I'll start.....my final count was 87 striped ones this evening at Mecca....how'd you other folks do who were there??......:D :D :D

Thumbs are sore as hell.........:) :)

Interested in where Mecca is? Can you share?:)

Its Charlestown, RI

Mecca is wherever you fish ;)

Homerun,

Let me start by saying that I love fishing for numbers in the Spring. It is a great thing to get a boatload of fish early in the year while getting the muscles back in shape for the big boys. I know that most of this type of fishing is going to yeild the little ones, but it is fun. I crimp my barbs and know how to release a fish so I am not concerned about the release mortality as some others have been in the past.

As far as competition for the most fish. No Way in my book. Not for a board like this. Many of us can go out tomorrow and hit certain spots that will give up even more than 100 in a tide. Besides getting the tide right there really is not much skill to doing it. A bunch of us on this board fish a little place up inside Buzzards Bay that gives up ungodly numbers of tiny fish. Of course there is a slight difference in numbers due to ones own skills but beyond that, it is idiot fishing. Most of us play the game but to put any real prizes on it, not for me. And this is coming from a guy who won a friendly tournament doing exactly what I am speaking against here.

Prizes should be for size. The rules to this game were made long ago and if it aint broke, do not fix it. The goal all who chase Stripers is 50 pounds, not 50 rats. Competition should be based on size.

Not picking on you homerun, just getting the discussion going by giving my not so humble opinion.

I thinks he was only kiddin' BP:D

HR - I think a couple of us beat that last night :D

:happy: :happy:

I'm suffering from dueling bass thumb, from, errrrrr, Tiverton:p :laughs:

Me and my fishing crew have a bet going for the entire year on the size of the stripers we catch. Winner takes all. We measure every striper and note how big it is.. then let it go...

Anyone can catch 100s of stripers in a day but to catch the big ones takes some skill and lots of luck!




:laughs: :laughs: :laughs:

:laughs:

I don't see anything wrong with catching loads of schoolies on light tackle to pass the time when the big ones are not around. It sure beats sitting at home watching TV or doing chores.....:). We should be thankful that the schoolies are finally here in these numbers and the larger fish are beginning to mix in with these.....

:happy: I agree with BasicPatrick.:drool: Bring on the Big Fish.
Anyone can catch alot of small fish and that is alot of fun, but
when night falls and the tide is just right in that favorite spot
.......and the eel does his little dance, OOOOH Boy....:drool: :drool: OOOOPPSS! Sorry I got a little carried away.
Lots of fun ahead. Good luck all. I look forward to hearing of all
the Big Fish:drool: :drool: :drool: that you catch.:jump:

OK,

john R.

Take the Smileys away form Larry...He is off the hook

Patrick

:D You don't like my creative use of smiley's? Or are you devoid
of the ability to use them yourself.:smash: You very rarely use
them yourself.:bounce:

Guys - since when did I say I don't enjoy catching the big one's, and that catching schoolies was all I was interested in doing? In fact, all I was trying to do was share a little local knowledge with the board as to where som fun action might be.

Midol....midol....midol......where is my midol......:D

Lighten up fellas.........I'd gladly congratulate you on a good days fishing if you posted one, and if --- as you say anyone can catch schoolies -- then why not have some fun counting them? They all go back unharmed anyway??

I suppose if I am fortunate enough to catch a 50 pounder this year, some people on this board's first reaction willl be, "Oh sure, anyone can catch just one fish -- but try to catch 10 - 20 in an evening and then you'll have something to talk about". You just can't win with certain folks....

Lighten up Francis :D (see smileys), I mean HR :) ... We are all light, well, in attitude :doh: , I could stand some "lighten-ing"

Most of us chase the big fish and the small fish and the big fish are starting to come to play too.

So while I do think the prize should be for the biggest caught and while we're abusing this subject, I think the biggest fish caught from shore is the biggest fish in the world! The biggest bass from the beach is the most impressive. And while "anyone can catch" schoolies is not true - some people new to the game might not - nor is it true that everyone needs to chase big fish.

Though does anyone disagree that the best measurement for fish should be pounds and not inches :D ?? I like poundage. So I'm guessing that several of us caught from 150 - over 300 pounds of fish the other night :D :D

HR I took your post for what it was and have no trouble with someone that is happy with the fact that he had a GREAT night fishing. As for ANYONE being able to go catch 100 fish I find that as far from the truth as it gets just ask all the guys here that have not caught a fish YET and have tried. Just because you MAY know how to get 100 fish in a night does not mean everyone does or can. Also just because you have caught a 40-50-60 lb fish does not mean that you are the Great fisherman that you think you are! Yes I can go out tonight and get 100 and I bet 200 fish if I stayed all night (right John). And yes if I had the need for a 40-50 lb fish I know if I put in the time I would get one at some point but I have caught the BIG fish and now love any time spent fishing and any size fish I may catch. I think every one has his own thing about fishing for the striped ones that makes it great for him or her so lets not put our values on everyone else here BP and lets not make people feel that if they can't go get 100+ fish tonight that they are doing something wrong as not everyone can and you should know that. Sorry just my two cents and I had some down time ;) ;)

Ps and as far as doing harm goes my son and I have had this fight many times and as he has the degree in marine bio and not me and he has worked in the feild at mas. marine fisheries I will bow to him and agree that the one big cow you may kill by catching her and letting her go will do far more harm to the fish stalks than the five schoolies that may die out of the 100

OH chit ,,
Me I like to fish It doesn,t matter how many , what size or if I get skunked
I ,ve been at it a long time , and its now all fun
I,ve never caught a fifty =but probably two truckloads of 30,s & 40 ,s
I has a friend that doesn,t fish ,but went with wotk buddies on a charter wire lining he caught a fish over 60# ==he didn,t even appreciate what had been done or the greatness of that fish ==========GO FIGure
THe guys that know me know that I like to fish light & catch mostly fish under 15 #
But I disagree that catching schoolies is easy ========= sometimes yes but other times Vety, very , difficult=============
Been ,there, done that ===============ENJOY :D :D :cool: :cool:

Well I for one am still looking for my first 40 never mind a 50, came close last season but close doesn't cut it....I need one of you pros to teach me how to get the really big-ems....:)

Steve, hope to see you on the water this weekend....Give me a call if your trailer isn't finished up....

still looking for my 10lber lol:D

Hows about 10 one pounders!...:laughs:

A fish is a fish.....size nor quantity matter in my book......I can't believe what a thread my intial posting has caused. I didn't mean for this much reaction. Sorry JohnR....next time I'll keep my success to myself....
:D

Most guys after swinging for the fences retire to catching schoolies on a fly rod(right denis). So as long as your having fun who cares what anybody else thinks.

Yup,
Me too...I spend far too much time @ work and working around the house to cry about how I do fishing. Every time that I'm out is a blessing for me.
Catching lots of big fish is great!!! Don't get me wrong, but I'm not upset at catching one dink in a weekend of trying.
Last weekend was pretty bad, though, but I had a blast.
I put it all in perspective, though...Three times last year I was the only one cathing fish on the whole beach (one time was one after another). There are some slow days!!!
Just my .02
Mikey on the other hand, he gets very animated when he's not catching. One time I saw him casting at the only tree in the river repeatedly due to lack of fish frustration.
:D :happy: :laughs:
Later,
Rick

I think it's a great thread HR. I'm LOL reading it:laughs: . Lets just catch fish and have fun, It's great for relieving stress. Good luck to ya all.:happy: :happy: :happy:

HR - lighten up (again, joke, wink-wink, nudge-nudge) ... I think only Basic Patrick had the hair across the butt syndrome on this thread :D ....

Well argue size - number or number - size, you can have both :) The big ones are here in good numbers now. I have caught atleast 80 over 30 inches this week in the bay. best of both worlds I guess :happy:

When the first man laid eyes on fish his brain began ticking....mine sure has. Like most of us, no matter what's swimming or where....we go into "fish" mode, attempt to catch. I think its natural that we want more and bigger and finaly BIGGEST. I don't spend countless hours loosing sleep and $$ ect.ect. to catch 25#. At my age, size does matter, maybe as I get older that may change. Every year my goal is to beat my personel best.doesn't happen every year and its getting harder but setting my goals high is what's makin me happy. A 30 from shore is a big power rush for me, I can only amagine the adrenline from a fifty.

Having my health to stand in a boat or on the waters edge(or in) while stickin the lip,I will be greatful to God!

Originally posted by Goose
Every year my goal is to beat my personel best.doesn't happen every year and its getting harder but setting my goals high is what's makin me happy. A 30 from shore is a big power rush for me, I can only amagine the adrenline from a fifty.

Having my health to stand in a boat or on the waters edge(or in) while stickin the lip,I will be greatful to God!

Wise words :) :btu: My goals: a new Personal Best, a Fifty, and just plain getting whacked, runned (OK sounds good), near spooled, but otherwise landing some nice fish. A day with a bunch of schoolies with attitude is just fine too

Well I have not even wet aline yet this year!! No Boat no Fish!! I have been fishing from a boat so long that I don't even no were to go anymore. I hate going to the canal and don't want to be elbow to elbow with people. I like to go for some quiet fun with people.
I have bought a beach sticker this year for P-Town area and hope to use it some this year. The last time I did that was 5 years ago with a good friend that was killed in a car crash 3 years ago and I havenever been back.
I bought a Dawia surf rod soe 4 years ago to use at the beach, but it has been hanging in the basement ever since and never been used.
I am going camping Momroial day weekend and I was thinking of hitting the canal but as i sdaid I like it quiet.
O well I will have the boat by the time I leave for camping and I come home Mon. So I guess i will fish on tue. I have signed up for the 4 leg turny so as to meet some of you guys and learn how to use my 4 year old new rod.

Goose,
Sounds like you aged about ten years in the last three months. Back in my day we used to have some rappin drunk guy breakdancing at our winter party...I walked all the way to fairhaven in the snow in 10 degree temperatures to cater this thing...My brother drank fourteen Jack and Cokes before we got started... Sounds like we old men.
Now I talk like Mr. Manzi...
PM me soon, we should go in the next two weeks.
Later Ol' Man Tony,
Rick

PS- Back in my day we used to ask John why he didn't ever want to fish with the bald guys.
Very free @ the Cape next weekend.
Such a better choice than dreary old Rhode Island...
Spaulding...
Later,
Rick

:smash: Sorry HR, It was not my intention to downplay your great
day of fishing. I was simply voicing my own desires when it comes to fishing for stripers. I would however love to have a day when
I could catch 87 fish in one trip, I have only mustered about half
that many at one time. I just try to concentrate on catching the
fish and let size and quantity take care of itself. Again, my apologies. This was a great thread for generating conversation.
Take care HR and happy fishing.

Jeez how do you guys find the time to catch 100 fish in the bay in a week. I'd be happy to catch a few yet a lone a keeper. It's been a couple of years since I had a keeper for the grill. Most times I go out with the long rod but I don't mind slumming every now and then toss a chunk here and there or a plug. Usually fish the coves around warwick.
Bluz

Bluz===fish the same spots with buckies & you,ll get your keeper for the grill //////////////////

Scotch Bonnet, now no picking on the fly guyes,all fish are fun fun fun.except those tackle stealing blues,send them to clamdigger

Thanks DEnis==========================:smash:

Well, I didn't get 100 today but I got 1 nice fat 35",18 pounder. The fish were schooled up all over the place but they wouldn't hit the Buckies. Either they were small fish or just being picky. But the 1 fat linesider made it all worth it.:happy:

WAY TO GO fishaholic I'm glad you got the chubby guy. And clam digger. if you really enjoy fishing for blues. I'll get you one of my Poppers that I designed specifically for blues. It has a built in leader.

Thanks RI POpper, But I hate the @#$%^&* things & all these guys know it////////////////////////////:smash: :smash: :cool: :cool:

Hi Clamdigger,
Am using fresh buckie chunks. Went out today and fished mill cove 2 hours before to 2 after, not one pickup. Have to do the shore line so live lining is tough unless you have a truck with a well and aireator. Lost a 40+ on a chunk in that cove a couple of years ago. Teach me to use old line, or at least not to check it.
Bluz

Bluz - you're talking yesterday afternoon, right? Some places like that need the buckies dropping down for the fish to show, then they won't hit the live ones anyway... Last couple years I've outfished the guys livelining or drifting chunks using an olive Mambo minnow or Beachmaster while all they grab is weed.

Clammer - they're HERE :D