunity Shore Angler Program: At 45 public shore fishing sites (visit: www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and select saltwater recreational), the minimum sizes are adjusted as follows (creel limits and open season dates remain as above): Summer flounder: Minimum Size: 17 inches; Scup: Minimum Size: 9 inches;

For further information, contact the DEEP Marine Fisheries Division by email at deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov, by mail at P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or by telephone at 860.434.6043 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• “Find and Catch Fish Along Seawalls, Canals, Inlets and Coastal Rivers”

“Unless fish are foraging at the surface, seawalls, canals and river mouths are just scenery to novice anglers…

“Seasoned experts, however, view these as intricate networks that attract numbers of fish, including trophy snook, tarpon, striped bass, flounder, grouper, seatrout or mackerel.…....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltWaterSportsman

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• Latest Issue of Sound Outlook

“A Newsletter from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection…

“Exploring Long Island Sound - Issues and Opportunities....”

Newsletter will eventually be available at: CTDEEP

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Sea-Run Fish and Power Plants

“Sea-run fish that return to rivers to lay eggs can face daunting challenges in passing hydropower dams in rivers around the nation…

“Learn how NOAA works with hydropower companies and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to determine and maintain minimum flow in river channels to sustain fish populations....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: NOAA

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Lack of Structure Makes Fishing Difficult

Does this sound like parts of Long Island Sound? “With so many miles of coastal bottom…and very little reef structure for fish to feed upon…

Here’s what one state has done about it: ”…Texas Parks and Wildlife has created an Artificial Reef Program that consists of everything from toppled oil rigs to man-made reef balls…

“Once these structures are encrusted with plants and animals that create habitat, the fish come and the fishermen come too....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: GameAndFishMag

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Thought That Clam Was A Bit Chewy? Maybe It Was 500 Years Old!

“Ocean quahogs are among the slowest-growing and longest-living animals on Earth, typically reaching 100 to 200 years of age.

“The oldest known ocean quahog was aged at 507….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: NOAA

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Video: Dog Bites Man…Err...Fish!

“Dog catches fish using bread as bait – amazing…

“Meet Rani—the Golden Retriever fishing dog who catches fish using bread as bait....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: Rickey.org

Photo is unrelated to story…file photo.

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• “Winter Striper Fishing Is Not What It Used To Be”

“One of my favorite winter outdoor activities prior to this most recent decline in striper abundance was catch-and-release fishing from the huge dense schools that once literally filled the upper Thames from Norwich Harbor to the Mohegan Pequot Bridge….

“Frankly, based on reports from a couple of friends, it hasn't been worth loading the boat and dressing in heavy winter garb to catch a few small striped bass….”

Please visit this link to read the full article: NorwichBulletin

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Best Fly Rod Outfits for Salt Water Fishing

“If I had a dollar for every time a fly fisher has asked me which rod size is best for fly fishing, I would have enough dough to buy a whole new quiver of rods…

“If restricted to just one rod, I would have to pick a 9-weight. But also having an 8-weight is a great asset, so let's talk about both.…....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: SaltWaterSportsman

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Disposal of Fishing Line

“Once on shore, monofilament and fluorocarbon line can be recycled in designated bins found at most boat ramps, piers and tackle shops. However, anglers should not use these bins to discard any other type of fishing line or leader material such as braid or wire. soft plastics, which can injure other anglers discarding their fishing line or the individuals who empty the bins for recycling.

“Also, the bins should not be used to discard any type of tackle, such as hooks, lures or....”

Please visit this link to read the full article: FloridaSportsman

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/

• Did You Know?

Between 2011 and 2015 there were 18 boating-related fatalities in Connecticut. Thirteen of these persons drowned.

None of those who drowned were wearing life vests.

Please visit this link to read the full article: CTDEEP

© 2017 Shoo-Fly Charters, LLC
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URL: http://connecticutsaltwaterfishing.com/