“DEEP’s Angler’s Guide is an important reference tool for anglers in Connecticut where we are proud to showcase the many species of fish that can be caught in Connecticut waters,” said Robert Klee, Commissioner or the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “This year the winning photo of our cover photo contest represents the excellent shoreline fishing Connecticut has to offer through our coastal State Parks, Enhanced Shoreline Opportunity Sites, or by hitting the water at one of the many state-owned boat ramps.”

Angel’s Bluefish was caught on a clouser-minnow streamer while fish were actively feeding on small menhaden or “peanut bunker” as the tide was dropping, making for some great fishing.  The photo was taken by Nick Walsh.

“I am truly honored that my photo was selected.  The finalists were all outstanding and all would have made a great cover,” said Derek Angel.  “I love fishing in the Sound. When this fish hit my fly, it was like a hammer.  I had a great time trying to land this fish.”

DEEP’s annual Angler's Guide provides information on important rules and regulations governing sport fishing in Connecticut and assists in the enjoyment of the angling experience in Connecticut.  The printing and distribution of the 2017 guide is scheduled for mid-March to accommodate changes in the marine fishing regulations.  There will not be any changes to inland fishing regulations during 2017.

An electronic version of the guide will be posted by the end of March at:  www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide

DEEP’s cover photo contest encourages anglers to submit fishing-related digital images to DEEP for consideration.  The annual contest requires the high-quality images to be outdoor Connecticut scenes that included one or more people fishing or displaying a catch from Connecticut’s waters. In addition to Angel’s photo, a selection of images from other finalists in the contest will be published inside the Guide.

All anglers and photographers are encouraged to send photos to DEEP for the 2018 Angler’s Guide cover contest.  This popular contest had resulted in DEEP receiving hundreds of photos for consideration and DEEP expects that next year’s contest will be even more popular among anglers and photographers alike.  Anyone wishing to participate in the Angler’s Guide cover photo contest should visit:  www.ct.gov/deep/fishing

This is the fourth year of the cover photo contest – last year’s winner was Taylor Kemp’s photo of Roland Salvatore on the Farmington River.

Honorable mention goes to the following finalists in the 2017 CT Angler’s Guide Photo Contest:

DEEP’s annual trophy fish award ceremony will be held Saturday, April 1, 2017 as part of the Northeast Fishing and Hunting Show at the Hartford Convention Center.

Caption:

2017 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Photo Contest winner, Derek Angel of Avon, holding a Bluefish caught fly-fishing the dropping tide at the Charles Island tombolo, Silver Sands State Park, Milford.