can i justify this

[JFigliuolo]

Originally Posted by piemma

Dennis:
You have always been a friend and always will be a friend. No harm done. You know how much I loved the surf.

There's not many guys that drove from Burrillville to Narragansett for 30 + years 100+ nights a year to fish. I did. Bryan knows. Hell, I fished Gansett one year more than him and he lives there.

With the recent health issues I have had it just made sense for me to get a boat and prolong doing what I love.

By the way, just so everybody knows, the Chemo has worked as I have been cancer free for the last 3 months. Thanks for all the prayers.

Congrats on the cancer fight. That's good news...

As far as driving from Burriville... I WISH I lived that close. No sympathy here, and I hit it almost as often...about 80-90 nights.

[RIJIMMY]

that is aboslutley fantastic news Paul!

[piemma]

Thanks Jimmy. 2 years battling the demon. Let's pray it hold up for good.

[JohnR]

The beauty is that each has its own attractions and mystical qualities to it that are - for me - somewhat hard to express. The feeling laying into a decent fish in a 20kt in-your-face wind while looking at the lights of Block Island and the dance on the horizon of Montauk is awesome, especially knowing must are all tucked in for the night and are missing this!!! Surreal in some ways as it touches the soul. On the other hand, running fast on flat-a$$ mirrored-glass calm seas with the smell of sunrise forced through your nostrils as the anticipation builds. You throttle down and creep then drift into your honey whole, whip your offering into the rocks, sense the hit coming and fight and land nice fish! This also does wonders on your psyche!

Both are awesome, both, taken seriously represent various challenges, enjoyment, and absolute satisfaction

[Canalman]

Jim,

Don't let yourself be fooled into believing its that much easier, because it isn't. You think you're gonna go out there with 10 bunker and catch 10 30-45 pounders you've got some learning to do. The majority of what you'll catch is the same as what you get from the beach 15-25 pounds. And then there's gas, getting bait, keeping it alive, the extremely high mortality rate of the fish you catch and that sick realization that there are not hoardes of 40's throwing themselves at your bait. Take a deep breath, fishing is supposed to be fun , don't stress about the bass you're not catching and know that by the time you get your boat in the water, those bass will be dropping out of there and heading along our coast.

-Dave

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Canalman

Jim,

Don't let yourself be fooled into believing its that much easier, because it isn't. You think you're gonna go out there with 10 bunker and catch 10 30-45 pounders you've got some learning to do. The majority of what you'll catch is the same as what you get from the beach 15-25 pounds. And then there's gas, getting bait, keeping it alive, the extremely high mortality rate of the fish you catch and that sick realization that there are not hoardes of 40's throwing themselves at your bait. Take a deep breath, fishing is supposed to be fun , don't stress about the bass you're not catching and know that by the time you get your boat in the water, those bass will be dropping out of there and heading along our coast.

-Dave

Good points Dave. I heard you made a recent boat trip and I was thinking Redlite and I would have the surf to ourself this season following your baptism.

[jim sylvester]

Originally Posted by Canalman

Jim,

Don't let yourself be fooled into believing its that much easier, because it isn't. You think you're gonna go out there with 10 bunker and catch 10 30-45 pounders you've got some learning to do. The majority of what you'll catch is the same as what you get from the beach 15-25 pounds. And then there's gas, getting bait, keeping it alive, the extremely high mortality rate of the fish you catch and that sick realization that there are not hoardes of 40's throwing themselves at your bait. Take a deep breath, fishing is supposed to be fun , don't stress about the bass you're not catching and know that by the time you get your boat in the water, those bass will be dropping out of there and heading along our coast.

-Dave

great points dave

paul, congrats on beating it!!!!!!!!!!! the best news i've heard today

[Crazy Alberto]

There are many valid pointers and allow me to interject.
The truth of the matter is… we are talking about the sport of “fishing”. Fishing is just a broad term of catching a fish with a hook.

As we all know, there are many forms of fishing and for the most part, each method has its own challenging pointers. It really doesn’t matter and it could be from the surf, boat or flycasting or chunking… it’s all the same! Since I’ve owned a 25 ft. for over 15 years and had the pleasure of catching multiple species and big fish… And it does not say that it is easier. Contrary to what is said, you still have to find the fish, take care of the maintenance, expenses and all that. It’s WORK! To belittle a boater or any other method of fishing is ludicrous and disrespectful to the sport.

Although I sold my boat many years ago, from time to time I still jump on the boat. WHY? Because it’s fun!

For me, I spend most of my outings late at night and from the surf. It’s a matter of convenience because I can coordinate a specific tide for big fish (Stripers) in just a few hours and its minutes drive from my house. The boat would have been cumbersome and time consuming.

Fortunately, I have access to many boats but I choose to fish from shore because through the years, I’ve learn many prime spots and they are close to the shoreline. That is why I opted to sell my boat and catch’em from the suds. The bottom line is… It’s the BIG HUNT… and it is equally challenging and rewarding from both perspective of the game! All in all, it would be worthwhile to have a boat for the family and to target other species (Tuna, Tautog, Doormat, Cod, etc) that prowls the deeper parts and columns of the water. But if the game is Striped Bass… they can be easily caught from terra firma or the deck… It’s all up to you and your skill level!

“Crazy” Alberto
nonstopfisher@optonline.net

[daceman63]

I say get a boat. You mentioned you're getting older and its tougher to climb around the rocks looking for the sweet spot. You deserve to get a boat.

I surf cast as well. I have fished the canal but mostly do it now on the sandy shores of the cape.

When I bought my boat I spent more time on it as I spent good money on it and wanted to make it worth my while. After all, why have a boat if you're not going to use it. Boating gives you the best of two awesome worlds......boating and fishing.

If buying a boat keeps you fishing longer then there is your justification to your wife. It's to allow you to prolong your favorite past time....

If she loves you, and I'm sure she does.....that will be all she needs to hear...

Good luck in your search.

[DZ]

When I initially made a post that drew a heated response from my friends I began to re-analyze how what I said could be interpreted. Not knowing that Piemma was ill I can understand his reaction.

My comment “No Dyed in the wool surfcaster would buy a boat” was painted with to broad a brush. Obviously there are many sets of circumstances and reasons that would cause an avid surfcaster to “go the way of the boat.” My apologies to all.

Most of you who know me well realize that I would not knowingly say something hurtful. Most of you also know that I’m passionate about surf casting and place it above all other forms/methods of angling. That is me and just how I feel.



That said, even I have enjoyed fishing from a boat. Many of my friends have boats and invite me from time to time but for some reason won’t let me aboard with korkers. So far I’ve only found one boat that will let me on with korkers – the Block Island ferry. Some of the more passionate surf rats I know use boats in an ingenious way – to access another piece of shoreline! That’s my kind of boat.

And Jim, now that we’ve hijacked your thread. Get yourself a boat.

DZ

[RIROCKHOUND]

I for one have actually seen DZ catch a blackfish!

Jim good luck in your quest!

[Shake N' Bake]

Jim,
If you have the means to buy a good quality boat that why not???
Let me know when you buy so I can give you my 1-800-GOT-A-TRUCK-TO-TOW-&-GAS-MONEY.
You only live once Do It !!!

[RIJIMMY]

Now thats the DZ we know and love!

I've really enjoyed this thread as I have been agonizing over buying a boat for a few years. I'm not sure what my hesitation is, this year I said it has to be the right boat, right price, right time. Just like having kids, there is no "right" time. I think I may have found the right boat at the right price and I'm going to take a look this weekend. I may take the plunge. I enjoy surf casting enormously, and love every minute I'm out whether I am skunked or not. I spent countless hrs as a kid at Ctown breachway watching the boats head out and dreamed some day that would be me. I'm not getting any younger and time is going by much too quickly, I think its time to live that dream and like Cape Sams said, if it dont work out, I'll sell it.