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Sport Fishing
2011
Mission: The mission of the Sport Fishing Committee is to foster understanding of responsible, safe, pleasurable practice in sport fishing. It promotes experiences on the water that will enhance these aims and introduce those who are interested (and especially the children of members) to sport fishing. Off-water programs help members and others in the community better comprehend how we may act in ways that conserve the marine environment and protect sea life.
Francis Pandolfi, Chair
Email the Sport Fishing Committee
The Stonington Sport Fisherman
by Francis Pandolfi
How did I allow myself to get roped into writing for this issue of the newsletter when I could be out fishing? Truth is, I thought it would be a very good opportunity to encourage more SHYC members to get out and try what I think is some of the best all-around fishing I have ever experienced.
Joyce and I originally moved to Stonington because retirement meant we could leave the New York City area to be closer to the water and sport fishing (and because Joyce fell in love with all of the area's stone walls). Neither of us has been disappointed.
Stonington sport fishing features striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, blackfish, porgies, fluke and a few other species. In particular, the bass, bluefish and albacore are sizable and a great deal of fun to catch because they put up a whale of a fight. Since many of you have powerboats, all of this excitement is well within your reach, and for those with small children or grandchildren, fishing around here could really expand your fun options.
Most of the fishing that I do is with a fly rod though most anglers prefer the more common spinning and bait casting rods. Flies, lures, bait - they all work at various times and places and all methods can be fun. There is usually a lot of action on Sugar Reef and Watch Hill Reef, along the Rhode Island beaches to the east, and there are plenty of excellent spots all around Fisher's Island and along the Connecticut shoreline moving west all the way to New London and beyond.
While it is a lot easier to fish from a small powerboat or when standing on a rock jetty, those of you with sailboats can get in on the action too. In fact, Joyce and I would be happy to join you sometime on a day cruise, and I'll take care of bringing the fishing equipment!
Anyone else who'd like to learn more about the fishing opportunities in our beautiful area, just give me a call and we'll figure out what you need to do to get started. One of the things I have always enjoyed most about fishing is introducing others to a wonderful sport, so your call would be very welcome.
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