Intelligent.........

[EricM]

Do you mostly fish sand or rocky coastline and why?

I fish sand, rocky island coastline, and creep around lights on docks in bays at night. I can't say that I've even approached being knowledgeable about any of them, mainly because with all the moving around I've been doing I haven't been able to settle into any kind of groove.

What length rod do you prefer for the type of fishing you do and why?

A nine foot rod seems to be in my hands most of the time. I haven't met the fish yet that made me feel like I was holding a limp 9ft. noodle, and I don't want to cheat myself out of the experience of being outgunned. Go ahead, strip my reel, see if I don't make a half-decent fish story out of it.

Do you prefer to roll your own rods, have them custom made or by ready made brands?

I roll my own rods which has led to the spawning of an ever growing family of rods for specialty applications. I prefer lamiglas, but will never be above snarfing up a sheaf of blems at a show and building on those.

What reel type and size, conventional or spinning?

I've been putting two penn slammers (560 and 460), a small shimano spheros, and a penn 706Z to work, with a host of Penns and DAM Quicks in reserve. Spinning only, all spooled up with fireline.

Do you prefer to throw bait (eels, chunks, liveys) or plug fish mostly?

Plugs.

What gear you feel essential, other than rod and reel, to be successful?

The right shoes for the plan of the day, raingear/ waders when appropriate, and a functional pair of pliers.

What time of year, for your locale has been the kindest to you in your search for the big one?

My 2 best fish have come in September, although that hasn't stopped me from believing that November is my ticket to ride.

Do you feel satisfied upon the end of a nights struggle with whatever you take or do you feel only big bass caught make tyhe effort worth it?

I am satisfied as long as every once in a while something happens that reminds me why I starting doing this in the first place.

Do you ever think it's getting old and maybe it's time to find a new pastime?

Not yet, but I haven't been at it even close to long enough to throw in the towel and my time on the water has been episodic - 3 years, 2 years off doing a job somewhere away from the water, 1 year on, one year off...