How to Obtain CT Sportsman License Credit in 2011

If you have not heard, the state of Connecticut likely over charged you for your 2010 fishing/hunting license if you purchased it before April 14, 2010.  Go to the link below to get information on how to obtain your rebate:

www.ct.gov/dep/sportsmensfeereduction

The first step is to determine how much the state owes you.  You can search at www.ct.gov/dep/sportsmenscredit .  I found out that I was over charged $27 in 2010.  You can use that money to pay for your 2011 hunting/fishing license, which presently costs $38.  The only rub is that you can't get the rebate online.  You have to buy your 2011 license either by mail, or in person at one of the DEP locations.  I chose to do mine by mail.  I figured out how much I was owed ($27), filled out a simple form, wrote a check for the total minus $27, and mailed it in.

One tip: Connecticut has now started charging separately for inland and salt water licenses.  If you buy the hunting/fishing combo license, the state charges the same $38 for the inland fishing/hunting combo license as they do for the all-waters fishing/hunting combo license.  Be sure to chose the all-waters option to get both inland and salt water fishing together at no extra charge. 

Devil’s Hopyard State Park – East Haddam, CT

A Shared Landscape A Guide & History of Connecticut's State Parks & Forests


The primary attraction of Devil’s Hopyard State Park is Chapman Falls, which falls over 60 feet along a rocky trail. Chapman Falls is just off the road near the south entrance of Devil’s Hopyard State Park.

In addition to the falls, Devil’s Hopyard State Park features fishing holes, picnicking, camping, and several hiking trails. My family and I took the orange trail, which starts just after the covered bridge in the picnic area. The trail makes an approximately 2 mile loop with a scenic overlook at the halfway point. The overlook gives a nice vista view of the valley below. The trail goes through the woods. It is easy hiking. There are only a few hills and some medium boulders to negotiate. My 5-year old son made it with no problems.

One bonus: While driving around exploring the park we saw several deer. I don’t remember the exact count, but something like 4 or 5 sets of deer.

The state link to the park is below:
http://www.ct.gov/Dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325188

Ice Fishinig Hogsback Dam -- Hartland, CT

As I came to find out, Hogsback Dam on the Colebrook-Hartland line is also known as Goodwin Dam.  The back side of the dam is off Hogback Road in Hartland.  In past trips I've made to the dam, I've accessed if from Hogback Road and drove across the dam to the parking area.  This is not possible right now as the gate is locked preventing vehicle access to the dam.  For the purposes of ice fishing, it is better to park on the other side of the dam (Eno Hill Road to Durst Road).  This side has a parking area and better access to the ice, as I found out the hard way.  Because I was not sure how to get to this parking area, I ended up parking on the Hogback Road side, and having to walk across the dam.
There was about 8 inches of ice in the cove area just to the left of the Durst Road parking area.  Conditions were cold with a slight wind, but not uncomfortable with a bright winter sun out.  Further to the North there was actually open water.  I was surprised that there was not more ice, but 8 inches was more than enough.
Unfortunately, on this day the fishing was not very productive.  With 30 holes in the ice, our group managed to pull in only one fish.  It was a medium sized brown trout.  We were using medium minnows.  We spoke to another group and they did not have a single tip all day.  We moved to this location since the spot the group usually ice fishes has also been unproductive this year.  I might think it was something I was doing wrong, but with the whole group (as well as our neighboring group) having a slow day, I'll have to say it was just the conditions, and not the technique. 

Sanzeri's Bait Shop, Store

I have recently been asked where I get my bait for ice fishing. I get my bait on the way to the pond or lake at a small bait shop in Thomaston called Sanzeri's. I used to have to drive out of my way before I found Sanzeri's.

Sanzeri's carries fishing and outdoor equipment. They have all kinds of live bait. You can also buy your fishing/hunting license there.

Their contact information is below:
Sanzeri's 288 S Main Street Thomaston, CT (860) 283-8654

Ice Fishing -- West Side Pond, Goshen, CT

This past weekend we had a family ice fishing adventure. We went to West Side Pond in Goshen, CT. There was well over 15 inches of ice.

We fished from about 10 AM until 1 PM using medium-sized shiners. The weather was brisk (about 25 degrees) with a tough breeze. Unfortunately, we did not catch any fish. Nobody around us seemed to be having too much luck either. However, we all had fun getting out onto the pond. Several of our group were ice fishing novices, so it was fun introducing them to the activity.