[Harrible]

Isn't the first striper of the year a gas? These were runts, to be sure, but fresh, bright, migratory fish, caught near the open beach here on the Cape.

I threw a 5 1/2' freshwater rod with a small Shimano reel in the SUV the other day.....feeling antsy this AM around 5, so with coffee in hand, I drove to Cotuit and tossed a small plastic shad at a local fishin' hole and was rewarded with 3 small bass in 15 min or so.

I always like to study the first guy caught, admiring it's health and vigor; sort of a mini-ritual welcoming both Stripers and the coming season.

Before long it will be big gear and bigger fish in the canal and down-Cape, but for today I am very satisfied.....what a great hobby.

H