The West Wall backflip

[ANY LUCK?]

Amazing sight at the West Wall over the past week.

Small bass were being yanked up onto the jetty by high-test braid, and then -- as if by magic -- they were twirling backwards through the air in speedy little circles until: splashdown!

Is that the triple lindy? How many points for a 360? The real question: how good is that release for the striped bass, a species that's already taking a significant beating from pollutants and overfishing?

[Joe]

It's exasperating, but there is not much you can do short of confronting someone over a fish. I'm not game to play fish cop, but it's your nose.

There used to be a old guy who fished the WW that they called Metal Lure Box Man, he would stuff short fish into a metal lure box, and slam the lid shut. He's long gone now, but the fish are still here.

[piemma]

....and there's one of the many reasons I gave up schoolie fishing in the Spring. Between the jamokes who fish with a gang of treble hook, don't know how to release a fish, kicking fish back in the water on the beach or throwing them off the WW it had become so much of an aggrevation it wasn't worth the trip.

The upside is that, apparently, most of the small fish survive despite what these complete imbeciles do to them.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Or Kick the fish down the beach in W because they don't want 'fishy hands'

Don't partake either for the same reasons. I'd be in jail by now...

[Islander77]

What I dont get about the west wall.... Is when I drove by there yesterday afternoon, there was a ton of vehicles there on the side of the road. Now one was distinct to me cause of a SJ sticker, That being said... I dont get why people act the way they do, My self and Thumper went there other day... I got odd looks cause I was testing a rod, and he for his reel... But all we saw was people with short rods and little stuff catching small fish, didnt see backflippin bass. Again though the crowd was not big either. I as usual will go with out catching fish to fish areas were I do not have to deal with people seriously. Hmmm I miss my wellcraft more and more...

[Adam_777]

Yeah I can't see myself fishing for the little ones.I went out for Tog's yesterday and got skunked.Not even a nibble.Soon some bigger fish will move in.I'm still trying to shake the winter off.

[JohnR]

Went out for the little ones with my son yesterday (not to the wall though conditions were good for fish there). Glad he did not get to see that.

Some people just don't give a bleep.

[chrisjoe13]

I saw the same thing last week. guys catching 11" bass, reeling them up to the top of the wall (where they were standing in sneakers), and then flipping them out to sea. I wanted to give the guy a kick in the ass so he could see what it feels like to hit the water from that height but I swallowed my disgust.

[Clammer]

please don,t judge all & give [your] reasons of why you don,t schoolie fish ;;
to each their own ;

I try not to put down anyones fishing enjoyment down or how they choose to fish

ie: boat /shore >> plugs/flies/ bait/ troll ....... if one enjoys how their fishing >let it be ;;

Thanks Clammer ............. I wish I could say [SCHOOLIES FOREVER} but I have mt doubts

[chrisjoe13]

Originally Posted by Clammer

please don,t judge all & give [your] reasons of why you don,t schoolie fish ;;
to each their own ;

I try not to put down anyones fishing enjoyment down or how they choose to fish

ie: boat /shore >> plugs/flies/ bait/ troll ....... if one enjoys how their fishing >let it be ;;

Thanks Clammer ............. I wish I could say [SCHOOLIES FOREVER} but I have mt doubts

Yes, enjoy and participate in whatever type of fishing but maintain RESPECT of the fish.

[cow tamer]

I'm amazed at some of the fishing shows with "pros" releasing fish like discarded trash.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by Clammer

please don,t judge all & give [your] reasons of why you don,t schoolie fish ;;
to each their own ;

I try not to put down anyones fishing enjoyment down or how they choose to fish

ie: boat /shore >> plugs/flies/ bait/ troll ....... if one enjoys how their fishing >let it be ;;

Thanks Clammer ............. I wish I could say [SCHOOLIES FOREVER} but I have mt doubts

Mike we've beat this to death, and I know you handle fish properly.
Backflipping 10", 10" or 40" is not good no matter what your fishing style!!!

[Sea Dangles]

I got my first yesterday in Westport on a bucktail.Threw it back like a boomerang.I'm done with schoolies,it's back to groundfish for a few weeks and then after May 15th I will be hunting for the monthly prize winner.

[Redsoxticket]

I agree Norman, that is how I perceive it.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[RIROCKHOUND]

I'm stating a fact.
I deal with it and am far from a PETA member.

What's to understand? I am aware of release mortality and do what I can to reduce it, but I still catch, kill and eat fish! I don't respect people who should know better about handling fish. there is my position. Yeah. what an enigma I am

Ted...
no response needed... the defib is for Nebe walking the rocks just in case

[Nebe]

I THROW THEM A FAR AS POSSIBLE WHEN I RELEASE FISH. THE CLOSER TO WHERE THEY HOOKED UP WITH MY LURE THE BETTER. THAT WAY THEY DO NOT GET LOST OR GET CONFUSED AS TO WHERE THEY WERE GOING OR FORGET WHERE THEY WERE.

THIS IS A NICE WEBSITE. I FISH FOR STRIPPERS IN PAWTUCKET

[likwid]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

Ted...
no response needed... the defib is for Nebe walking the rocks just in case

And to think he just tries to drown me at the UDL.

"No really dude, there's a rock right there, just step on it."

[Nebe]

Im gonna hit that place hard this year ted..

[JFigliuolo]

Originally Posted by Nebe

Im gonna hit that place hard this year ted..

If I'm thinking of the same place... last year it SUCKED (at least for the most part)

[Nebe]

Originally Posted by JFigliuolo

If I'm thinking of the same place... last year it SUCKED (at least for the most part)

nope. east.. 2 bridges east.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by Nebe

Im gonna hit that place hard this year ted..

I need new boots.

[Nebe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=EVNNm6SBTPE

[bart]

[Sea Dangles]

I do not believe a backflip,over the shoulder toss, or any like thereof contributes to the mortality of a school bass that has been properly handled.Not going to make a difference in my opinion as long as it is back in the water in a timely manner it's good to go.Let's just agree that it is a good idea to protect our resources in a responsible manner without trying to prove who treats schoolies nicey nice or making schoolgirl accusations in our little playground.

[RIROCKHOUND]

But of course I keep pet bass...

[WoodyCT]

I don't think anyone intended to be elitist here, but many of us are gravely concerned about the state of the striper, thus it pains us to see the future of the fishery being mistreated and disrespected.

Nothing wrong with catching some schools for fun, but no need to beat the snot out of 100 just to pad your log numbers.

Treat the lil guys with respect by using single barbless hooks, over matched tackle to keep the fight short to reduce stress to the fish, and release them gently and nonone will give you he'll.

And those little guys and gals will return the favor by spawning more bass for the future.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Nebe]

Clammah...

wind layed down around 6, so I snuck out for a few casts. It was actually really nice and fishable.. OH.. and the bite was on like donkey kong...