This late summer season has been nothing short of amazing for me and my crew. My daughter was able to get out of work early and join me for a trip out. She has reeled in her share of bass over the years and this one was no exception. I did ask her to handle it gently and support it for a picture. This one had some girth to it. The dog did not bite or lick the protective slime off before being released alive.
Decided to go for a boat ride after work, and do a little fishing since the bite is on (MA). Stopped to catch some live bait with a Sabiki rod and rig. The fish finder was showing a ton of bait and some bass lurking underneath. My wife hooked some mackerel, and as she was reeling in a bass tried eating her mackerel. In the process managed to get snagged in a Sabiki rig. The rig had only 12# branch lines, so she immediately loosened the drag and fought the fish for a little bit. A decent fish for a Sabiki Rod. Looks like this fish has been hooked before and swim away healthy. Caught a few more over slot, and great way to wind down after work.
The bite was frenzy was on in Massachusetts. Didn’t measure, took a quick picture and set free. Landed over two dozen of this size no recreational fish caught.
The reel is an 8000 and is sort of propped up by its handle, creating the illusion that this 32" is about 15, if that. Remember, when adding a reel to a photo for scale, always use an ultralight and claim it's an 8000 or larger. Even your schoolies will look like major cows. 😉😁
edit- this fish was released alive and well.
Hey guys, caught this beauty yesterday on my second last cast of the day. It took about 25 min to get her to the boat.
Last evening’s fish is from my parents 2 acre farm pond, caught on a live bluegill. Almost zero effort compared to my saltwater missions. Stocked probably 15 years ago. Striped bass are really the most badass fish.
What other fish can thrive in a in the open ocean and grow to over 60lbs but also just chill in a farm pond for 15 years terrorizing panfish? Migrate thousands of miles of northeast salt water but also grow to giant sizes landlocked in a Tennessee river? I don’t know any other animal that pull that off.
I’m brand new to saltwater fishing and I want to hop on the striper hype, but I’m absolutely clueless. I’ve only ever lived in landlocked states and fished very small ponds for largemouth. Tides are a mystery. I’ve been fishing on the Maine/NH border but I’ve had no luck so far. Any tips?
This is going to sound stupid, but i was using a 7'6" rod, 25lb braid with a 40lb leader the other day, and I reeled one that was 36" into the dock, which was roughly 48" above the water.
I really struggled with getting it onto the dock by myself without a net. My minnow lure was almost entirely in its mouth, and I wasn't really comfortable grabbing it by the gill plate.
I kind of grabbed the line and scooped it up, but it was totally ungraceful and probably hilarious if anyone saw me struggle.
Should i get some lip grippers? Muckle onto its Gill Plate?
It was a long pedal for this guy trolling tube and worm near a river mouth in MA. Crazy how one fish can make hours of work feel like nothing at all. After two minutes reviving in the current she bit my hand and swam off strong.
33in, Portland, Maine, on live 9" mackerel. Released strong and healthy. 2nd pic is my rig. No, not the barge. 🤪👍
Managed to catch several hybrid and a few other species this morning all on no.5 and no.7 shad raps. Natural shad pattern.
I have been trying to catch a saltwater stripers from SF bay area piers for almost two years with no luck. Any tips? Also, what would the best rig for these fish paired with what bait? I am fishing with a 7 foot Penn Pursuit IV MH with a size 6000 reel and 30 lbs braid. Thank you!