06-12-2010, 09:20 AM
Fishing Column: Precaution is always key when fishing
Martin Armstrong, Correspondent
Published: 12:15 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2010
(Page 1 of 2)
Sadly, three fishermen died and another person was rescued in four separate water emergencies last weekend in Connecticut.
Last Sunday, Akiem Raye died while attempting to retrieve his tangled fishing line. Though details are cloudy at best, it appears that Raye was fishing from a pier in Bridgeport when his line got snagged below the water level. Raye apparently dived in to retrieve the line and drowned. No other details are available and the story apparently did not make the newspapers.
Just a day earlier emergency officials in Avon were called to New Road along the Farmington River shortly after noon Saturday after a report that a body had been discovered. Avon police identified the man as [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22James+Baldyga%22"][#0066cc]James Baldyga[/#0066cc][/url], 60, of New Britain. He was described by police as an avid fisherman who fished along that section of the river for years. Police said they have started an investigation into the incident. An autopsy is pending.
In Watertown, [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Department+of+Environmental+Protection%22"][#0066cc]Department of Environmental Protection[/#0066cc][/url] officials went to Merriam Pond at [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Crest+Brook+Country+Club%22"][#0066cc]Crest Brook Country Club[/#0066cc][/url] after a report of a boating accident. When police arrived, they found that a canoe with three fishermen aboard had capsized. Two made it safely to shore. After a search, the body of the third fishermen, identified by officials as 33-year Jay Frantzis of Watertown, was discovered Saturday morning.
In North Haven, police and firefighters received several calls Saturday about a youth believed to be missing in the Quinnipiac River . After searching the river for about 20 minutes, North Haven firefighters located the young male and pulled him into a boat. The youth -- whom police did not identify -- was taken to a local hospital. North Haven police Lt. [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Jonathan+Mulhern%22"][#0066cc]Jonathan Mulhern[/#0066cc][/url] said the youth was talking and alert.
Fishing itself is not a dangerous sport but like most activities a certain amount of care must be used whether you fish from a boat or from shore.
When you go fishing bring your cell phone and keep it wrapped in a plastic bag. That way if you fall into the water the phone will remain dry and workable. Before you go fishing let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. If you are on a boat, wear a life vest or, at the very least, have one handy.
Last Saturday, Sportsman's Den held their Grand Reopening party. It was a huge success with more than 200 people in attendance.
According to [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Shawn+Kelly%22"][#0066cc]Shawn Kelly[/#0066cc][/url], the most popular attraction was the Trout Pond. Dozens of youngsters got their first taste of fishing at the pond which was stocked with twenty 12 to 14-inch hungry trout.
Joey B's Famous Chili Hub in Cos Cob sponsored a hot dog eating contest. The winner was [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Justin+Currytto%22"][#0066cc]Justin Currytto[/#0066cc][/url]. He ate five hot dogs in the first minute and a total of 13 dogs in the allotted 10 minutes. Justin won a $50 gift card to, where else, Joey B's. By the way, Justin gave the card to a couple who are regular customers at Joey B's, which by the way, is where Justin works as a waiter.
Last week was a terrific one for local anglers. All the local bait shops are reporting very good striper action and improving fluke and porgy fishing. Freshwater angling is also good.
Capt. Joe of Little Outlaw Charters was filling in behind the counter at Rudy's Tackle Barn when I called last week. Capt. Joe said that he took out [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Anthony+Legato%22"][#0066cc]Anthony Legato[/#0066cc][/url] early in the week for bass fishing at night. They fished by Copps Island where they boated and released 20 bass. Anthony's largest fish was a nice 45-inch striped bass that weighed 36 pounds. They were caught on live lining bunker.
Rich Dombrowski had a heck of a week. First he caught and released three woodchucks that were tearing up his garden. Then he fished for striped bass off Rye-Playland where he caught and released several linesiders. His largest bass weighed 34-pounds, 12-ounces.
[url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22John+Taranto%22"][#0066cc]John Taranto[/#0066cc][/url] had a good day fishing off 28C in Norwalk. Using fresh bunker he reeled in a couple of nice striped bass. His largest fish measured 36-inches.
Last Saturday the Keefer Brothers won the annual "Big Lipper" bass contest. They entered a 38-pound striped bass. Where they caught it is still a secret but the fish was taken on a bunker chunk.
Roger Michelin, a member of the [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Westport+Striped+bass+Club%22"][#0066cc]Westport Striped bass Club[/#0066cc][/url], fished in 60 feet of water off Great Captains Island. Using fresh bunker, he caught a 29-pound striper and a small weakfish.
[url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Billy+Darby%22"][#0066cc]Billy Darby[/#0066cc][/url], age 7, caught his first ever striped bass last week while fishing off "Harps Boat". Using a chunk of bunker, his first fish turned out to be a nice 36-inch linesider.
Nick Massero and [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Chuck+Carbone%22"][#0066cc]Chuck Carbone[/#0066cc][/url] spent some time fishing in Norwalk waters. Using saltwater flies, they caught several stripers including three fish weighing between 15 and 20 pounds.
Fluke fishing has exploded on this side of the Sound. The Stamford Cows, Norwalk Islands and Tod's Point are red hot and, as a bonus, some of the fish are big.
Sherri and [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Ashley+Mola%22"][#0066cc]Ashley Mola[/#0066cc][/url] teamed up to catch 5 keeper and 5 smaller fluke in just one hour of fishing in Norwalk waters. Their largest fluke weighed 4.5 pounds. All of the fish were taken using bucktails and a Teaser Rig.
Chris Miller fished the Stamford Cows twice last week. On his first trip he caught three fluke measuring up to 22-inches. On his second try, he caught three more including one that measured 25-inches. Chris was using sand eels for bait.
Fred Bova caught a nice 6-pound fluke at the Cows. He also caught some smaller fish as well. Sand eels were Fred's choice of bait.
Brian Wright boated some nice fluke while fishing with sand eels at the Cows. His largest fluke measured 23 inches.
Mike Noyes and Ned Pita fished both the Cows and Tod's Point. They caught a pair of 23-inch fluke and a bunch of small fish. They used combinations of sand eels, spearing and squid.
Also doing well at the Cows last week was [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Joe+Ezzo%22"][#0066cc]Joe Ezzo[/#0066cc][/url]. He caught several fluke including one that measured 28-inches using sand eels.
Eight-year-old Martin Salantay Jr. made a great catch while fishing the Mianus River Trout Management Area with his dad, Martin Sr. Using a mealworm, the young angler caught a 24-inch, 5-pound brown trout.
John Iossa has been doing real well catching walleyes in the Saugatuck River. The fish are stocked in the Saugatuck Reservoir and then come over the dam in heavy rains. Most of the walleyes that he catches are found in the pools below the dam and weigh between 3 and 6-pounds. John uses small jigs, night crawlers and shiners.
Martin Armstrong is a member of the Fisheries Advisory Council, a lifetime member in Trout Unlimited and the Outdoors Writers Association.
__________________
[signature]
Martin Armstrong, Correspondent
Published: 12:15 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2010
(Page 1 of 2)
Sadly, three fishermen died and another person was rescued in four separate water emergencies last weekend in Connecticut.
Last Sunday, Akiem Raye died while attempting to retrieve his tangled fishing line. Though details are cloudy at best, it appears that Raye was fishing from a pier in Bridgeport when his line got snagged below the water level. Raye apparently dived in to retrieve the line and drowned. No other details are available and the story apparently did not make the newspapers.
Just a day earlier emergency officials in Avon were called to New Road along the Farmington River shortly after noon Saturday after a report that a body had been discovered. Avon police identified the man as [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22James+Baldyga%22"][#0066cc]James Baldyga[/#0066cc][/url], 60, of New Britain. He was described by police as an avid fisherman who fished along that section of the river for years. Police said they have started an investigation into the incident. An autopsy is pending.
In Watertown, [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Department+of+Environmental+Protection%22"][#0066cc]Department of Environmental Protection[/#0066cc][/url] officials went to Merriam Pond at [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Crest+Brook+Country+Club%22"][#0066cc]Crest Brook Country Club[/#0066cc][/url] after a report of a boating accident. When police arrived, they found that a canoe with three fishermen aboard had capsized. Two made it safely to shore. After a search, the body of the third fishermen, identified by officials as 33-year Jay Frantzis of Watertown, was discovered Saturday morning.
In North Haven, police and firefighters received several calls Saturday about a youth believed to be missing in the Quinnipiac River . After searching the river for about 20 minutes, North Haven firefighters located the young male and pulled him into a boat. The youth -- whom police did not identify -- was taken to a local hospital. North Haven police Lt. [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Jonathan+Mulhern%22"][#0066cc]Jonathan Mulhern[/#0066cc][/url] said the youth was talking and alert.
Fishing itself is not a dangerous sport but like most activities a certain amount of care must be used whether you fish from a boat or from shore.
When you go fishing bring your cell phone and keep it wrapped in a plastic bag. That way if you fall into the water the phone will remain dry and workable. Before you go fishing let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. If you are on a boat, wear a life vest or, at the very least, have one handy.
Last Saturday, Sportsman's Den held their Grand Reopening party. It was a huge success with more than 200 people in attendance.
According to [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Shawn+Kelly%22"][#0066cc]Shawn Kelly[/#0066cc][/url], the most popular attraction was the Trout Pond. Dozens of youngsters got their first taste of fishing at the pond which was stocked with twenty 12 to 14-inch hungry trout.
Joey B's Famous Chili Hub in Cos Cob sponsored a hot dog eating contest. The winner was [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Justin+Currytto%22"][#0066cc]Justin Currytto[/#0066cc][/url]. He ate five hot dogs in the first minute and a total of 13 dogs in the allotted 10 minutes. Justin won a $50 gift card to, where else, Joey B's. By the way, Justin gave the card to a couple who are regular customers at Joey B's, which by the way, is where Justin works as a waiter.
Last week was a terrific one for local anglers. All the local bait shops are reporting very good striper action and improving fluke and porgy fishing. Freshwater angling is also good.
Capt. Joe of Little Outlaw Charters was filling in behind the counter at Rudy's Tackle Barn when I called last week. Capt. Joe said that he took out [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Anthony+Legato%22"][#0066cc]Anthony Legato[/#0066cc][/url] early in the week for bass fishing at night. They fished by Copps Island where they boated and released 20 bass. Anthony's largest fish was a nice 45-inch striped bass that weighed 36 pounds. They were caught on live lining bunker.
Rich Dombrowski had a heck of a week. First he caught and released three woodchucks that were tearing up his garden. Then he fished for striped bass off Rye-Playland where he caught and released several linesiders. His largest bass weighed 34-pounds, 12-ounces.
[url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22John+Taranto%22"][#0066cc]John Taranto[/#0066cc][/url] had a good day fishing off 28C in Norwalk. Using fresh bunker he reeled in a couple of nice striped bass. His largest fish measured 36-inches.
Last Saturday the Keefer Brothers won the annual "Big Lipper" bass contest. They entered a 38-pound striped bass. Where they caught it is still a secret but the fish was taken on a bunker chunk.
Roger Michelin, a member of the [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Westport+Striped+bass+Club%22"][#0066cc]Westport Striped bass Club[/#0066cc][/url], fished in 60 feet of water off Great Captains Island. Using fresh bunker, he caught a 29-pound striper and a small weakfish.
[url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Billy+Darby%22"][#0066cc]Billy Darby[/#0066cc][/url], age 7, caught his first ever striped bass last week while fishing off "Harps Boat". Using a chunk of bunker, his first fish turned out to be a nice 36-inch linesider.
Nick Massero and [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Chuck+Carbone%22"][#0066cc]Chuck Carbone[/#0066cc][/url] spent some time fishing in Norwalk waters. Using saltwater flies, they caught several stripers including three fish weighing between 15 and 20 pounds.
Fluke fishing has exploded on this side of the Sound. The Stamford Cows, Norwalk Islands and Tod's Point are red hot and, as a bonus, some of the fish are big.
Sherri and [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Ashley+Mola%22"][#0066cc]Ashley Mola[/#0066cc][/url] teamed up to catch 5 keeper and 5 smaller fluke in just one hour of fishing in Norwalk waters. Their largest fluke weighed 4.5 pounds. All of the fish were taken using bucktails and a Teaser Rig.
Chris Miller fished the Stamford Cows twice last week. On his first trip he caught three fluke measuring up to 22-inches. On his second try, he caught three more including one that measured 25-inches. Chris was using sand eels for bait.
Fred Bova caught a nice 6-pound fluke at the Cows. He also caught some smaller fish as well. Sand eels were Fred's choice of bait.
Brian Wright boated some nice fluke while fishing with sand eels at the Cows. His largest fluke measured 23 inches.
Mike Noyes and Ned Pita fished both the Cows and Tod's Point. They caught a pair of 23-inch fluke and a bunch of small fish. They used combinations of sand eels, spearing and squid.
Also doing well at the Cows last week was [url "http://www.cthuntingnshooting.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=othersports&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Joe+Ezzo%22"][#0066cc]Joe Ezzo[/#0066cc][/url]. He caught several fluke including one that measured 28-inches using sand eels.
Eight-year-old Martin Salantay Jr. made a great catch while fishing the Mianus River Trout Management Area with his dad, Martin Sr. Using a mealworm, the young angler caught a 24-inch, 5-pound brown trout.
John Iossa has been doing real well catching walleyes in the Saugatuck River. The fish are stocked in the Saugatuck Reservoir and then come over the dam in heavy rains. Most of the walleyes that he catches are found in the pools below the dam and weigh between 3 and 6-pounds. John uses small jigs, night crawlers and shiners.
Martin Armstrong is a member of the Fisheries Advisory Council, a lifetime member in Trout Unlimited and the Outdoors Writers Association.
__________________
[signature]