by Captain Allen Fee

No, that’s not the famed bumper sticker, so frequently followed in the coastal locales, north of Boston. As our early forefathers approached the New World, there were tales of Atlantic cod so thick, one might be able to walk upon. Lobster so plentiful, they were fed to the livestock. The Atlantic cod became a staple to early Americans and explorers alike. Hence the phrase, “In cod we trust.”

This year is indefinately the year for change. By that of course, I am referring to the CT Marine Species Regulations. Here we are on a beautiful day in May, waiting for another thirty days to pass before we can begin fishing on Long Island Sound. Once open, the highly anticipating angler must act quickly, because ninety days later, that very same season will close.

On the other hand, or fin if you will, the CT trout season is open from April through February. Conservation efforts in the open water, the sea, have proved to be successful with some species such as striped bass, and even bluefish.

Aside from a few early striped bass catches, fluke fishing is often thought of as the season opener for most boaters. This year, the date was pushed three weeks forward, to June 15th and will close August 19th. Most recreational anglers will agree that Fluke stocks are quite strong. By the way, the number  of fish you are allowed to keep per day was reduced to three.

Wolf, of We-Tu Bait and Tackle, North Stonington, reported, “The trout season is in full bloom.” We-Tu is on the Eastern Pequot Reservation, overlooking  Long Pond. Amos Lake and Patchaug are also doing good. “Been selling lots of shiners and mealworms. The Rapala Countdown and Floatin’ lures have also been a good choice.” Wolf also announced that We-Tu would also be hosting a Father’s Day Fishing Tournament. Call the shop for details, 860.536.6551.

Back in Mystic, Allen and Cheryl at Shaffer’s Bait and Tackle, reported schools of bunker, or menhaden, in the downtown Mystic area. Many anglers purchased snag hooks to catch and live-line them for bigger striped bass. The Mystic River Park provides good fishing access to the river.

Adjacent to Shaffer’s is the Mason’s Island causeway. This little bridge offers some good schoolie striped bass fishing, with a bit more serenity than the often busy downtown area. Shaffer’s extends free parking to those fishing on the platform.

Jim Meacham and Rick Heroux, Griswold, landed and released nearly twenty striped bass up to 36”on Monday, May 18th. They were fishing just south of Valient Rock, in the Race. Diamond Jigs were outfishing the bucktails that day.

Take this pre-season time to tune up your gear. New line, check your rod tips, and lube your reels. If you can’t wait until June, go trout fishing.

Shaffer’s Bait and Tackle

106 Mason’s Island Road
Mystic, CT

860.536.8713

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by Sam Mazzotta

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My dog “Kip” is really friendly and wouldn’t harm a fly. When I take him out for walks he likes to go right up to people and sometimes jumps up on them for a friendly pat. But last week, this woman yelled at me, telling me to watch out or she would call animal control! What was her problem? — Keri in Worcester, MA

DEAR KERI: Honestly, the problem wasn’t hers — it’s yours. I’m sure Kip is a wonderful dog and just as friendly as you say. The trouble is, people on the street don’t know that. They just see a dog running up and jumping on them, and they’re not sure of Kip’s intent.

A great many people are terrified of dogs, Keri. It’s no laughing matter, either — most of those who are fearful of dogs had some traumatic event in their past. But even if they don’t fear them, just the sight of a strange dog charging at them can incite a fearful reaction.

It’s also an invasion of people’s privacy — their personal space — and just bad etiquette all around to allow your dog to jump on them.

As Kip’s owner, it’s your responsibility to control his behavior. The older he gets and the more he’s allowed to run up and jump on people, the harder it is to train him out of it. And you need to train him out of this behavior, pronto.

I recommend that you sign up for behavior training classes as soon as possible. Attend these sessions with Kip, listen closely to the instructor and follow his or her advice.

Remember that pets are a part of our community, and like every other member of a community they must follow some rules in order for everyone to get along. It’s up to you to show Kip how to behave on his daily walks.

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by Jessica Warzeniak

On Tuesday, May 12, the stage in Mohegan Sun Arena was transformed into an international tour of romantic and popular music by the fabulous foursome, Il Divo.

Il Divo is the blending of three opera singers from the US, Spain, and Switzerland and one French pop singer. The group was brought together by the one and only Simon Cowell, most well known as the critical judge on American Idol. Il Divo is Italian for “star” and is composed of singers Carlos Marín, Urs Bühler, David Miller, and Sébastien Izambard.

The lights went down and the orchestra began to play something familiar, a hint of Mariah Carey and Celine Dion that set the tone for the night. Four shadowy figures appeared at the top of the staircase that was the center of the stage. “There’s a place for us/ Somewhere a place for us/ Peace and quiet and open air/ Wait for us somewhere,” they sang the memorable song “Somewhere” from the musical West Side Story. The crowd erupted with applause.

Throughout the night, Il Divo sang in Italian, Spanish, and English, including Spanish renditions of Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart,” Mariah Carey’s “Without You,” and Celion Dion’s “Power of Love.”

They came back for two encores: “Amazing Grace” a favorite among Il Divo’s fans, and “The Impossible Dream” from the musical Man of La Mancha. They sang “The Impossible Dream” as a symbol of how far they have come on their own journeys with Il Divo.

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story & photo
by Amy Pjura

Seritta Norige, 14, Bozrah, is not your average teenager. She accomplished more things than anyone her age. Seritta holds many titles, including the new title of 2009’s Miss Mountain Laurel’s Outstanding Teen. She also holds the titles of 2002’s Little Miss Lebanon and 2006’s Junior Miss Hebron Harvest Fair.

Seritta is an active 4-H’er and after 5 years of being involved, she is now the co-vice president. She is part of the 4-H Dog Project, with her miniature pinscher, where she learns project skills in dog showmanship and obedience, and gains knowledge in grooming, agility, general dog knowledge and careers. She hopes to one day be a veterinarian. Seritta says she is proud to be a part of the 4-H program and does everything she does “for the community.”

Seritta is also a four-time awarded public speaker. She competed against 13-19 year olds, some being college freshman, and came out on top. Kudos!

She is on her way to compete in the Miss CT Outstanding Teen Pageant. Seritta is the only one from New London County competing against 19 other girls. The pageant will take place June 25-27 at the Garde Arts Center, New London.

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HM1 (SS) Chris Yaras kisses his daughter, Ella, for the first time during USS Hartford’s return to Naval Submarine Base New London. Ella was born four weeks ago during the submarine’s nearly month-long surface transit from Bahrain.  Hartford is expected to enter Electric Boat shipyard for a thorough inspection to assess required repairs following the March 20 collision with the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Strait of Hormuz.

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