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I have always kind of wondered where/why the mystique of the 50 came from. Is it a personal goal you set on your own, or is it because others have made such a big deal of that mark? When you really look at it, 50 pounds is only about 64% of the world record. Who runs in a race only hoping to run faster than a bit over half of the other runners? Why set one's goal so "low"? Is it because it is the low end of what is really an obtainable "big" fish in the grand scheme of things? I think peer pressure has set this goal for others. 50+ pounds is a nice fish, but so is a 20, 30, or 40+. Landing one or two fish over 50 pounds does not make a person any better at this game than anyone else. Consistantly catching fish that are bigger than the local average sets one apart as doing something right. Consistancy is the name of the game here. Many guys on this board do just that, but MANY more do it without anyone even knowing they exist.
I can vividly remember each time I reached another milestone catch in my persuit of striped bass. My first 20+ pounder was huge for me at the time. My first multiple 30+ pound tide was an amazing experience. The first time I broke 40 pounds is forever etched in my memory. My "big girl" night is one that I will never forget, albeit one that some may not hold much stock in as she swam away. But, that was and is a part of what I have set for my personal goals. I am out on a nightly basis for myself and no one else. I don't need slips to make others think I am a great surf fisherman as it is only what I think of myself that matters to me. I have the respect of my peers as a person, and I respect the guys I fish with.
I am not in any way trying to belittle anone else's personal goals. It is not my place, or anyone else's for that matter, to decide what another angler should be shooting for. For me, 50 was never my goal. The different areas I fish have indiviual goals, but my personal goal is 80 or better, been saying that for years. Just remember, you should be out there to enjoy yourself and fill a certain need deep within yourself whether that be taking a break from the grind of life, getting some fresh air, or catching the next world record striped bass.
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