CTFishTalk.com: Fishing Reports, Pressure and Mortality - Connecticut Saltwater Reports ( CT Saltwater Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

fivestring · Joined: 21 Aug 2012 Posts: 91

Does anyone else get concerned about this? Positive fishing reports tend to draw lots of fishermen, responsible and irresponsible. With that, fish being dragged up rocks, tossed back in, and illegal fish being kept all happen.

It is easy to follow reports without doing the legwork. I'm sure all of us have gone out fishing and had success in response to a positive report. It's fun to brag to everyone you caught a pile of fish. I get it. However, I fish alone 99% of the time; I enjoy the solitude. I cringe when I see spots and obvious clues such as "the water" mentioned online. I mostly avoid posting fish I catch.

I don't want to come across as anyone's nanny. I hope it's not taken like that. It is something to consider, though.

GKolyagin · Joined: 28 Jul 2012 Posts: 67

I've seen it, most guys I talked to read online that fish is being caught. problem is even when someone says certain area (not exact spot) everyone runs to every available spot to fish in the area. I'm not going to lie, I've done the report chasing (still am as of past week Sad

)

It can be a nice thing helping people catch fish, but not everyone cares about fish as some of us do, so that's when the fish abuse and keeping of shorts happens.

I've only been fishing religiously for half a year or so and realize how bad spot burning is, and how annoying report chasing is.

SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

SeaDog1

Redneckangler · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 851 Location: Meriden, CT

I really don't think much of what's posted gives away any real secrets. More of what's biting when, etc. CT freshwater does get pressured as there simply aren't a lot of big bodies of water. However, most of the fish targeted are abundant. Real pressure on most threatened species comes from commercial targeting. I get pissed seeing recreational guys take short stripers, and won't hesitate to call DEEP, but this isn't what really threatens the fish. I seriously doubt there is an inch of the Housie, CT, or any other river that is "secret.". There might not be much shore access, but I can promise that GPS and side scan sonar have eliminated just about all of the mystery. Throw a side scan on in the Housie this time of year, and it's a matter of cruising up river until you find the masses of fish. Then you can sit on top of them and catch til your arms fall of if thats what you want. I don't chase reports, because they are pretty much useless. I know where I catch pike in the CT river. I also know that if someone was catching (or not) the day before in a given location, conditions change. I look at the tides, water temp, weather patterns, stream flows and other data that dictates where and when I fish. I log this information. I rarely share this. Most of what is really useful online comes in the form of perhaps new ideas, things to try etc. Basically, its just shooting the sheet. If you want to keep your cards close to your vest, that's OK by me. If you want to post a pic, I don't think it makes much of a difference. I have to admit, there have been times when I've f*cked with people, knowing they will have the anglers on their boats lower rods, even with a fish on, to avoid letting others know they are on fish. Pull within visual distance, sit down and have lunch. I would say, fishing from both shore and boat, that boat anglers should have a bit more respect that shore bound guys are limited, and parking on top of them to fish is definitely a violation of fishermans code. Anyway, that's my $.02 and more.

Tight Lines Guys
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Weekly reports from around CT, the LIS and beyond.

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

I totally agree and never give up where I'm fishing and throw it: under "stripers" or similar.
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There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

Whenever I read someone complain about other people sharing information, I wonder why they're even on a forum like this. . . . Rolling Eyes

I'm lucky enough to be able to go fishing a lot. Not everyone has the time or resources to figure out how or where to catch fish. If I have any information that could help anyone enjoy fishing as much as I, I'm willing to share it. Plus, sharing information doesn't catch anyone a fish. They still have to make the effort to get out there and do it for themself.

That said, I believe that every fisherman should follow the rules and regulations regarding fishing. Whether you agree with them or not, they exist to promote the enjoyment of fishing by everyone. If you're going to go fishing, buy a license, and follow the rules and regulations.
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fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

I agree with that also Phil but in some places shore fishing where the fish are is very limited to areas where maybe 2 people can fish comfortably so if I get there and 2 people are already there then I have to try and find another spot where twelve people aren't already fishing. Its not like boat fishing.
_________________
There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!

Amotha · Joined: 09 Nov 2012 Posts: 45

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

Amotha · Joined: 09 Nov 2012 Posts: 45

SeaDog1 · Joined: 21 Dec 2009 Posts: 2629

Hi,

One thing you guys didn't touch upon is that there is more and more population each year, which adds to more fishing pressure.

Also we have many hungry people with families that are supplementing their diet with fish protein.
So they're not about to care about following fishing rules or C&R.

When you have hungry mouths to feed at home, your going to keep all you catch.

It's called SURVIVAL !
And it's happening all over the world, which is why fish stocks keep getting smaller and smaller due to over fishing !

SeaDog1

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

Redneckangler · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 851 Location: Meriden, CT

Redneckangler · Joined: 05 May 2012 Posts: 851 Location: Meriden, CT

If someone had taken my avatar pic from the other side, you would see about 6 guys standing right accross the river Very Happy

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RNA - It's in my blood.
www.redneckangler.com
Facebook @ TheRedneckangler
Weekly reports from around CT, the LIS and beyond.

jimbojonez · Joined: 04 Feb 2012 Posts: 295 Location: Berlin/Kensington

I give specifics for the places i boat fish, because well, it's lonely out there. I would love know I helped aim a fellow fisherman in the right direction. I can however, understand the frustration with tight shore fishing quarters. I have fished Pulaski; but, the cream rises to the top even there. I was fishing the rocks at the end of the Niantic river last year on the Hillyer's side (very small spot). A guy parks and gets out with his kid, comes up behind me and asks "having any luck?" I tell him i just got there but to throw on something shiny and start casting. He says, "Nah, I'm just going to stand here and watch you to see if you catch anything; if you do, then we'll start fishing." Luckily fishing has taught me peace and patience. love you all and your great tips and stories. have a wonderful xmas and new years