In a couple of weeks it will be the 5th anniversary of the best night of bass fishing that I've ever missed. I was very lucky to be able to share some time with the guys that didn't miss it. The guys left just after dark and I showed up late to our spot that night and tried to find the guys on what was most likely a new moon. I made the death march, took a few casts, got hammered by some big surf, took a tumble on the way back and tore a rotator cuff. Turns out I had walked right past them on my way out. Retuning back to the cottage an hour or two later than everyone else, I approached four glowing fishermen relaxing at the picnic table. I asked, "any luck guys? My night was brutal", I added. Tony points towards the cooler that unmistakedly had a broom sticking out the side of it. I walked over to take a look at four very large fish, one being an absolute cow. This was Leo's first of two derby winners and capped off an incredible night of bash fishing. Leo, Casey, Tony and Dennis, my hat is off to you guys. Thanks for the memmories!

Yep. One of the best pics on the site. Big water, middle of the night fishing. Is the reason I've gone to spend a week at the Derby the past two years. (most likely taking this year off though.... have never caught a bass there.)

Epic night :btu:

One of the greatest images of friends fishing. Period.

Yep. One of the best pics on the site. Big water, middle of the night fishing. Is the reason I've gone to spend a week at the Derby the past two years. (most likely taking this year off though.... have never caught a bass there.)

funny you say that. me either.

Figured out the other fish but bass elude me down there.

I'll be back this year though, then probably a year off due to getting hitched.

There is a pix of five or so guys facing into a
roaring beach fire that comes in close second
to this. While no fish it expresses some of the
joys of the surfcasting community. If anyone has
this pix please post it again????

DROOLING HERE, UNCONTROLABLY................:soon:

Thanks for the post Keith. Not looking good for me either in getting over there. Just too expensive for a couple days. Although Starfish wants to go over for a couple days to chase Albies, just don't think it is possible.

Do like I used to do. Stay in your buggy. There are plenty of facilities around the island . I used to do it for 2 weeks at a time.Now I just plain do the whole thing. If you want to find the bass down there you need to get away from the crowds and do what people tell you not to do. Trust me on this one. I find the stripers every yr down there. Some better than others but I do find them. Ron

I just came back from the supermarket with another basket of goodies for the Basic Fishing Shack. This thread just got me even more wound up. I'm ready for no tresspassing signs, clay stained beaches and torn waders.

Do like I used to do. Stay in your buggy. There are plenty of facilities around the island . . Ron

Ron,for 5 years in a row I have been going over. I am in that pic. Usually split a house with 5 guys so it makes it really inexpensive and much better than spending the night in my jeep. Wife, friend and I spent 2 days in the jeep before our housemates got there last year. It poured the whole time. That was not fun. This year I can't get more than 2 days off so to spend 140+ on the ferry, 120 on the derby and housing cost it just isnt worth it. But the lure of the derby pulls strong and if something comes up I may go but for now thinking of taking it off.

10 hours + and counting. Can't believe I'm going to miss another derby. This will be the third straight year. Just too much going on right now.

Best of luck to all those that make it. Tight lines and safe fishing. Don't forget to take in all the derby has to offer. It's easy to get caught up in the competition. Enjoy the crowds of the weigh station and the solitude of casting on a deserted beach, the warmth of a fire after a cool night of fishing, the sight of a senior releasing one of a lifetime of fish and a child catching her first. Please share any of your favorite moments and a picture or two. Love reading about the derby.

That's an awesome story and photo. I'm going for 4 nights toward the end of the month. I'm making it a habit. This is the best time of year to be there and I usually find a few fish--enough to keep me smiling.

ab