The finale to my 1st year Striper fishing

My last few trips for Stripers have been unsuccessful. Not even a blow up, swirl, follower, nothing. So, I started occasionally fishing for Steelhead… I had some success, but from what I understand, the fish I was catching (and releasing) wouldn’t really be considered Steelhead yet. Kinda small… I guess you call them “smolt” or “half pounders”… or just Trout. I think one of them was at least a pound or two. Anyways… I was talking with a buddy of mine and he said, “it’s still a little early for Steelhead.” I said well, “I have not seen any Stripers the last few trips. It’s like all the stripers left.” He just smiled at me and said… “there may still be a few around.” “try fishing X type of water…” Thanks!!!

The next day, I decided to give it another try. I took his advice and searched for the type of water he mentioned they might be, planned where I would go and after work, off I went. I arrived a bit early and planned on fishing some other water slowly taking my time working my way down to the “prime spot” where I thought the fish may be. Doing this “taking my time” accomplishes several things; I covered ALOT of water, cast after cast, after cast… Plus, arriving at the “prime spot” right at prime time…

Well, I was almost to that water… no wind, super calm, inside the main current farther than usual,.. it was maybe the second cast in that stretch of water, I was working my lure, and almost to the very end of the retrieve in about 2-3 ft of water BAM!/Whoosh! (I’m still not used to the explosive blow-ups you sometimes get from Striped Bass!) I’m on! Oh this one feels is big! Couple GOOD head shakes, Man I almost can’t describe how strong these fish are… I just hold the pressure, and he takes off, pulling drag! Nice!!! Zzzzzz, Zzzzzz, Ok, I get his head turned back towards me, a couple turns, pump, wind… he turns and pulls back, Zzzzz. They remind me of Yellowtail, except the fight is just not as long. This is RAD!!! (I know, old school word) So I finally get him to shore, WOW! This is my personal best so far!

Since I release most of the freshwater fish I catch, especially Striped Bass and have been schooled by the locals on how especially important it is releasing the BIG ones,.. I seriously consider doing so. But then I remember the last time talking with a buddy of mine on how I released the last few Stripers I had caught, and he had said, “oh those schoolies are fine to keep once in awhile.” So onto the stringer he went.

I fished about another 30 Min. and had another blow up, hooked another one that got off. When I reeled my lure in, I noticed a hook was missing… that last one that got off, now has a nice treble hook lip piercing. It was a mystery as to what happened to the hook and spilt ring. It was just gone. Both have since been replaced with a nice set of Gamakatsu’s.

I figured it was time to call it a day… A Good Day!
What an awesome way to finish up my first year Striper fishing!

This fish was Est. to be 13-15lbs. I can’t wait to hook a big one!

After talking with that friend of mine, turns out, he says; “30″? we usually release everything over 30″.” Doooh. Next time>