NUTMEGGERS FALL IN LINE June 17, 2009 - Well it's official, you will now be required to be a license holder when saltwater angling within the confines of the state of Connecticut. This legislation went into effect on Monday, June 15th with an initial fee of $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents with anglers of 65 years or older receiving a free lifetime pass. If I understand it correctly, the Nutmeg State has a reciprocal agreement with all bordering states, Massachusetts included. This will no doubt set the table for both Massachusetts and Rhode Island to follow suit in the not to distant future. While general opinion seems to be running 50/50 regarding this action, it is our consensus that anytime our legislators have instituted similar fees it has never directly resulted in the enrichment of the fishery. I recently had the opportunity to chat with our Cortland Line rep whose latest campaign originated out of Pamet harbor in Truro. The week was nothing short of spectacular as Captain John canvassed the real estate between Race Point Light and the lobster pots off Wood End. Anyone that has been fishing this area during the month of June can attest to the presence of healthy schools of striped bass, with many falling into the 30"-38" category. While John does have his "tuna ticket" he was a little reluctant to leave the striper action to pursue the few schools he witnessed within his view. Fly-fishing this area is no-doubt at it's apex right now and should remain so for another few weeks and on into July. Maybe it's been the areas I've been haunting but I have yet to stumble upon a single bluefish this season. This seems to be the case with many anglers concentrating on Cape Cod Bay. Some of the CCB real estate notorious for holding mammoth specimens within the early to mid June timeframe has been absent of fish. While it is true I've yet to visit the skinny water of Sunken Meadow of Eastham (an area that yearns for a floating line attached to a Gartside Gurgler) it does seem a bit odd not to encounter a school or two just up the street. Good fishing and safe
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