Connecticut

[Aar684]

Hi guys,

There have been some reports of people catching in the Groton and Stonington areas. Anyone been out around there?

[mako20cc]

Hard to believe. Still to cold. Would have to see pics.

[SHELLFISH]

Where have you heard those reports from?
I haven't heard any Blue Crab reports from CT yet.

[Aar684]

Ok I'm lying..........

[unclebuttsy]

AARRR,

Nobody's calling you a liar. Catch reports this time of year are important to those of us who fish the northern limits of the blue crab.

[SHELLFISH]

Nobody has called you a liar but you!

I belong to two fishing forums in CT with crabbing subforums.
Everyone there are waiting for the first reports of Blue Crabs off CT.
I also get reports from dredgers off Fairfield County which is where I usually get my first reports of crab sightings from. They have not seen any yet!

You were the first and I simply asked where you got the reports from. You haven't answered.

[unclebuttsy]

Until SHELLFISH & Masspi report some activity I might as well stay home... except I'll be heading for oysters in Wellfleet tomorrow morning. Last great tide before the summer people swarm the cape.

[masspi]

Go get them Oysters Jeff..............I am lucky, I have friends in Maine who raise Oysters in an aquaculture operation and get them for free. 

Saves the old back when you don't have to bend over half the day. 

There is nothing happening in Southcoast Massachusetts and most years, you guys in Connecticut are starting to get them about the same time as we do.  This miserable 20+ days of rain has killed everything.  Lower salinity and reduced oxygen levels have put a hold on everything.  Maybe we will see some sunshine about October 15th and can finish the season off with at least some in the traps. 

[mako20cc]

Bet they don't show up till mid July. And when they do the mouth of the Conn. River.(old saybrook, old lyme)usually always see them first.End of July for Darien /Norwalk area.

[Aar684]

From the DEP website..........but I guess if you didn't hear it then there is no report.

[mako20cc]

Typical DEP report. The way they discribe everything in the state( including the inland water report) Conn. is the the next best thing to heaven .For fishing ,crabbing etc.Says that reports were coming in. Probably a couple of guys from the local bar calling in.Hoping to drum up tourist for business.

[SHELLFISH]

From the DEP website..........but I guess if you didn't hear it then there is no report.

I do not consider the CT DEP website to be a reliable source of information.
Too much politics involved.  Thank you for your answer.

[Aar684]

I don't think there is any politicking going on in reporting people catching some crabs...........conspiracy theorist are we?

Also found a similar report on a blog maintained by a boat captain.

[mako20cc]

I agree with Shellfish about the DEP website. I'f your so set on it being legit. Bring your traps, nets, lines, etc. down there. Let us know how you make out.(And find that boat captain). I'm shure he will show you the HoneyHole that he's talking about. Good Luck.

[Aar684]

Everyone is out to get you all!

[Aar684]

I'd be SURE to tell you exactly where I went.........

[mako20cc]

Just having some fun while It's slow up here in Conn. Just one thing to consider. Water is not warm enough yet. Also, with all this rain salinity is way off. Been crabbing in Conn. for nearly 30 yrs. Some better than others. Just wanted to let you know that Temp. is the key factor.Shure maybe a couple of people near Stonington might have got a couple. But it won't turn on for at least a couple more weeks. And that's only with some much needed warm weather.Let's hope we have a good year in Conn. for all.   MAKO...

[SHELLFISH]

I have always said July 4 before the first crabs are to be looked for.
This year will probably be a couple of weeks late!

Let's just hope we get some appearing this year and put last year out of our thoughts!

Aar684, Lighten up and don't take things so personal!
They certainly weren't meant to be.
If you had reported that you, or someone you respect, had caught a few crabs I would have believed you.
If you had said you caught a bushel I would have discounted your report.
You reported what you heard or read. No problem and thanks for attempting to add to the data base!

Conspiracy, NO. Stretching the truth to see your name on the DEP website, that is what I fear!

[jaws35]

There are crabs in ct now. Lieutenant river in old lyme, and in some Westbrook and Clinton tributaries. Not sure why believe don't believe it but yeah, they are there and have been there since the beginning of the month. But as usual there are lots of eels and turtles to fend off.

[Aar684]

Where do you launch for the LT. River in Old Lyme?

[SHELLFISH]

There is a bait shop right off RT 156 but he charges for a launch.
On the south side of RT 156 & LT River is a sand ramp for small boats if I remember.

[Aar684]

Thank you. I've not been to the LT before. Clinton/Madison are my home grounds. I would like to try the LT.

[SHELLFISH]

Only been there once without a boat.
Tried under RT 95 overpass over the LT.
Tried just north of RT 1 over the LT by old bridge abutments.
Didn't do well at both places. Probably just my luck!

[CT crabby crabber]

Just tried in Madison CT near Madison/Guilford border off RT1. Not even a nibble. Very disturbing not to even get my bait touched. Used bunker, no luck. Is anyone catching anything in CT?

[SHELLFISH]

Thanks for the report! Even negative reports are worthwhile here!

Wait another week or two and they should be starting to show down by you.
Wish you the best of luck!
I've got a ways to wait yet.