Lead Ban Legislation

I am not one to politicize a fishing blog, so I promise to address only topics that directly impact fishing, and if I should shut up, say so. I support numerous efforts to improve the quality of our waterways in CT, and preserve and enhance fish stocks. However, some people seem to want to target the one group of people who collectively do more to protect and support our state's natural resources than any other, recreational fisherman and hunters. I just took action expressing my opposition to S.B. 59 in an effort to fight against burdensome and unwarranted fishing tackle regulations that would ban the sale and use all tackle containing lead in CT. I have not seen any credible scientific data that tackle use is a significant contributor to pollution or habitat degradation. If someone can point some out, I am more than willing to listen. I am far more concerned about the "Made in China" toys my knucklehead kids put in their mouths than the effect of my tackle on the environment, and suggest these do-gooders redirect more of their efforts and scarce state $$$ to address this issue. I encourage you to let elected officials hear our voice! For more information, visit www.KeepAmericaFishing.org.
(Italicized reprinted w/ permission of KAF.org)

RECENT RESPONSE (1/28/11)
Many thanks for contacting me regarding Senate Bill 59. Please know
that I expect to vigorously oppose this legislation as I do not believe
it is necessary. I am grateful to hear from you and appreciate your
interest in our work.

Sincerely,

Andrew Roraback
State Senator
30th District

The Frozen Few and Heater Huggers

Back from Pulaski with all my digits intact. I'm proud to say that I fished over 8 hrs. in the water Saturday without resorting to heater hugging at all. My brother fell in (didn't get too wet thank God or his day would have been screwed) before we even started, and despite half of the trip hugging the heater, managed 2 nice steelhead while I lost 4. We fished with Scott Glazer, owner of Tinker Tavern Lodge and Guide Service. He will be featured in an upcoming On The Water show. Don Kingsley, longtime Salmon River guide from Tightlines Guide Service,was our other guide. Both of these guys were awesome. The trip absolutely rocked! We are already planning to hit the steelhead spawn in late March and another trip for October/November.




Fishing the Salmon River in wnter is OK given the right gear. I wore Cabela's Big Man Ultimate™ Hunting Waders with Cabela's 400-Weight Fleece Wader Liners, UnderArmor cold gear top and bottoms, a Woolrich wool plaid shirt, light fleece and a Herter's RTO 3-in-1 Parka. For the feet I just wore a pair of silk liners and Cabelas heavy boot socks. As I said, I spent almost 8 hours in water that was actually in the upper 20s, and was comfortable all day. I actually ditched my gloves early on, choosing to keep a couple of warmers in each pocket. The proper clothing will make one of these winter trips really enjoyable, but skimp and you will be a heater hugger.
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Some more vids from my brother Doug, AKA DBKStrongman on Youtube.

More vid from my brother Doug.

"Jacked Up" in Islamorada

Veteran's Day Wrap Up

Montauk Madness

While there are some bass and chopper blues lurking the north side of the LIS, Montauk is still lit up if you can get there. Wind has kept most CT/RI boats away, but as you can see, the fishing is still red hot! Though it was a balmy 32 degrees leaving Stonington, the wind was down and the water temps were near 60 and the air temp reached 50+ once across. Caught some nice stripers early before the massive schools of blues took over. As you can see, the blitzes covered acres.

CT River Report 10/30

The cold front seemed to give the fish in the Salmon Cove/Haddam area lockjaw. Had one pike go for a big (10") shiner, but lost it as I never got a good hookset. Other than that, nada. Windy as hell and cold. Hoping the pike action will pick up as the temps cool. Water was down to the low 50s.

CT River/Haddam Meadows Report 10/24/2010

Overcast w/ 15 mph wind from the SSE. Water temp at 49 degrees. Fished the meadows and Salmon Cove with live shiners for pike but got nada. Did catch a 13-14 inch white perch! Otherwise, resorted to fishing perch to avoid a shutout. Still a fun day w/ Meatloaf. Who can complain about a day on the water!

Hanover Pond Report 10/23/2010

Decent day fishing, with temps in the low 60's and water temps down to 49-53 degrees. Mixed bag of perch and bass, with a 3lber topping the scales.

Fishin w/ Danny

The next "Blue Steel"???

Quinnipiac River Report

September 30, 2010 - Out early today so I thought I'd fish. Huge front is moving up the coast and it is windy as hell, so I figured I'd fish a nice sheltered local area. Wish I were striper fishing the front side of the system, but oh well. A quick stop to a local hole is all I'll get. Goal was to fish for the cycle (4 species) on one lure on the Quinnipiac. Check out the nice rainbow.