Different Strokes

[ThomCat]

This should stir it up a bit, especially the Clammer......

New Englanders have long debated the credentials of Striped Bass vs. Bluefish in terms of their abilities and merits as a Gamefish. The fact is, it all boils down to:
Different Strokes For
Different Folks
by
Capt. Thom Pelletier

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ordinarily there’s little deliberation when discussing which fish retains the title of top dog among the inshore crowd along the New England Coast. The Striped Bass wins in a landslide. This species has been elevated to an almost godly status in these parts for many reasons, some real and some the offspring of their legend.
Captivating tales bequeathed to us from the Bass fishing pioneers of yesteryear and enhanced over time are retold from Chesapeake Bay to Narragansett Bay. The audience enjoying these yarns extends north to include the entirety of the Cape, as well as the rugged shores and mighty rivers of New Hampshire and Maine.
The degree of adoration has evolved almost to the point where the ability of an angler to regularly catch them often becomes the measuring stick by which his prowess with the fish pole is judged.
This lofty position they hold can be attributed to various factors. The primary consideration is simply their hard fighting nature. There’s a certain feeling of satisfaction and achievement attached to landing a nice Bass that is equaled by few other angling experiences.
There’s a mystique to the Striper, and by extension, to those who pursue them which, in many cases, has been handed down from generation to generation. Those who are totally consumed by and successful in the pursuit of the Striper can often lay claim to being the most dedicated and hard-working individuals who ply the salt. There’s a secrecy to this elite fraternity of anglers that is unique unto themselves. It almost seems as if through some patented and exclusive nod or wink, the true bass addicts are able to distinguish one another among the many impostors and wannabes.
Stripers are perceived as the ultimate surf-fishing prize in the Northeastern region. Their enigmatic behavior often demands that one be vigilant and persevering to have any chance at consistent success. One minute, their fickle personality can have them exhibiting such aggression that you can’t keep a bait or lure away from them. The next minute, you can’t tempt them with anything the on the planet. In the same light, a spot can be teeming with them on one tide and devoid of even a trace on the next. Their desirability is further enhanced by the fact that their dimensions give surf jockeys, as well as inshore boat anglers, a legitimate shot at a really big fish.
Bluefish, on the other hand, are viewed as mindless eating machines that require little more skill to catch than is required to chew gum. This observation is often not far from the truth. They induce none of the mystical platitudes indigenous to the Bass. The faithful Striper legions will always view them as strictly a waste of time and a problematic distraction to succeeding in their quest.
The Blues themselves legitimize this mindset many times over. When they’re fired up, they will often chase and smack a surface plug until they bang into the boat. This characteristic, in addition to many of their other antics, will never allow them to be perceived as the cunning predator that is an identifying quality inherent to the Stripers. There’s even an adage popular along Rhode Island’s South Shore asserting that Bluefish were created solely to placate those who are unable to fool Stripers.


* * *

The resurgence of the Stripers from their precarious “on the brink” position of not too many years ago is an inspiring testament to their resiliency. This resilience is another contributing factor to their legacy. It is also a clear indication of the rejuvenating triumphs nature is capable of when given half a chance. Ironically, in the absence of the Bass during that uncertain period, it was the Bluefish that filled the void. They supplied sport fishermen and charter captains with a welcomed alternative target species.
Unfortunately, at that same time, Blues could regularly be seen on too many docks stacked like cordwood. Apparently, a number of charter and private captains couldn’t make the connection between the demise of the Bass, due, in apportion, to an unlimited overfishing, with what the same practice would generate with their next victim, the bread and butter Bluefish.
These days, the Stripers are considered the glamour fish, the money fish. Their renaissance has kept them in demand and their name in the spotlight. While it’s their allure that draws fishermen en mass to New England’s substantial charter boat fleet, it’s the bluefish that usually wear them out and fill in the gaps when the Bass develop lockjaw.


* * *

Blues represent the everyman class of ocean adversary. They seem to embody that old Joe Frazier, lead with your face mentality. It’s hard to believe that they can attain the sizes that they do, considering that they seem to be perpetually plugged into the attack mode. In most instances, it’s safe to say that once you’ve located them, the challenging aspect of the game is pretty much over. Moreover, in more cases than not, if you spend enough time in a tried and true locale, the Blues’ roaming and ravaging ways will most likely have them finding you.
With the Stripers, the challenge of duping a respectable specimen calls for an attentive, almost stealth approach and, under most circumstances, a commitment to sacrificing significant sleep throughout the course of the season. The devoted Striper community that stalk them in the surf and the boatmen who work close to shore will confirm that this is basically a night time vocation. Not only are the Bass most receptive and vulnerable in the dark, but the pesky Blues are less likely to turn those $1.50 each eels, which are the preferred bait, into bloody stumps.
Conversely, when targeting Bluefish, the time of day is rarely the overriding factor. They are seldom timing discriminate and pretty much slaves only to their own voracious appetites. If there were a best time, it would probably be at sun-up.
To touch on size again, Striped Bass are capable of reaching some hefty proportions if and when the food base allows. They are also cautious and wily enough to permit these proportions to be realized in many instances. Bluefish, on the other hand, displays little constraint and seem to possess none of these self-preservation-induced attributes. They go through life all teeth, temper and tail. It’s actually mind boggling that such large numbers get through their first year as even the Skipjacks (young of the year) tend to flaunt the same savagery prevalent in their elders. Fish attaining the ten pound mark do so in spite of themselves. At fifteen pounds, they are truly blessed. Individuals that approach the twenty pound mark should collectively be deemed the Eighth Wonder of the World. And further, the few that top the twenty-five to thirty pound level, and there are recorded specimens, should be considered man eaters as well as certifiable miracles.
To be fair and honest, comparing the Striped Bass with the Bluefish as to each one’s value as a gamefish is conceptually like comparing apples and oranges. The desirability of each species directly relates to the traits that the fisherman deems important.
Many Striper aficionados perceive the perseverance and determination warranted in their pursuit as much a part of the process as the catch itself. Comparable in many respects to the astute trout-fishing purist, the appeal of this endeavor does not have to entirely revolve around success or failure to connect.
Other anglers focus on the most bang for the buck. They measure the value of the opponent, first and foremost, by his ability to pull the string. To this contingency, power and cooperation are the components that define worth in a gamefish. This is where the Bluefish shine. An angler would be hard pressed to find a more unyielding combatant. Their blending of aerial displays and dogged endurance endears them to those in it for a prolonged and spirited battle as opposed to a cerebral experience. That’s not to imply that the Bluefish devotees are a bunch of beer swillers who personify certain elements purported by their bad-tempered quarry. Neither does it suggest that Striper zealots are the aristocrats of the saltwater community. Rather, it’s to illustrate only that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Striped Bass maintain many of the qualities that human beings identify with and consider exemplary. They are strong and beautiful creatures that have proven themselves to be resourceful and resilient. They symbolize a breed of anglers who are steeped in tradition and lore. Bluefish are also handsome and powerful beasts that have likewise suffered and survived some low points in their history not entirely of their own making. Regrettably, their seemingly endless numbers and complete lack of discretion will never permit them to earn the respect or reverence bestowed on the Bass.
So the Striped Bass will remain the reigning kings of our shores, and rightfully so. The Northeast Coast has affectionately been re-titled “The Striper Coast” in their honor. We have truly put them on a pedestal. On the other hand, the Bluefish seem destined to be forever relegated to, at best, a second banana and, at worst, an out and out nuisance.
Personally, I doubt I will live long enough to ever say I’ve had my fill of either fish. Upon acknowledging that, please allow for one more observation that I offer with all due respect to both the Bass and the Bluefish as well as all those who relish the pursuit of each of them.
Very few will dispute the fact that Striper is the infinitely more discriminating of the two, and accordingly, the more challenging a fish to fool. With that said however, if by any chance the duo were embroiled in a head to head, pound for pound confrontation, I’m convinced that Old Mr. Bluefish would promptly dismiss his counterparts storied past and emphatically yank him off the stated pedestal. That accomplished, he would proceed to rudely and irreverently drag the vaunted Bass up and down his fabled coast.


Reprinted courtesy of On The Water Publishing

[EarnedStripes44]

profound write up

[DZ]

Thom,
I’ve learned long ago that bluefish are a much more selective species than you give them credit for. When bluefish are not involved in an all out blitz they are quite selective as any hard core surfcaster can tell you. They have keen eyesight and will often ignore everything in your bag of tricks. Many times I’ve cast all the plugs in my bag and had no action – then put on an eel(live or rigged) and they hit literally every cast - and avoid the hook in many cases. In my opinion blues can be much more selective than bass and less likely to make a mistake on artificial baits. They are much smarter and more cunning than you give them credit for in your article.

As far as fighting – they never quit.

DZ

[RIROCKHOUND]

We took to calling them Plug snobs the last few years...
if it isnt eel.. forget it...

[ThomCat]

[QUOTE=DZ;517249]Thom,
I’ve learned long ago that bluefish are a much more selective species than you give them credit for. When bluefish are not involved in an all out blitz they are quite selective as any hard core surfcaster can tell you. They have keen eyesight and will often ignore everything in your bag of tricks. Many times I’ve cast all the plugs in my bag and had no action – then put on an eel(live or rigged) and they hit literally every cast - and avoid the hook in many cases. In my opinion blues can be much more selective than bass and less likely to make a mistake on artificial baits. They are much smarter and more cunning than you give them credit for in your article.

As far as fighting – they never quit.
Hey Dennis,
If you read it again you'll probably realize that I was pointing out common perceptions, not necessarily by me, attributed to Bluefish. I have nothing but respect for the Blues and thank God when they show up to wear clients out after a slow day with the Mud Marlin. Although I've never seen them display the bonefish-like stealth that you've experienced I believe that most anglers aren't interested in their cunning when targeting Blues anyway.

[fishbones]

Pound for pound, one of the best fighters out there, but unfortunately they don't reach the size of Bass. Everyone dreams of the Striper of a lifetime because they've seen pictures of 60+lb fish and know its a remote possibility. Not many people dream of the elusive 20lb bluefish and go out to catch it. I once caught an 18lb Blue while trolling, and I thought I had hooked a football tuna. Most tiring fish I ever reeled in, partly due to the amount of line I had out, but also because of the fight. I don't like to catch them, but they are very good eating if you take care of them by bleeding and icing them right out of the water.

[zacs]

can you edit and left align? My eyes hurt from trying to read.

i'm sure many would appreciate.

[RIJIMMY]

I am not ashamed to admit it. I love bluefish. If I lived near the water and there was spot where they were every day, I would be there daily.

[EarnedStripes44]

Originally Posted by fishbones

Pound for pound, one of the best fighters out there, but unfortunately they don't reach the size of Bass. Everyone dreams of the Striper of a lifetime because they've seen pictures of 60+lb fish and know its a remote possibility. Not many people dream of the elusive 20lb bluefish and go out to catch it. I once caught an 18lb Blue while trolling, and I thought I had hooked a football tuna. Most tiring fish I ever reeled in, partly due to the amount of line I had out, but also because of the fight. I don't like to catch them, but they are very good eating if you take care of them by bleeding and icing them right out of the water.

Hell yeah, especially about that eating part. A fresh fillet off a bluefish that you clubbed 3 hrs ago to get that $12 plug back, hmmmmm......

[MarshCappa]

I love fishing for blues if they are around. The only thing that aggravates me is if there are stripers in the mix the blues tend to monopolize the action and tear up your gear if you aren't ready for them. But overall they are lots of fun with the right gear.

[JohnR]

Hate 'em when eeling

Come to think of it, I hate 'em when I have more than 1 hook on or any trebble

[tattoobob]

I love them and will never turn down fishing for them
they are a blast when seals are chasing them to because
the fight twice as hard, and go air bound like small mouth

[slow eddie]

there was a few of us last oct. that followed a hugh school of 10 lb. + blues from narry to quanny over a 8 day stretch. caught fish from sunup to sundown. i do not care, fishing does not get any better than that. my own 2 cents.

[flyben24]

no doubt, pound for pound blues are a much stronger and better fighter when hooked, but theres nothing worse than gettin a blue that just swallows your trebles when you really want a bass

[ThomCat]

Originally Posted by flyben24

no doubt, pound for pound blues are a much stronger and better fighter when hooked, but theres nothing worse than gettin a blue that just swallows your trebles when you really want a bass

Agreed. And it's also frustrating when a Blue grabs a Fluke rig then proceeds to circle the boat and pick up every other line in the water especially seeing that most Fluke gear won't let you do much to control them. In a perfect world we'd only catch what we were targeting but I guess it's all part of the game

[BigFish]

Most folks catch and release anyway? So bass or blues who cares! Great battle! I love catching bluefish, the bigger the better and being a topwater addict, it does not get much better than bluefish chewing the be-jesus out of a popper chugging across the surface!!!

[BigBo]

I was just telling Larry about my Bluefish Bonanza yesterday. I was fishing local in my kayak working a popper close to sundown and the water just erupted all around me. There were so many, they were slapping the hull of the yak. They were going airborne on my popper. Nothing huge with the biggest probably going around 5-6lbs, but i was having a ball.
I really love all aspects of fishing and to me, being on the water working a dropping tide. Close to sundown with light fading in a blaze of colors. The wind had died down nicely and fish are busting all around me.
It doesn't get much better IMO.

[Duke41]

Tomcat,

Among you many fishing and other skills you are an excellent writer.

[riverrat2]

I hate bluefish, everything about them. I think they fight horribly, to many head shakes and quick short runs, I like the long powerful run of a good bass.

[ThomCat]

Originally Posted by Duke41

Tomcat,

Among you many fishing and other skills you are an excellent writer.

Hey Duke,
Thanks for the kind words. If even one person enjoys it, it's worth the effort. Gotta go hit the Mud Marlin again today