i agree with big fish-- how big is "big fish"

:confused:

:p

That's not a Van Staal!

:laughs:

Hate to say it, but for me (and Mikey) any fish over 30# is a biggun.
He caught his biggest on a mismatched Ugly stick (different top from bottom) while hooked up to a pot off the Groaner (maybe it went 35#).
My biggest, same measurements while anchored off Straitsmouth with a 7'6" Loomis with a 965 deadsticked in my rod holder...
Almost had to pull anchor to chase the beast. Timed at 28 minutes... no scale, but measured 44.5" by 30" girth.
Think she went 36-38#; best surprise fish I ever had!
Never caught one close since, that was 2001.
Later,
Rick

Just did the conversions for LXGXG/800, formula says she's just over 50.
Little old Mikey will never believe this...I didn't have a scale, so I can't say for sure....
Was a COW...No pictures though.
Later,
Rick

Still don't believe the weight...
Was the biggest, fattest striper I've ever seen, though...
Didn't even look like a striper, my buddy who pulled it out of the water called it a "monstrosity."
Later,
Rick

Rick,

stop stuffing those poor fish with bowling balls :D

Couldn't agree with ya more. Hook a decent sized fish in some strong current like the Ditch or a breachway... can be a much better fight than a larger fish off say some placid beach. I've almost gotten pulled off the rocks at Q fighting a 33 incher when she made a sudden surge with the current.