I'm seeing a lot of different bass & blue size definitions getting tossed around and I don't want to seem like an Arse, but let's have a discussion on what terms apply to what sized fish, eh :eek5: :D :p ? If I'm suffering from Optical Rectumistis, please let me know....

I saw on a magazine the other day (or the Fisherman, I don't recall), someone calling a 28 pound striped bass a "Trophy" Fish. Anyone agree with that?

Now I like all kinds of fish of all sizes but I consider "Trophy" to be in the upper reaches of the size classes available to a certain species. A true 20 pound Blue has GOT to be a "Trophy" fish, right? A 12 pound Bonito or a 12# Tog - those are trophy fish too.

So let's work on a couple fish size classes -

I've always thought of Trophy bass being over 40 pounds, some consider over 50 on normal tackle, whereas 35 pounds might qualify for the shore fly.

Cows, 30#s and over, Teen fish - self explanatory....

snapper, harbor, tailor, gator....

flatties & doormats....

I'd go into more but gotta get to work :eek5:

I agree, I saw that picture in the fisherman as well. (a week or two ago?) I even mumbled something to my wife about it, she gave me the...ask me if I care...look. I looked at the picture and said, nice fish but I would not have it mounted. To me a trophy fish is one that you would have mounted as a real trophy...a once in a lifetime catch, something over 50 for sure. Cows to me are bass over 40 lbs. The 20-40 range I deem as large. I suppose everyone has their own terminology, and if you caught a 40 lber on a fly rod that could be considered a trophy as well. I don't take anything away from a 28 lb striper...it is a good size fish but for it to be a trophy (in my eyes anyway) it would have to be 2X as big.

That said, I am guilty of using the term "doormats" loosely...I think a doormat is a fluke > 10 lbs but since they are so damn rare I have started calling fluke > 6lb doormats.

HMMM,

It seems to me that the fishers experience and personsl history of catch will determine the range of their definition of a particular term. Once a fisher or group of fishers has fished together for a while, they develop their own set of definitions. The following are the ones my little gang in Boston Harbor use

Term Bass Blue

Mount sized 50 Pounds 20 pounds
Trophy / Cow 40+ pounds 17 + pounds
Big Fish 30+ pounds 15+ pounds
Good Fish 20+ pounds 12 + pounds
Keeper 34+ inches n/a
Schoolie 34- inches
Rat 28- inches 10-pounds

My all time pet peive is when people describe their good fish as a 32 or a 30 and they are talking inches not pounds

Just my not so humble opinions

Couldn't agree more......I've seen 35" bass being called "trophy" fish.

As far as I am concerned, I fish bass for length, and bluefish, tuna, and flatties for weight.

Keeps it simple...

P.S. Bass need to be 35+ lbs to be considered a "cow" in my book.

Here in Maine we have two different types of striper fisheries- ocean and river. Each of these types of fisheries has two different size classifications for stripers because they are two totally different water systems. What is considered a good fish in the river is completely different from what might be considered a good fish in the ocean. However, in my opinion, no matter where you fish....the size in which I would call a fish a trophy remains the same--- over 50lbs. Here are the size classifications myself and my fellow guide buddies use.

RIVER/OCEAN

>67LB STATE RECORD
50LB TAKE MANY PICTURES
40+LB COW/COW
30LB COW/NICE FISH
20LB NICE FISH/AVERAGE
15LB AVERAGE/SCHOOLIE
10LB SCHOOLIE/RUNT
<10LB - DON'T BOTHER FISHING FOR

note: all fish caught on artificial lures only.

It all depends on your prospective. If you fish for stripers once or twice a year they would probably call it a trophy. For me........living up here in Maine I consider any fish over 40 inches (not pounds) a LARGE, but not a trophy. A trophy to me would be 50 inches, for which I am still searching.

This is obviously a group of anglers that has caught real fish. I agree with everyones statements.
Can a 28" fish be considered a keeper...not in my book.. You catch a 30 and then a 34. Throw them on a scale. Alot happens to these fish in those couple of years.... This however is not my point.

Ethical Question... ( poll )
You get a 50 lb'er..
Do you eat ?
Do You get a photo so your friends will believe you and then release?

Ethical Answer....

I rarely, if ever, keep a fish --- regardless of size. What's the point....if I want to eat fish I'll buy it at the grocery store or fish market. That is much cleaner for me, easier, and let's the fish I catch go free.

Actually, I LOVE setting a big fish free just knowing that the offspring it produces should yield a stronger and healthier stock for years to come.

Take all the pictures you want, take all the measurements, and mount a nice 8 1/2" x 11" picture on my "Fishing Wall of Fame" in my house.....memories taste alot better then any fish ever will......;)

Nicely put!

Speak for yur self! There is no person on earth, even the plastic flip-flop weari'n earthy crunch save a tree type,that would give anyone a hard time about keeping a 50! Ethics???

Sounds real profound to say "I would throw anything back and be happy with a picture"

I say thats Bulls#$T!! With a capitol B!!

There aint a guy or gal here that would throw back a 50lb fish from the beach! Not one!! I would bet my life on it!! Especially if its your first (and most likely ONLY one you will ever see in your lifetime) Thats the mark an angler fishes his whole life for.
So, I say horsecrap, that fish would be at every tackle shop in one could get too!!

And you know what?? There aint nothing at all wrong with that!!

40+lb's "Cow bass" Real nice fish"


I do agree with one other post about the "inches routine" I hate that, always talk in POUNDS! No cares about inches, its about the weight!!

48+lb's trophy

50+lbs-"HOLY GRAIL"

25lbs to 40lbs "Decent fish" "respectable fish"

15 TO 20 LBS "FUN NIGHT" Nothing to brag about but, better than schoolie size.

15 LBS AND BELOW "Rats" "School bass"

Glad to hear you'd "bet your life on it" because I have released many fish well into the 40 range. Love to see you take yourself up on your own offer.

I'll bet you also use barbed hooks, treble hooks, and the heaviest mono line you can find. Gotta love the folks that believe fishing is a contact sport.

Give it a rest pal. Only those who rarely catch fish because they don't know what they are doing are adament about keeping fish....it's because they are never quite sure if they'll ever land one again.
:af:

COWS: minimum 35#............my 2 cents

As far as keeping fish I use the freezer rule. I max out at 4 dinners worth of fish for the summer and then go up to eight dinners worth for winter. I try to use constraint and not keep any fish between 32-46 inches. Larger than that I just can't help myself. Smaller than that seems okay to me for filets.

Ok here is what I think, If I have a 50 on the end of my line I want that fish GUT HOOKED!! As deep as possible and with as many barbs as is possible!

Trust me the poor little fishy hurts just as much from being hooked with a barbless"polically correct" hook as it does with a barbed hook,the experiance is just as tramatic.You think your helping the fish, fishing barbless hooks is a way for you or anyone to justify hooking the thing in the first place,makes you feel better ,
NOT the fish. I hate barbless hooks and I hate losing fish,the time for a tropy comes and you will wish you had that fish hooked in the gut!!

Yes I use heavy line, got me on that one!!

Did you know that the current "lite tackle" mentality acually hurts the fish more!
It does, in a nut shell you are playing the fish to death, takes to long to get her in and saps the fish of to much energy and oxygen.So the ones who think they are doing good are doing more harm.

I have never played a big bass more than nessasary.And most fish I caught that were not sold were imediatly tossed back,not held out of the water for 15 minutes so my friends could take pictures.Thats to long for the fish to be out of water,the angler enjoys the photo shoot more than the bass.

Im glad you tossed your 40s back, I have tossed more than my share back also! But sorry, no 50s get to swim again that cross my line!

Besides, there just aint any big fish around anymore!

Striper fishing a contact sport?? You Bet!! Done right its grueling, up all night,climbing rock piles,getting slammed by powerfull surf,etc,the chance of death at night in the surf is definatly there!! Im not talking about the dead stickers sitting in a chair tossing back a bud.

Trout fishing with a little fly rod in a catch and release area may be more the sport for you.Or try "bass master 2002" on sega,that way you never have to worry about hurting any fish!!

Happy Hunting...And remember you flamed up first!!:smash:

Need I say anymore......

this is what we call trophy fish on avrage that come in the shop
Striped Bass 40lb
Blue fish 20lb
Fluke 7-1/2lb
tautog 13lb
scup 2-1/2lb
flounder 4lb
sea bass 4lb
Lg mouth bass 8lb
Pickerel 5lb

Me....Im new at fishing...
I have never caught a keeper.
so any thing over 15" IS A TROPHY!
Bill, Hi, I was wondering. If You could Help Me get some Big Fish
This is all I can catch.....

and Look it Bit My finger......

Nice mackeral BM :p

A trophy to me would be any bass over 79 pounds.

good one:laughs: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Bill




There aint a guy or gal here that would throw back a 50lb fish from the beach! Not one!! I would bet my life on it!! Especially if its your first (and most likely ONLY one you will ever see in your lifetime) Thats the mark an angler fishes his whole life for.
So, I say horsecrap, that fish would be at every tackle shop in one could get too!!

And you know what?? There aint nothing at all wrong with that!!




Bill, You are wrong about that, but that is just your opinion I understand. There was one angler that I know of that released a 50 from the surf, and it was his first, His picture is on the front page of this website. God rest his soul :(

Bill - not everyone is going to keep a 50, probably a few that have already got one will and the odd person that hasn't might release on. Me? I'd probably keep it :D 90% certain of that... Otherwise, I'd say 85% are going to keep a 50 and most of them will be paraded around - I know 2 or 3 shops I'll bring my first shore caught 50 to (IF, I ever get one
:smash: ...

Homerun - I gotta disagree on a lot of what you are saying - for schoolies, I'll run barbless but it's all barbed when I'm chasing bigger stuff, especially from shore. Maybe I'd think differently if I could chase the fish in a boat but if I'm on the beach or rockpile, there's a barb. And yes, I use heavier gear to get them in and turned around quick. I also disagree that the people that are worried if they'll get another one are the only ones that will keep a fish. There is a lot to be said about C&R and I do that 98% on keepers but I do occasionally keep a fish. And I know that the rare bass that I keep for the grille is fresh, cleaned right & prepared right. I'm much more confident in the quality of a bass I catch than one from the market...

Oh and 20# Big Game Green. Hey Bill, since when is 20# line "Heavy" when fishing the rocks? That's what you use 90% of the time anyway, right?

BM, when your middle finger is bitten and left exposed, infection will cause it to stay stuck up :D - Make sure you clean it on a diseased bass :eek: :rolleyes: :laughs: :as: :smash:

Originally posted by Homerun04
Ethical Answer....What's the point....if I want to eat fish I'll buy it at the grocery store or fish market. That is much cleaner for me, easier..

..."EASIER" yeah,...but "cleaner"......your nutz!!! :mad: Just because your too lazy to undress and clean a fish doesn't give you the right to call anyone unethical. I love to eat FISH...and what would I rather have...fresh or store bought?...Well let me think about that for a second...:smash: DUH!!...gee I think I'd rather have store bought...because I didn't have to kill it and clean it. Good thing I don't have to kill any cows..or I wouldn't eat meat either, I'd just lasso them and let them go....:confused:

Silly I tell ya.....just plain Silly!!!:af:

...some people are in it just for the sport (yes, I BELIEVE it is a sport)...but some, including myself...enjoy the taste of a nice fresh piece of B-ass...;)...

..chit, now I'm hungry....:rolleyes: :p

Gotta agree with Bloo on this one.
I catch plenty of fish big and small and release most.
(released a 40" today)
When the freezer is empty I might take another one. But only what I intend to eat, and over the season i don't eat it all the time anyway.
OK,,,Enuf said.

Sooooo.....
I would say to answear the original post..
30+ lbs= very nice fish
40+ lbs= trophy
50+ lbs=once in a lifetime. (your going on my wall)

Of course that is just my opinion, everyone is different, and have their own opinion of fish size and quality.

I think the term "trophy" is relative to each angler. I agree with the sizes and terms described above and I don't think a fishing mag should call a 28# bass a trophy. They know what most anglers consider a trophy bass. But if some guy is proud of a 28#'r and wants it mounted, I think thats fine. I have a 5# largemouth (hardly considered a trophy) that I had mounted when I was 12 and it still hangs in my garage. To me it was a trophy then and I still consider it a trophy to this day. Lots of great memories and no regrets. And as far as eating the fish I catch, I enjoy the whole process from the cast to the plate.

I guess I'm in it for the sport-- I release 99% of my fish, and I use inches as a unit of measure because I don't carry a scale or camera. I usually measure on the rod if I'm surf casting, or with a tape in the boat. Then back they go. If I did get a truly huge fish, honestly not sure what I'd do with it -- my best fish a couple of weeks ago at 44" (and fat) was released, and I still wonder what she may have weighed - I plan to get a digital scale sooner or later.
To me, a Cow is over 40" (30# plus?), nice fish over 36" (20# range?), and all the rest are fun.
I also like fishing in the Pond or lbeach in the late season with lighter tackle, at which time they're all fun.

trophy

schoolie.....

twinkie

nice fish;)

Blue fish

....if I want to eat fish I'll buy it at the grocery store or fish market. That is much cleaner for me, easier, and let's the fish I catch go free.

I am going to chime in on this one.....ok so it lets the fish you catch go free.....great! so if you want fish...go ahead and buy it in the store cleaner easier NASTIER...not nearly as fresh...I doubt you ever worked in the seafood industry at alllllllll..........oh and not to mention all that by catch that cant be legally kept....OOOPS! dead...over the side...wasted.....:( :( :(

I am a looser and cant catch fish....once in a while I do...and if its legal I keep it and eat it.....you bet yer arse! (Bloo me hungry now too...:( )

If I am gonna eat fish at least I have a better feeling inside knowing I killed that one fish to get two fillets and not 15 or twenty for the same amount......:af: :af:

BM....I hope you released all those fish man.......:eek: ;) ;) ;)

I better stop now before I get carried away....:smash:

is it time to bring out the dead horse????

opps said I would stop...goodbye...

Jenn...

Don't let him fool you......he brings 5 sets of clothes when he goes fishing.....one fish , 5 different pictures in 5 different outfits...at five different locations....:D:P

Yup Bloo got Me pegged, and Jenn Ya aint a looser....
I killed all of those fish cept for that first pic:p
#50 Ya if I didnt wait 6 hours.
ahhhhhh there only fish anyway,
Let have fun....
its nice to target big fish, but I like one after another.
The Cape has been Tuff fishing,I aint had a 40 or 50 fish night in 2 weeks on a charter and use to have them all the time, Man this Year is screwy:smash:
I know where I will B this weekend:confused: :p
A John, How did Ya do????
I wanted to B there But 2 of My buddys conned Me into going elsewhere:smash: it was a rag a thon:happy: on Me.
Ouch......
Gimmi a ice pic and a #50
actually I think I would bring it Home, But I dont know I get off the wall some times and a buddy and a pic May do the trick...
Ya Rite, Im Pigalistic...........

Im possessed Look at the eyes........:smash:

Ya Rite, Im Pigalistic...........

what a pig!!!!!!!!!:humpty: :hs: :bshake: :blush: :behead: :angel: :ss: :jester:

don't look in his eyes....:eek: :eek:


He has hypnotizing eyes.......he'll force you into giving up all your plugs!!!!.....


Stay focused......DON'T LOOK AT HIS EYES!!!!:cool:

Well John. 20# is on the light side,but its much better than 15#

I also use a leader of either 40 or 50#test, which is as you know is 9 or 10 feet long! thats what takes the abuse.

I used to use 30# main line,I only switched for the casting distance I gained from the 20.For me,its the leader that does the work and takes the chaffing of the rocks.

I still would use 30# in breachways and when jigging in such places as gallilie.Every now and then I would use straight 40# for jigging,where distance was not important.


Hey John, in all fairness, I think your statement "I would probably keep a 50" Is off base! For sure , you would keep that fish!!

"OLD SCHOOL=BEST SCHOOL"!!

WOW !!!

Didn't think that this was such a passionate question.
If I had to re-phrase it I would not use the word " ethical". Not the area I was looking for.

Your right some fish are the breeders and for the sake of the species they should be sent back to maryland for family time.
No one can claim that the don't care about preserving stripers and other fish. This whole web site is about it....and if you are reading this thread you do care....

Myself... Catch about 200 keepers a year...Eat may 20. For no other reason than I don't like to eat that much fish. If I were fishing for the type of cows that have prime rib....maybe be different stats!

Biggest fish 51#...ate it.
Next one I get..I am letting go.
Two reasons..
1. If you look at an age chart..that fish has been around along time...survived alot of crap in its life. I would just rather let it be.
2. Smaller fish taste better.

Do I catch fish and freeze the meat... NO WAY.
It is cheaper to go to stop and shop.
The greatest advantage we have over poeple that do not fish.....FRESH FISH.
6.99 per lb at the store. 26.99 per lb at the fillet station.

You can tree hug............or fish for food...
You have to do what you want...be smart. Do not keep shorts...do not fill the back of your truckor boat. Preserve your sport in your own mind. The conservation laws will do the rest.

Would like to say that I am a true sportsman and released every fish I have had on a hook...not gonna do it.

Just take one charter trip off the point...Nothing goes back!!!!! And they do it 7 days a week.

Why do you fish? I guess thats the real question. If you are out there to stock your freezer then so be it. if you are out there to get away from the daily grind and have fun, then thats great. There are regulations out there as to what is a keeper size fish and as much as we doubt and question these regulations they are there for a reason. I liked this post originally as I was curious as to what other people considered a trophy. Personally anything that bends my rod and makes my adrenaline rush is a trophy to me. There are days that you catch so many large to trophy size fish that you loose respect for those 34". There are other days when you are swarmed by rats that a 34" would be a welcome surprise. If you want people to adopt your morals then have a nice time and be ready to get angry and frustrated. In the mean time enjoy the water, the scenery and the company and learn to be content .

besides, there aren't any big fish anymore.


That is great reason to keep the ones you get .

:af: :af: :af: :af: :af: :af:

IRL - you wouldn't keep a 50?

Bill - no, I'm pretty sure I would keep it but I don't "know" until then, there may be other factors involved. I probably would'nt lug one over 2 miles of soft sand for example - everyone would be posting about my heart attack :rolleyes: ...

I release all my big fish. I do keep a small one once in awhile to eat.

mikecc

I like that table...

Trophy : " a prize or memento as a symbol of victory"


Your post has all sizes that we are searching for....what I would consider " personal victory"

We have to remember that for fish it is real estate that determines availability of trophy fish. location-location Someone who boats of Block or LI is going to have a shot at more big fish than a surf fisherman off Naragansett beach.

Hence...."personal victory."

If a keeper is your trophy,,,then it is your trophy...period.

20 lb blue fish? That is a trophy for me.!

I landed one that was a little over 18.
Thought I had a tuna on the whole time.

I dont know but a 42.lb looked great swiming away....I can't immagine a 50 would look worse.
But..............speaking with so may diff. types of fisherman I dont know what to say but how I feel personaly.
BUT... Saying that there are no big fish left so keep one if you get one ? "bill"
thats like saying lets go shoot bald eagles isn't it
aren't many left better get em' whyle we can !!


agree?

Glad there are people around to tell me how I should fish, and what type of fishing is OK... and what a "good" fish is.

DaveK, you asked the perfect question... why do you (we) fish?

Some people on this board fish for fun, sport, relaxation... some people take fishing and more importantly, themselves way too seriously.

Fishing is something we can all participate at our own level. Sure, I'll make fun of a clam dunkin' tourist, or someone fishing with their spinning reel upside down, but its for fun. We all have our own "Goals"...

For someone to judge me for fishing the way I enjoy, or calling a fish "nice" when I enjoyed catching it... I got some four letter words for ya. If I'm targeting schoolies because I'd rather catch a bunch of fish, rather than fishing at night for a chance at some bigger fish, hey if is ok with me, than it ought to be ok with you. I don't have to fish up to your standards.

Maybe there are reasons someone doesn't want to stay out all night. Maybe there are reasons someone doesn't buy a bigger boat and troll or baitfish offshore. Personally, I have a family and a house and a career... I have to be available to all those things... and I have time and financial responsiblities to all those things.

Fishing is a huge part of me, and always has been, so I will find a way to find a way to balance it in as best as I can.

And from my perspective, I like active fishing, casting artificial lures and catching alot fish. I don't enjoy trolling as much, I don't enjoy fishing bait as much. Does that make me right? NO.

And if tomorrow, I want to go out and sling some eels and enjoy a cool, quiet night under the stars, have I become a better fisherman or a better person? Give me a f'n break.

And a nice fish is often determined by expectations... if I get a 32" fish while chasin' some schoolies, its a nice fish. If I get the same fish at night casting eels, its not so nice.

The point of the original question is valid. Like any sport, you have to have ways of judging yourself against others. And for reporting purposes (i.e. the Fisherman), certainly there needs to be some generally accepted size classification.

I'll certainly get very excited about getting a big fish. And I know what a big fish is... 28lbs. is not a trophy fish. If you want to hack on the Fisherman for saying a 28lber is a trophy, fine.

But at the point that someone criticizes others for posting reports or pics of fish they are proud off, or fish they enjoyed... they have crossed the line.

e-lit-ism n

the belief that some people or things are inherently superior to others and deserve preeminence, preferential treatment, or higher rewards because of their superiority

GREAT VIEW...

What a interesting thread this has turned into...

Most imporant...enjoy your time fishing.
Second most important.....fish with friends and enjoy being with them


Beyond that , its all self defined. If you are a commercial pinhooker and get excited about a 3 foot fish , you probably have your sites set too low. If you have kids who occupy all your time and get to fish 4 times a year , a fish big enough to take home and grill may be the high point of your season.


For the top guys , I undersatnd they want recognition as a top fisherman. But before anyone gets carried away , remember that Stetzko got more fish over 40 pounds in a night than almost anyone I know has in their lifetime. He's always ready to help someone with less skills get hooked up . DZ has umpteen 50's. He'll talk to you about where and when and how and help anybody from beginner to expert but seldom does he talk about the 50's unless asked specifically.

We recreational fisherman cannot even touch the size and numbers of fish the guys "in the business" get. No little leaguer can hit a ball like Sammy Sossa but does he have a right to be proud if he gets a hit in his little league game Sat morning ...hell yeah!!

As far as the fisherman calling a 28 pounder a trophy , well ....maybe they knew the guy and its his first good fish. Nothing wrong with patting a buddy on the back. Take it for what its worth. I once read in the fisherman that to get to the Narrow river you should park at Scarborough and walk along the beach to the left!! :)

So anyway , remember to enjoy your time on the water. Do it with friends and enjoy your time with them. If by your standards you catch a "big fish" , tell your friends who care about it. They will share your joy.

Hey Schoolie! Whats wrong with calling a fish nice? I dont get that sentence:confused:

I know who the post was directed at and, I take offense to it! I wasnt talking about elitisam at all?? I gave my opinion on what a decent fish is,and, just like you want cast for school bass if you feel like it,I stated my opinion as to what a good fish is.

But since you bring it up!!

Saltwater fisherman are lured by the large!! If you dont mind or care about size,you can save a ton of money and the worry of a boat and go bluegill fishing with 2lb test and have just as much fun!

The mark has always been SIZE!! When you tell someone you nailed the fish last night the next question is always "Any Size'??

I found that if your going to put in the time and effort to fish for stripers then, you mkay as well try to catch a relative size fish?

Striper fishing is a progression,you start small and then think big.I never found stripers all that hard to catch so, the next best thing was to go after the bigun's! Is a natural thing. Now, I dont hold anything against the poor guy who can only fish daylight and schoolies are his best bet,nothing at all.But your not going to tell me that those are the fish they are truly after??

The friend thing is fine and all that but, there are many ways to enjoy friends and family,when I go fishing I dont want to chat with friends ,I want to catch fish.I can have a cookout and talk about dear abby.Nope, when I fish I fish, when I relax I relax.

By The way, I have a family also, I have a daughter and a wife and a job,And a house,and bills-which is why I all but quit fishing for the past two years so, your not the only person in the universe who has to make sacrifices!! With me I cant have things half-way,with striper fishing its all or nothing,small fish get old and, my job doesnt consist of sitting around a desk all day! I may not have your education but, trust me, I work just as hard if not harder at what I do to put a buck in my pocket!! Im not mentally fried but Im certainly Phiscally fried at the end of the day!!But Thats luck of the draw and at least I wont get fat and lazy!!
:QUOTE:

"For someone to judge me for fishing the way I enjoy, or calling a fish "nice" when I enjoyed catching it... I got some four letter words for ya. If I'm targeting schoolies because I'd rather catch a bunch of fish, rather than fishing at night for a chance at some bigger fish, hey if is ok with me, than it ought to be ok with you. I don't have to fish up to your standards.

Maybe there are reasons someone doesn't want to stay out all night. Maybe there are reasons someone doesn't buy a bigger boat and troll or baitfish offshore. Personally, I have a family and a house and a career... I have to be available to all those things... and I have time and financial responsiblities to all those things.

Fishing is a huge part of me, and always has been, so I will find a way to find a way to balance it in as best as I can.

And from my perspective, I like active fishing, casting artificial lures and catching alot fish. I don't enjoy trolling as much, I don't enjoy fishing bait as much. Does that make me right? NO.

And if tomorrow, I want to go out and sling some eels and enjoy a cool, quiet night under the stars, have I become a better fisherman or a better person? Give me a f'n break.

And a nice fish is often determined by expectations... if I get a 32" fish while chasin' some schoolies, its a nice fish. If I get the same fish at night casting eels, its not so nice"

I ask again, who "judged you"??

In reply to your 5th paragraph--You may not become a better fisherman but, you will certainly get more LARGE!!
":happy:

A NICE FISH IS .................................................. ..... ANY FISH BIGGER THAN THE ONES YOUR FRIENDS GOT THAT NIGHT.

I THINK EVERYONE CAN AGREE ON THAT.



LESS FIGHT'N MORE FISHIN

Saltheart I agree! Kids are different! When I see a young kid with a teen size fish and a grin from ear to ear I as happy as can be!

But the kids who strive for more are the ones who will go furthest!! And one day may even hit the ball like sammy!!

Little league is fun for kids because of the social interactions,Some of the lessons learned will last a lifetime,as will the lessons learned from a day fishing with dad,Theres much to be taught, including how to catch a moby striper!!!!!!

But when I see an adult in the fisherman with a 20something pound fish and that fish being called a "trophy" It makes me laugh.Sorry it just does.

By the way I went fishing the other night with Tim Coleman who has a new boat,we fished ,fishers Island,Slammed the fish but mostly rats between 15 and 20lbs I did have one fish that went 29lbs,steve got his share and it was lots of action on eels.Anyway,Im still out there just not on the beach!! Yes, all fish were turned back to the sea!! No pictures,just memories.

Fishers Island Is awsome! I dare say it may be better than the block from what I saw!! Nothing but boulders and coves and currents and fish! We were casting right into shore.Im going again this friday night,I will keep you posted!!

Bill, it wasn't "only" directed at you. A couple posts mentioned being annoyed with people describing fish in inches, I assumed that meant that inches were too small a measurement... and I don't have a problem with your definition of a big fish... that's your opinion and I respect it. I don't disagree with your trophy definitions, but you also have a way of belittling other people's catches.

And we all know you have a 50 and that's great. But not all of us give a crap whether you have one or if we ever get one. Its a great fish, one that you should be proud of... I hope I get a 50 some day, but it also doesn't drive me at all. If it comes, it comes. I won't feel empty inside if I never get it.

But dude, when you say "Done right" and "Saltwater Angler's are drawn by the large fish" and similar statements, you are suggesting that your way is the right way and the only way.

It often sounds like you are saying that we should do it that way or not bother... just as you have. That, I disagree with.

I know you are just giving an example, but you can't tell me you really think that catching a bluegill is the same as catching 5-15lb fish. There's a big difference. And you're right, the lure of big fish is huge, it that lure still exists for me, even if I'm usually targeting active schoolies. But its not the only reason to fish and whether you mean it or not, you often come across as saying, "catch big fish, or don't waste your time"... and you aren't the only one.

And I would never suggest that I'm the only one making sacrifices... that's ridiculous and its ridiculous for you to suggest that's what I meant.

This has come up numerous times and I'm only pointing out that there are alot of ways to enjoy fishing and alot of reasons why someone may need to take advantage of the opportunities they have.

Alright, if this doesn't make sense, I'll elaborate tomorrow, gotta run.

No further elaboration needed , We have different ways of doing things and thats the way it is.

I mean no disrespect to anyone at all when I say "done right" or similar statements.I truly feel its a grueling sport and yes, it is a sport!

I have lost 20lbs or more in a summer of fishing.Its a hard sport,simple as that.But I guess its how far you want to take the sport.One of the other reasons I stoped my fishing maybe 10% of the reason was that it wasnt fun anymore.To much work on my part,I loved hunting big fish.

I wonder how many here really know what a group of old time striperholics is like?? I mean these guys got divorced over this stuff,slept in cars on the highway,took planes to block island in december at the chance for a cow, I have the same mentality,its an all encomsing addictive sport the way I did it anyway.I would drewl all day long at the prospect of a new moon and a good south west. I have fished nappatree in 20 degree below wind chills in late november at 2 am for that last bass, walking out there like a zombie.Since 1999 or so I started to say to myself, time for a break or, its off to divorce court and, I wasnt about to marry tim coleman!!

I have always taken offence to "newbies" or guys who started in the 90's with there LL-bean gear and there light tackle save a fish mentality,and the invasion of the Fly-Flopper's and the "breathable high tec waders" And then watch them with there yuppie attitudes birds nest on every cast , and constantly ask where the fish were.For awhile in the early 90s I thought it was becoming the "in-thing" to be a yuppie bass fisherman,yup- I hated them taking over my beach!!

It was at this time that I started to hear a lot of talk in fish in inches and I knew things were going down the tubes fast! They were so exited to catch a schoolie on there custom hand tied flys and run home and tell there wife what a hero they were! Give me a break!! But, It did help the local tackle stores who loved these "suit and tie" "6-9pm" striperfisherman.Suddenly the poor slob who only wanted eels was put on the backburner,we didnt want flashy plugs or the best cabelas gear,we just wanted large fish,and to make a buck catching them. But we were the same guys who were pounded for info everytime we walked into the tackle shop,when we didnt give it we were called "liars" "cheats" "poachers" etc...

The last time I sold fish was 1998 and, Im not sorry to say that the money really helped out my wife and I BIG TIME! I was getting my 3 fish a night from shore and making 90 to 100 bucks a night for my effort a night,for us it was a godsend.Then I was attacked for that by the same yuppies and modem heads who couldent catch a fish in a toilet! Thats where a lot of my "attitude comes from" And I vent it in different ways.I certainly dont have anything personall against you at all.

I dont hate them anymore,I now could care less

Boy, arent ypou glad I have been leaving work at 1pm lately!!

Dont worry you wont here from me for a while agin as I have anothe big job starting ......But, have fun with the thread while it lasts!!

You guys should be resting up for the "fabulous fall" October think October or basstober or rocktober-best month in rhody for a trophy!!

Hey Bill,
You ever get the e-mail I sent?

Dude U have no idea how many hard core guys are out here.
who gives a who started fishing in the 90s
I started at age 2 so....
Man U got to lightn up:smash:
Ya i got "die"vorsed over fish....
in the 90s bass sold for crap.....

Pardon me for a second....

Why do you Fish ???...(directed towards everyone, so don't anyone feel special about this...:o

I fish for myself, my own satisfaction, my own glorification my own fullfillment and some consumption too!!! I have never bragged about how many fish I've caught in one sitting, ...never said how big my biggest what ever was, never said how small my smallest whatever was either (unless asked):p...whether or not it meant anything to anyone...I FISH FOR ME.... not for recognition, not to be the "head honcho" at my local fishing club, ...(the quiet ones are the deadly ones anyway...yeah, just like farts:D!!)... and not to try to be a star on a website, not so that people can "think" I know more than anyone else or even know what I'm doing at all...some people on here (internet in general) fish, or "say" they fish, to be some sort of "status symbol"...some people fish once a month...and make it seem like they're a "Die-hard"..why??? ...because that one night they happened to cross a 40+ # Bass and landed it??....ya know what?...screw all of ya that feel that way!! :af:..I'm not knocking that guy/girl who doesn't have the time/opportunity to fish whenever he/she wants to...just don't talk to me like you stink fish everyday...your just plain "hollow" to me when you do that....I'll look at ya, smile...and never remember your name....Unfortunately, there is a lot of luck involved in fishing...The biggest "Luck" is..."being in the right spot at the right time"

...what does that really mean?...

...does that mean that you put your time in night after night with the right and wrong conditions (because the wrong conditions could be the right conditions in a different spot)...with the right offering and land a big one ..(whatever a "big one" is :rolleyes: )??... Or does it mean that one could venture out to a spot they heard of...cast out a chunk on a "Blue-Light" special rod...sit there 10 minutes (without knowing the tide..temperature..weather...baitfish in the area.. etc...)...and just happen to catch a 46# Striper...who has the right to say "he/she, is the better fisher?"...

NEITHER!!!...people who "gloat", float.....just like menure

I hate braggers....I hate yackers....yackity yack..yackity yack...
..sometimes I'm in the mood to share....sometimes I like to be left alone.....consider this sharing, whether you like it or not....

Good Luck at Fisher's Island Bill. Do you remember way back (97 or so) when Carl from CT was going to drop some of us off out there and pick us up in the morn. I always regret that that didn't materialize.
Anchored there often sailing from Newport to New Haven and been to Silver Eel Pond (?) when in my twenties but never fished it.
Keep us posted how you do. You couldn't be going with a better Captain!

Everyone , lets try to stay positive here!! :) remember , first and formost , at Striped-Bass we are "nice people who like to fish".

lets talk trophies.....


what is a trophy?

...8 year old winning the spelling bee..(what is a trophy?)

...12 year old in little league winning the world series...(what is a trophy?)

...17 year old winning the CYO B-Ball championships..(what is a trophy?)

..30 year old person numerous 30# fish under his belt...(what is a trophy?)

...40 year old person first week of saltwater fishing landing a 40#er...(what is a trophy?)

...40 year old person, 25 years of fishing under their belt...(what is a trophy?)

...50 year old person 30 years fishing under his belt...never landed a 40#er...(what is a trophy?)

...a baby taking her first step...(what is a trophy?)

...I give myself a "trophy" everytime I challenge myself and win. Where are these trophies I speak of.....they're in my character.

...I'm sure none of this makes sense...today hasn't been a good day. Sorry if I seem negative Saltheart and all~

...its Stress Relief Time, ...thanks for calling me on the phone Goose! :)....Fish! here we come!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D...

Bloo............I have been reading this thread for a couple days now..I am mostly a "lurker".....But each time I have looked at this thread it got my blood running......Your response has echoed my feelings by far....I love fishing for the sheer love of fishing...wether it be chunking,plugging ect...Like clammer says..enjoy what you have....
Mike

Bloo. I love the fart thing and U r a star;)

...BM, I'm a happy-go-lucky kinda guy...just ask Goose...:jump1: ...I love to fish....I love to have fun....I love to make people smile or better yet laugh....and there's no stars here, as a matter of fact it was an overcast night tonight ;).... and I'd like to thank Goose for getting me out of the house and into the surf with a better ending to my "crabby" day...

.... uh oh...we both have to work in ....:eek: :eek: :eek: ..3-hours!!!...sheeeesh, I'm glad I'm not a "die-hard"....

...this suckas looooong, but definately not a "trophy" :cool: :smash: ...but he IS going in my belly!!:p...

...so how long is this "bleeder" smarty pants??? :p :happy:

any guesses? ~

...ok.....g'nite ~:)~



.....and remember fellas...

......Life's too short to be grumpy .....

...by the time you wake up, the game's over...;)

Hey saltheart! Glad your feeling better but, you may not want to read my posts;) ;) ;) They will give you to much stress and we dont want that!!

Ya, Tim is a good capt.Only he does not talk much out there,just casts and casts for hours.I still think fishers Island would be a great place from shore,you can take a vehicle there.Like I said, we were casting our eels right up onto the shore so the fish were very close to the beach indeed.

That whole are from watch hill, Nappatree over to fishers island is by far my favorite area.I think it holds more bass in the fall than anywhere else!! I may try to convince steve to do a weekend on fishers by foot in october.If your well enough, your more than welcome!!

Keep healing up !!:happy: :happy:


Well, smarty pants, I would say that fish is about 41 or 43 inches and not a tic over 24lbs most likely 22lbs That fish has no belly at all real racer, its hard to tell from a picture.

Bill.....your right, its hard to tell from a picture...(and your short on both answers)...but good guess

..and yes, definately a racer with NO belly...she must have just made a bowl-der movement while looking for crustaceons cuz she was on "E"...:laughs:...sac was empty!(where's the baitfish?)...

...let's lighten this thread up a bit- so it can be put to rest peacefully.....:)

...Daaaam, why am I sooooo tired??...:rolleyes: ...."fishing is hard work", my father once said...it took me awhile to finally agree.

Age catches up with your body a lot sooner than with your mind.

Bill, you are absolutely right, we have different ways to enjoy the same sport. That's why fishing is so cool.

I like chasin' large too, I just happen to have a new boat and I've fallen in love with it a bit... in the fall and next season, I'll probably balance things out a bit more. But the point is that however you or I or anyone else want to enjoy it, night or day, big or small, catch or release (within the laws), its OK.

If we all did the same thing, the beach would be overrun.

Bloo, you are dead on... I fish for me, my relaxation, my escape, to get outside and on the water... sometimes I just like a nice walk on the beach or a boat ride... its just my thing. On a trout stream, on a remote canadian lake in the fall, on the beach or in the boat... and even taking my daughter to the pond for sunnies. Sometimes I like to fish with others, mostly I fish by myself.

There are people that fish because they think it makes them cool, a rugged outdoorsmen, or whatever. Ain't me, been doin' it my whole life.

And the hard-core thing is great, I don't know, I launched at 4am or been on the road to a surf spot about every day I've been off since April... sometimes after fishing the night before. This past weekend was the first time this year I wasn't flippin' out about my next trip out.

But that's about as far as I care to take it. I don't see getting divorced over it or losing your job or house as a badge of honor.

Bill, I applaud you for making that change... family is most important, but I'm sure there's still room in your life for getting out there.

Saltheart, you shouldn't be getting involved in a thread like this, shame on you. Just read the one's with "smily faces" on them :) You are on a "no tweaking" diet.

getting me out of the house and into the surf with a better ending to my "crabby" day...

poop....:( :( have we been having the same week>>>>:mad: :eek: me crabby lately too...and I gettin to fired up about stupid crap!
I get out tommoroow nite.....to end my crappy/crabby week....:) :)

and ya know what????? I am not going to think about how awesome a 50# would be.....just how aewsome it is to be fishin.....and I am not gonna care either way......sure sometimes I get frustrated if I am not catchin.....but I am not going to lie or stress about it.......not gonna think about how someone is gonna feel if I keep a 34' (uh...whats that in pounds i dunno) for the supper table........as a matter of fact...I am not going to think aboput a damn thing!!!!! THATS why I do it!;) hey some people go to church and that is there religion....there focus and direction. Fishing (especially THIS year) is it for me......need answers??? relate anything to fishing and see what you come up with!!!:) :D

although I am no "pro" I have fished with quite a few great people (freshwater/saltwater/shore/boat) doesnt matter......I can honestly say I have respect for most of these people (maybe because we share common interests etc???) on rare occasion some knucklehead has spoiled it for me.........on rarer occasion I have been blessed enough to witness true serenity !!!!!!...and hope I will get there some day!!!!

everyone good luck fishin!!!!!but most importantly......have fun....

Amen

Time for my beating John!!!!
About this thread!! Some of my thoughts. You folk know I don’t ring in too often, but here I go!
Bill, I like your train of thought and your perspectives on the over all sport! I like this line! I edited out what I did not agree with, through this entire thread!

Quote:
“Trust me the poor little fishy hurts just as much from being hooked with a barbless"polically correct" hook as it does with a barbed hook, the experience is just as tramatic.You think your helping the fish, fishing barbless hooks is a way for you or anyone to justify hooking the thing in the first place,makes you feel better ,
NOT the fish. I hate barbless hooks.”
Quote:
“Did you know that the current "lite tackle" mentality actually hurts the fish more!
It does, in a nut shell you are playing the fish to death, takes to long to get her in and saps the fish of to much energy and oxygen.So the ones who think they are doing good are doing more harm.”

The above, could not be truer! I know and fish with the some best eel men in the business and boatmen in my area. They have all done 50’s and have kept them. These are the people that other fishermen try to follow into the knight to try and figure out “Just what the hell these fishermen are doing to catch so many fish!"We always manage to slip away from them in the night’s darkness. As a mater of fact, it is spoken of quite frequently as a joke of sorts among these aleat, how effectively, we can slip these folks. “
“They all agree, lite tackle and Fly rods due more damage to the fish then the heavy equipment.”
“That lite tackle simply whips them!”
Quote:
I have never played a big bass more than nessasary.And most fish I caught that were not sold were imediatly tossed back,not held out of the water for 15 minutes so my friends could take pictures.Thats to long for the fish to be out of water,the angler enjoys the photo shoot more than the bass.

I believe the above statement is true also!

Quote:
Im glad you tossed your 40s back, I have tossed more than my share back also! But sorry, no 50s get to swim again that cross my line!

I hope some day you get to make this decision again, and change your mind!

Quote:
Besides, there just ain’t any big fish around anymore!

The above statement! This is where I fell you are all wrong! From what I see, this statement is made quite often. There are allot of small fish around these days. The conservation has done a great job bring them back! These smaller Fish will beat the larger fish to the food. Because of this and the amount of these small fish being taken, it appears that the large fish population has dwindled to some kind of a dangerous condition. I will tell you this! Even during what was called the great decline of the striped bass I saw no change in population or size. You just had to be a better fishing person. The skill level to take them needed to be higher. (Paying your dues time!) As they call it. You needed to put more time and thought into just what these large fish were doing. Now due to this population explosion of fish, and the amount of pressure. Allot of folks have seemed to think they have become experts in this business of taken stripers.
I can assure you this, those big fish are still around, and they are allot bigger than you think they are!!!
Quote:
“Ethical”
This means to let your keepers go, so that someone in another State below us keep’s his or her limit of fish under 26 inches!




I like this Dave!
DaveK

Why do you fish? I guess thats the real question. If you are out there to stock your freezer then so be it. if you are out there to get away from the daily grind and have fun, then thats great. There are regulations out there as to what is a keeper size fish and as much as we doubt and question these regulations they are there for a reason. I liked this post originally as I was curious as to what other people considered a trophy. Personally anything that bends my rod and makes my adrenaline rush is a trophy to me. There are days that you catch so many large to trophy size fish that you loose respect for those 34". There are other days when you are swarmed by rats that a 34" would be a welcome surprise. If you want people to adopt your morals then have a nice time and be ready to get angry and frustrated. In the mean time enjoy the water, the scenery and the company and learn to be content .

schoolie monster, Saltheart, Your threads were well put!!!

I like this comment too! I know a lot of people, that this sickness literally caused their marriages. I am glad I am not one of these people. But I do have the sickness!!!

Quote:
I wonder how many here really know what a group of old time striperholics is like?? I mean these guys got divorced over this stuff,slept in cars on the highway,took planes to block island in december at the chance for a cow, I have the same mentality,its an all encomsing addictive sport the way I did it anyway.I would drewl all day long at the prospect of a new moon and a good south west. I have fished nappatree in 20 degree below wind chills in late november at 2 am for that last bass, walking out there like a zombie.Since 1999 or so I started to say to myself, time for a break or, its off to divorce court.

That’s it! I guess that I did not, really, say any thing! It is a good thread, and every body has his or her own opinion,
Just don’t push your opinion down my throat! If I agree with it I will, and if I don’t, please respect my opinion!
I guess that’s what makes this such a great sport! When I started fishing only stripers my personal goal was to take a fish over fifteen pounds! That was what I set as my personal goal. I also planed to mount that fish when I got it. I did not mount it and I have not personally ever had any of my fish mounted! I will tell you this, when that fish gets into my boat, it will not go back!!! It will be on my wall!
Just a final note so I can take my full beating, I have in my past sold fish! I do not sell now. I have done my part in conservation over the years. I have done my share of tagging them, only to have this information used against us by some one sitting behind a desk thinking what they think is the right thing for the fish! I kiss all my large fish between their eyes; I look them in their eye and say to them, You must be more careful the next time, God speed!
P.S. John keep up the great job you are doing1 I think of you often and you are in the back my head. Read what you will into this!
Later!:cool:

Glad to see someone agrees with at least part of what I said/

I dont always come across in my posts the way I intend.It always sounds harsh but, I dont care, you guys are all men here.I dont lose sleep if I made someone cry besides,its a message board for god sake?? you would think the world lives and dies around whats posted sometimes.

I say what I feel and I am passionate when it comes to striper fishing,I have done very well and can back up most of what I say with meat!! I have caught the fish. I dont sell anymore but, I have nothing at all against the sale of stripers,nothing.I have nothing at all against comms of any sort.There some of the best people and hardest working people you will ever meet.


When it comes to stripers,I take it seriously.Its a sport and like anything one does in life,it should be done to the best of a persons ability.I never "settled" for just rat bass.


Anyway you are right linesides, the guys who catch the most and biggest are always followed around but, backstabbed when ever the chance is there.You will follow me at night to see where the biguns are but call me a poacher when Im not looking?? It jealousy plain and simple. Im glad to see this thread genarated so much interest,always does when Im around???

You may not like my methods but, you cany argue with my fish! I have them to back up everything I say.Eels,its the way to go!

Your not going to get spanked if I didnt,Im surprised JohnR hasnt had me running to my mommy thus far!! He usually gets pissed when I voice my OPINION?? For some reason;) ;) ;)

Im about the only one who cant!!

Im fishing a little more now,once a week with tim and to be honest, catching more fish in a few hours on his boat than I ever did on the shore,I like it and, Im home by 12am.Its very much like surfcasting to me, we are tossing eels right along the shore at fishers island on friday nights,just enough for me at this stage.

I think a boat may be in my very near future!! Very near!! I was looking at the tritons,awesome boats.

For a guy that only has one 50 to his name, you sure do talk a lot.

Everyone misses you on the beach. Why don't you come out and play?

Linesides, good to hear from ya! Having a good summer?

Your not going to get spanked if I didnt,Im surprised JohnR hasnt had me running to my mommy thus far!! He usually gets pissed when I voice my OPINION?? For some reason Im about the only one who cant!!

Bill -- Smileys Noted :p -- You're not the only one that gets leaned on to be a little civil. It's happened before with others and others I respect have asked me to lighten up in the past too. It all goes full circle. It's part of what makes this site a little more light and fun and a little less of the battle sites like WMI (which was fun :p while it lasted). A lot of people tell me thay like this site as a fishing site and not a "who can piss the furthest" type site. I don't want a battle site as there are enough of those around. I want this place to be an excellent source for info (not spots :D ), a solid community of anglers, and a place to have some fun. Not a constant testosterone charged argument. Let people go to reeltime if they want that...

All I ask is that people respect others opinions and generally not attack & hammer others (does not apply to spamming :eek5: ).... If you have what you think is a better method or opinion, voice it but if someone doesn't agree, no need to circle the wagons...

Other than the higher than expected intensity, I liked this thread and think it offered a good discussion....

Hey Darkside - why don't you show a pair of stones and say who you are instead of peering around the corner of internet annonymity so you can jump out when nobody is looking... Waiting 4 months without a post to suddenly troll and pig pile is pretty lame... Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like.

I agree that many of the better fishermen probably go about their business quietly and don't participate in the internet fishing world. Numbers of 50 pounders may make you successful, but without class and professionalism you become one more jacka## with a rod and reel. Good fishermen start by being good people. They dont have to validate their success with internet stories. Some of them choose to be more vocal than others, but the way their statements are delivered say more than the actual text.

Bill. i take personal offense to one of your statements. who are you to say that any fisherman that gets a fifty WILL keep it?!?!?

when i get a striper, i don't keep it based on its size. if it is of legal size, and not going to live, then i will keep it. when i get a fifty, i keep it, but ONLY after i do everything in my power to revive her. if she can't swim off on her own, then she will go to the cooler.

i have nothing against someone keeping their "trophy". i do have something against someone doing this for the wrong reason. nobody likes a "self proclaimed" hero! let's say a person gets a fish that they feel is a fifty. they bring it to the shop to weigh it, and it weighs over fifty pounds. good for them. but, if they feel the need to take pictures of it to show EVERYONE, take it around and show people, weigh it in at every place with a scale, then i feel they have done something wrong. that is when they atrt gloating! every one here would be happy with that fish, but if that person feels the need to show off their accomplishment, then maybe they have some wrong that runs a little deeper than we really know! perhaps they have some self esteem issues. fishing should not be for anyone but yourself. the respect of an accomplished fisherman should not be called for by that person. but, instead, given readily by one's peers!

TL - While I agree that not everyone "needs" to keep a fifty, I disagree about bringing it to shops being purely . I have no problem with someone taking a 50 around to a few shops or taking photos and showing his friends. I also don't feel that person is "needing" to show off. It might seem like a fine line to some but somebody could be simply celebrating as opposed to just showing off.

If one of my fishing buddies got a 50 and were in the area, I'd demand they come over and let me see it (or I would go to it). Also, to bring it into a few shops, no big deal. I know if I got one, there are a few shops that would want me to bring it in, not just for the promotional aspect of a 50 hanging in front of their logo but some of the shop owners I know would also take pride that a client/friend has achieved that. I know I'd want to bring it to a few shops too...

Some people might say it's a self-validation of ones skill, but it can also be one way of celebrating that fish. That's the shore angler's version of winning the superbowl...

I don't know if you look at a 50 as a goal (or if you have one or more already) but I do to an extent. Do I go out every single night hunting for that elusive fish? No, I can't. Even if I could I wouldn't go out everytime with the expressed purpose of getting a 50 - I just want to enjoy it

Catch and release large....? (http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_622655.html?menu=)

It is interesting and it's been a theory that people have passed around for a couple years now... But if I keep one large fish for every 30-40 I get, I find that very reasonable and not an impact of any significance... Interesting on how that is impacted by the mass comms @ 40 per day... (That's just too much IMO)

I can,t believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I go into the hospital for a few days and john starts this post on sizes ,,which turns into a pissin match on c/r /// I,m not getting into either//////people do with what they catch for their own reasons ,if we agree or not it doesn,t matter

YOU just don,t get it
ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

right now I,d take a bluefish and you all know how I feel about them
Funny how curves in life WILL change your outlook on many things

fun & laughs ==enjoyment

lightenup :confused: :confused:

Calmdigger..
This is all my fault......Don't blame John..

I will say this much.
This has been a great thread.....very interesting to see poeples views on why they fish.....and what fishing means to each of us...

Its a state of mind..

Whoa I'm not trying to be in a pissing match. I found the article while surfing and simply thought that it was interesting and that maybe others would also. As long as it is legal I am not going to judge someone for keeping....thats up to the individual. Sorry if this inflamed the issue.

i,m not blaming anyone,especially john,hes from boston///////////////////////////

Clammer - in the end, you're right!

I promise to make it up to you with some of TheBetterHalf's baking skilz

:happy:

Clammer nice to see you out and about. Will you be up for a trip to Cuttyhunk soon? Maybe a Fri night to Sat afternoon? We will be sure the weather is good before going and maybe John would like to tag along? And all the fish we catch will be c/r or eaten but not both???

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :
TO FISHING

Zum Wohl :btu: :cheers:

Gwen.s sweets will save you !!!!!!!!!!!!!

G/B not real soon but in pleanty of time to catch fish/////

eat or c&r //// whose going to catch fish ??????

Thanks <greg/////////////








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