Imagine surf fishing for not one but two nights during a blitz of cow-sized bass, many of which are over 50 pounds with a few 60s thrown in. In your dreams you say, just not possible. I would say the same thing – only I know better, I'm one of the fortunate casters to have experienced a blitz like the one mentioned above.
Have you ever heard of the "Snowstorm Blitz?" This blitz is unprecedented in Rhode Island surfcasting history and until now had remained undocumented. Catching a 50-pound fish is special enough but when you witness over 140 bass landed between 30 and 60 pounds in about six hours of fishing I think you'll agree it was extraordinary. During these nights a forty pound bass was probable, a fifty a distinct possibility, and a sixty not out of the question.
The setting: November 1987, just offshore of Block Island a huge school of monster striped bass is on station feeding on the abundant 6-inch sand eels. A Nor'easter roars through the area bringing with it 50 mph winds and a snowstorm that dumps 4-6 inches of snow. When the weather clears the stage is set for some 35-40 surf casters that don't realize just how fortunate they are about to become. They are about to witness what may be the best surf fishing for striped bass to have ever occurred in Rhode Island.
I've spent 5 years documenting and writing about this event, interviewing many of the best surfcasters of the time. Come hear our recollections of this special event.
A slide show presentation of the Snowstorm Blitz will be given at the Newport Yacht Club, Newport, Rhode Island on Thursday January 15th starting at 7pm. There is limited seating so reservations are required. There is a $5.00 donation required at the door to this event. For reservations contact
zambrotd@nwc.navy.mil
DZ
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