Plug this - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

scoobe · 11-22-2005, 12:22 AM

I think a lot of the 'sport' is just having the physical ability to swim down there, tolerate the pressure, hold your breath that long, and still get off a good shot. I bet that 95% of us aren't in any shape to do that right now and I bet 75% of us never could do that.

I speak for experience. I used to swim competitively for many years and used to free dive to catch crawfish. Now it's sad that I get winded from sprinting to catch the bus!

lurch · 11-22-2005, 01:42 AM

That was cool!!

Nice shot as well!

Did I notice he was diving without a tank?

It would be even easier with a tank full of air waiting for a fish to swim by, seems kinda tough without a tank as you can only stay down for so long.

It would have been even better to see him with the fish on shore.

snake slinger · 11-22-2005, 06:28 AM

breath hold spearfishing is very sporting.that guy put a lot of days on the water to get that fish.anybody that think its like shooting fish in a barrel need to try it some time.good for him!

JFigliuolo · 11-22-2005, 07:56 AM

but as far as tanks go... I've talked to a numer of spearfishers/hunters. If you use a tank the fish are GONE. At least that's what I've been told

SolOmoN · 11-22-2005, 08:11 AM

I didn't intend to start an argument, nor advocate spear fishing. I posted that link because I was encouraged by the size of all of those stripers, only a couple of weeks ago, just off Block Island. And it is a cool perspective.

If we talk advantage -- fish vs. man...wouldn't the fish have the advantage if the man is underwater with no tank...when we get to breath and fight (fishing from the surface) then it is more equal fight.

sol...

RIROCKHOUND · 11-22-2005, 08:23 AM

Spearing aint my cup of tea; but thats a nice fish either way...
to each his own; a dead bass is a dead bass, and while I'd prefer that 60 to have ended up on my line, it's still caught... props to him on a good clean shot, right in the spine, quick death....

Vermonter · 11-22-2005, 08:28 AM

It was a nice fish and that was certainly a school Id like to toss some plugs at but I have trouble believing that was the actual 60. Didnt seem to have the girth one expects of any fish over 50 and didnt seem all that long in comparison to the spear itself, tho I know those guns come in different lengths. Tough to know for sure without any firm reference point to judge size.

rockyroady · 11-22-2005, 08:43 AM

I've never seen a 60#er in person, probably never will, but I was thinking the same as Vermonter. Maybe the belly/girth doesn't sag as much as I thought it would is because water is supporting it? Whatever, fish is a beauty and it died quick. Give the guy credit for getting down to them, when I was a kid I busted my eardrum and now I can't dive more than ~10 ft. I can see how some disaprove, but I think it it falls under ethical hunting.

Swimmer · 11-22-2005, 12:10 PM

Would someone kindly show me where in the R.I. law that fishing in this manner is legal. I don't doubt those who say it is, well maybe just a little, but I'd really like to know. These guys that go skishing could have a mask, a mouthpiece, a spear, and multi task while there floating around.

Swimmer · 11-22-2005, 12:12 PM

One wrong turn and this post could go south real quick.

Skitterpop · 11-22-2005, 03:59 PM

Nice Bass

felt kinda bad when he shot it though

Snorkling with a weight belt is tough... to each his own.

Mr. Sandman · 11-22-2005, 04:39 PM

It is legal in RI and not in MA. It has been that way for years (can't cite the RI law but found this...http://www.picassoamerica.com/picasso_open_rh.php)
I think it is a sport and I wish it was allowed in MA. As long as he only takes legal fish and agrees to a rec limits I don't have a problem with it. There are not too many guys that can do that.

Didn't look like a world record but it is hard to tell. Have you got a link to other photos?

BTW FishEye was (and still is) quite the free diver, I think he nationally competed some years back....He is from RI.

CANAL RAT · 11-22-2005, 08:25 PM

spearfishing is legal in RI and NH.i do spear fishing while scuba diving for blackfish,bluefish and fluke in MA. i have only speard a couple stripers free diving in RI got some around 20lbs.the really cool thing about spear fishing is that you can choose how big a striper your going to spear. i also do scuba diving and scout out my fishing spots by day and write down notes on structure on my dive slate.

vineyardblues · 11-23-2005, 07:51 AM

Sandman asked for a pic, here it is.
Not so sure I like it, looks like they get them every time ? Sure hope not!

Maybe they should have a slot limit for this type of fishing, or for the whole east coast for stripers? Shore or in the water.
VB