With so many people fishing heavy tackle from the surf, why are so few large bass taken (per person) 30lb+ during the course of the season? The fish are there..

What is the general striped bass fishing population missing when targeting larger fish? Location, technique, dedication, landing ability, etc.???

They don't survive to that size by being easy. Non-selective fish that hit anything, any place, at any time of day get weeded out quickly. Those that are left are pickier, hang out in deep water more of the time, and come into the shallows mainly in deep night.

Let me rephrase.
Why arent YOU, the fishing populace, catching more large? Some guys do.

Bass are bass, they react in specific ways to their environment, what are fishermen missing, to catch X 30+lbers per season?

A boat. Live bait.

Is'nt that most peoples here's goal: To catch more large fish. :fishslap:
In my case it's because I am totally inept.:usd:
Even my smilies are screwed up.

How does one predict the size of the Bass that will be awaiting his presentation? Impossible....../////....however,,,my thougths are these.....


Location, in my opinion is the first and foremost important factor. Larger Bass will be closer to deepness...they will linger in close but won't be counting "one, one thousands..." waiting for us to be there. One must also be there, as much as possible...only makes sense to a person that has some,,ie:dedication...Most people fish when it's convenient for them,,,convenience doesn't always catch LARGE fish,.,some people are Lucky though-. How does Luck play a part in this equation? :smokin: ...hmmmm....being at a right place at a right time definately requires skill. There are many variables that effect where to be when, but it's luck that determines the class of fish that will take residence or swim by that night, again...persistance is key. If you believe BIG fish should be there...eventually,, they will be...but will you?:huh:

Techniques??...isn't that stereo equipment?...:hee:,,, Some plugs are hard to fish wrong, some plugs,, by some fisherpeeple are never fished right,,, some people see the plug as a piece of wood or plastic, they force it through the wake/water...they don't take the time to feel the current and imagine themselves as the bait their plug is supposed to be imitating..fighting it's way through the current, being held back when the pull is strong. You must BE one with the bait/lure in order to catch more. The lure is an extension of your hand teasing a hungry or not so hungry Striper. I good fisherperson can catch a Striper that wasn't hungry or competing with another Striper just by making his plug look that vulnerable...Just like fishing amongst a lot of bait, you must injure your lure in a way that entices the Striper...erratic at first, then suspend ...then twitch, as excited as you may get...be patient and be one with your presentation. Some people take fishing too seriously but they catch more and ask less, they may not always catch large because again,,....Large have to be present...


As a whole, I don't think the majority of the population targets Large, they target numbers. Most people would much rather catch 50 Stripers ranging from 12-15lbs. than wait all night for a single 35lber...They really think they want a 50lber when they're casting to a school of 10lb fish in an Autumn blitz during afternoon tea...

Not to take from your thread,,,but here's a question for you Krispy...


What's the better way to catch a BIG fish?

1. Fish from 3pm to 8pm 5 days a week in a decent spot that should show Large at some point.

OR....

2. Fish from 10pm to 3am 3 nights a week in the same spot?

Maybe there aren't that many big fish around to be caught

I'll take u to a very good spot.i'll let u plug it till ur blue in the face.u can even use some of my plugs.U might, might get one.TRhen I'll go back to the truck an come back wit a few live baits(bunker,herring) pitch em in an watch em come out of the wood work.
To answer ur question the night time is the right time.for large no question.U will coax em up with a live bunker in the daylight..First light best bet.The #1 big fish bait no question.

Maybe there aren't that many big fish around to be caught


I like people that think like you do...:cheers:


NIB....can I fish out of your truck??...

The upcoming weeks here in NJ are prime time an my favorite time to bag large.Fish will come in the rivers to spawn.there patterns are predictable,somewhat.Seems spawners are not as smart as they have something else on thier minds.They are the most vulnerable at this time.they take chances they normally don't.If i fish hard ther is no question i will break the 30 lb mark at night on lures.U can get em comin in a going out.before we had this bunker bonanza in NJ u could get some live bait an get a good fish along the jetty's in june.it's a little more involved now as the bunker vacum the bass from all there regular holdin spots.To summerize yrs.on the water has left me a few predictable patterns to score a good bass.I know a few others after june it becomes much tougher here for a good bass.With early morn an live bait being king.I have learned a few other patterns in other states also.Keep a log.Jim Powers told me one time he has no interest in 20 lbers.I kinda feel the same way.2 of my best fish came at 4 am after fishing all night in a spot an technique I was confident in.both nights I had zero other hits.6 hrs each night NO hits.I watched every one else leave.U have to have confidence in what ur doing..

Maybe there aren't that many big fish around to be caught
Except it just aint true Bart. We are not talking high 40, 50 or 60lb fish. 30's are good respectable catches and there are fisherman who consistently take multiple 30's every season. In fact I know personally of at least 6 members of S-B who have all taken 2+ over for the last two years from shore.
I dont think theres much luck in taking 30lbers, mostly skill and timing.
And I agree, most people arent targeting large, or they just think they are.
What is the difference though?

the difference?...I think to each person it varys. It's really what you believe. I may feel confident about a spot/tide/lure/or time that you don't. Tough question to answer without writing a novel.

Here's a basic example...

Casting a surface lure right into the middle of a blitz as opposed to casting a tin/jig lure in the area that the blitz just passed over. In not so many words, one would believe that the larger fish are inhaling what sinks from the massacre as opposed to wasting energy at the surface.

It's tough to pass up the feeding frenzy. Most people will continue to work the herd instead of the pasture.

the difference?...I think to each person it varys. .
Your right, more importantly most need to find the common denominator of those who have consistantly successful seasons

I would say one of the biggest reasons would be location. The guys on here who consistantly catch large are in "mostly private areas" that they keep secret. No general access or they have special permission to get in. Generally they are big fish spots. Others do well in known spots but it helps to have special access. 2. Would be technique and experience. Knowing when, where and with what. This all comes from years of logs and just getting out there. The right gear is key. 3. Dedication, some of these guys are out 5-7 days a week all hours. You need to fight the urge to sleep and get out there when most are comfortably warm in bed. I can only fish 2 nights a week since it takes me an 11/2 hrs to get there one way.

Except it just aint true Bart. We are not talking high 40, 50 or 60lb fish. 30's are good respectable catches and there are fisherman who consistently take multiple 30's every season. In fact I know personally of at least 6 members of S-B who have all taken 2+ over for the last two years from shore.
I dont think theres much luck in taking 30lbers, mostly skill and timing.
And I agree, most people arent targeting large, or they just think they are.
What is the difference though?

Krispy,


You're freaking everyone out with these data points and deep, reflective observations. I'm getting a napoleon complex over this stuff. Gonna swallow my tongue if you don't back off, man.:skulz:

This thread has really got me thinking. I have had a tough couple years with catching keepers, let alone 30 lbers. I am going to have to change my tactics this year. Problem being I usually only fish on the weekends and usually only early morning through early evening, never at night. The point bloocrab makes about casting into the blitz is a good one. Usually I am chasing the birds and thus the crowd when out in bbay. Reading all these posts makes me realize what a rookie I still am. Hopefully this year I will take my biggest bass yet. Going to try some different tactics as well as spots and times.

Except it just aint true Bart. We are not talking high 40, 50 or 60lb fish. 30's are good respectable catches and there are fisherman who consistently take multiple 30's every season. In fact I know personally of at least 6 members of S-B who have all taken 2+ over for the last two years from shore.
I dont think theres much luck in taking 30lbers, mostly skill and timing.
And I agree, most people arent targeting large, or they just think they are.
What is the difference though?

i haven't caught multiple 30s, but i have taken a 30 the past two seasons. not a huge accomplishment, but im still young and i know ill go large at some point. i know i've lost a lot of big fish too, mostly due to dull hooks. yeah im an idiot. but i've put myself in the position to take a big fish. i think it comes down to if youre not out there fishing every night chances are youre not gonna get the big one...

Not many have time to fish every night.You have to fish when you think you have the best chance for large.Canal is not private and some weeks you can go large multiple times:hihi: .Some of the spots marked X were also large producers last year.And I was alone:fishslap:

It's not as difficult as many make it out to be. You don't need to fish private property , private or restricted access or need special permission. It may help but so does a boat and electronics. There are far too many places to catch large that are accessable to everyone all the time. Even in the months when you hear it said "they're no large around" they're here, you just got to know or figure out where, when, why and then how (location, conditions, bait they're on or that's holding them, using proper gear and keeping it maintained). Some factors were mentioned in previous posts. Different spots have different circumstances or conditions that will attract or hold fish, many times large. time spent at these locals (lots of time) to learn them and become productive is what's going to put or get someone in this category. You'll get your share of teens and twenty somethings but you'll get your large. Sure luck has something to do with it but I'm not one who counts on luck. I'd rather do my homework, put in my time and be prepared.

... most need to find the common denominator of those who have consistantly successful seasons
Is that why you follow me around everywhere? :hidin:

Even though there exists that old adage big bait big fish


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One factor, at times , can be size of offering. My three biggest bass came on: a tiny piece of crab chewed mackerel skin, a 4" tin / maybe 6 inches with big bucktail siwash, and a 5" Skitterpop.

Other large on many relatively small lures etc.

Some people learn from their mistakes others never do. I'm content getting skunked beleive it or not atleast I know the odds are higher(atleast I think they are) where I'm at throwing and I what I throw with the tackle I have. If you go to a spring and fall hot spot in the summer...you haven't learned to spend the extra money to get to where you neede to be to cast into cooler deeper waters,,,thats why alot of people settle for smaller fish.

With so many people fishing heavy tackle from the surf, why are so few large bass taken (per person) 30lb+ during the course of the season?
What is your definition of so few? One per season? 5+ per season?

I believe that they are always within striking distance of most catches. By this I mean that the "dinks" or schoolies are quick to hit and are not as wise as the cows.

For instance, I was on a local bridge roadway looking down on someone fishing from the rocks below. This guy caught about 20-30 dinks! Having a great time! But, what I saw and he did not was almost every hooked schoolie was being followed by a much much larger Fish. They just came up out of nowhere and seemed to almost escort the dinks in. And when they came to close to shore they dove back down into the deep. I watched this happen atleast a dozen times. At that time a light bulb when off and repeated the well know saying "Big Bait begets Big Fish".

There is just no other way to get past the dinks down to the Cows without getting the schoolies to hit.

Just my thoughts!!!

Tight lines to all!

Id say alot of time and a little smarts and throw in some luck.....live bait helps too....if somebody is really targeting large and does so with vigor they will be rewarded

This year I have a 10' and a 11' 9 ' All Star spinning...going with some big reels with 80# braid and 80# mono leaders... going off Cape to more rocky destinations.

Some plugs 9" and bigger and some rubber or plastic 9" up to 16"
....even 36" tubes from shore :shocked:

Won`t be doing a lot of casting at 52 years old with a very bad back and some other extra health issues but I will choose my casts, locations,times , etc. etc. well.... or I will attempt to :usd:

What is your definition of so few? One per season? 5+ per season?
I guess thats the question. HOW MANY people really catch at least one 30lb per season every year?
I am sure quite a few, but with so many using "heavy tackle", why arent more caught.
Some say because theyre aren't any around, but more than just a few guys are getting good fish every season. Makes to think if you aren't catching multiple 30's, your doing something wrong in your approach, if your targeting larger fish.

U anwered ur own qestion.There doing something wrong.
On one trip to the canal all i heard how fishng was slow.In every tackle shop thou are the dated pictures of quality fish.Fish of 30 lbs or better.Taken every day.Seems some folks are content in hearing that fishing is slow.Easier to be lazy in there approach..An some are out to prove it wrong.I tell ya what if i lived near there i wouldn't fish to many other places.

Krispy.this is ur second thread pertaining to this subject.
What do U think.??

I think I need to tweak some changes to get the 5+ 30 lbers I want through the season.
I think 95% of fishermen aren't doing something right

propper time on the tide, location, correct type bait or lure,propper presentation,lots of time, and fish sense and lovin what you do helps..

Anybody can have the gear but that doesn't mean they know what they're doing.

I hate to admit the truth, but the number of nights you spend is the key once you learn the game. There is definitely no shortage of 30 plus fish at all. Even enough 40's if you catch things right. I probably caught more jumbo fish in the 1990-2000 era than I will the rest of my life combined.That's 40 more years if I live long enough(75) and stay interested.Why? Time, time, time, or lack of it.

I think I need to tweak some changes to get the 5+ 30 lbers I want through the season.
I think 95% of fishermen aren't doing something right


So enlighten us .what have u learned from this thread.What tweakings will u make to land the better fish.

There one of those fancy sayings I can remember excatly.
10 percent of the fisherman catch 90 percent of the fish.
something like that.Sometimes I feel its right.Sometimes I feel like I'm a 11 percenter.

I think there are alot more 30 lbers around right now.5-6 yrs ago I don't think there where as many.A good season would be 1 or 2 -30's.Still today I would consider 5 or more 30's as a very good surf yr.There are guys who do that easily.Why they are on the pulse of things.They live near big fish productive waters an fish proven techniques.I live in NJ my windows for a good fish are small with the spring run being the best.Fall is much harder to score a big bass.If I lived further north an could fish all summer in a t shirt an thro eels into 25 ft water from the surf.Thats what I would be doin.No question.I would expect 10-30's from that.
Time on the water is the Key.U don't have to be a 30 yr pro.
put in a good few yrs harcore keep a log pay attention to whats going on it's common sense.Really.I tell ya what the learning curve is alot sharper now.I wish the internet was around when I started.

Krispy...do you fall into the 95%? Or the 5% of those who know what they are doing? What are your average over 30 pound catches per season? Just a curious question....maybe I missed that part somewhere. I for one seem to get close but never over that threshold.....but as I have said I am happy to just catch though bigger fish are always on the mind.:drool:

goosefish taught me the coolest trick a few years ago and i have been good for about 2 fish over 30 lbs a season.. many many many fish in the mid to high 20's but not lots of 30's... will i share that trick??

no way :tooth:

#1 reason is time on the water. more time gives you a greater chance to catch. #2 location, location, location. Some produce lots of small fish others produce cows consistently in comparison to others. The best spots are the ones kept closest to the vest. #3 Live bait It will always outproduce artificials. Dont care who says differently. #4 The night is where it is at. A LOT of people dont like to be out at night or are not willing to be hurting the next day. #5 having CONFIDENCE in your abilities. Success breeds SUCCESS!!

Boat fishing is a totally different animal than shore.Spot,tides and technique are paramount to success when boat fishing.All of my boat fishing is done in the daytime and the captain knows how and where to fish.We catch many cows in the middle of the day.

So enlighten us .what have u learned from this thread.What tweakings will u make to land the better fish.
I dunno :huh: I was hoping you guys could tell me what Im missing :pop:
Most likely, I will focus in on 4-5 spots and narrow down what Im using
I did a lot of running around the last 2 years learning places and stuff. Im lucky in that I have been taught so much by the crew I fish with and a few guys who have shared info w/ me

Time.....can't catch if your not fishing......don't check the internet for fishing reports...dont go out and buy every new hot lure that people are getting all giddy over that year...and be confident in what you are doing......I only say this because....that was me for the last 2 years...I would read about how great some guys are doing here or there and say..." that's where I need to fish, and that's the lure I need to use"...then when I get there...I say....." now what do I do?"

There is nothing wrong with trying new things......just be ready to work at it....and get out there and FISH!!

goosefish taught me the coolest trick a few years ago and i have been good for about 2 fish over 30 lbs a season.. many many many fish in the mid to high 20's but not lots of 30's... will i share that trick??

no way :tooth:


I bet i know what it is.:D

Doesn't matter u don't need no tricks.Ur problem is time.A few nights a week from 8-11 is kinda like fishing tourtue to me.Some nights I'm just warming up at 11.
I know havin a little one is cooll an u wouldn't give it up for anything.But just imagine u where the NIB.
Or better yet before u know it the little man will be right by ur side.
probably outfishin ya also.Then maybe momma will let ya's stay out late.Heck she'll probably encourage it.:D

you know mw all to well T.. its tough having a bed time. :(

we shall not speak of the trick :hihi:

I have to say that having someone teach you what to do and, tides, wind, and different spots and how to fish them shortens your learning curve, when you start on your own and have to lear everything from scratch it takes years longer and although a big fish will come just by chance it will happen. fish the same five spots keep a log and keep track of everything.
I am going to be stalking Nebe this year

I have to say that having someone teach you what to do and, tides, wind, and different spots and how to fish them shortens your learning curve, when you start on your own and have to lear everything from scratch it takes years longer and although a big fish will come just by chance it will happen. fish the same five spots keep a log and keep track of everything.
I am going to be stalking Nebe this year

U may watch him like a peepin tom
but u will never go where i have with him...

But just imagine u where the NIB.

:eek: :eek:

I think there are 2 parts to the questions. I think more people do catch 30's now, due to advanced technology like braid. fish before that, were broken off. However, I think those ar ethe guys that get 1 every couple of years or that will be their largest ever.

I think in the most important thing you need to do in order to catch fish over 30, you need to fish alot of hours in the middle of th night where you can't rely on seeing stucture, current etc, but you learn to feel it. And in those hours, understand spots pretty intimately to understand the patterns in how the fish relate to that spot. As with anything, the guys with the most hours spent fishing, usually have the most large fish. This is a pretty generic answer, but i think it holds true. There will always be things like NJ's june bunker fishing where you can pencil popper 30's with little knowledge, but those aren't always the guys that can get a 30 in th middle of the summer or when fishing is slow in the fall when no one else can get fish. And sometimes, its just luck.

I also think there are alot of fish caught, that nobody ever hears about.

U may watch him like a peepin tom
but u will never go where i have with him...

NIB; that is a scary, scary thought... Brokeback NJ anyone...???

Some people have 'it' some don't

My father and I go bassin, the scales might tip towards me a bit just based on number of trips/year right now... but we go blackfishing and I usually get smoked like I'm tunafishin in a trout stream...

WoW Charlie U got jokes.:D
Face It Deep Inside
U wanna be like THE NIB
:hihi:

NIB; that is a scary, scary thought... Brokeback NJ anyone...???

Some people have 'it' some don't

My father and I go bassin, the scales might tip towards me a bit just based on number of trips/year right now... but we go blackfishing and I usually get smoked like I'm tunafishin in a trout stream...


I use my real name to Make My Point Clear.
Tony G Don't play that game.:poke:
Tog can be Mutha's.
Sometimes ur the hero sometimes ur the goat.
IMO a way more difficult gamefish to catch than Bass.

Havnt been around much lately but have a couple thoughts about this. To get 30# and 40# fish you have to play the game probability.

-Putting in the time is important, but it has to be in the right place as well. Finding the right water will increase your odds as well as what you use for lures/bait.
-Yes, people do catch big fish on plugs, but big fish will come much more frequent on bait.
-Large bass spend 99% of their time on the bottom- forget about dannys, bombers and surface lures.
-Theres always someone to argue, "in the past we caught large fish on a particular lure" This is true but I guarantee that the guy who is not posting on this board that fished back in the day caught 100 times the amount of big fish on eels or other bait. Eels ruled back then from the surf, same as they do now.
-Forget teasers- yea I know, guys do catch large on them, but your probability is pretty low. If a 60 pounder is eating sea robins and flounder, why would it chase after a 2" piece of bucktail?
-Large fish do come in close to shore in numbers, but the probability is very low... if they come in large numbers we all would be catching them all the time.
-Most fisherman exagerate them amount of large fish they catch.
-Most fisherman exagerate the number of true trophy fish that break them off.
-There are very small windows of oppurtunity, but numbers of large fish move through during these windows. When you find a window at any time of the season its better to fish that window for as long as its open rather than fish every weekend no matter what the conditions are.
-The best fisherman hunt alone. Another good fisherman fishing near you can cut down your odds.
-Try to limit yourself to to amount of water you cover in a year, and think logically about.
-Trophy hunting is a misearble experience as far as catching goes because 99% of the time you're not going to catch a 40#er. Most go many, many years before they get a 40. The smart ones/sharpies learn how to make this happen more frequent.
-Once you have things working toward your advantage, there is no reason to change. There are many ways to get the job done, whether its with a lamiglass, allstar, vanstall or mitchell 300. Pluses and minuses to each.

Yeah, I've had a few beers so you're going to get an even longer then normal post tonight...

Last year was one of my best seasons in the surf, and it was probably no coincidence that it occured in a year I moved closer to the water. I used to have to drive 45 minutes to get to good striper water. I moved both to get closer to work and have a shorter commute and of course, to fish.

I have fished Newport for a while now and have found more then a few spots that have a fairly brief window of productivity. Being nearby allows me to fish that productive hour or two and then go to bed or shift to another spot as it approaches its window of productivity.

I think efficiency is very important on the water. Fishing non-stop or just simply all the time is pointless if you're not fishing when the fish are there. Sounds obvious but I think we are all guilty of it too often. I also think we spread ourselves too thin and maybe we should work harder at mastering fewer places rather then just learning a little bit about a lot of places so that we can learn those producitvity windows. I spent a lot of time in the past covering the RI coast trying new spots hoping to intercept some good action. I never really learned anything important other then how to get to all the spots until I slowed down and fished fewer spots more often.

Stats which were revealing for me this past year for 30#+ fish I caught from shore:

*3 out of 5 30#+ fish were on surface swimmers. Dannys and AJ's. Good sized plugs. The 2 others were on needles. I'm sure this is mostly because those are the plug I like to fish. I didn't fish eels much last year, not sure why though.

*3 out of 5 came from the same place, same tide, and they were probably sitting on the same rock, in different months. This might be the most important stat, I'm not sure. Same 20x20 area, 3 fish over 30, different months. We'll see if there's a repeat this year.

*3 of the fish came on nights I only fished for about 2 hours and then went to bed.


Eben mentioned Goosefish. Goosefish is one of my favorite people to talk about stripers with because when you hear him talk about fishing and spots you can tell he's a real student of striper fishing. He knows the cuts, depths, and rocks intimately at his spots. I've never asked, but I bet he knows particular rocks that he catches quality bass off of.

Going further back as a kid I was a freshwater bass fisherman since I grew up on a bass pond and I fished almost ebvery day there wasn't ice on the pond. Largemouth are very spot sensitive. 3 of my biggest largemouths all came from the same spot in one pond, at one time of the year. When I fished that pond I ALWAYS watched the depthfinder as I drove around in a small boat. It's been almost 15 years since I fished that pond but I can still picture EVERY square foot of the bottom of that pond in my mind and recall where and when for all my big fish.

There is much more to spots then just the spot. Time, and much more importantly efficient time, on the water is all important. The gear you use and lures you throw take a back seat to knowing where the fish are and when. Sometimes specifically where the fish are.

Good points Rizzo and Pete. Two things that stand out are fishing the spots you know well, and stay near the bottom/strike zone as long as possible. A cape legend once told me "fish the f!#!$%!@N bottom for large." This doesn't mean drowning bait, it simply means fish near the bottom regardless of what you are throwing whether it be plugs or bait. Some large will come on top, but I'll take my chances near the bottom,bottom, bottom 99 out of 100 times.

Pete, Goosefish is more of a student of angling as opposed to striper fishing- right now he is focosing in on smallmouth- he just took a 4.5 sight fishing......
He only fishes 4 or 5 spots tops and knows the structure like the back of his hand. I have taken him to a few of my spots and i can always sense his aprehention if he doesnt know how deep the water is, or where the dropoffs or boulders are.. infact, last season i found myself pointing out places i wanted to take him into in advance so he could go over his charts ahead of time. Hes a damn good teacher though... he has taught me lots and lots of things i never would have dreamed of alone.

I figured I'd bump this up for fall, it is worth reviewing.

I already met my goals for the season, and much of what members posted on this thread was the reason.

Thanks Krisp, this is a very good thread. I bumped it up a notch this year with little to show for it. Much of the challenges noted above are the same for me.
I have been fishing salt and fresh since I was a little kid, very comfortable with all the basics. Became a nightime strper fisherman about 6 years ago. My Dad did very well fishing RI surf up until 1994, then moved to Florida. So he was an excellent source of info and guidance. He was the best fisherman I have ever known, multiple 30s, 40s, and 50s. All that said, I have never caught a bass larger than 26 lbs. I fish hard, 99% of the time alone and always at night. I use eels mostly then plugs, jigs and sluggos/surf hogs.
By fishing alone, I hardly learn anything new. I dont know, what I dont know. I have been exploring new areas and sometimes getting into fsih. My biggest drawback is that I only fish 1-2 nights a week. I wish I was learning more when I was out there. I am sure I am repeating my mistakes.

I think the following:

1) Fish in "big fish" spots.

2) Fish "big fish" bait, lures, whatever. You will not get a 30 on a crippled herring. Yeah, I know someone will say that they knew someone who did. By and large, it's not a "big fish" lure. A Habs Needle or a Danny or a live Bunker or a live Eel, well, those are "big fish" baits.

3) Fish "big fish" hours. You will have a better chance getting a big fish at 3 in the morning than 3 in the afternoon.

4) Fish for "big fish". Throw conventional. Figure out where you will land a 30+ before your first cast. Crawl the rocks where no one else does. Doesn't need to be private, just tough to get to.

5) Finally, fish "big fish" moon and tides. Dark side of the moon, certain tides at certain places and certain weather conditions.

There is a spot in RI that a few of us know about that if the following is in place, there will be 30# fish taken.
Dark side of the moon
Overcast
High tide at midnight or so
NE wind at 15 to 20 or more
Throw live eels.
I have caught over 2 dozen 30+ pound fish at this one spot in these conditions. A guy I use to fish with and I had 10 fish over 30 in 1, 3 hour stretch on a night in these conditions. Nasty spot with bubble weed, black rocks, big water and "BIG FISH".

I figured I'd bump this up for fall, it is worth reviewing.

I already met my goals for the season, and much of what members posted on this thread was the reason.

Does this mean you are quitting for the year? I haven't met my Krispy quota yet, so I am going to keep fishing. :musc:

Krispy, what's your breakdown % as far as bait caught versus artificial caught?

Does this mean you are quitting for the year? I haven't met my Krispy quota yet, so I am going to keep fishing. :musc:

Krispy, what's your breakdown % as far as bait caught versus artificial caught?
Not quittin, just upping the goal. Looking for a 40 before the season ends :D
over 30#s this year 6 on eels, 1 on a Jr Atom (imho the best big fish metal lip swimmer)
Add 2 more unconfirmed over 30's on eels if ya feelin' generous

There are plenty of 30 pound fish out there... bigger ones too. Krispy.. why do you think no one is catching them?? I think it's just seems that way because the only one who still posts pics is #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& :scream: :wave:. We take pics for articles and memories and once in a while for the board..We learned that the HARD way. :)

What has hurt my numbers this year is being out of work and barely finding enough side work to pay my bills. Had and have plenty of time just can't afford the gas and it adds up quick putting in the time and being mobile and putting in the miles. Gotta be responsible and take care of whats important first. Lucky if I get out once a week, got a couple of decent ones this year but nothing like when I was getting out 5-6 nights a week. That's what it takes to have a pulse of what is going on in the surf. Gotta put in your time to know where they are, are they holding there or moving on if so where, know what bait is around and where it is. That and as mentioned where to go based on conditions and environmental factors that make spots productive at certain times.

It's fall, I need to get out and fish. Anyone in the West Warwick area mind hooking up a brother and getting me out to save my sanity.

There are plenty of 30 pound fish out there... bigger ones too. Krispy.. why do you think no one is catching them?? I think it's just seems that way because the only one who still posts pics is #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& :scream: :wave:. We take pics for articles and memories and once in a while for the board..We learned that the HARD way. :)
I said most ;) Just following what I read online by others

Not quittin, just upping the goal. Looking for a 40 before the season ends :D
over 30#s this year 6 on eels, 1 on a Jr Atom (imho the best big fish metal lip swimmer)
Add 2 more unconfirmed over 30's on eels if ya feelin' generous

Generous? Show me the slips :poke:

How about tonight? :call:

U have to be lucky enough, like me to have the big fish intercept the big baits.Like they did here in NJ.This has been going on for 5 yrs now but this yr was off the charts.
Not lots of skill the fish where there to be caught.I coached this 16 yr old kid through the fight an pulled a 40 on the beach for him one mornin.
I had a yr that most good guys don't do in a lifetime..

Generous? Show me the slips :poke:
Careful what you ask of him. I posed this question to him one night and he lifted up his skirt! :eek5:

I think it's just seems that way because the only one who still posts pics is #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& :scream: :wave:.
Cause he loves the attention when u guys torture him..:scream: There's no shortage of big fish around as far as I can tell. just gotta know where to look I guess,,:eyes:

There are plenty of 30 pound fish out there... bigger ones too. Krispy.. why do you think no one is catching them?? I think it's just seems that way because the only one who still posts pics is #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& :scream: :wave:. We take pics for articles and memories and once in a while for the board..We learned that the HARD way. :)


Great point Dave! Your right there are plenty of guys cacthing multiple 30lb fish...to me that size is no longer a benchmark of anything...certainly not a big deal anymore..a 40lb fish, yes but 30lb fish are now the new 20lb fish there are loads of them around....I have no idea why he would think no one is catching them? And I also know you have had your share:hihi: I post pictures to start controversy:rotf3: Good or bad at least people talk!! Its to bad, you should post your pics dave,, what the heck is wrong around here?? Let people post there pic!!

Great point Dave! Your right there are plenty of guys cacthing multiple 30lb fish...to me that size is no longer a benchmark of anything...certainly not a big deal anymore..a 40lb fish, yes but 30lb fish are now the new 20lb fish there are loads of them around....I have no idea why he would think no one is catching them? And I also know you have had your share:hihi: I post pictures to start controversy:rotf3: Good or bad at least people talk!! Its to bad, you should post your pics dave,, what the heck is wrong around here?? Let people post there pic!!
If that were true youd stop posting lame pics of 30s Steve birddogs for you :jump:
From reading these boards, the majority of members are not sticking multiple 30s per season. Good for you if you are :poke: Some threads arent about what your doing, its helping each other become better fishermen. "Good or bad at least people talk!!" If you so intently need people to talk about you, call some reports in to the papers, then call a therapist :sick:

I would post pics but I can't.
30's aren't exactly 20's...
I think what #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& calls controversy some might call conversation.
I enjoy it.

If that were true youd stop posting lame pics of 30s Steve birddogs for you :jump:
From reading these boards, the majority of members are not sticking multiple 30s per season. Good for you if you are :poke: Some threads arent about what your doing, its helping each other become better fishermen. "Good or bad at least people talk!!" If you so intently need people to talk about you, call some reports in to the papers, then call a therapist :sick:
Krispy, lighten up, Read some of my posts from the past, I try and tell people what I do...its not to hard to figure out...Find rocks ....toss eels....All I am saying is that from what I hear and see there are many 30lb fish weighed in at the local tackle shops and it just becomes routine.....Like in the past many 18-20lb fish where weighed in, you become numb to it and its not a big deal to see one anymore....after awhile you thearize that there must be a lot of them around...

As for the last part there , it was a joke but, you are right! I need a threapist bad! and I am a SMF! :hihi:

I have not fished hard in a couple of seasons due to my daughter and the house. What I believe is going on, is that we as a society tend to be a lazy society, and becase of that many are fishing the easiest places to access, fishing the first thing out of their bag rather than taking the time to get eels, pogies, etc.. The better fish I have caught have all come from places where there was a good walk involved to get to the spot, the spot all had rocky structure, none of the fish came on anything smaller than a 2+ oz danny, a 5oz jig and rubber combo, eels, pogie chunks, and live bait. Because of this I am sure many are limiting themselves to a certain size fish based on the structure they are fishing and the kind of fishing they are doing. I hope to fish a bit this October, but that depends on many things, but the nights I fish will be places, and methods where I have traditionally caught good fish, using methods that have worked for me. Since becoming a member here I have fished with some who I consider hardcore, and some of the best fishermen in the Northeast, either directly learning from them, or indirectly by fishing with others who have learned from them. I am a better fisherman today because of it.

Thanks to those people, I am sure you know who you are.

I have not fished hard in a couple of seasons due to my daughter and the house. What I believe is going on, is that we as a society tend to be a lazy society, and becase of that many are fishing the easiest places to access, fishing the first thing out of their bag rather than taking the time to get eels, pogies, etc.. The better fish I have caught have all come from places where there was a good walk involved to get to the spot, the spot all had rocky structure, none of the fish came on anything smaller than a 2+ oz danny, a 5oz jig and rubber combo, eels, pogie chunks, and live bait. Because of this I am sure many are limiting themselves to a certain size fish based on the structure they are fishing and the kind of fishing they are doing. I hope to fish a bit this October, but that depends on many things, but the nights I fish will be places, and methods where I have traditionally caught good fish, using methods that have worked for me. Since becoming a member here I have fished with some who I consider hardcore, and some of the best fishermen in the Northeast, either directly learning from them, or indirectly by fishing with others who have learned from them. I am a better fisherman today because of it.

Thanks to those people, I am sure you know who you are.

I agree, everyone wants to fall out of there car and bang a large , doesnt work that way. Also you are right, I feel bad for the people who scoff at either eels , or bait (as long as its fresh) there is no better way to a cow then live bait or fresh chunked bait.Those guys the other night on cutty who banged all the 40lb fish, did so on eels....for every 40 cought on a plug, there will be several caught on some form of live or fresh bait

I agree, everyone wants to fall out of there car and bang a large , doesnt work that way. Also you are right, I feel bad for the people who scoff at either eels , or bait (as long as its fresh) there is no better way to a cow then live bait or fresh chunked bait.Those guys the other night on cutty who banged all the 40lb fish, did so on eels....for every 40 cought on a plug, there will be several caught on some form of live or fresh bait


No doubt. Use the freakin eels for chrissakes, its like a free pass at times. Some of the other things mentioned earlier have held up too, and always will.My ten largest fish this year have come from two spots. My five largest have all come from the same spot, roughly on the same part of the tide, all on eels, but in four different months(may-aug). I was discussing this with someone yesterday and we agreed that you need to stick with one or two spots that will produce large, take the occasional skunking like a man, and you will get your rewards. If you feel like you need to catch fish every time you fish to maintain your manhood:musc:, then targeting the biggest fish(from shore) is probably not for you if you can't handle the failures associated with it. At times, I'm a tremendous slouch in terms of catching fish, but it usually pays off at the end of the season. Still working on my "Krispy" quota though.

I know a lot of people that fish hard and dont get 30lbers. Im one of them. All nighters, rough surf, scouting areas, etc. My biggest drawback is the time I have to committ.
Looking at this thread, and I hope nonne takes this as insult, but it seems the people that regualrly catch large fish, have some sort of "network" that keeps its pulse on the where the best areas to focus on are. In this thread slone, there are so many personal references among the people that are catching. I dont thinks thats a bad thing, but I do think that adds to people's success.
I think saying fish a rocky area at night w/ eels and you'll go large is not accurate. I've been doing that for years, in places I know big fish have been caught in the past. Maybe I just suck, but I try very hard.

I know a lot of people that fish hard and dont get 30lbers. Im one of them. All nighters, rough surf, scouting areas, etc. My biggest drawback is the time I have to committ.
Looking at this thread, and I hope nonne takes this as insult, but it seems the people that regualrly catch large fish, have some sort of "network" that keeps its pulse on the where the best areas to focus on are. In this thread slone, there are so many personal references among the people that are catching. I dont thinks thats a bad thing, but I do think that adds to people's success.
I think saying fish a rocky area at night w/ eels and you'll go large is not accurate. I've been doing that for years, in places I know big fish have been caught in the past. Maybe I just suck, but I try very hard.

It's not just fishing HARD. It's fishing often. I fish good water as hard as the next guy. HOWEVER, I only get out 2-3 times a week. My cances of catching large are only 30-40% that of guys that can and do go out 5-7 nights a week. I know this, it's just a fact. You want large? dedicate yourself to it or have luck on you side (Or both).

It's not just fishing HARD. It's fishing often. I fish good water as hard as the next guy. HOWEVER, I only get out 2-3 times a week. My cances of catching large are only 30-40% that of guys that can and do go out 5-7 nights a week. I know this, it's just a fact. You want large? dedicate yourself to it or have luck on you side (Or both).

I agree 100%

you should post your pics dave,, what the heck is wrong around here?? Let people post there pic!!

Ok... Case in point... here's a 30(ish) (I had no scale) fish I caught last night 45"... prob 28-32 pounds.... After this post went up.. I made it my goal to take a 30 last night... :laugha:

With so many people fishing heavy tackle from the surf, why are so few large bass taken (per person) 30lb+ during the course of the season? The fish are there..

What is the general striped bass fishing population missing when targeting larger fish? Location, technique, dedication, landing ability, etc.???

RIJimmy, you are so right. Alot, I believe the majority, of people fish very hard, doing alot of the right things w/o the consistent success of large fish (or avg fish, depending which heros you want to believe). What are some of the most important factors fishermen should be focusing on when searching bigger fish?

Ok... Case in point... here's a 30(ish) (I had no scale) fish I caught last night 45"... prob 28-32 pounds.... After this post went up.. I made it my goal to take a 30 last night... :laugha:
Thanks for adding absolutely nothing to this thread :uhuh:

I know a lot of people that fish hard and dont get 30lbers. Im one of them. All nighters, rough surf, scouting areas, etc. My biggest drawback is the time I have to committ.
Looking at this thread, and I hope nonne takes this as insult, but it seems the people that regualrly catch large fish, have some sort of "network" that keeps its pulse on the where the best areas to focus on are. In this thread slone, there are so many personal references among the people that are catching. I dont thinks thats a bad thing, but I do think that adds to people's success.
I think saying fish a rocky area at night w/ eels and you'll go large is not accurate. I've been doing that for years, in places I know big fish have been caught in the past. Maybe I just suck, but I try very hard.

The "network" you speak of doesn't exist for me... and I'm not trying cto say that I'm anywhere near a sharpie... here's the problem with that theory. Once in a while I do get some privy info, and I'm not stupid... I go. But I think the best advice is not to chase reports... and we all do it, but so Joe Babeets has been taking good fish 2 nights in a row at "phantom beach"... you go running over there on the 3rd night you have 2 strikes against you already... now maybe they'll be there again and you'll, as Billy says, Hone 'em. But I'd say if you get 20 reports like that you might find good fish twice. You're much better off to map out 6 locations that fish well on different tides/winds etc... and hit them religiously for the season. If you do your homework you're gonna catch big fish... I promise, for someone who can't stay on them night after night... it does get a little harder... but knowing when NOT to go is just as important as knowing when to go.

:btu:

RIJimmy, you are so right. Alot, I believe the majority, of people fish very hard, doing alot of the right things w/o the consistent success of large fish (or avg fish, depending which heros you want to believe). What are some of the most important factors fishermen should be focusing on when searching bigger fish?


I dont have teh answer, but can tell you what I dont have or dont do
This assumes fsihing productive water with eels at night

1. Spend 4-5 nights/week fishing a handful of spots, in all tides/conditions
2. Establish relationships with like minded fisherman (see 1 above) who can share success and lessons learned. get a "pulse" on fish movements
3. Learn from your mistakes and success

Those are my thoughts.

Thanks for adding absolutely nothing to this thread :uhuh:

NOt sure I understand that statement but I know you have a history making little sense so I'll just take it as that?? :gf:

Ok... Case in point... here's a 30(ish) (I had no scale) fish I caught last night 45"... prob 28-32 pounds.... After this post went up.. I made it my goal to take a 30 last night... :laugha:

Nice fish dave...Keep bangin em'and hangin em' Now is the time

Canalman, lets run with that fish for a minute and get to what i think Krispy means.
So you got a good fish last night, can you answer why? What was you reason for fishing where you did? Was it an ideal combination of tide/weather or just a good spot? Have you gotten fish there b4?

If his point is to say that I'm rubbing it in people's face.. it wasn't meant to be that way it was meant more a joke than anything else.

I fished that spot because of the SE wind. I have been taking good fish there on the NW but on the other side (sorry if this is a little vague). On a SW or SE the side i fished last night is best. I didn't hit the spot at the optimum tide either... I tested a theory first (which failed :laughs: ) so I probably cost myself some fish but that's how I learn.

As for why... I can't answer why I don;t know. even when you think you have a perfected formula for a spot it doesn't always work.

I have taken many fish there in the past.. the conditions were not "ideal" but they were good and in the fall good is usually good enough or great

thx

did I answer your questions well enough?

Krispy,
My answer to your question is simple. Time- or lack there of. The major factor that limits the number of quality fish I catch a year is the number of hours I can put in in the surf. If, like some others-the minority I add, I had no job and could spend countless hours in the surf and on the boat, I am sure I would have many 30s and a few 40s a year. So, for me and the small crew I fish with- the time spent in the surf directly reflects the number of quality fish I could boast about.
Maybe one of these days my gimp knee will really give out and I can spend the rest of my days on a disability fishing to my hearts content. Then- look out fatties, here I come!

I work a full time job, but I live very close to the water... I go 3-5 nights a week... if I'm into fish I'm just a miserable bastid at work the next day :rotf2:

I wish I lived close....45 mins for me which isn't too bad. The wife hates me this time of year anyway, but for me the treestand calls more than the surf most nights

I work a full time job, but I live very close to the water... I go 3-5 nights a week... if I'm into fish I'm just a miserable bastid at work the next day :rotf2:

so that's pretty much all the time :huh:

I think its been answered... for most people its time and location. If a person only fishes 2 nights a week then they have maybe, what 10 chances in the fall? What if its once a week. Then what if you only get to a big fish spot for a 2 or 3 trips. Odds aren't good. What percent of people get out 4+ nights a week in top locations.
I know when I was fishing the canal 3 or 4 nights a week in the fall a few years back it was much easier to rack up big numbers. Now in western ct it is a little harder to find the bigger fish from shore especially since I don't know the area as well yet. Only get to cape areas and rhody for a handful on nights a season. Harder to get a feel for where they are showing. A few years ago I was at the point where 40" was ok, but nothing special. Now, even fishing 4 or 5 nights a week for at lest an hour or two I am very pleased with a fish in that range. Maybe I am just losing it :conf: .

Ok... Case in point... here's a 30(ish) (I had no scale) fish I caught last night 45"... prob 28-32 pounds.... After this post went up.. I made it my goal to take a 30 last night... :laugha:
WTF, U need a camera man, nice fish Dave, I'll do the pic takin' 2nite though..:rotf2:

Nice fish Dave, looks like a 30 to me!!:uhuh:

The "network" you speak of doesn't exist for me... and I'm not trying cto say that I'm anywhere near a sharpie... here's the problem with that theory. Once in a while I do get some privy info, and I'm not stupid... I go. But I think the best advice is not to chase reports... and we all do it, but so Joe Babeets has been taking good fish 2 nights in a row at "phantom beach"... you go running over there on the 3rd night you have 2 strikes against you already... now maybe they'll be there again and you'll, as Billy says, Hone 'em. But I'd say if you get 20 reports like that you might find good fish twice. You're much better off to map out 6 locations that fish well on different tides/winds etc... and hit them religiously for the season. If you do your homework you're gonna catch big fish... I promise, for someone who can't stay on them night after night... it does get a little harder... but knowing when NOT to go is just as important as knowing when to go.

:btu:

Good to see you got a decent one Dave. Knowing when not to go is huge, although you need an infinite amount of knowledge to be able to arrive at that observation. My fishing trips now are all less than 5-6 hours. Figure 2 hours of driving, and 3 or 4 hours of fishing. Again, I don't and can't kill myself with real long nights, because experience tells me that it usually doesn't pay off most of the time. Find the sweet spot of the tide for the spot you are fishing, and stick with it. When I fished heavy commercial in the 90's, my partners used to laugh and quesiton why I gave up so early when we've been slamming them all night.The reason for me was that most of the damage gets done over a couple hour period of time. I feel the same now as I did then with regard to the sweet spot theory. I think in one of Daignault's books he refers to good surfcasting as a "miserly conservation of one's energy". One of the best statements I've ever heard. Hope I added something to the thread, Krispy. Be generous....:smash:

Thanks for adding absolutely nothing to this thread :uhuh:


What do u add..U contstantly complain about threads or post's in threads.
The Kid caught a good fish.He's proud of his accomplishment.I'm sure there was more to follow an there was. 30's are not as common as #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& says or U would have more.

What makes u think ur so special...
I never ever once read any Info out of u that I could apply to be succesfull.Yet u always chime in with ur remarks..
U must be the man..Surfcaster above all...
Krispy The Great..I bow at ur feet...
Flamer...

RIJimmy, you are so right. Alot, I believe the majority, of people fish very hard, doing alot of the right things w/o the consistent success of large fish (or avg fish, depending which heros you want to believe). What are some of the most important factors fishermen should be focusing on when searching bigger fish?

Factors? One factor people overlook is that you need to fish in a place or time that is conducive to not just hooking, but landing, a big fish. I hear people say all the time,"she wrapped me on a pot". Well, don't fish near the f#$%^%$n pots then. It may be a good place to find and hook a fish, but a bad spot to land one. How about the canal,rivers, and breachways? People tell me "I had a monster, but it got out in the current". Solution? Fish when the tide slows a bit or is just about stopped. Sounds simple, but people forget these things. Landing, not hooking, is the key. Why have most of my jumbos come from the outer cape? Its the best place I can think of on the eastern seaboard to LAND a big fish. Lets say you can hook five jumbos in the rocks and land one of them, or you can hook two jumbos on a sandy beach and land both of them. Where would you go? Higher landing % makes the most sense to me if you are looking for numbers of real big ones, beyond 40# fish.

I just wasted a ton of time reading this whole thread :eyes:

and to me the old saying is true

90% of the fish are caught by 10% of fishermen.

and doesn't mean no one is catching it just means there are people catching they are just not telling anyone

What do u add..U contstantly complain about threads or post's in threads.
The Kid caught a good fish.He's proud of his accomplishment.I'm sure there was more to follow an there was. 30's are not as common as #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& says or U would have more.

What makes u think ur so special...
I never ever once read any Info out of u that I could apply to be succesfull.Yet u always chime in with ur remarks..
U must be the man..Surfcaster above all...
Krispy The Great..I bow at ur feet...
Flamer...
The last page and a half of this thread speaks for itself..
All I wanted was to get more info on consistently catching 30+ fish, not wade through banter and guys boasting how everyone is catching 30s and the rest of us must suck.
When I become successful, Ill start posting some info for you NIB
Its to bad this site is spiraling into one useless thread after another or good threads gone stupid

This is far from a useless thread, lots of info here, apply it for christs sake and stop bitching...

This is far from a useless thread, lots of info here, apply it for christs sake and stop bitching...
Now that's good info..:kewl: :kewl:

What do u add..U contstantly complain about threads or post's in threads.
The Kid caught a good fish.He's proud of his accomplishment.I'm sure there was more to follow an there was. 30's are not as common as #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& says or U would have more.

What makes u think ur so special...
I never ever once read any Info out of u that I could apply to be succesfull.Yet u always chime in with ur remarks..
U must be the man..Surfcaster above all...
Krispy The Great..I bow at ur feet...
Flamer...


Finally, hey NIB Great post and I agree with it...... If you want to know how to consistantly catch 30lb fish krispy....follow the guys around who do just that! You do have a habit of asking a question and then attacking the person or person of your choice who answers it...screw that....go fish..."Cows Redux" sounds like some c rated french movie.......As I look over the thread I think the question has been answered numerous times....Put the time in...simple as that....Human beings are far smarter than fish....the things eat, know where they do and when they do and catch, really isnt much more to it than that......How many years have you chased stripers seriously from the surf? there are guys here who have many more years and time and grade, I think anyone who catches large bass consistantly should be listened to..You make comments on things you know nothing about...like saying certain things about people you dont know. Listen to what has been said and go apply it....Cows??? %$%$%$%$ that you catch whats there, size of fish is what it is...I think one other piece of advice I could give , is that far to many guys here are fixated on the use of "wood" or plugs, that seems to be the in thing, however at least here in Rhode Island, they are no where near as good as a live eel....not even close......Being a martyr and saying one only fishes plugs is no badge of honor to me ...its a badge of stupidity...But hey I have also witnessed first hand the plug purists beg for an eel when they are getting there arse handed to them by the eel guy on the beach.....

Anyway, keep attacking, your very good at it.....I am not great with the computer or these war of words but thats fine, I will glady take my fishing skill over computer skills any day of the week.......Catch em" up

I think it's called fishing. So fish. Enjoy the journey. Your day will come.

I think it's called fishing. So fish. Enjoy the journey. Your day will come.

well said!

Back Beach makes some good points. I fish 3 spots 95% of the time, all around five minutes from my house. All 3 spots can produce big fish, but I've never experienced the big-fish bite to last more than a couple hours max. I try to keep a pretty detailed log, and up to this point I have not been able to predict with any certainty when a spot is guaranteed to fire. I believe it's possible to have a much better handle on things than I do, but I'm not there yet. Part of the fun for me is trying to make sense of it all. I think a lot of the appeal of fishing for large fish would evaporate if I had it all figured out.

Another good point BB makes is the difference between hooking and landing big fish. The spots I fish make it very tricky to land big fish. Since I like my spots I'm content to lose a lot of fish while trying to figure out how to improve my odds. This is an interesting thread.

This question's for #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&/NIB/and a few of u other guys who get many 30's during the season. When you say many how many is that, i mean, i have 2 this year, which is a good season so far for me..not including the late run of OCT and NOV. On AVG how many 30's do u guys generally get in a year?

This question's for #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&/NIB/and a few of u other guys who get many 30's during the season. When you say many how many is that, i mean, i have 2 this year, which is a good season so far for me..not including the late run of OCT and NOV. On AVG how many 30's do u guys generally get in a year?
I think I got 6 or 7 last year.

I think I got 6 or 7 last year. :drool: :drool:
Usually i get my big hit of fish in late OCT/Nov down here, I expect 2 more for the season but 7 would be sweet!!

This question's for #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&/NIB/and a few of u other guys who get many 30's during the season. When you say many how many is that, i mean, i have 2 this year, which is a good season so far for me..not including the late run of OCT and NOV. On AVG how many 30's do u guys generally get in a year?
It varies. every year is different and you cant catch whats not there...Having said that, I have 8 fish just at or over 30lbs this year..Last year I had more including a 43lb fish from the beach.2 -30lb fish is very good, I will cocede I have much more time than most to fish...is simple mathematics, my chances go way up because I put in more time and I realize that...I may live line bunker in the morning and then head out with live eels at night, just many opertunities, I also baught a boat this year so I could fish many different ways.

Targeting large fish only has its drawbacks....Its better to relax and let it happen, fishing with the intent of only catching large makes you fish tense... What I do is study my charts....I know the 2 or 3 places I fish most often intamatly, Agter of years on the same pearch you simply just learn when the opertunity for a big fish is there, you know that its worth going on a south east wind and not worth going on a southwest wind. I know that there is a window of time where I have the best shot....Notice , I dont say "I know the fish will be there" all you can do is make sure everything else is right condition wise and then just fish the place you have chose....I also fish my spots at everysingle stage of the tide coming or going, thats how you learn a spot....Some places I have stumbled upon by accident ! I went at the wrong time and caught fish and learned something in the process...If I catch fish at a new place , I look at a chart the next day and it hits me..."Oh thats why" there is a drop off here and deep water with a reef just under water" I also look at which way the currents move along a particular spot, sometimes its more important than the tide, sometimes its only good an hour before dead low or even still There are places where you can only reach the structure you want to fish on a moon low tide..


There is much to learn and its a constant process however, I like to concentrate on two or three spots and stick with them, they produce and I have taken the time to learn them.

When someone tells you they got fish at spot A You want to rush down there, well there is so much more to it than that....when did they catch, what was the wind, how did they aprocach the spot etc..etc..etc...What stage of the tide.

I dont follow tide rules, I only use the tide as it relates to a certain spot, Like I said some spots are good on low, some on high some in between...you have to learn your spots!

What you fish with is important, in my opinion you cannot beat live eels...just cant...over the course of a season nothing is more consistant, its a live bait! My numbers and size of fish should speak to that....I use eels from may until decmebr and have never ever had a problem catching fish...never! On the cape, guys do well with plugs...but , again, I am no expert on cape cod because I dont fish there aften....So what works for them is not for me to judge...I am an expert in Rhode Island and can tell you matter of fact, you can cast plugs till the hooks rust off and not even catch a third of what the live eel will catch...The eel also attracts large fish and all my 40lb and up fish have fell to live eels...Now why would anyone have a problem with that? Its the truth! So, while fishing to some is not about "catching"....it is to me..I dont want to lose sleep for a week straight and get skunked ! I want results and the live eel produces results!

So, its a matter of learning your spots well, if you have fished a spot for a few seasons and got nothing better than a teen size fish..odds are that spot just doesnt produce large....its not your fault...like I said earlier, you cant catch whats not there....I would then move on and learn and try new places. You want certain things, deep water within close range of the shoreline is important to me , load of structure is important to me, its the highways bass use to move and ambush and hide, lots of bottom forage is important to me, lobsters, crabs, etc... It is my belief that large bass would rather grub to eat than chase a baitfish all day long...and just to add to that....eels are fished very slow....


My ideas for catching fish may differ from others and thats fine , it works great for me....I have it down to now I only have to fish a couple hours a night, no more all nighters....my body cant take it anymore anyway...I never stay home on a full moon, I have caught some of my best on a full moon, again its time on the water...Sometimes its a matter of luck...some guys have a touch or a "golden horsehoe" or whatever you want to call it...weird things happen in this sport that confound.

But lastly and to pound it home... YOU HAVE TO PUT IN THE TIME...its as simple as that, you cant catch fish staying home...I realize all about peoples work etc.... but still this sport is a matter of time on the water...

If you want to catch large consistantly

1) Put in the time!

2) Learn a few spots well instead of jumping all over the place or following or chasing reports...here today gone tommorow..

3) Know how tide and current affect where you fish, know how wind makes a difference, sometimes a certain wind will puch the current break closer to you...

4) use bait...sorry folks...but it really works..

5) Fish your chosen spot around the horn at every tide stage before you say its not good there....once you hit them, make a mental note

6) realize that some places only give up small bass and thats all your gonna get....move on

And put in your time!!

7) Have confidence! this makes all the difference in the world! Have confidence in what your fishing!

Go Catch large!

8) RELAX......They will come and it will happen!! Hope thios constitutes a helpfull post

It varies. every year is different and you cant catch whats not there...Having said that, I have 8 fish just at or over 30lbs this year..Last year I had more including a 43lb fish from the beach.2 -30lb fish is very good, I will cocede I have much more time than most to fish...is simple mathematics, my chances go way up because I put in more time and I realize that...I may live line bunker in the morning and then head out with live eels at night, just many opertunities, I also baught a boat this year so I could fish many different ways.

Targeting large fish only has its drawbacks....Its better to relax and let it happen, fishing with the intent of only catching large makes you fish tense... What I do is study my charts....I know the 2 or 3 places I fish most often intamatly, Agter of years on the same pearch you simply just learn when the opertunity for a big fish is there, you know that its worth going on a south east wind and not worth going on a southwest wind. I know that there is a window of time where I have the best shot....Notice , I dont say "I know the fish will be there" all you can do is make sure everything else is right condition wise and then just fish the place you have chose....I also fish my spots at everysingle stage of the tide coming or going, thats how you learn a spot....Some places I have stumbled upon by accident ! I went at the wrong time and caught fish and learned something in the process...If I catch fish at a new place , I look at a chart the next day and it hits me..."Oh thats why" there is a drop off here and deep water with a reef just under water" I also look at which way the currents move along a particular spot, sometimes its more important than the tide, sometimes its only good an hour before dead low or even still There are places where you can only reach the structure you want to fish on a moon low tide..


There is much to learn and its a constant process however, I like to concentrate on two or three spots and stick with them, they produce and I have taken the time to learn them.

When someone tells you they got fish at spot A You want to rush down there, well there is so much more to it than that....when did they catch, what was the wind, how did they aprocach the spot etc..etc..etc...What stage of the tide.

I dont follow tide rules, I only use the tide as it relates to a certain spot, Like I said some spots are good on low, some on high some in between...you have to learn your spots!

What you fish with is important, in my opinion you cannot beat live eels...just cant...over the course of a season nothing is more consistant, its a live bait! My numbers and size of fish should speak to that....I use eels from may until decmebr and have never ever had a problem catching fish...never! On the cape, guys do well with plugs...but , again, I am no expert on cape cod because I dont fish there aften....So what works for them is not for me to judge...I am an expert in Rhode Island and can tell you matter of fact, you can cast plugs till the hooks rust off and not even catch a third of what the live eel will catch...The eel also attracts large fish and all my 40lb and up fish have fell to live eels...Now why would anyone have a problem with that? Its the truth! So, while fishing to some is not about "catching"....it is to me..I dont want to lose sleep for a week straight and get skunked ! I want results and the live eel produces results!

So, its a matter of learning your spots well, if you have fished a spot for a few seasons and got nothing better than a teen size fish..odds are that spot just doesnt produce large....its not your fault...like I said earlier, you cant catch whats not there....I would then move on and learn and try new places. You want certain things, deep water within close range of the shoreline is important to me , load of structure is important to me, its the highways bass use to move and ambush and hide, lots of bottom forage is important to me, lobsters, crabs, etc... It is my belief that large bass would rather grub to eat than chase a baitfish all day long...and just to add to that....eels are fished very slow....

But lastly and to pound it home... YOU HAVE TO PUT IN THE TIME...its as simple as that, you cant catch fish staying home...I realize all about peoples work etc.... but still this sport is a matter of time on the water...

Go Catch large!
WTF, my eyes are sore now..:eyes:
Got writers cramp now??///

Just trying to add something of value dave!

This question's for #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&/NIB/and a few of u other guys who get many 30's during the season. When you say many how many is that, i mean, i have 2 this year, which is a good season so far for me..not including the late run of OCT and NOV. On AVG how many 30's do u guys generally get in a year?

"u can't catch what aint there."
Well when they are there u have to make the most of it.Normally in a good yr 3 or 4 can be a great yr.I have hot spots.That hold big fish during a time of yr.Usually I can intercept em.One is a jig spot the other I ply with live bunker.The past few yrs here in NJ we have had big baits an big fish together.I have more than 30 fish over 30 lbs this yr.Thats a conservative number.They where there an I made the most of it.before sunrise an after dark every day for a month.never missed a beat.
Sounds like ur right on target to a good/great yr.if the weather holds up an the fall progresses as usuall u should be on ur way.There's some science to it for the most part if they are there u'll get em.Tough to beat a bait with a heartbeat but u can illicit strikes many different ways.Like first light with a pencil popper.They will take this lure out of aggression.It's a excellent big fish bait..

Just trying to add something of value dave!
You did, thanks

"u can't catch what aint there."
Well when they are there u have to make the most of it.Normally in a good yr 3 or 4 can be a great yr.I have hot spots.That hold big fish during a time of yr.Usually I can intercept em.One is a jig spot the other I ply with live bunker.The past few yrs here in NJ we have had big baits an big fish together.I have more than 30 fish over 30 lbs this yr.Thats a conservative number.They where there an I made the most of it.before sunrise an after dark every day for a month.never missed a beat.
Sounds like ur right on target to a good/great yr.if the weather holds up an the fall progresses as usuall u should be on ur way.There's some science to it for the most part if they are there u'll get em.Tough to beat a bait with a heartbeat but u can illicit strikes many different ways.Like first light with a pencil popper.They will take this lure out of aggression.It's a excellent big fish bait..


Your right, however....in surf fishing, you never know whats there or isnt there unless you can see underwater...as long as you have done your homework and put in the time all you can hope for is a fish, the rest is up to the fish gods...and again that goes back to puttin in the time!

I have tons of respect for alot of u guys, i know what it takes to get a couple 30's..its alot of work..but with the numbers you guys put up it really is amazing!!

#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& where do you get information about currents, that Eldridge book? Do you recommend having that?

#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& where do you get information about currents, that Eldridge book? Do you recommend having that?
yes thats what I use....Not only recomend it, Its a must have! It has all the currents...Listen, dont get to technical however, I glance at it or make a mental note but, I dont go crazy...its just there in the memroy bank....

Bill, if you can find it, there is an even better resource book as to the currents than Eldridge. I think it was last put out in the late 70's, but it is basically a larger version of the current charts that are in the Eldridge. A guy in Gansett I fish with has the only copy I have seen, but it has been very informative and easier to read than the little current charts.

I agree with #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&! Put in your time and it will happen. Also, knowing where to go and when to go is very important which comes from time spent on the water. In addition, if you really want to catch BIG bass consistently in the surf, put away the plugs, except the 9 inch Slug-go, and use live or rigged eels.

Nice post #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, good stuff.

Generous? Show me the slips :poke:

How about tonight? :call:

A Lannyism.

I can hear him now. Show me the slips!!!!

I think we all missed 2 very important factors. 1. Don't get married :uhuh: 2. If married don't have babies :usd: . Two quick ways to exponentially reduce your #'s

wow, I didn't realize all the good info that ended up in this thread.
thanks guys.. you have just inspired me to go out and get some live eels for tonight.

definitely a classic S-B thread. I'm not sure why some don't think so. If you sift through the usual S-B personality bs, there is some very good info. Thanks to those that shared.

Yea... I liked this thread for the most part... minus the needless button pushing. Time to hit the rocks... we have a NW brewing this eve.... oh the possibilities....:grins:

I think we all missed 2 very important factors. 1. Don't get married :uhuh: 2. If married don't have babies :usd: . Two quick ways to exponentially reduce your #'s


yep... my kid has put the brakes on my surf fishing this year :(

just get your wife a {boy toy}


ya keep fishing 24/7

you will need a name tag so ya kids will know who you are & your wife // G/F will already being taken care of ><><>:heybaby:

Canalman Yea... I liked this thread for the most part... minus the needless button pushing. Time to hit the rocks... we have a NW brewing this eve.... oh the possibilities....

Im with ya Dave...:faga:

Yea... I liked this thread for the most part... minus the needless button pushing. Time to hit the rocks... we have a NW brewing this eve.... oh the possibilities....:grins:
Dave. good luck, wish I could be with ya 2nite..Go large!!

All we are is dust in the wind :fishslap: