Split thread: Lunkers on a Trout Rod

[toaster816]

Originally Posted by ecduzitgood

Another point I have yet seen addressed when it comes to catch and release, which to me also means the overall well being of fish that escape capture or break off. Stainless steel hooks. Don't get me wrong I do eat several fish each year and to be totally honest if I couldn't eat them I wouldn't fish for them, I feel no need to harass a fish I can't eat. Why do people who profess to care so much about the striped bass use stainless steel hooks at all? I also wonder why people fish gear that is not matched to the potential size of the fish being pursued especially when using a stainless steel hook. I can understand that both fly tying and eel rigging require effort/time to produce a bait, but when the people fishing the stainless hooks are doing it with line that isn't up to the challenge of a 50# or larger fish I can only shake my head and wonder what are they thinking.

We reuse riggies over and over, we need hooks that won't become brittle and rust out. I'd say out of everything I fish a riggie with a 8/0 ss mustad does the LEAST damage to fish. Who did you run into last night that was fishing with trout gear and ss hooks for stripers?

[FishnGrega]

Originally Posted by toaster816

We reuse riggies over and over, we need hooks that won't become brittle and rust out. I'd say out of everything I fish a riggie with a 8/0 ss mustad does the LEAST damage to fish. Who did you run into last night that was fishing with trout gear and ss hooks for stripers?

I'm assuming he saw my albie set up on the roof of my truck

[ecduzitgood]

I fish heavy, too heavy for many but I want to land the fish quickly inorder to reduce the negative effects of a prolonged battle.
I will have to check my riggies from a year and a half ago, which have anodized hooks to see how they are holding up. I use 60# and 80# test main line with a 10 foot leader spliced inside the braid to reduce break offs. It isn't what many consider the right way to fish but I catch my share of fish.

[toaster816]

Originally Posted by ecduzitgood

I fish heavy, too heavy for many but I want to land the fish quickly inorder to reduce the negative effects of a prolonged battle.
I will have to check my riggies from a year and a half ago, which have anodized hooks to see how they are holding up. I use 60# and 80# test main line with a 10 foot leader spliced inside the braid to reduce break offs. It isn't what many consider the right way to fish but I catch my share of fish.

I think it's great you make calculated efforts to cause as little harm as possible but don't chastise others because we don't chase stripers with tuna gear.

[ecduzitgood]

Just my opinion take it for what it's worth...squat. I just find it somewhat hypocritical and was just bringing it to peoples attention that perhaps they aren't has concerned as they want others to believe. Call it tuna gear if you want but at least I know when I have a wind knot stop the line suddenly my plug will still be there, ad if a large fish does what they usually do they will have less chance of parting my line by rubbing it against structure. I feel the benefits out weigh the loss of distance and sink rate. I have been fishing long enough that I no longer get a thrill from the fight has much and look at it has more of a business type event that just happens to be fun/enjoyable. I have lost plenty of fish to lighter line and weaker rods and don't enjoy being beat by a fish with the brain the size of a pea. I equip myself for the challenge not the sport of catching. I have also spent many years has a mate and spent enough time fishing for the challenge, I want results when I invest my time. At least you'll know when I'm up current from you and hook a fish it wont take long for me to get my fish clear of you, and without drowning it because I can't apply enough pressure.

[FishnGrega]

if you don't want to start a fight then don't sit there and tell me that I'm targeting striped bass with light fishing tackle. because your going to be taking back your words if you knew the truth.

[toaster816]

80# braid with a 10' spliced 100# leader IS tuna gear, and if you know what you are doing you can safely bring in a good fish and release it with normal striper gear. It is done on a regular basis from May to December up and down the east coast.

[The Dad Fisherman]

if you are going to go single hook....rig them up on a Pt. Jude wobblehead.

[sokinwet]

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