Since I'm halfway around the world right now I'm feeling pretty brave so I think I will say what many think and see if we can discuss this like gentleman instead of it turning into a flame war. We will see!!:)

I think boat fishing is way easier than shore fishing. I offer two pieces of evidence

1) Look at all the guys who go to boat fishing later in life because their legs or backs or whatever can no longer take the rigors of shore fishing.

2) I have been on two boat fishing trips in the last 7 years. One with Chet hathaway on the Noreaster and one with Mr Macey and redcrabber. On just those 2 trips , I have caught and seen caught by others , more fish over 30 pounds than I have caught on more than 200 shore trips.

IMO its easier to get to the spots , you can fish way longer without getting tired , you can use fish finders , you can use heavier gear for fewer breakoffs and reties , and you can go to several areas in one night without your legs falling off.

Now I will admit that I had a ball on both the boat trips. Pulling in big fish one after another is certainly a lot of fun but come on guys , lets admit that its easier to catch fish when you use mechanical help instead of old tired legs.

Again , I ask we keep it civilized but let the battle begin! :)

Since I am also quite a ways from New England (on Maui) I'll weigh in.
Yep, I agree, it's a lot easier in the boat and more productive and more fun and easier on the body and, and, and I LOVE IT!!!

I am a surf guy....way out of my element in a boat! I can take nothing away from the guys who do it on the water! It might be easier, as many say to catch fish from a boat......but is it any easier to catch a "SLOB" from a boat than it is from the surf??? I have to say no!

Kayak fishing is the best of both worlds.. and if your back is sore, you can get out and surfcast. :hee:

There is NO comparison. Boat fishing is beyond a doubt, MUCH MORE EASIER than shore fishing.

Anyone who thinks they're even relatively close is a :jester: - FOOL.

I think the biggest reason, which Saltheart already pointed out......." - its easier to get to the spots - " .....that in itself is enough to carry the entire weight of my belief. Think of ALL the spots that we no longer have access to from shore,.....now think, if you had a boat, ...access to those spots..and well beyond, was just given back to you. When is a school of fish out of casting range for a boater ? From the boat, you can always find colder water during those summer months,...from shore, your casting a little more than 180 degrees, depending where you are, from a boat, your @ 360, when the fish follow the bait off shore, the boater too, can follow...while the surf-fisherman can only follow with his eyes while he wipes away his tears. The last time I used a Fish-Finder from shore, I filled a bucket of perriwinkles, the guy in the boat using his, had 3 totes of mackerel......:rollem: - my goodness, this list can go on and on.

It may actually be easier to point out the very few advantages that a surf fisherman may have over a boater.....
When a rough sea doesn't allow the boater to go out. (Although he can still hit a river, the entire river...OR, grab his surf rod.. :laugha:..)
It's quicker for a surf-fisherman to head out the door after work. (Oh wait, the boater may take longer...but as that surf-fisherman hits one, two....maybe even 3 spots that night, the boater has already found the pogys, has them in his live-well....and WILL find fish that night)
The surf-fisherman only has to rinse off his gear/ while the boater has 20 feet of fiber-glass to hose down, an engine to flush, and a couple of LARGE that he needs to put on ice.
The surf-fisherman gets more satisfaction than the boater.......at least that what he tells himself to make it worth his time, as he got skunked again.

Don't get me wrong, I am a Surf-Fisherman. I will always prefer to catch fish from shore......however, being a Surf-Fisherman doesn't make me a FOOL. Boat fishing will always produce more fish, more quantity, more quality, more species in 1 outing, this list too....can go on and on.

Saltheart - there's no battle to be had here, anyone who thinks they're the same or even close........is kidding themselves, and doesn't really know what they're doing.

[QUOTE=Saltheart;598459]Since I'm halfway around the world right now I'm feeling pretty brave so I think I will say what many think and see if we can discuss this like gentleman instead of it turning into a flame war. We will see!!:)

I think boat fishing is way easier than shore fishing. I offer two pieces of evidence

1) Look at all the guys who go to boat fishing later in life because their legs or backs or whatever can no longer take the rigors of shore fishing.

and this means if you can no long walk the walk your surpose to just give up and sell all your gear and call it quits...I think not...it means where's a will there's a way of still being able to still fish.This train of thought that useing a boat to fish is being a wuss...only tell's me you beleive disabled folks should just dry up and blow away...unreal.

ps...while your on the subject of lazy people..lets throw in all those who drive on the beaches going from hole to hole instead of walking.

Boat fishing is great, and I love to do it, but for some reason I just associate boat fishing with commercial fishing... I have some family that commercial fish and obviously that is the most productive way, so ever since I have been out with them, I have always seen boat fishing as a possible way of making money off the fish you catch compared to surf casting which is not only harder, but far less productive... just my thoughts :)

Just a different way to fish. Both shore and boat are rewarding and both rewarding in same & different ways...

What cracks me up is the legions of people that say they wouldn't get caught dead in a boat are grinning ear to ear a few years later in their boat :tooth:

Me, I love both.

Fishing during daylight hours inside the bay, yes - it appears much easier. Not too many boat guys have the skills to fish the open ocean at night though.
Before the pogies came back like they have now, and people were tube-and-worming it, I think the better surfcasters caught more consistantly large fish than the average boaters - but not the better boat guys.

Boat fishing is easier in general - its less physically demanding and you will catch more and bigger fish on average (given a similar level of talent). However, being a good or great boat fisherman is no less impressive or less difficult than being a good or great surfcaster. Both take the same amount of dedication, time and hard work - the definition of success is just different. A great boat fisherman is going to outperform a great surfcaster by a large margin in terms of size and quantities of fish but you just can't compare relative catches. A surfcaster can really only be measured against other surfcasters as a boat fisherman can only be measured against other boat fisherman. Alot of surf guys seam to give good boat fisherman less credit than they deserve. Alot of boat guys look down on surf guys because their production doesn't compare.

Hmmm, as a recent surfactster turned boater, I can say this. I caught more bass in the last month than the last 2 years from the surf combined. I had 2 PBs in a week. But I am goign to be cautious here.... the point made was that it is "easier"
I am not so sure. I think boating is more productive, maybe not easier. For one, as a surfcaster, I have 2 focus points, presenting my offering, eel, lure, and watching the surf for waves/safety. In a boat, I have those two focus points, plus the incerased danger of ruining a multi thousand dollar piece of equipment, sudden changes in wave height, wind, thunderstorms etc. While fishing I am watching my depth finder constantly, repositionng the boat constantly for a good drift, its not easy and requires more effort than surcasting imho.
To Piemmas point, boat fsihing is 10000% more enjoyable to me. Why? Not beacause I catch more, but becasue I can SEE more. I am not new to surfcasting, been at it since I was a kid. Since I fsihied mostly at night, I never saw the fish hit, except for a tug on an eel or sometimes a splash on a plug. On a boat, I see everything. Every time I go out, I see something that amazes me. from watching 30,000 bunker swim under the boat to 20+ pound bass chasing bait and slamming plugs right next to the boat. It is visually a much better experience for me. IN a few weeks, I will resume my "surfacting-like" approach to fishing, I will be on my boat at 1am, tossing eels along the rocks and fishing until sunrise. I can cover much more water than a surfcaster, which may lead to more fsih, but I do not think its easier than surfcasting.

They are both fun. For me, I get more satisfaction catching a smaller fish from shore than a bigger fish from a boat. It's harder from shore and there in lies the higher degree of satisfaction. I can definitely see getting a powerboat as I get older.

This year I started Yak fishing, which is kind of like having a foot in each world.

Old man time sticks it to everyone...

I have to temporarily disagree that boat fishing is easier. I just got a new boat this year and I am still learning the ropes. I have caught 5 keepers this year and none of them have been from the boat! Maybe once I figure out how to troll correctly I will agree that boat fishing is easier, but as of now it is much more challenging for me than surf fishing. Most of my serious fishing trips are alone which makes it even more difficult. Yes, a boater has the whole ocean to his disposal, but sometimes that can seem overwhelming. Perhaps when I become a seasoned veteran at fishing from a boat I will change my tune, but as of right now I feel much more comfortable from shore even when I have to walk for mile(s) on rocky surfaces etc. I would be willing to bet that most trips shore fisherman take on boats are with charter captains are veteran boat anglers that make something that is challenging look very easy.

Hmmm, as a recent surfactster turned boater, I can say this. I caught more bass in the last month than the last 2 years from the surf combined. I had 2 PBs in a week. But I am goign to be cautious here.... the point made was that it is "easier"
I am not so sure. I think boating is more productive, maybe not easier. For one, as a surfcaster, I have 2 focus points, presenting my offering, eel, lure, and watching the surf for waves/safety. In a boat, I have those two focus points, plus the incerased danger of ruining a multi thousand dollar piece of equipment, sudden changes in wave height, wind, thunderstorms etc. While fishing I am watching my depth finder constantly, repositionng the boat constantly for a good drift, its not easy and requires more effort than surcasting imho.
To Piemmas point, boat fsihing is 10000% more enjoyable to me. Why? Not beacause I catch more, but becasue I can SEE more. I am not new to surfcasting, been at it since I was a kid. Since I fsihied mostly at night, I never saw the fish hit, except for a tug on an eel or sometimes a splash on a plug. On a boat, I see everything. Every time I go out, I see something that amazes me. from watching 30,000 bunker swim under the boat to 20+ pound bass chasing bait and slamming plugs right next to the boat. It is visually a much better experience for me. IN a few weeks, I will resume my "surfacting-like" approach to fishing, I will be on my boat at 1am, tossing eels along the rocks and fishing until sunrise. I can cover much more water than a surfcaster, which may lead to more fsih, but I do not think its easier than surfcasting.

That pretty much sums it up.:cheers:
The danger factor can definitely be much greater in a boat for sure, making it harder. An example is: just the other morning I was fishing a rocky shoreline from the boat that I fished many times from the surf, the surf was fairly calm, I casted into the rocks and got on a good fish right away, while fighting the fish, a swell turned the boat sideways and could have easily put me on the rocks. If I was planted on tera firma, I could have just stepped back a few feet and been out of danger, from a boat, you have to be prepared and very alert at all times when fishing in tight like I do. I find it much more challenging than fishing from the surf by far. Now if you're fishing in open water, that's different(easy), but I love a little danger in my life..:shocked:

Two things make it easier: being able to know fish are there (aka Sonar) and being able to drive around and find fish.
The part about finding fish and knowing they're there are a huge advantage since you can then focus on figuring out what they want to eat.

Cape Cod Canal folks were going nuts the first week of June because the fish were there and eating pretty much any surface lure you threw. It reminded me a blitz offshore except the fish weren't visible. Prior to that, I've gone a few times and not seen any fish and no one catching any. It's called fishing and not "catching" but if you haven't gotten skunked a few times, you realize boats are a lot easier...

I've had my best days in terms of catching on the boat. But, I've had good outings from shore as well. I always enjoy fishing whether it's from shore or the boat and whether I'm catching or not. I fish mainly plugs on light tackle when I'm on the boat, which is still much easier than surfcasting. But it's also more of a challenge than trolling wire or leadcore while sitting back with a drink watching the rod holders.

For me, the best thing about the boat is that we can head out and pick up some keeper bass in the early morning, then when the bite is slow, move on and pick up some fluke and seabass for the cooler.

Midwater dragging is the easiest!

Hooray! Next dumb statement please.

Two things make it easier: being able to know fish are there (aka Sonar) and being able to drive around and find fish.
.

I've never once seen a fsih I've caught on the fish fisnder. I can see strcuture and bait.

Yep, I agree, it's a lot easier in the boat and more productive and more fun and easier on the body and, and, and I LOVE IT!!!

Second that. I've been primarily fishing the surf since 2000. Boat fishing is actually more difficult for me right now due to time constraints and family committments. When the kids get a little bigger, I'll likely get back into the boat so the whole family can join in.
That is unless they start producing kiddie korkers for the boys and a high heeled version for the wife.

I've never once seen a fsih I've caught on the fish fisnder. I can see strcuture and bait.

exactly. i also agree 100% with all of the points in your other post.

i think there is a major learning curve to boat fishing, and it is not as easy as many of you think. But in the end it is more productive.

I've never once seen a fsih I've caught on the fish fisnder. I can see strcuture and bait.

Stop fibbing, fish finders tell you exactly what kind of fish and what they want to eat. :heybaby:

That is unless they start producing kiddie korkers for the boys and a high heeled version for the wife.

Laughing out loud.:bl:

I just recently starting kayak fishing and I am starting to understand what you guy are talking about, you really need to pay attention to the conditions, not as much to catch fish, but for your safety. If you hit rocks on a boat, you are major league screwed! There is a LOT more to pay attention to out there on the water, throw other boaters in and it's even more difficult.
As many have said, to be consistantly successfull in each world is not easy and takes a lot of skill, so to each his own.

Boat fishing is more productive if you know what your doing. I know plenty of people who have boats that can't catch anything. I also know many good boat fisherman who keep the same hours as good surf guys. They work hard too. I can say when I've been in a boat and fished at night I've seen alot more big fish caught. The spots they are catching them are damn close to where the surf guys are.

To all the surf fisherman who think boat fishing is so easy, I will give you my skiff for the day and let you show me how to catch 40 Pounders all day long. Its not easy as everyone cracks it up to be. It takes just as much time or more to learn areas on a boat

I will give you my skiff for the day and let you show me how to catch 40 Pounders all day long.


What size ball hitch do you have?

What size ball hitch do you have?

And do you have a high-res fish finder that will let me see 40" stripers? :angel:

It's not dead easy on a boat, but it's easier than from the shore. You can find a ledge/dropoff easier w/ a FF than bouncing jigs from shore...you can find fish (even if it's bait) w/ a FF. And you can drive around in the harbor until you find a blitz or you run out of gas :err:

Two things make it easier: being able to know fish are there (aka Sonar)
I totally disagree with that statement. Sonar doesn't show them hiding in the rocks.
I can see from this post that the guys who think boat fishing is easy don't have a clue about hunting large via boat, on their own that is, going on a charter is easy, someone else is doing all the work.

You don't count mike, you can take the boat but im coming with you.

And do you have a high-res fish finder that will let me see 40" stripers? :angel:

It's not dead easy on a boat, but it's easier than from the shore. You can find a ledge/dropoff easier w/ a FF than bouncing jigs from shore...you can find fish (even if it's bait) w/ a FF. And you can drive around in the harbor until you find a blitz or you run out of gas :err:
I can see you've never ran a boat before, wanna go for a ride??? I'll show you how easy it is, bring a change of underoos....LOL;)

I can see from this post that the guys who think boat fishing is easy don't have a clue about hunting large via boat, on their own that is, going on a charter is easy, someone else is doing all the work.

It's easy goddamit. :laugha:

Towing, maintenance,fog,broken axles on the trailer and all the other B.S. that goes with owning the boat is what killed me. Thus my position that its really harder in a boat. When I'm done surf fishing I simply trudge back to the truck, strip down, little bit of visene in the eyes, and leave with no strings attached. :happy:
If I want to bail fish with abandon I'll jump in my brother's boat and show him how its really done....:fishin:

I've got 40 years experience doing both. There is MUCH, MUCH more to master when trying to become good with a boat than when trying to become good from shore. When it comes to actually finding and catching fish, however, a boat is obviously a huge advantage because you can cover far more ground effectively and use many more techniques than the guy on the beach. The combination of a boat and bait also makes it MUCH more likely a novice will connect with a trophy fish, which is why the size of a fish is a MUCH poorer indication of the fisherman's skill than the obstacles he/she overcame in catching it, and the consistency with which one does so.

They are both labor and time intensive. Boats give you the ability to access places you cant being on shore. They also give you the ability to follow birds, bait, fish into a bay or river or rip, etc.

As for using electronics, a great sounder is an absolute on a boat and yes you can watch fish come up to get the bait. It is especially important offshore. Most people just dont know how to tweak the sounder to maximize its efficiency.
The real good boat guys will outproduce the shore guys not because they are more skilled but rather have more options to fish.

Both are rewarding and fun. Simple as that.

You don't count mike, you can take the boat but im coming with you.

I know where there's a bunch of 40# carp. Lets do it. I'll bring the bread. :buds:

I've got 40 years experience doing both. There is MUCH, MUCH more to master when trying to become good with a boat than when trying to become good from shore. When it comes to actually finding and catching fish, however, a boat is obviously a huge advantage because you can cover far more ground effectively and use many more techniques than the guy on the beach. The combination of a boat and bait also makes it MUCH more likely a novice will connect with a trophy fish, which is why the size of a fish is a MUCH poorer indication of the fisherman's skill than the obstacles he/she overcame in catching it, and the consistency with which one does so.

When the fish are scarce the cream always rises to the top.

%$%$%$%$ boats

I can see you've never ran a boat before, wanna go for a ride??? I'll show you how easy it is, bring a change of underoos....LOL;)

Are the underoos to change into after cleaning the boat or after we hit the 10' waves? :laugha:

I've never run one solo but have a friend who has one...he's always working on it (painting, etc.), so if we're counting how much of a PITA it is, then shore fishing is definitely less hassle :rollem:
But I thought we were talking about probability of catching fish?

Actually, here's a question for those of you who've done both: What's your personal percentage of getting skunked (i.e., nothing caught at all, even undersized) from shore vs. boat?
And what's the percentage of coming back w/ a keeper from shore vs. boat?

I've got 40 years experience doing both. There is MUCH, MUCH more to master when trying to become good with a boat than when trying to become good from shore. When it comes to actually finding and catching fish, however, a boat is obviously a huge advantage because you can cover far more ground effectively and use many more techniques than the guy on the beach. The combination of a boat and bait also makes it MUCH more likely a novice will connect with a trophy fish, which is why the size of a fish is a MUCH poorer indication of the fisherman's skill than the obstacles he/she overcame in catching it, and the consistency with which one does so.

damn right! Seen plenty of boat guys who cant catch a cold

I boat fish with a very skilled Captain. A lot like Fishaholic, its surf fishing from the outside, 90% of the time we are within one cast of the shore.

Advantages: Mobility, you can cover more water and more spots than you can from shore in the same time.

Disadvantages: You'll die if you let your guard down for a second depending on where you are.

I dunno.....getting my little 14 foot pisspot ready for fishing each year is a pain in the ass nevermind towing ,launching getting beat to death in wavage bigger than you should be messing around in etc etc.

Shore and boat fishing both have advantages and disadvantages and after carefull thought both take a lot of time to master.

A good boatfisherman does not a good shorefisherman make and vice a versa.

Different fishing. I remember "the boat days" with my father. Oddly enough I was the youngest but always ended up doing the job of "mate". Cant say I miss many of the close calls I have had on a boat....(did I also forget to mention my lack of grace and coordination?)

I enjoy the surf way more but do enjoy a boat trip from time to time. However like Bigfish said I too feel out of my element. I like being able to move around or do whatever on shore and the scenery is better. I think the boat is just too confining after a days fishing. It wipes me out!

So I guess that being said....I DO believe boat fishing is harder in many respects!!!

Give it a rest !!!
This subject has been beat to death !
Who cares !!!
I can think of other advantages some guys/gals have over both surf and boat !

I sold my boat and shifted entirely to surf fishing because surf fishing in all is easier. When I'm done surf fishing I get in my truck and go home to bed. I don't have to spend hours cleaning and fixing the boat. I don't spend my winters shoveling snow off the boat and preping for the season. Boat fishing is easy if all you do is walk on to a charter and they do all the work.

From reading most of the posts, it seems like the boat guys are doing a decent job of defending themselves for boat fishing. I don't think Saltheart was talking about maintenance, AND....you don't have to defend yourself because you boat fish. It's OK....really it is.
Is there skill to boat fishing ? ABSOLUTELY!
Is it easier to catch fish from a boat ? ABSOLUTELY!
Will it be the quality fish you were looking for? This is where the experience and know-how come into play.
Give an idiot a rod and a ree and a box of sand-worms, send him off to the beach somewhere...and maybe he'll catch something.
Give the same idiot a rod and a reel and a box of worms, and he'll be out of worms before he catches his first fish.
Whether he catches or not, he will get MORE action from a boat. PERIOD.

I can see from this post that the guys who think boat fishing is easy don't have a clue about hunting large via boat

O.K. Mr. Experience..........to add to your statement, Which style of fishing will give YOU more fish,,, boat or surf when you target LARGE ?

I am to Lazy to surf fish!! I boat only!! Catching fish is easier, but taking care of said boat, surf guys have us beat there!

I was in a spot today were we got 30 fish (stripers) 20 fish 30+ #'s 1 40# and the rest all in the 20's!! Best Bass day ever!!
O yea 171 pounds Fluke also!!

They are both easy, that is why it is known as recreation. When it becomes a job then it is a nuiscance. I don't know anyone that can't see a striped bass on a fishfinder,just look on the floor for crying out loud. You can't see all of them but you can certainly see your share.Anyone who is willing to pay attention to details and has the advantage of learning from a REAL fisherman can do well in a short amount of time.I speak from experience as I have been fortunate to fish with excellent surf as well as boat guys.Some years are better than others in their respective categories but I can't imagine NOT being able to land a lot of quality fish as long as I make the sacrifices that go hand in hand with catching large.I don't believe in a fishing log as much as instinct and I have NEVER caught at the keyboard.
Enjoy the fishing season,for it is gone before you know it. Fish have tails so if they are not in your honey hole one night try again the next. Sooner or later you will hit the jackpot.

Every time ive boat fished either on a charter or on my little boat i have caught more fish than from the shore. If you use the knowledge gained from surf casting and apply it in a boat you are going to catch some fish. The fishfinder is pretty much like cheating. I didnt even look for bait, just like when i fish a lake for LMB. I look for structure and fish it. Add in the tides against the structure and you have a recipe for success. I would like to say if you put any competent surfcaster in a boat he will catch some fish. i must admit i would like to hit a boat and cast towards shore on some of the boulder fields that i fish from shore. Im not knockin boat fishing, we all have seen the impressive results that good fisherman have had. More power to em, id rather catch a 20 from shore than a 40 by boat.

and thats a bad thing?

If I want to bail fish with abandon I'll jump in my brother's boat and show him how its really done....:fishin:

You sound like my brother.. I like that..:kewl::heybaby::laughs:

I cant wait to get back out for some easy fishing. The best and MOST easiest part of boat fsihing is that at 3am, I have nice warm cup of coffee easily within reach. Beats waking up by a cold wave down my waders.

Actually, here's a question for those of you who've done both: What's your personal percentage of getting skunked (i.e., nothing caught at all, even undersized) from shore vs. boat?
And what's the percentage of coming back w/ a keeper from shore vs. boat?

Actually my 2 largest bass came from shore. I have had an equal % of the skunk boat and shore, not very often, but yes it does happen. It's all about timing and feeding them what they want to eat, that will increase your odds for sure..Boat or Shore. Be safe an enjoy, that's what matters most.

I think one problem here is that people think boat fishing means an 18 footer in a bay somewhere livelining pogies along a rocky shore. Get yourself behind Nantucket in late Oct on Pochet rip, when the ebb starts into a 25 knot SW wind with a 8ft SE swell running as well, gannets filling the air, sea herring being blasted into oblivion, and the bass of your dreams rolling in a seething roaring rip, a wall of water that can and has killed men in a flash towering above your cockpit,...........and your opinion of boat fishing will change plenty fast I assure you.

I think one problem here is that people think boat fishing means an 18 footer in a bay somewhere livelining pogies along a rocky shore. Get yourself behind Nantucket in late Oct on Pochet rip, when the ebb starts into a 25 knot SW wind with a 8ft SE swell running as well, gannets filling the air, sea herring being blasted into oblivion, and the bass of your dreams rolling in a seething roaring rip, a wall of water that can and has killed men in a flash towering above your cockpit,...........and your opinion of boat fishing will change plenty fast I assure you.

Boy that bring's back memories of fishing in shall we call it "the white knuckle ride"backing into 12'er's to drop a jig on a full moon nite.watching it crest and the top roll over...fish on.

Good points on both sides.

No I was not including showeling snow off your boat in the winter time as part of my analysis. :)

Oh , BTW , I had a boat for 23 years so I know there is work in keeping it up and yes , it can be dangerous out there. I have sailed through 16 foot waves wind driven against the current. Very hair raising!

To the guy who threw in the stuff about handicap people , well you are pretty far off the mark. Unless you are handicapped , I know more about it than you right now. I have also seen handicapped guys fish from van platforms on beaches and from wheel chairs on boats. They have a ball and some are very knowledgeable.

Minor miracle that the thread goes 53 posts with no explosions. I knew we could discuss this subject inteligently.

I'm a little disappointed steve didn't chime in. He seemed to have a strong opinion on this in another thread and I'd be interested in what he thinks.

Here in China , they use a 21 foot pole to fish for fish the size of the palm of your hand. You know what...its a lot a fun. You should see the excitement as the fish are measured to see who wins the big bottle of beer prize. Of course the difference between the biggest and smallest fish is just about 2 inches. :)

....I was in a spot today were we got 30 fish (stripers) 20 fish 30+ #'s 1 40# and the rest all in the 20's!! Best Bass day ever!!
O yea 171 pounds Fluke also!!....


:btu: Way to go Joe - Sounds like a great day.


......I have days like that from shore at least once a week :laughs:

The chances are, the surf heads who haven't converted to boat is one or both of 2 reasons. The first your body hasn't caught up with you, if you fished/worked stupid for many years then sooner or later it will. Second, money. Either you can't afford it, or you have other priorities.
Fact of the matter is, if you've been fishing for a long period of time your skunk/dink outings has surpassed your memorable fish outing 25 to 1 something like that. Fish don't fight any different in a boat the biggest difference is there fat price that not everyone is willing to pay.

Here in China , they use a 21 foot pole to fish for fish the size of the palm of your hand.

Then you head over to Japan and those guys are catching fish that would slap around a 50lb striper then make it call it daddy. :shocked:

(Giant Trevally if you're curious)

It seems like the boat guys feel like they have to defend themselves and the shore guys have to have an excuse as to why they don't catch as much or as big as the boat guys. There are guys (and gals) on this site that fish only from shore that could go out on a boat and catch with a Walmart combo and vise versa for the boat guys.
Bottom line is if you know what you're doing and you put in enough time, you'll catch. I fish both boat and shore and enjoy each for different reasons. Wading at night is relaxing for me while being out on the boat seeing all the sea life is pretty cool too.
Saying boat fishing is easy compared to surf fishing is like saying fishing the canal is easy compared to fishing the surf in south county. Just because some guys go down the canal and consitently catch big fish in the dead of the night doesn't mean that it's easy.
Any fishing for me beats the hell out of my job or the work I have to do around the house.

Thanks Bloo!!!!

The chances are, the surf heads who haven't converted to boat is one or both of 2 reasons. The first your body hasn't caught up with you, if you fished/worked stupid for many years then sooner or later it will. Second, money. Either you can't afford it, or you have other priorities.
Fact of the matter is, if you've been fishing for a long period of time your skunk/dink outings has surpassed your memorable fish outing 25 to 1 something like that. Fish don't fight any different in a boat the biggest difference is there fat price that not everyone is willing to pay.




Good post !:kewl:

If I want to bail fish with abandon I'll jump in my brother's boat and show him how its really done....:fishin:

I'm ready when you are, Spongebob Sharpiepants...

At least you admit that you'll bail fish with abandon.. :bl: Next trip departs Franklin at 3 AM sharp Sunday. Coupla hours of linesides, then I'm going to try to bail some fluke.

Not sure I agree with the boat fishing is easier if you're referring to actually catching fish. If I think of all the best numbers days I've ever had Striper fishing, most of them have been from shore on the canal or back beach with my sharpie brother.

I will agree that I've had much better luck consistantly catching high numbers of bigger fish from the boat, but it took a few seasons to learn how to fish all the spots correctly and be productive. I wouldn't say it takes any less time, effort, or skill to get really good at it, it's just different. Correct me if I'm wrong Mike, but I don't see any drop off in your yearly #'s compared to boat fishing. Maybe fewer giants, but that's about it.

I know enough superbly skilled surf guys that catch a pile of big fish to think that it's not really any easier. Good fisherman will find bigger and more fish whether they're on the beach or in a boat. They'll work hard to understand the conditions under which fish will be at certain areas and be at those areas at the right times. Also, how many of the folks that claim boat fishing is "easier" say so because they spent the day on the water with a charter captain or very experienced angler that fishes a lot, and therefore knows where, when, and how to catch a lot of fish? Guys like that can tend to make it look a lot easier than it really is. There's dozens of boats out in SoCo every weekend and I don't see tons of Bass being hauled over the sides of many of them. The ones that do catch a lot are the guys who are out there a lot, grinding it out, adapting their methods to the conditions.

Though I don't get out in the surf often due to ruined knees and a job that doesn't lend itself to being tired and smelly in the A.M., I think that there's nothing quite like getting a bigger fish in the suds. You're stationary and more subject to where the fish is going than in a boat. The fight is certainly a lot more interesting. Both ways are fantastic ways to fish!

The chances are, the surf heads who haven't converted to boat is one or both of 2 reasons. The first your body hasn't caught up with you, if you fished/worked stupid for many years then sooner or later it will. Second, money. Either you can't afford it, or you have other priorities.
Fact of the matter is, if you've been fishing for a long period of time your skunk/dink outings has surpassed your memorable fish outing 25 to 1 something like that. Fish don't fight any different in a boat the biggest difference is there fat price that not everyone is willing to pay.

I find myself going the other way. Shore fishing eliminates a whole lot of complexity and lets you test yourself against the fish on the simplest and most intimate of scales. There is a lot to be said for that.

I find myself going the other way. Shore fishing eliminates a whole lot of complexity and lets you test yourself against the fish on the simplest and most intimate of scales. There is a lot to be said for that.


My sentiments exactly. Despite your propensity for wood, I consider you to be of above average intelligence....

My sentiments exactly. Despite your propensity for wood, I consider you to be of above average intelligence....

Don't be fooled so easily.

I just spit broccoli and cheddar soup on my flat screen!!!LMAO!!!

My sentiments exactly. Despite your propensity for wood, I consider you to be of above average intelligence....

made me choke on my lunch.. :jump1:

I was one of the guys stirring the pot in the other thread so I feel I should give my take even if it might not be popular.

Boat fishing is easier that shore fishing period. There are statistics to back that up too. If you check the daily weigh in for the Derby on the vineyard each fall there are consistently more and bigger fish caught from boats. Last year anything over 20# from shore was big and there were dozens of fish that size weighed in everyday from boats. See for yourself http://www.mvderby.com/

I primarily fish from shore. I don't hate boats in fact I have a 17ft Boston whaler, It's sitting in my driveway and I find that the $ and Maintainence is just not worth the reward. Granted I'm 27 and in good health but like most people my age don't have tons of $. So my opinion will most likely change as time goes on. I can understand why older people or with bad health might prefer it.

In my personal opinion pulling a nice bass up on the sand at dawn is nicer than throwing a gaff in a bass and throwing it in a cooler with 2 cycle exhaust in the air. I'm starting to fish from a kayak this year or at least use a kayak to get to the spots I need too. I think this is a nice happy medium and not to mention better for the environment

Squibby, if your motor is properly tuned and cared for ( I have a two cycle) it should not smoke and I catch bass all the time, do not carry a cooler ( I RELEASE THEM ALL) and if I have to gaff a fish it's a lip gaff to hold the fish steady to promptly remove the hook(s) which is way better than slipping your hands into thier gills and is only done with large fish otherwise it's a lip grip with my hands.

At 52 I guess I am a retread though so your right on that point but I do many many nights crawling onto slime covered rocks and standing in surf while the sand washes away around my feet as the suds recede, and most nights on sand are spent walking lonely stretches for miles from high banked parking lots cause the oversand routes are shutdown.

Just a point of contention here is all, carry on.

Boat fishing is easier that shore fishing period. There are statistics to back that up too. If you check the daily weigh in for the Derby on the vineyard each fall there are consistently more and bigger fish caught from boats. Last year anything over 20# from shore was big and there were dozens of fish that size weighed in everyday from boats. See for yourself http://www.mvderby.com/

Doesn't prove anything. Maybe boat fishermen are just better...... ;)

:hidin:

seriously though, a lot of those fish come from charters that are out there all day every day and are very tuned into where the fish are and what to feed them.

In my personal opinion pulling a nice bass up on the sand at dawn is nicer than throwing a gaff in a bass and throwing it in a cooler with 2 cycle exhaust in the air.

I want to let this thread die, but its statements like this and many others above that get me. If you thinks thats what boat fishing is, man you guys are missing out. To me its.......

A cove all to myself, drifting in perfect silence, watching bass inhale a bunker while it runs for its life...or...
2 am, not a soul on the water, tossing an eel into a rockpile most people can never get to. or....
tossing a pencil along an island wathching bass blow up on it one after another as the sun sets.....

no fumes, no crowds, no people, ..... no $hit :buds:

I just got back from a long day at Valiant, Race, Little gull and the sluiceway. We capped it off by stopping at the Watch Hill reefs.This body is very tired from BOAT fishing.As far as solitude, we fished next to less boats and certainly saw less anglers than the majority of my shore outings. Some are fortunate enough to find solitude in the suds via a beached boat. Otherwise get used to some company.

What a dumb thread :hs:

Put simply...if you had feed your family, would you fish from shore or from a boat?

-spence

Dangles,how'd you do?That's my territory.

What a dumb thread :hs:

Put simply...if you had feed your family, would you fish from shore or from a boat?

-spence
Yes, this is a dumb thread. And that, to me is a dumb question to ask. That may be a pertinent question to ask yourself, but it's everyone elses own choice to fish however they choose to.:bs:

I want to let this thread die, but its statements like this and many others above that get me. If you thinks thats what boat fishing is, man you guys are missing out. To me its.......

A cove all to myself, drifting in perfect silence, watching bass inhale a bunker while it runs for its life...or...
2 am, not a soul on the water, tossing an eel into a rockpile most people can never get to. or....
tossing a pencil along an island wathching bass blow up on it one after another as the sun sets.....

no fumes, no crowds, no people, ..... no $hit :buds:

Amen Jim, amen

To me its not that one is easier or harder its that they are very different experiences. I used to be solely shorebound, and there is nothing like landing a big bass on an eel in the middle of an October night on the Cape...

However, I have had a boat for 4 years and have gradually shifted most of my fishing to the boat.

I'll say the learning curve is about the same if not harder on the boat. I spend most of my time on the helm and fish a lot less. Weather, sea conditions, other boats, charts, safety, etc. all come in to play on the boat.

The techniques and tackle are different and require new skills.

Yes I have access to more locations and can easily move around in the boat, it is different and has advantages, but easier.... I don't think so.

to those that think boat fishing is earier, i guess you have never fished places like the rock of Block island the rips of Montauk ,inlets like moriches and shinecock, the waters of fischers island, the race ,sluiceway, the deep water stucture of the vinyard and a million other places were boat handling skills are paramount to catching fish and staying alive.as a boat fisherman of at least 40 years i will take surf fishing any day over the boat,much easier with your feet on solid ground.

as a boat fisherman of at least 40 years i will take surf fishing any day over the boat,much easier with your feet on solid ground.

Agreed 100%. There's no doubt in my mind boaters assume a greater risk factor when you look at all the variables involved with doing it safely and coming home alive. In addition, you must assume the safety of the people on board if you're hosting others on your vessel.
As always, we've beat this topic into the ground only to arrive at a stalemate.

In addition, you must assume the safety of the people on board if you're hosting others on your vessel.

"Must" assume safety? This from the guy with whom I once launched a crotchety 15ft MFG from chest deep water into a pounding back beach surf like an Aussie search and rescue team. All because the cut at Nauset was too shallow, too wavy, and too "dangerous".

"Bri, I'll jump on the wheel and hold the nose into the white water, you push us into deep enough water from the stern then jump in when I fire up the engine. If we time it just right, we'll make it out over the swells...."

Of course we did manage to brave the 6-7 ft swells to land my personal best fish that day.
:tooth:

Heres my take on BOAT FISHING, after forty years of saltwater fishing, if you want to catch a ton of fish, impress your friends, take'em out on your BOAT, ( been there done that). IF you want to spend the evening with fellow fishermen an enjoy Standing in the Surf,shooting the breeze, telling stories,an let the stress of the day PASS you by. (been there an STILL do that) SURF FISH. I have caught 40" + fish from a boat.BUT it all fell short for doing it in the surf. so guess Im still a SURF FISHERMEN.
GOOD LUCK GOOD PLUGGIN:cheers:

"Must" assume safety? This from the guy with whom I once launched a crotchety 15ft MFG from chest deep water into a pounding back beach surf like an Aussie search and rescue team. All because the cut at Nauset was too shallow, too wavy, and too "dangerous".

"Bri, I'll jump on the wheel and hold the nose into the white water, you push us into deep enough water from the stern then jump in when I fire up the engine. If we time it just right, we'll make it out over the swells...."

Of course we did manage to brave the 6-7 ft swells to land my personal best fish that day.
:tooth:

Gimme a break, I was 24 and didn't give a %$%$%$%$ about anything but catching fish. :fishin:
Luckily I never killed myself or anyone else.:angel: Came close too many times though all in the name of the saxatilis. That's why I'm leery of boats now, lots of people still taking the risks I used to in the name of fishing. Anyways, I definitely caught more super sized fish from the boat than shore so hopefully I answered the original question.

in hind sight I probably vented my frustration of being a boat owner that can't afford to use it and also doesn't have the time or help to run the boat properly. There are certainly better ways to express my frustrations than an internet message board.

The people who do have the $ for maintainece, fuel, bait/gear insurance I hope you do enjoy it and catch fish cause it certainly is an investment of time and skill. THis is even more so if you practice catch and release, cause it's just pure love of fishing not #'s or claims to fame.

I maintain I personally love landing large off a beach to catching on a boat. Maybe i need to dust off my whaler and give it another go:musc:

That may be a pertinent question to ask yourself, but it's everyone elses own choice to fish however they choose to.:bs:
The question doesn't imply favor for either, nor a bias for others decisions.

-spence

Dragged out boating yesterday out of Scituate with a nice guy who would not go closer than 100 yards of any of the best and sweetest rockpiles. Stayed 200 yards away from Minots and I used to have such great luck tossing plugs there. Not that there was much room anywhere out there. The rockpiles looked like a car club get togethers....
As a result we mindlessly trolled up and down the coast with zippo to show for the time and fuel.
I would suggest that boating is easier but only if you have a slight idea of what you should be trying to do. It's a big ocean but us shore guys are always working some sort of structure or bottom.

PS... Why is it the shore guys cast as far as they can away from shore while the boaters are casting as close to shore a they can.

PS... Why is it the shore guys cast as far as they can away from shore while the boaters are casting as close to shore a they can.


LOL!

Somewhere in between those casts is where it all happens, eh?

I agree that Boat Fishing gives easier and faster access to bass producing structure at a fraction of the total on the back, legs, and knees.

From my personal experience, I have caught more fish from land than a boat. This anomaly could have something to do with the Captain of the boat that I was on--- I think his name Gilligan. I a long story short, having a boat and knowing how to use it to catch fish, are two completely different things.

apples and oranges . wont compare ice fishing and river fishing either

to each his own . I owned a boat for a number of years when I was younger . now I stricktly shore fish ( cardio exercise ) unless someone offers to take me out ( which I usually accept ) or I charter a captain ( when I think its worth the time and money ) .

fishing is fishing !!!! keep it safe and keep it legal

Good discussion all the way around.

Your access to areas is better from a boat. I boat fish and all but stop striper fishing once the tuna arrive. We only cast light gear or flies for stripers. I think striper fishing is to easy for everyone now. I still think the canal:cens::lurk:

One thing is for sure,
Surf fishing in a LOT cheaper !!!

for me this point is moot.

what we have here is two distinctly different
disciplines of the same sport/recreation. i'll call them
surfcasting and boatcasting, for the sake of this discussion

but ask yerself this one,
if boat fishing is NOT easier..............

then why do the commercials and charter guys
do their FISHING from a boat? likewise, why can't they take
any Tom, #^&#^&#^&#^&, and John Q Googan on a SHORE guided trip?
why can't the commerches get the same poundage for
the same amount of time invested from the shore/rocks?

because the answer to BOTH questions is:

BOATCASTING IS ONEHELLUVALOT EASIER than Surfcasting.

no doubt there are shoreguides, and commercial shore fishermen; but, all things considered it is MUCH easier to take all levels of anglers on a boat, and pound for pound between two fishermen of equal skill levels in their respective disciplines the BOAT guy is gonna SMOKE the shore guy, night in and night out. if the opposite were true, then wouldn't there be more shore comm's than boat comm's???

as far as the maintenance issue is concerned, boo-friggin'-hoo!!!
if i hear another boatguy cryin' about having to wash his fibreglass
after tonging feesh ALL night ~for a month~ i think i'll puke!
quite simply, you chose to go over to the dark side, so now you have to deal
with the money pit that IS fishing from the safety and comfort of yer poopdeck.
speaking of which, you have a built-in head; whereas, there have been whole threads
posted about the "difficulties" of The Duece from the shore :laugha: :laugha: :laugha:

and to the boaters who hail the dangers of this and that rip, this and such inlets, and deep water structures here and there,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
i think that most surfcasters would give their eye teeth to have such delicacies to deal with at the push of a throttle. maybe those guys should leave places like The Race, Moriches, Shinecock, Fichers Island, and the Sluiceway to us surfcasters who relish the opportunity to surfcast there. oh yeah, and there are NO inherent DANGERS to rock hopping the Striper Coast, right? and i love having to donne Korkers, waders, a drytop, a pfd, a fully loaded surfbelt, lug bait, etc..........ever notice how most money shots from boats have the guys wearing just shirts and shorts :bl: :bl: :bl:??

why does the Striper Cup give a 1.2% poundage allowance to surfcasters? because it's easier? i think NOT!!

also, isn't it ironic how sum of the newly converted boatcasters like to say that what they are doing is, "surfcasting from the other side", or things like "i still have to know structure and tides and moons and......"
can't let go of the glory of surf fishing. seems a crude attempt to justify their newfound luxury :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

laslty, there IS NO COMPARISON when it comes to the physics of Fishing:

Leverage;;; my back vs 17' to 26' of fibreglass
Castability;; my shoulder/180 degrees vs a soft toss to the edge of the Blitz or letting it drift into the strike zone/360 degrees
Electronics;; my neck lamp and memory vs GPS, Lowrance, sonar
Access;;;;;; yer sheetin' me, RIGHT? vs the wide open seas
From A to B; my legs vs twin mercs and 30 - 50 nautsph
Comfort;;;;; precarious perches vs fibre firma
Bait;;;;;;;;;; fresh/frozen vs LIVE in yer LIVE WELL
The Fight;;;; pulling her away from reefs, outta boulders, and from inbetween lobstah pots vs firin' up the engines, or letting her run to OBX if you feel like it, you can always chase with a boat.

there's nothing wrong with boatcasting, it's just NOT anywhere close to the same animal that surfcasting is,,,,,,,,,,,,,and, imho not only is boatcasting easier, but landing LAHHHHGE from the surf is far more rewarding and gratifying than doing the same from a boat.

One thing is for sure,
Surf fishing in a LOT cheaper !!!


LOL. Good point. Especially during these times.
Do they make a "Toyota Hybrid" engine for boats yet?

Hybrid Engine for a boat....its called a paddle! :)

A lot of dopey points made above and it is not too surprising.My fishing is about 50/50 between shore and boat so I think I have some insight regarding the matter. If anyone thinks the footing is better on a boat then they have been fishing for schoolies. A ripping current and big surf are factors to deal with whether you are on boat or shore. Kelp and boulders in addition to current are just some of the obstacles that will interfere with landing a trophy size fish a well.Fish don't head for the OBX they go to the floor. As far as OTW absurd handicap,my shore numbers are cerainly better than boat numbers over the last few years and I am not talking about keepers. I'm talking about fish 35# and up. Plenty of shore anglers fish commercially so that uninformed comment we can chalk up to stupidity as well.The reason MOST comm guys fish from a boat is to catch MORE fish and also because they can afford one.It is fine to have an opinion on the matter but unfortunately the more senseless drivel that comes from your keyboard, the more you unveil yourself as a person who is spouting opinions based on imagination.

Please post the cartoon pictures of the structure you fish again so anyone who thinks you know even a small bit about fishing will be enlightened.Perhaps if you listened as much as you write you could pass yourself off as credible.Also , I want people to understand that I am not biased in any way regarding this debate. No matter what,it's fishing and fishing is fun.Especially when you catch a lot of big ones.

No matter what,it's fishing and fishing is fun.Especially when you catch a lot of big ones.

Wow.
Never saw the BD post... obviously not much time spent in a boat, thats for damn sure.

Chris; right on.`

Lets play dissect the dumb "points"


Leverage;;; my back vs 17' to 26' of fibreglass

Boat don't fight the fish for you.

Castability;; my shoulder/180 degrees vs a soft toss to the edge of the Blitz or letting it drift into the strike zone/360 degrees

Boat don't cast for you, and you can't just fly over from school to school and cast haphazardly.

Electronics;; my neck lamp and memory vs GPS, Lowrance, sonar

Which doesn't catch you fish.

Access;;;;;; yer sheetin' me, RIGHT? vs the wide open seas
From A to B; my legs vs twin mercs and 30 - 50 nautsph

Twin mercs and 30-50 knots? You even have a remote clue how much that would cost?

Comfort;;;;; precarious perches vs fibre firma

Wow, when the weather goes to crap, you walk back to your truck. Doesn't work that way on a boat.

Bait;;;;;;;;;; fresh/frozen vs LIVE in yer LIVE WELL

So go find pogies close to shore? Apparently there's plenty of people who do it.

The Fight;;;; pulling her away from reefs, outta boulders, and from inbetween lobstah pots vs firin' up the engines, or letting her run to OBX if you feel like it, you can always chase with a boat.

Let me know when you chase a fish THROUGH Sow & Pigs and how it goes please. :laughs:

This thread is approaching amazingly lame proportions. Let it die.

And Sea Dangles hit it on the head:

No matter what,it's fishing and fishing is fun.

just some points of information and to clarify..............

i have spent many hours on charters (private and group),
i've logged numerous trips tonging grouper on buddies boats, and
landing snook in the back country of SW FL on friends flats boats,
i've landed trophy tarpon off of Useppa Island, FL from "the fighting chair",
and have caught many sm, lm, and fresh water striped bass from bass and john boats in OK...................

with the 110# Tarpon, the boat set the hook and helped to position
me properly for the fight; which, incidently was a double header with
my brother and me ~~what a BLAST, that was!!! prolly very different
with big stripers and since i've yet to hook one from a boat, i'll grant you that point.

with regards to likwids dismantling of my physics lesson.........

dooood, lighten it up a bit ~the majority of that was tongue in cheek.
however, i will counter with the point that this thread was about the ease of FISHING and not about catching. and if you think that it's not easier to fire up the engines and motor from "reachable" blitz to "reachable' blitz, then perhaps yer not motoring right, since anyone with half a noggin knows you don't just motor on top of a blitz, but you should work the edges of them, eh? and how many times from the shore has The BLITZ been out of reach for you? hence, the mere fact that you CAN get to the blitz means that boating is not only easier, it's more effective in this regard, wouldn't you say?

when the weather goes to crap, i stay out in it. it is some of my favorite fishing, to a degree. to clarify, i was referrring to "good" conditions in a comparison of the two disciplines. since when is rockhopping (in equally good conditions) not harder than positioning yerself right where your GPS, sonar, and fish finder tells you to set-up ~*while standing there in yer deck shoes/flip-flops and shorts?* :wave: :wave:

most of my spots are, on average, a 3/4 mile hike (one way) to get to the casting area. then it's time to work the shore for a mile or two, to MAYBE find the BITE, then it's back to the nissan.........and that's just one spot, bro! incidently, i very rarely fish beaches ~only once or twice a season~ depending on who i'm with.

and to answer your slap about menhaden; i have found pogies close to shore and snag them all the time,
but how far do you reckon they are away from the ultimate spot i'll be fishing on any given night? do you actually believe that a bait bucket is better than a live well? and that was my point, in its entirity!

with boats, you have the decided advantage of keeping yer pogies ALIVE, for HOURS at a time, and more power to ya!! LIVE wells are great! i'm working on rigging my fishmoblie with one as we speak, *it's the recirculation of the saltwater that keeps giving me fits :tooth: :tooth:*

when i said they would run to OBX that was a complete exagerration for emphasis, m'man. i realize that the big gurls sound ~been there, done that, and lost plenty to my googanity from the rocks.............haven't lost any big fish from a boat though. do ya suppose that's because it's easier to position yerself on a boat's deck
rather than chasing her over goat-like promentories?

luv yer take on this discussion, likwid, and i always value yer opinion.
just do not agree with ya on this one.........for MANY reasons. any thoughts on my earlier questions about why boat comm's FAR outnumber shore comm's, and the same goes for shore guides being MUCH less in number than boat guides?? an interesting debate, nonetheless, and someday we'll have to tip sum brews over the subject.........after sticking sum Large "somewhere" along The Striper Coast :bl: :bl: :bl:

excuse me, SD?

i won't even dignify yer credibility comments with a response,

other than to say..............

in yer world, one is not allowed to have an opinion, unless they've
CAUGHT as many big fish as you have, right? tuff crowd, :bl: :bl: :bl:

i don't have to have equaled your tongage to be able to offer my thoughts thru what limited amount of experience i've had. i do ahve a brain, am capable of offering an opinion, and as for credibility~~~

just exactly WHO made you the judge of who's in and who's out?
with this being my third year in the surf, i WILL break 40, perhaps 50!!

how long did it take you to crack those marks,
FROM THE SURF, mind you, since we ALL know

:bl: :bl: :bl: Boat fish DON'T COUNT!!!:bl: :bl: :bl:

oh and by the way, this thread is not about whether or not fishing is FUN, that is a point on which we all would agree. it is a coherent discussion about which of the two disciplines is EASIER, right?

carry on, Sea Dangles, carry on!

in yer world, one is not allowed to have an opinion, unless they've
CAUGHT as many big fish as you have, right? tuff crowd, :bl: :bl: :bl:


Having an opinion is one thing.
talking out of your ass is another.

Is boat fishing more productive?
Yes.
Is it easier?
Nope.

Is boat fishing more productive?
Yes.
Is it easier?
Nope.

I disagree to a point. Fishing from a boat can be a hell of a lot easier than shore fishing. Hire a charter and rip wire.... easy. Sure buy a boat go out and try to catch fish on your own.. yes thats hard. But the easiest consistant access to bass will always be from a boat.

now kayaking is different :hihi:

Oh well , it was a surprisingly good discussion for a while. I for one learned a lot about the boat fishermans side of the story.

Beyond the topic. It was nice to see the thread go over 90 responses with people addressing the topic. Strong opinions , even outlandish ones , are welcome. Its too bad some people cannot make a point without getting personal. So , its time to lock it up.

A fighting chair for a110 tarpon? WOW what a he man! The biggest problem I can see is a dumbass offerring thoughts on something it is only too obvious you have zero experience doing.I would recommend offerring an opinion about something you know about.I'm honestly not trying to judge anyone who enjoys the sport,but to denigrate a category of fishing you have limited experience in is the act of a fool.Ask any person with experiece how EASY it is to put the boat on the numbers when wind, tide and current are involved. As for boat shoes and shorts;I have seen plenty of shorebound anglers in that attire,there are days I will wear the same on the boat, but it's usually boots and bibs.BTW my boat has no livewell but I get by...and EVERY year I catch large from shore in big numbers instead of talking about it,I do it.
My question for you bassdouche is How can you have a coherent discussion about which of the two disciplines is easier when you consistently demonstrate a lack of even a basic understanding about boat fishing?Tight Lines, and sharpen your crayons.