WOW! I'm exhausted [and depressed] after reading this tread after. All I can say is to fish in the day time so you will be able to see whats happening around you [not that it will help you much judging by your story]. You have my deepest sympathy. Not to rub salt in your wounds but I just caught the biggest fish [striper] of my life a few hours ago [day time]. 38lbs.+ 49". I caught it because I could see my suroundings. Fishing from shore -high winds low tide no sign of life until I saw one small splash. Thought 12" schoolies were hitting 2" bait, until I snagged a bunker, which I quickly released [don't like fishing with bait]. After seeing the occasional bunker and the small splash I decided to give the dreaded dirty bait fishing a go. All I had for hooks were a few small trebles so I snagged a bunked and sent him back out. Well I hooked and lost one solid fish very quickly. Sent out another bait only to have this fish break my line. I'm now beginning to become a convert. Third fish turns out to be my lucky charm. Moral of story: keep you eyes open; try different things; fish in the day light; and don't pump your own GAS before you fish!
