Go Fish!

Milfordites are indeed fortunate to enjoy the longest coastline of any town in Connecticut. At 17 miles, our shoreline offers a diverse variety of habitats for fish to reside and thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or rank amateur, there are fantastic spots to drop in a line.

If you are a newbie (and don’t have a clue), local bait and tackle shops are a great place to start. Jason Jadach, owner of Bobby J’s on New Haven Avenue, has an unparalleled knowledge of our waters. “My best advice for a beginner angler would be to always take in as much information as you can,” Jadach says. “Keeping a logbook of your trips with tide, wind direction, time of day, and moon phase all play a crucial role in whether you’re catching or just what we call it ‘practice casting.’”

Pier fishing is a great way to introduce yourself to the sport. There are a variety of fish to be caught using light- to medium-weight equipment. Breaking out a popper which bounces along the surface to catch some snapper blues (young bluefish) is a great time. Kids love it and the popper can also begin a “who can cast the furthest” competition.

“The most popular fishing style in Milford is surfcasting,” says Jadach. “It’s up to personal preference and what fish you are angling for, but it’s about 50/50 between using bait and artificial lures.” Surf casting from shore can be a workout. Rods, reels, and lines are beefier in order to handle larger fish. Stripers are challenging and a coveted catch. “Striped bass are the most sought-after species because of the skill and patience needed to catch them, also because of the size they can reach,” says Jadach. “The world record was caught in Connecticut and weighed 81.88 pounds!”

Jadach is always encouraging local anglers to keep learning. “Certain times of the year are always better for different species which is why it helps to visit a knowledgeable tackle shop to see what the latest scoop is,” he explains. “And as always, time on the water; the more time you are out fishing and observing, the more you will learn and figure out the fish behaviors.”

Milford is lucky to play host to several species that are in-season yearround, although there are limits to the amount you can catch and keep. For Atlantic menhaden (bunker) the limit is 50 fish. Weakfish (sea trout) must be 16 inches in length and you are limited to one per day. Bluefish have no minimum length and unlimited catch. The coveted striped bass must be at least 25-36 inches in length and have a limit of one per day.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) sets the regulations regarding fishing the waters of Long Island Sound, including seasons for specific fish, size restrictions, and legal limits on how many you may keep. Fish are measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. Any catch outside of the parameters are to be released back to the water. A book of state regulations is available at most bait & tackle shops. Note that regulations can be changed, so check with DEEP for updates. And of course, a fishing license is required to begin angling. You can register at the Town Clerk’s office in the Parsons complex or online at https://portal.ct.gov/ DEEP/Fishing/General-Information/ Fishing-Guide

—Susan Carroll Dwyer