Long Island Sound’s 1,300 square miles of water surface area is host to over 120 species of fishes. Its scup, striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder, hickory shad, black sea bass, tautog and so many other species provide fantastic opportunities for any novice or expert recreational fishermen. As an estuary, a waterway where salt and freshwater mix, the Sound is an ideal habitat for scup and its other finfish residents.
Scups, also called porgies are tasty fish with mild flavor and flaky white flesh. When caught, they are great fighters that hit on fresh bait and lures. As schooling fish, they range from Cape Hatteras, NC to Massachusetts, though they are occasionally sighted farther north. They migrate offshore in the fall, avoiding water temperatures lowering to 45 degrees F. They then make their way back to the coast in late spring, arriving in Long Island Sound in late May or early June. Their greatest numbers in the Sound occur when water temperatures reach 55 to 60+ degrees F. After returning to the coast, mature scups spawn close to shore, mainly during daylight hours. A female is said to release about 7,000 eggs.
During the season, schools of young scup tend to remain closer to shore, while adult schools usually occupy a depth of about 30 to 100 feet, over sand bottoms and rock reefs. They also favor piers, jetties, offshore ledges, bridge pilings, mussel beds and shipwrecks. A scuba diver encountering a single scup is usually greeted with quick snaps of its tail as it swims out of sight.
Scups are bottom feeders. Adult scups prey on marine worms, shrimp, small crabs, jellyfish, clams, mussels, fishes and squid; . They grab hard prey such as clams with their incisor teeth and then crush the shell with their molars. Juveniles also feed on marine worms, mysid shrimps and other small crustaceans, the youngest feed on fish eggs and their larvae.
Male and females reach maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. At that point, they measure about 6-inches. They tend to grow very slowly to about 20-inches and can live up to 20 years. Most are caught weighing ½ to 2 pounds. A 3-pound scup is considered a trophy. The All-Tackle World Record scup was landed in Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts, on June 3, 1992. It weighed 4 lb. 9 oz.!
From a boat, it is often recommended that the best gear for scup (porgy) fishing is a 6.6 to 7 feet long spinning rod with a reel capable of managing 14 to 20lb fused line rather than mono or braided line. However, a longer rod, which helps with casting distance, is better when fishing from the beach.
Attaching the fused line to a fluorocarbon leader via a barrel swivel allows them to turn independently, helping reduce line twist. Most scup fishermen then tie two snell hooks to the leader, about 8 inches apart with a 4-to-10-ounce sinker tied to the leader’s bottom. Some use additional hooks, but it can increase the chances of tangling.
Scup hit on a variety of baits, but the most popular among anglers are sandworms, clams and squid. Sandworms should be cut and attached to the hook with a very short part covering and extending out from the hook. They can be purchased from most bait and tackle shops. Freshly dug clams, with their strong scent, are much better than frozen clams. Overall, they are easily attached to a hook. Squid, cut into small strips, only need to be attached to the hook once or twice. They are often used in combination with other baits, on separate hooks. Jigs in different sizes and colors are also popular with scup fishermen. When fishing from a boat, try to locate rocks surrounded by sand. The fish are usually most active around high tide and during the early morning hours or late afternoon. They also tend to be more active on cloudy days. However, they can be landed almost any time of the day.
Chum is a special ingredient for catching scup. They are especially attracted to the scent of clam chum. Dug up clams can be ground up or purchased from a tackle shop and online. The chum is generally sold in bags, buckets, quarts and gallon containers.
After dropping anchor, lower the chum bag or pot to the bottom and tie it at the bow. Then fish from the area of the stern. The chum’s container should be raised up and down frequently to keep the chum flowing. When using chum, even a minor current is helpful for attracting hungry scup. When you feel a bite, set the hook. You will be rewarded with plenty of excitement! Best of all, after cleaning your catch, prepare it for a great meal. There are many recipes for scup (porgy) online.
Scup (porgy) regulations by state:
Massachusetts: May 1-Dec 31 by boat size 11in – 30 fish per person/beach 9.5 in 30/day
Rhode Island: May 1-Dec 3 by boat size 11in, 30 fish per person/beach 9.5 in 30/day
Party/Charter boat May 1-Aug 31 size 11in – 30/day Sept 1-Oct 31 40/day
Connecticut: May 1-Dec 31 by boat 11in – 30/day per person / beach 95 in 30/day
Party/Charter boat May 1-Aug 31 size 11in – 30/day Sept 1-Oct 31 40/day
New York: May 1-Dec 3 by boat size 11in, 30 fish per person/beach 9.5 in 30/day
Sept 1-Oct 31 – 11in 40/day