Fish Size Definitions

[bassmaster]

Blue fish

[Jenn]

....if I want to eat fish I'll buy it at the grocery store or fish market. That is much cleaner for me, easier, and let's the fish I catch go free.

I am going to chime in on this one.....ok so it lets the fish you catch go free.....great! so if you want fish...go ahead and buy it in the store cleaner easier NASTIER...not nearly as fresh...I doubt you ever worked in the seafood industry at alllllllll..........oh and not to mention all that by catch that cant be legally kept....OOOPS! dead...over the side...wasted.....

I am a looser and cant catch fish....once in a while I do...and if its legal I keep it and eat it.....you bet yer arse! (Bloo me hungry now too... )

If I am gonna eat fish at least I have a better feeling inside knowing I killed that one fish to get two fillets and not 15 or twenty for the same amount......

BM....I hope you released all those fish man.......

I better stop now before I get carried away....

is it time to bring out the dead horse????

opps said I would stop...goodbye...

[bloocrab]

Jenn...

Don't let him fool you......he brings 5 sets of clothes when he goes fishing.....one fish , 5 different pictures in 5 different outfits...at five different locations....:P

[bassmaster]

Yup Bloo got Me pegged, and Jenn Ya aint a looser....
I killed all of those fish cept for that first pic
#50 Ya if I didnt wait 6 hours.
ahhhhhh there only fish anyway,
Let have fun....
its nice to target big fish, but I like one after another.
The Cape has been Tuff fishing,I aint had a 40 or 50 fish night in 2 weeks on a charter and use to have them all the time, Man this Year is screwy
I know where I will B this weekend
A John, How did Ya do????
I wanted to B there But 2 of My buddys conned Me into going elsewhere it was a rag a thon on Me.
Ouch......
Gimmi a ice pic and a #50
actually I think I would bring it Home, But I dont know I get off the wall some times and a buddy and a pic May do the trick...
Ya Rite, Im Pigalistic...........

[bassmaster]

Im possessed Look at the eyes........

[Jenn]

Ya Rite, Im Pigalistic...........

what a pig!!!!!!!!!

[bloocrab]

don't look in his eyes....


He has hypnotizing eyes.......he'll force you into giving up all your plugs!!!!.....


Stay focused......DON'T LOOK AT HIS EYES!!!!

[Bill]

Well John. 20# is on the light side,but its much better than 15#

I also use a leader of either 40 or 50#test, which is as you know is 9 or 10 feet long! thats what takes the abuse.

I used to use 30# main line,I only switched for the casting distance I gained from the 20.For me,its the leader that does the work and takes the chaffing of the rocks.

I still would use 30# in breachways and when jigging in such places as gallilie.Every now and then I would use straight 40# for jigging,where distance was not important.


Hey John, in all fairness, I think your statement "I would probably keep a 50" Is off base! For sure , you would keep that fish!!

"OLD SCHOOL=BEST SCHOOL"!!

[BassmanN]

WOW !!!

Didn't think that this was such a passionate question.
If I had to re-phrase it I would not use the word " ethical". Not the area I was looking for.

Your right some fish are the breeders and for the sake of the species they should be sent back to maryland for family time.
No one can claim that the don't care about preserving stripers and other fish. This whole web site is about it....and if you are reading this thread you do care....

Myself... Catch about 200 keepers a year...Eat may 20. For no other reason than I don't like to eat that much fish. If I were fishing for the type of cows that have prime rib....maybe be different stats!

Biggest fish 51#...ate it.
Next one I get..I am letting go.
Two reasons..
1. If you look at an age chart..that fish has been around along time...survived alot of crap in its life. I would just rather let it be.
2. Smaller fish taste better.

Do I catch fish and freeze the meat... NO WAY.
It is cheaper to go to stop and shop.
The greatest advantage we have over poeple that do not fish.....FRESH FISH.
6.99 per lb at the store. 26.99 per lb at the fillet station.

You can tree hug............or fish for food...
You have to do what you want...be smart. Do not keep shorts...do not fill the back of your truckor boat. Preserve your sport in your own mind. The conservation laws will do the rest.

Would like to say that I am a true sportsman and released every fish I have had on a hook...not gonna do it.

Just take one charter trip off the point...Nothing goes back!!!!! And they do it 7 days a week.

[DaveK]

Why do you fish? I guess thats the real question. If you are out there to stock your freezer then so be it. if you are out there to get away from the daily grind and have fun, then thats great. There are regulations out there as to what is a keeper size fish and as much as we doubt and question these regulations they are there for a reason. I liked this post originally as I was curious as to what other people considered a trophy. Personally anything that bends my rod and makes my adrenaline rush is a trophy to me. There are days that you catch so many large to trophy size fish that you loose respect for those 34". There are other days when you are swarmed by rats that a 34" would be a welcome surprise. If you want people to adopt your morals then have a nice time and be ready to get angry and frustrated. In the mean time enjoy the water, the scenery and the company and learn to be content .

[IRL]

besides, there aren't any big fish anymore.


That is great reason to keep the ones you get .

[JohnR]

IRL - you wouldn't keep a 50?

Bill - no, I'm pretty sure I would keep it but I don't "know" until then, there may be other factors involved. I probably would'nt lug one over 2 miles of soft sand for example - everyone would be posting about my heart attack ...

[ragfly]

I release all my big fish. I do keep a small one once in awhile to eat.

[BassmanN]

mikecc

I like that table...

Trophy : " a prize or memento as a symbol of victory"


Your post has all sizes that we are searching for....what I would consider " personal victory"

We have to remember that for fish it is real estate that determines availability of trophy fish. location-location Someone who boats of Block or LI is going to have a shot at more big fish than a surf fisherman off Naragansett beach.

Hence...."personal victory."

If a keeper is your trophy,,,then it is your trophy...period.

20 lb blue fish? That is a trophy for me.!

I landed one that was a little over 18.
Thought I had a tuna on the whole time.

[IRL]

I dont know but a 42.lb looked great swiming away....I can't immagine a 50 would look worse.
But..............speaking with so may diff. types of fisherman I dont know what to say but how I feel personaly.
BUT... Saying that there are no big fish left so keep one if you get one ? "bill"
thats like saying lets go shoot bald eagles isn't it
aren't many left better get em' whyle we can !!


agree?

[schoolie monster]

Glad there are people around to tell me how I should fish, and what type of fishing is OK... and what a "good" fish is.

DaveK, you asked the perfect question... why do you (we) fish?

Some people on this board fish for fun, sport, relaxation... some people take fishing and more importantly, themselves way too seriously.

Fishing is something we can all participate at our own level. Sure, I'll make fun of a clam dunkin' tourist, or someone fishing with their spinning reel upside down, but its for fun. We all have our own "Goals"...

For someone to judge me for fishing the way I enjoy, or calling a fish "nice" when I enjoyed catching it... I got some four letter words for ya. If I'm targeting schoolies because I'd rather catch a bunch of fish, rather than fishing at night for a chance at some bigger fish, hey if is ok with me, than it ought to be ok with you. I don't have to fish up to your standards.

Maybe there are reasons someone doesn't want to stay out all night. Maybe there are reasons someone doesn't buy a bigger boat and troll or baitfish offshore. Personally, I have a family and a house and a career... I have to be available to all those things... and I have time and financial responsiblities to all those things.

Fishing is a huge part of me, and always has been, so I will find a way to find a way to balance it in as best as I can.

And from my perspective, I like active fishing, casting artificial lures and catching alot fish. I don't enjoy trolling as much, I don't enjoy fishing bait as much. Does that make me right? NO.

And if tomorrow, I want to go out and sling some eels and enjoy a cool, quiet night under the stars, have I become a better fisherman or a better person? Give me a f'n break.

And a nice fish is often determined by expectations... if I get a 32" fish while chasin' some schoolies, its a nice fish. If I get the same fish at night casting eels, its not so nice.

The point of the original question is valid. Like any sport, you have to have ways of judging yourself against others. And for reporting purposes (i.e. the Fisherman), certainly there needs to be some generally accepted size classification.

I'll certainly get very excited about getting a big fish. And I know what a big fish is... 28lbs. is not a trophy fish. If you want to hack on the Fisherman for saying a 28lber is a trophy, fine.

But at the point that someone criticizes others for posting reports or pics of fish they are proud off, or fish they enjoyed... they have crossed the line.

e-lit-ism n

the belief that some people or things are inherently superior to others and deserve preeminence, preferential treatment, or higher rewards because of their superiority

[BassmanN]

GREAT VIEW...

What a interesting thread this has turned into...

[Saltheart]

Most imporant...enjoy your time fishing.
Second most important.....fish with friends and enjoy being with them


Beyond that , its all self defined. If you are a commercial pinhooker and get excited about a 3 foot fish , you probably have your sites set too low. If you have kids who occupy all your time and get to fish 4 times a year , a fish big enough to take home and grill may be the high point of your season.


For the top guys , I undersatnd they want recognition as a top fisherman. But before anyone gets carried away , remember that Stetzko got more fish over 40 pounds in a night than almost anyone I know has in their lifetime. He's always ready to help someone with less skills get hooked up . DZ has umpteen 50's. He'll talk to you about where and when and how and help anybody from beginner to expert but seldom does he talk about the 50's unless asked specifically.

We recreational fisherman cannot even touch the size and numbers of fish the guys "in the business" get. No little leaguer can hit a ball like Sammy Sossa but does he have a right to be proud if he gets a hit in his little league game Sat morning ...hell yeah!!

As far as the fisherman calling a 28 pounder a trophy , well ....maybe they knew the guy and its his first good fish. Nothing wrong with patting a buddy on the back. Take it for what its worth. I once read in the fisherman that to get to the Narrow river you should park at Scarborough and walk along the beach to the left!!

So anyway , remember to enjoy your time on the water. Do it with friends and enjoy your time with them. If by your standards you catch a "big fish" , tell your friends who care about it. They will share your joy.

[Bill]

Hey Schoolie! Whats wrong with calling a fish nice? I dont get that sentence

I know who the post was directed at and, I take offense to it! I wasnt talking about elitisam at all?? I gave my opinion on what a decent fish is,and, just like you want cast for school bass if you feel like it,I stated my opinion as to what a good fish is.

But since you bring it up!!

Saltwater fisherman are lured by the large!! If you dont mind or care about size,you can save a ton of money and the worry of a boat and go bluegill fishing with 2lb test and have just as much fun!

The mark has always been SIZE!! When you tell someone you nailed the fish last night the next question is always "Any Size'??

I found that if your going to put in the time and effort to fish for stripers then, you mkay as well try to catch a relative size fish?

Striper fishing is a progression,you start small and then think big.I never found stripers all that hard to catch so, the next best thing was to go after the bigun's! Is a natural thing. Now, I dont hold anything against the poor guy who can only fish daylight and schoolies are his best bet,nothing at all.But your not going to tell me that those are the fish they are truly after??

The friend thing is fine and all that but, there are many ways to enjoy friends and family,when I go fishing I dont want to chat with friends ,I want to catch fish.I can have a cookout and talk about dear abby.Nope, when I fish I fish, when I relax I relax.

By The way, I have a family also, I have a daughter and a wife and a job,And a house,and bills-which is why I all but quit fishing for the past two years so, your not the only person in the universe who has to make sacrifices!! With me I cant have things half-way,with striper fishing its all or nothing,small fish get old and, my job doesnt consist of sitting around a desk all day! I may not have your education but, trust me, I work just as hard if not harder at what I do to put a buck in my pocket!! Im not mentally fried but Im certainly Phiscally fried at the end of the day!!But Thats luck of the draw and at least I wont get fat and lazy!!
:QUOTE:

"For someone to judge me for fishing the way I enjoy, or calling a fish "nice" when I enjoyed catching it... I got some four letter words for ya. If I'm targeting schoolies because I'd rather catch a bunch of fish, rather than fishing at night for a chance at some bigger fish, hey if is ok with me, than it ought to be ok with you. I don't have to fish up to your standards.

Maybe there are reasons someone doesn't want to stay out all night. Maybe there are reasons someone doesn't buy a bigger boat and troll or baitfish offshore. Personally, I have a family and a house and a career... I have to be available to all those things... and I have time and financial responsiblities to all those things.

Fishing is a huge part of me, and always has been, so I will find a way to find a way to balance it in as best as I can.

And from my perspective, I like active fishing, casting artificial lures and catching alot fish. I don't enjoy trolling as much, I don't enjoy fishing bait as much. Does that make me right? NO.

And if tomorrow, I want to go out and sling some eels and enjoy a cool, quiet night under the stars, have I become a better fisherman or a better person? Give me a f'n break.

And a nice fish is often determined by expectations... if I get a 32" fish while chasin' some schoolies, its a nice fish. If I get the same fish at night casting eels, its not so nice"

I ask again, who "judged you"??

In reply to your 5th paragraph--You may not become a better fisherman but, you will certainly get more LARGE!!
"

[IRL]

A NICE FISH IS .................................................. ..... ANY FISH BIGGER THAN THE ONES YOUR FRIENDS GOT THAT NIGHT.

I THINK EVERYONE CAN AGREE ON THAT.



LESS FIGHT'N MORE FISHIN

[Bill]

Saltheart I agree! Kids are different! When I see a young kid with a teen size fish and a grin from ear to ear I as happy as can be!

But the kids who strive for more are the ones who will go furthest!! And one day may even hit the ball like sammy!!

Little league is fun for kids because of the social interactions,Some of the lessons learned will last a lifetime,as will the lessons learned from a day fishing with dad,Theres much to be taught, including how to catch a moby striper!!!!!!

But when I see an adult in the fisherman with a 20something pound fish and that fish being called a "trophy" It makes me laugh.Sorry it just does.

By the way I went fishing the other night with Tim Coleman who has a new boat,we fished ,fishers Island,Slammed the fish but mostly rats between 15 and 20lbs I did have one fish that went 29lbs,steve got his share and it was lots of action on eels.Anyway,Im still out there just not on the beach!! Yes, all fish were turned back to the sea!! No pictures,just memories.

Fishers Island Is awsome! I dare say it may be better than the block from what I saw!! Nothing but boulders and coves and currents and fish! We were casting right into shore.Im going again this friday night,I will keep you posted!!

[schoolie monster]

Bill, it wasn't "only" directed at you. A couple posts mentioned being annoyed with people describing fish in inches, I assumed that meant that inches were too small a measurement... and I don't have a problem with your definition of a big fish... that's your opinion and I respect it. I don't disagree with your trophy definitions, but you also have a way of belittling other people's catches.

And we all know you have a 50 and that's great. But not all of us give a crap whether you have one or if we ever get one. Its a great fish, one that you should be proud of... I hope I get a 50 some day, but it also doesn't drive me at all. If it comes, it comes. I won't feel empty inside if I never get it.

But dude, when you say "Done right" and "Saltwater Angler's are drawn by the large fish" and similar statements, you are suggesting that your way is the right way and the only way.

It often sounds like you are saying that we should do it that way or not bother... just as you have. That, I disagree with.

I know you are just giving an example, but you can't tell me you really think that catching a bluegill is the same as catching 5-15lb fish. There's a big difference. And you're right, the lure of big fish is huge, it that lure still exists for me, even if I'm usually targeting active schoolies. But its not the only reason to fish and whether you mean it or not, you often come across as saying, "catch big fish, or don't waste your time"... and you aren't the only one.

And I would never suggest that I'm the only one making sacrifices... that's ridiculous and its ridiculous for you to suggest that's what I meant.

This has come up numerous times and I'm only pointing out that there are alot of ways to enjoy fishing and alot of reasons why someone may need to take advantage of the opportunities they have.

Alright, if this doesn't make sense, I'll elaborate tomorrow, gotta run.

[Bill]

No further elaboration needed , We have different ways of doing things and thats the way it is.

I mean no disrespect to anyone at all when I say "done right" or similar statements.I truly feel its a grueling sport and yes, it is a sport!

I have lost 20lbs or more in a summer of fishing.Its a hard sport,simple as that.But I guess its how far you want to take the sport.One of the other reasons I stoped my fishing maybe 10% of the reason was that it wasnt fun anymore.To much work on my part,I loved hunting big fish.

I wonder how many here really know what a group of old time striperholics is like?? I mean these guys got divorced over this stuff,slept in cars on the highway,took planes to block island in december at the chance for a cow, I have the same mentality,its an all encomsing addictive sport the way I did it anyway.I would drewl all day long at the prospect of a new moon and a good south west. I have fished nappatree in 20 degree below wind chills in late november at 2 am for that last bass, walking out there like a zombie.Since 1999 or so I started to say to myself, time for a break or, its off to divorce court and, I wasnt about to marry tim coleman!!

I have always taken offence to "newbies" or guys who started in the 90's with there LL-bean gear and there light tackle save a fish mentality,and the invasion of the Fly-Flopper's and the "breathable high tec waders" And then watch them with there yuppie attitudes birds nest on every cast , and constantly ask where the fish were.For awhile in the early 90s I thought it was becoming the "in-thing" to be a yuppie bass fisherman,yup- I hated them taking over my beach!!

It was at this time that I started to hear a lot of talk in fish in inches and I knew things were going down the tubes fast! They were so exited to catch a schoolie on there custom hand tied flys and run home and tell there wife what a hero they were! Give me a break!! But, It did help the local tackle stores who loved these "suit and tie" "6-9pm" striperfisherman.Suddenly the poor slob who only wanted eels was put on the backburner,we didnt want flashy plugs or the best cabelas gear,we just wanted large fish,and to make a buck catching them. But we were the same guys who were pounded for info everytime we walked into the tackle shop,when we didnt give it we were called "liars" "cheats" "poachers" etc...

The last time I sold fish was 1998 and, Im not sorry to say that the money really helped out my wife and I BIG TIME! I was getting my 3 fish a night from shore and making 90 to 100 bucks a night for my effort a night,for us it was a godsend.Then I was attacked for that by the same yuppies and modem heads who couldent catch a fish in a toilet! Thats where a lot of my "attitude comes from" And I vent it in different ways.I certainly dont have anything personall against you at all.

I dont hate them anymore,I now could care less

[Bill]

Boy, arent ypou glad I have been leaving work at 1pm lately!!

Dont worry you wont here from me for a while agin as I have anothe big job starting ......But, have fun with the thread while it lasts!!

You guys should be resting up for the "fabulous fall" October think October or basstober or rocktober-best month in rhody for a trophy!!

[wendymichele]

Hey Bill,
You ever get the e-mail I sent?

[bassmaster]

Dude U have no idea how many hard core guys are out here.
who gives a who started fishing in the 90s
I started at age 2 so....
Man U got to lightn up
Ya i got "die"vorsed over fish....
in the 90s bass sold for crap.....

[bloocrab]

Pardon me for a second....

Why do you Fish ???...(directed towards everyone, so don't anyone feel special about this...

I fish for myself, my own satisfaction, my own glorification my own fullfillment and some consumption too!!! I have never bragged about how many fish I've caught in one sitting, ...never said how big my biggest what ever was, never said how small my smallest whatever was either (unless asked)...whether or not it meant anything to anyone...I FISH FOR ME.... not for recognition, not to be the "head honcho" at my local fishing club, ...(the quiet ones are the deadly ones anyway...yeah, just like farts!!)... and not to try to be a star on a website, not so that people can "think" I know more than anyone else or even know what I'm doing at all...some people on here (internet in general) fish, or "say" they fish, to be some sort of "status symbol"...some people fish once a month...and make it seem like they're a "Die-hard"..why??? ...because that one night they happened to cross a 40+ # Bass and landed it??....ya know what?...screw all of ya that feel that way!! ..I'm not knocking that guy/girl who doesn't have the time/opportunity to fish whenever he/she wants to...just don't talk to me like you stink fish everyday...your just plain "hollow" to me when you do that....I'll look at ya, smile...and never remember your name....Unfortunately, there is a lot of luck involved in fishing...The biggest "Luck" is..."being in the right spot at the right time"

...what does that really mean?...

...does that mean that you put your time in night after night with the right and wrong conditions (because the wrong conditions could be the right conditions in a different spot)...with the right offering and land a big one ..(whatever a "big one" is )??... Or does it mean that one could venture out to a spot they heard of...cast out a chunk on a "Blue-Light" special rod...sit there 10 minutes (without knowing the tide..temperature..weather...baitfish in the area.. etc...)...and just happen to catch a 46# Striper...who has the right to say "he/she, is the better fisher?"...

NEITHER!!!...people who "gloat", float.....just like menure

I hate braggers....I hate yackers....yackity yack..yackity yack...
..sometimes I'm in the mood to share....sometimes I like to be left alone.....consider this sharing, whether you like it or not....

[Saltheart]

Good Luck at Fisher's Island Bill. Do you remember way back (97 or so) when Carl from CT was going to drop some of us off out there and pick us up in the morn. I always regret that that didn't materialize.
Anchored there often sailing from Newport to New Haven and been to Silver Eel Pond (?) when in my twenties but never fished it.
Keep us posted how you do. You couldn't be going with a better Captain!

Everyone , lets try to stay positive here!! remember , first and formost , at Striped-Bass we are "nice people who like to fish".

[bloocrab]

lets talk trophies.....


what is a trophy?

...8 year old winning the spelling bee..(what is a trophy?)

...12 year old in little league winning the world series...(what is a trophy?)

...17 year old winning the CYO B-Ball championships..(what is a trophy?)

..30 year old person numerous 30# fish under his belt...(what is a trophy?)

...40 year old person first week of saltwater fishing landing a 40#er...(what is a trophy?)

...40 year old person, 25 years of fishing under their belt...(what is a trophy?)

...50 year old person 30 years fishing under his belt...never landed a 40#er...(what is a trophy?)

...a baby taking her first step...(what is a trophy?)

...I give myself a "trophy" everytime I challenge myself and win. Where are these trophies I speak of.....they're in my character.

...I'm sure none of this makes sense...today hasn't been a good day. Sorry if I seem negative Saltheart and all~

...its Stress Relief Time, ...thanks for calling me on the phone Goose! ....Fish! here we come!!!!!!!!!!!...

[Squid kids Dad]

Bloo............I have been reading this thread for a couple days now..I am mostly a "lurker".....But each time I have looked at this thread it got my blood running......Your response has echoed my feelings by far....I love fishing for the sheer love of fishing...wether it be chunking,plugging ect...Like clammer says..enjoy what you have....
Mike