Discovering the CAGI'06 location in CT, impressive! Options

[Jerome]

Dave Depeau and Mike Dragone invited me to visit the location they selected for the CAGI'06 in Connecticut.

First off, hats off for their generosity in opening this (recently discovered) spot to everybody. This is indeed a very special water.

We'll give exact directions later, I'll just say this is a canal connected to Candlewood Lake, in the Danbury vicinity.

~ 3 hours from Boston, this is quite a drive for MA or RI participants, but the location make it easier for NYS and NJ participants to come and challenge the New Englanders.

The driving is the easy part though. Dragging your gear up there will take some of your breath away. Yep, I said "up there". Because you have to climb a very steep hill to gain access. But hey, who said fishing was easy? I would strongly advise to foresee a contraption with wheels though... I insist!

I really thought that those guys were pulling my leg, but the water was indeed there, on top of the hill! And Mike proceeded to show me within minutes that carp were indeed there as well. Then I took time to watch around me, and I lost my breath again, quite a view! Very nice spot, very quiet.

[Jerome]

Dumb of me, I had forgotten my wallet and camera in the car. BIG mistake. Down the hill and up the hill again. AARG.

Took me a few minutes, but when I came back, Mike and Dave were all smiles. You bet. A mirror for Dave and a 23lb fish for Mike were sacked...

Note the micro scales close to the tail of the mirror!

[Jerome]

It was around 1PM, the sun was hitting hard, but those two guys started to show me how it's done in CT, landing fish after fish, having double runs after double runs.

Mike's skills are well known, but this young fellow Dave went through an amazing show. This guy will become a star! And hey, he's going to become a fish biologist too, cool!

Except for Mike's 23lber, all fish we caught were teens. Not a single single! And they were dynamite, with explosive fights and all of them taking several minutes to relent.

We had a total of ~15 fish during the day, most of them landed by Dave... What an amazing venue!

[Jerome]

Now as to practicalities.

First, there is a Walmart on the way, just a couple of miles before the venue. This should set you up for fishing licenses.

Next, there is PLENTY of space along this canal up to its connection with Candlewood. So we can fit many participants, no problem. The canal is pretty deep, and it seems that carp go back & forth all the way to the lake.

Finally, and this is the best part, we can fish at night! Can't use a tent, but end of June, sleeping outside or under a brolly should be good enough.

On the minus side, it's likely going to be hot and there is no shade at all... Bring plenty of sunblock, umbrellas, water, etc.

Given all that, Mike and myself were playing with the idea of starting the event at noon (say peg draw at 11AM) and fish until 10PM. This will give plenty of time for people to drive in the morning, this should give us a good opportunity to catch at the end of the day, and for hardcore participants to spend the night catching a few more. I've heard some references to coyotes, but they should be frightened enough by the sound of bite alarms! If you prefer to sleep in a bed, there are plenty of motels in Danbury.

We'll go get some pizzas around 6PM to feed ravenous anglers, and this should make for a great day.

On Sunday, people can continue to fish the spot if it is still producing, but Mike has another spot nearby where a handful of anglers can give it a try.

[Jerome]

PS. I'll open up the CAGI registration by the end of the month. Still working on lining up a few volunteers for other states...

[miguel126]

i love the place
even with the big walk
good hauling guys, nice mirror Dave

[EastCarp]

thanks Miguel. it was good fishing with you Jerome, did you catch any after Mike and i left?

[Jerome]

thanks Miguel.  it was good fishing with you Jerome, did you catch any after Mike and i left?

Yes, I landed one just before leaving. 13/14 pounds, and a great fighter.

[supercarpio]

Thank you Mike for sharing the spot with all of us! How refreshing -- someone following the 4th bullet from CAG's mission statement above!

-Marius

[Ermghoti]

Hm... CAGI... extreme heat... Connecticut... uphill... wheeled contrivances. This all sounds vaguely familiar.

I ask only that there be an Ermghoti Memorial Fish-In upon the anniversary of my passing. Participants will be required to bring at least their own body weight in tackle.

[Vinny]

its sounds like this cagi will be alot of fun and a chance to get a 20pounder. Thats unherd of in a New England CAGI thanx Dave and Mike. You guys rock

for the steep hill maybe i should bring my camel pack and some nice hiking boots.

This post has been edited by vinnyhas2manynames: Apr 18 2006, 12:57 PM

[carphuntersinc.]

Now as to practicalities.

First, there is a Walmart on the way, just a couple of miles before the venue. This should set you up for fishing licenses.

Next, there is PLENTY of space along this canal up to its connection with Candlewood. So we can fit many participants, no problem. The canal is pretty deep, and it seems that carp go back & forth all the way to the lake.

Finally, and this is the best part, we can fish at night! Can't use a tent, but end of June, sleeping outside or under a brolly should be good enough.

On the minus side, it's likely going to be hot and there is no shade at all... Bring plenty of sunblock, umbrellas, water, etc.

Given all that, Mike and myself were playing with the idea of starting the event at noon (say peg draw at 11AM) and fish until 10PM. This will give plenty of time for people to drive in the morning, this should give us a good opportunity to catch at the end of the day, and for hardcore participants to spend the night catching a few more. I've heard some references to coyotes, but they should be frightened enough by the sound of bite alarms!  If you prefer to sleep in a bed, there are plenty of motels in Danbury.

We'll go get some pizzas around 6PM to feed ravenous anglers, and this should make for a great day.

On Sunday, people can continue to fish the spot if it is still producing, but Mike has another spot nearby where a handful of anglers can give it a try.

Jerome if your concerned about the heat the hottest part of the Day is from about 1-2 PM till well into the evening on a hot day. At least in the the early morning (first light) all has cooled of over night Its a bit of a walk in the midday sun Just my thoughts I have fished it Ed

[carpist]

Parking?

[ctcarper]

Parking?

I am going to get permission from the office building right next to the entrance.

-Mike/CT