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MFF US Northeast => Connecticut => Topic started by: Ravo_Himself on May 23, 2016, 04:44 PM

Title: catfish, schoolies and a big surprise
Post by: Ravo_Himself on May 23, 2016, 04:44 PM
a couple buddies and myself went on an overnight catfishing camping trip on one of the ct river islands. Right off the bat we landed a little schoolie striper.
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/RavoHimself/IMG_0146.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/RavoHimself/media/IMG_0146.jpg.html)

my buddy landed probably the biggest fallfish ive ever seen. talk about pike bait
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/RavoHimself/IMG_2767.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/RavoHimself/media/IMG_2767.jpg.html)

after that it was just catfish city
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/RavoHimself/IMG_0149.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/RavoHimself/media/IMG_0149.jpg.html)

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/RavoHimself/IMG_2790.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/RavoHimself/media/IMG_2790.jpg.html)

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/RavoHimself/IMG_2774.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/RavoHimself/media/IMG_2774.jpg.html)

(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/RavoHimself/IMG_4297.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/RavoHimself/media/IMG_4297.jpg.html)

and then we got the biggest surprise of all. one of my firends doesnt have rods big enough for catfish so we were switching on and off catching fish. i yelled to him to take the next one and i wish i hadnt. we saw it jump far out but could tell what it was. when we finally saw it near shore we freaked out and it screamed drag again. definitely the most memorable fish to catch. Behold the Shortnose Sturgeon
(http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l305/RavoHimself/IMG_20160523_141201.jpg) (http://s99.photobucket.com/user/RavoHimself/media/IMG_20160523_141201.jpg.html)

now before anybody says anything, myself and the people i fish with have the upmost respect for all fish and making sure they are released safely. when we saw what the fish was we knew they were rare and endangered and had to be quick with getting it back into the water. my buddy who caught it held it while another person unhooked it. i snapped that picture as he was walking it back out to deeper water to release it. i messaged CT fish and wildlife and asked them what the policy was for pictures of sturgeon. they replied "The fish must be released unharmed immediately upon capture. That said if you can get a photo without harming the fish or extending the time it is not released, then use best judgement."  I would say we did just that. got the fish back immediately and it gave a really hard kick out into the depths. It was a real privilege to catch and see probably the most rare fish in ct. I hope that other people can respect these fish so they come back with force. id love for them to be able to open catch and release for them
Title: Re: catfish, schoolies and a big surprise
Post by: onepin on May 24, 2016, 02:45 PM
That looks like an awesome time. How many islands are there. I would love to take my sons there for an overnite but don't want to invade your spot. Any info would be great if you want.  You can PM me or post here.  Rick
Title: Re: catfish, schoolies and a big surprise
Post by: Ravo_Himself on May 24, 2016, 03:19 PM
Not sure of the legality of camping on all of them but theres a good handful of them from the MA line down. Not sure what part of the state you're from. I know up by me Kings island is off limits. But theres even more places to fish from shore and have just as good of nights.
Title: Re: catfish, schoolies and a big surprise
Post by: CHEZ2 on Jun 04, 2017, 03:18 PM
Looks like a great trip

That fallfish would of made some great cutbait for Catfish.
Tks for sharing the pics ... 
Title: Re: catfish, schoolies and a big surprise
Post by: filetandrelease on Jun 04, 2017, 04:47 PM

Looks like you guys  a great time and thanks for sharing