2004 Plan of action - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Krispy · 12-08-2003, 10:21 PM

Whats your plan for 2004?

For the last couple of years I have chosen a few spots to fish hard and learn the in and outs of. Finding which tides work best, individual areas within the spot, current, etc. Each season I pick up to 2 spots I want to focus on.
This has worked well for me since I have a long drive to fish RI. It has allowed me to be able to fish a spot with intimate knowledge of whats happening in that area. When you arent able to hop down and check a spot daily, you still need to know whats generally happening that area. Also knowing what lure work best for a certain spot or tidal stage is a huge plus when making the most of extended trips. Learning spots really ups the confidence factor too. Disclaimer *(Not that spending one season working a spot constitutes the full knowledge of place)*
For next season, I plan to continue this systematic breakdown of the RI shore and pick 2 new spots to fish in the mid-season, most likely Aquidneck Island area, and then pick 2 more spots for the fall, probably Narragansett, or north SoCo.
Another benefit is that putting all these spots together allows me to travel to the best spots that I think will produce for a given stage. Being able to hit 3-4 spots at prime time increases your odds.
This season I felt as though, I chose some excellent weapons for RI fishing and have settled into some rods I really feel comfortable with and found some reels I think I can count on. Next season I will try stepping up one size in line and leader, in an effort to maximize fish control and lessen abrasion issues. Something I was lax in this year and it cost me a couple times

Currently I use 50#PP and 40# flouro. I may try some 65-80#PP and 50# flouro.
Does anyone have issues with tying knots on heavy fluoro and which ones work best for you?

What are you gonna do to up the ante in your favor next year?

scoobe · 12-08-2003, 10:34 PM

You're having trouble with 50# PP and a 40# flouro leader? Wow what kind of moby bass are you hooking into! Though I don't see how it'd really hurt upgrading the PP (since it's so damn thin), is that really a problem? I would guess that most of your breakages are in the leader section? My suggestion would be to go fishing with several premade leaders in your pocket. Your leader gets beat up, a quick snip and tie 1 knot and you are back in action. I know that some of the rocky places I fish, landing a bass can quickly shred your line. I use 50# PP and 50# mono leaders. Sometimes I have brought in fish and wondered how the heck the leader even held.

leptar · 12-08-2003, 11:03 PM

Krispy,
I fish Aquidneck Island area very heavily as there are many of many good spots to fish from.. plenty of good spots... Some times it's tough for the littlest thing can make it a good or bad day.. as you need to drive from spot to spot....
Now with PowerPro..

i fish with it now as my catch depended on it... i'll use 50lb for normal days where the wind isn't over 10-12 mph.. on the days where the wind is blowing over 12mph i'll use 65lb as i've noticed less wind knots.... i throw on Ande 60 leader material for surface plugs and SeaGuar 50 floro for divers/bait. For connecting powerpro to the leader/floro i'll tie a reverse albright knot, as i've had many slips/breaks with uni knots. You should see the faces on the people plugging on Second Beach as they are wading out some 100+ft and i'm just getting my feet wet and placing my plug atleast 50+ infront of thier cast.
I used 40lb floro like for 3 outings from different spools... I've had so much trouble with it as for me it frays too easily and it lacks in knot strength.. i could bust the knot with a good tug.. a friend let me try the 50 and what a difference. I never noticed a difference in hits with floro vs mono on surface plugs like pencils. but i've noticed a difference with live bait.. Long story short.. I was using 50lb jinkai leader material over at Block Island dropping Eels to hungry bass.. 3 of us on a boat 2 others using seaguar 50.. well they each caught 5 bass before i switched to the seaguar then and i started to catch...

rizzo · 12-08-2003, 11:15 PM

I also have a long ride to rhode island and have done the same thing krispy has to learn new spots. Every time I meet up with a veteran of the sport I try to learn as much as I can from him and get the history of the fishing at different places from them. They usually share the places where theyve caught their monster bass and give the details of how it happened.

I fished with 50# power pro this year about 80% of the time. You can cast a mile with it, get better hookups and you can really feel whats going on with it. I lost a lot of nice fish with this line though too. Once you get near the rocks with it you're done. Where I fish theres a ton of rocks for the fish to get into and the power pro breaks when it rubs up against a rock under heavy presure. Tried different batches of it, tried backing off pressure and it helped keep from breaking off but the fish usually gets tangled up around so many rocks you can't get them out anyways. The last 20% of the year I used 20lb yo-zuri hybird and did much better with fish going into the rocks. I just cant trust power pro on holding up to larger bass in the rocks where i fish.

Goose · 12-08-2003, 11:22 PM

I think I'm gonna keep my list a little shorter then last years and a little more realistic to. I'll be wrappin at least two rods and a good surf reel with more line capacity. I wanna fish using a wet-suit, or skishing as some might call it. Proably start fishing quarter moons during day light hours in places that I'm familar with and have confidence in. Again, I hope to jig the ditch, I say that every year. Boat, I'ld like to fish and learn the south side of an island and all around the other Island , ...not to mention the stretch between p town and talk-montack. Crazy isn't it...lol Big disappointment this year was not getting into Bones, I hope bassmaster won't mind me buggin him to put me on fish next year. Most of the time I went with #65PP I like it even though I'm loosing a distance. Gonna stick to it on the boat and go with 50PP from shore with bait, 30PP lures. I tried the stealth...no like it! I like jinki #60 on chunks and triplefish flouro#40? on most every thing else. I like the improved clinch(twice through) on the mono. O-yeah, can I get a 50# with that order

Nebe · 12-09-2003, 12:25 AM

My goal this year was to learn all of Gansett coast and I can say that I still have much to learn, but next season my goal is to NOT fish Narragansett as much as this season. I'll head south, and concentrate more on the grounds between Pt Judith and Nappatree. I also plan to do more night fishing and trap my own eels, plus make a slew of plugs for all occasions.
Oh.. and to meet more of you guys

did I say catch a 50? shoot.. I'll settle for a 40

fishweewee · 12-09-2003, 08:42 AM

Gansett rocks.

Don M · 12-09-2003, 08:52 AM

Krispy,

I fish one of the areas in Rhody you fishished this past year. During the early part of the season I use 40# Flouro on plugs and 50# eeling, from August 20th on I go to 50#/60# respectivly. As for line very seldom exceed 30# Fireline.

Best knots I have found are palomer(98% of line strength, clinch knot is only about 90%) on the eel hook and a loop knot, such as Homer Rhode loop or Rapala loop to the plug.

Hope this helps

Joe · 12-09-2003, 09:37 AM

Krispy –
Overall I’d say you have pretty good strategy. The only problem with a systematic 2-3 spots per season exploration of the Rhody shore is the number of spots and the shortness of viable fishing life. There are just so many spots, and so many “spots within the spot” that you will run out of time and only scratch the surface. Block Island is even worse – so many spots – so little time.
The conventional wisdom suggests that a surfcaster break the shoreline he wishes to learn down by structure as opposed to spot name. The theory (and it is just theory) is that places with similarities in composition are often good under similar condition sets.
I also suggest hooking up with a few of the regulars on this board. Some will tell you, “No,” if they do - just move on to the next person – I have found that more people are willing to help than not.
And you can also go out there in the winter and test the drop-offs with a bank sinker and see how places make up under different tide stages – exploration is not limited to fishing season.
And yes...the Rhody shore rocks!

The Dad Fisherman · 12-09-2003, 10:08 AM

Has anybody checked one of these out yet. This might be something handy for mapping out structure in the off season. I haven't even seen one yet but they sound pretty cool ( being a toy geek and all). Just a thought especially with xmas coming

http://www.humminbird.com/hb_Products.asp?ID=282

Krispy · 12-09-2003, 10:17 AM

Great stuff from everyone, Im glad Im not the only one with a "system"

Don, thats one of this past seasons spots that I wanted to learn. I have a good grasp on the area now, and there are some REAL interesting spots nearby that will get my attention in the coming season.
The reason I want to step up in line is purely for abrasion. Its incredible what one fish rubbing his nose in the rocks can do to line and leader.
Joe, your so right. THere are so many spots and then spots within spots, theres a lifetime of learning and interest on the Rhody shoreline.
Thats why I say its not really possible to learn an area in a season, maybe more of a solid understanding.
I like to fish similar spot conditions, meaning I like ROCKS!
Especially rock ledges jutting from shore. I cant tell you how many times Ive fallen down wading out to rocks

I rather walk to the edge.

fishweewee · 12-09-2003, 10:22 AM

I think I did the opposite of what Krispy is contemplating.

Early on, I focused on the Aquidneck area fairly heavily, just to get a feel for the tides. As the season progressed, friends dragged me kicking and screaming further west to 'gansett and SoCo. I wasn't disappointed!

Man, is Rhody a fishy fishy state, miles and miles and miles of shoreline. You couldn't fish it all in a lifetime and stay sane.

-WW

chris L · 12-09-2003, 10:37 AM

Im just going to wing it ! any body got any spots ? I ve got a wing and a prayer .

Canalman · 12-09-2003, 10:43 AM

GOOSE - ixnay on the akonnetsay otay estportway

My plan for 2004 is to target bigger fish all the time. It's so easy to get caught up catching 10 pounders especially when there are a few 20 to 25's in the mix. I have only broken 30# once and I want more of that and bigger

. Gonna spend more time in those places where most people don't want to go. I also plan on learning more of the ditch and a few new surf spots. Oh god! I can't talk about this anymore........................ALREADY GOIN' CRAZY!!!!!

-Dave

RIROCKHOUND · 12-09-2003, 10:49 AM

Krispy..
I like your approach, and kinda do the same thing Eben is doing now, after fishing Gansett heavily I decided I hate the crowds and parking issues (Though I still fish here in the spring) and during the fall run mostly fished C-town to Weak with all spots in between... but who knows next year I may be back in gansett... oh and newport in my whaler all for june and july...
My goal was to consistently catch bigger fish from land.... ended the season with a bunch in the upper teens/low 20's and was very happy with that.. an improvement over the last few years...
fished alot more nights this year, both shore and in my whaler, but both produced about equally for me, with the edge for the boat being in a few more bigger fish (25lbs-36lbs) but still no 40... my PR stands at 39 and change....

'hound

Krispy · 12-09-2003, 11:01 AM

I completely forgot to mention that I will be adding eels as a full time option to my arsenal. Im a wooden plug fan, and this year I threw lots of big wood with good success. Next year I plan to have a stash of eels on hand at all times

Notaro · 12-09-2003, 11:01 AM

I am thinking about hitting weymouth for spring schoolies. Before that, I will begin togging in march on cape cod or RI. Then I will plan to fish on Duxbury for light tackle or chunking. Maybe I will return to Rockport. I am hoping to start using lures often.

RIROCKHOUND · 12-09-2003, 11:31 AM

Joey T... make sure you chack regs before you tog in RI in the spring, we have a closed season here 31 Dec - 1 May....

Notaro · 12-09-2003, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RIROCKHOUND
Joey T... make sure you chack regs before you tog in RI in the spring, we have a closed season here 31 Dec - 1 May....

Aw, damn! I guess I can go togging on the cape in March.

scoobe · 12-09-2003, 01:54 PM

Dad, I've seen a few of these products out lately but they all have the same problem... range. This one goes to 100ft, which is better than some I've seen.

Quote:

Originally posted by The Dad Fisherman
Has anybody checked one of these out yet. This might be something handy for mapping out structure in the off season. I haven't even seen one yet but they sound pretty cool ( being a toy geek and all). Just a thought especially with xmas coming

http://www.humminbird.com/hb_Products.asp?ID=282

RIJIMMY · 12-09-2003, 02:12 PM

2004 is not going to be a huge fishing year for me. Baby #2 is due in late May. My fishing will be sporadic based on sleep deprivation and energy.
When I do fish, it will only be at ideal times and tides and mostly with live eels. I'm going after big fish, quality not quanity.
I concentrated on 'Gansett this year and had a blast. My usual stomping grounds in the Matunuck area.
I'm also planning to try conventional this year. My reel is on order.

chris L · 12-09-2003, 02:15 PM

krispy critter
go see Don M at King Cove outfitters for your eels and your yak needs . he always has a good supply of the right sizes .

Saltheart · 12-09-2003, 02:17 PM

I plan to do the same as I did this year which was one heck of a good year!!

Just hope to do more of it next year.

Krispy · 12-09-2003, 02:18 PM

I dont

Hopefully, Ill be able to keep an eel cage at the house, for instant access

RIJIMMY · 12-09-2003, 02:21 PM

Krisp, I kept a dozen eels alive in my garage for months with a cheap aquarium aerator. I just had them in a 5 gal pail.
I iced them when I went out, then returned the ones I did not use when I got home. They stayed alive.

RIROCKHOUND · 12-09-2003, 02:22 PM

Krispy, I use a big rubbermaid container w/lid and an aquarium pump works ok for storage of some eels... just a thought, plus the lil woman cant see them swimming around...

chris L · 12-09-2003, 02:23 PM

RIjimmy
lucky dog that krispy is he lives on a river with pure access to eels and fish and birds and poop .

Notaro · 12-09-2003, 02:24 PM

i am hoping to do conventional.

Krispy · 12-09-2003, 02:29 PM

Chris, you shoulda heard em blasting the ducks over the weekend.
I was hoping they would snipe that stupid heron. But he was back this morning. Freak

JohnR · 12-09-2003, 04:50 PM

Whoda thunkit that Krispy would put forth such a positive, introspective fishing topic

I have similar goals for next year. Although I did put in an effort on new areas and methods for this year - with success - I did not plan as well as I had originally hoped. I did get to fish some new locales - big on the list, and I did put together a much stronger effort in using plugs over my trusty eel, I did not have a "plan". I will have one for next year.

I do intend to work some new (to me) RI spots and learn them and study and learn and fish and study and fish. I have extremely little experience between Pt X & River Y and I also want to put attention on notnamed Island and adjacentnotnamed Island too..

Krispy - as for your line thinking, especially considersing spot I ran into you from time to time, I'm actually thinking about going back to mono as being less suceptible to ending in the rocks like braid would. I also plan to have two comparable reels braid and Big Game mono to swap out and do as much of a side 2 side comparison as I can.