CTFishTalk.com: first striper, in a long time, Birdseye, 6/14, 6/15w/pic - Connecticut Saltwater Reports ( CT Saltwater Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

Chris · Joined: 19 Jun 2012 Posts: 85 Location: Trumbull

I went to Birdseye fishing dock in Stratford last Thursday. I went from 4pm-8:30pm. I had started fishing with mackerel, a couple lures-(the limited saltwater ones I have, since this was like my second day fishing the sound this decade)then I tried squid and after about an hour I was into a nice fish. The dock was very high and it was difficult to land the fish. I had to walk backwards away from the water and down the dock walkway backwards towards the beach, and down the rocks, all while holding onto the rod and letting out drag and hoping that fish doesn't break against any rocks or slack line! I finally got to the fish and it was a nice striper, fat and about keeper size. I guess I didn't expect that because I didn't have a tape measurer. So after taking some nice pics-I will post when I figure out how-I let her go. I normally practice catch and release, especially in my freshwater fishing. Others were shocked I let her go. I fished Birdseye because I really didn't know where to go, and the bait store guy directed me there. I'm not sure how many fish are there, although all day I only heard of one other catch, a small blue. Also your lines get snagged, a lot on oyster beds or something way to often, something I experienced much worse on my next trip. I went back the next day and would spend 7hours-1pm-8pm fishing and finally ended up with one nice blue, using the same bait as before. This day I got snagged way too much and heard about a place up the river I think I'll try next time instead.