|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 20, 2006 16:32:33 GMT -6
Just got back from our first striped bass trip of this year. Left work early and had the first line in the water by 1:30. Within the hour we had the first fish on. 37", did not weigh it. The next one was 31" and had to throw it back (min size is 33" this year) About an hour of nothing, then two back to back that were 37". Had to throw one of them back because the limit is one per person. Then just cruised around for a bit on the calm bay, drinking a couple of beers and enjoying the 82 degree weather! Anyone going to be in the MD area before the end of May, let us know so we can go out and catch a few!
|
|
|
Post by Tex on Apr 20, 2006 19:09:58 GMT -6
Sounds like fun. I am envious.
|
|
|
Post by innit Geezer on Apr 21, 2006 19:37:33 GMT -6
Glad to hear your season started Captain. A crusier, a little beer, fishing, it dosen't get better than that.
|
|
sabrina1
Member
Early morning at HII
Posts: 151
|
Post by sabrina1 on Apr 21, 2006 19:38:46 GMT -6
Oh, Gary I miss the Rockfish!
Steve and I have been catching quite a few fish off our dock. Crappie and Catfish mostly now. Boat is to be delivered on Tuesday so hope to get bigger and different fish. Have to say though love to get home from work, ch-ch-change and fish for an hour or so before it gets dark. Don't have to pack up all our stuff and get in the car to drive to fish anymore!
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 23, 2006 18:38:35 GMT -6
Sabrina, what type of boat did you end up buying? Went out today and did quite well. First fish in the boat was 33", about an hour after starting. 15 minutes later, another 33". Both put up a good fight and led to a well deserved beer break. Another hour passes, we boat a 31" and throw it back, under the 33" limit. Within the next hour we lose one as it was being brought in, and another one broke the line (I'm sure this one was pushing the state record! ;D). We did get a 36" in just before we thought we'd need to call it a day. We had to get back in time for my son to get to work. I said we'd quit at 2pm. At 2pm, I said we'd keep trolling towards the river until we get to 50' of water. When we got to 50' of water, I said 5 more minutes... With 2 minutes of this final deadline remaining , the lightest of the three trolling polls starts screaming. I brought this one in (the kids and my friend brought the others in). A very nice, fat, 39"! Other than the morning fog with about 1/2 mile visibility, it was a great day! The clouds finally cleared just as we entered the river and it rapidly warmed up from the low 60's to the mid 70's. Next trip on Thursday.
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Apr 23, 2006 22:19:34 GMT -6
Gary, maybe this is a stupid question, but... what species of fish were you catching?......Jake
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Apr 23, 2006 23:08:18 GMT -6
Striped bass
|
|
|
Post by Chicago Jake on Apr 23, 2006 23:10:37 GMT -6
If it was the same as the last trip. Duh, I should have figured that out myself......Jake
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Apr 24, 2006 7:18:19 GMT -6
Another hour passes, we boat a 31" and throw it back, under the 33" limit. This is what gave it away, Jake. edited cuz coffee didn't kick in yet and I left out a word.
|
|
|
Post by Christinko on Apr 24, 2006 7:49:33 GMT -6
You guys are making me hungry--I love fish! Glad you are having fun.
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 24, 2006 16:01:25 GMT -6
Gary, maybe this is a stupid question, but... what species of fish were you catching?......Jake Striped Bass, aka Rock Fish here in Maryland. Why they are called rock fish, I have no idea!
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 24, 2006 16:02:13 GMT -6
If it was the same as the last trip. Duh, I should have figured that out myself......Jake I'm usually more precise in my trip reports! ;D A day on the water really does a number on your brain!
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 24, 2006 16:03:01 GMT -6
Another hour passes, we boat a 31" and throw it back, under the 33" limit. This is what gave it away, Jake. edited cuz coffee didn't kick in yet and I left out a word. Can't get anythig past Cher! Is Rick still in the DC area? We have room on the boat Saturday.
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 24, 2006 16:03:37 GMT -6
You guys are making me hungry--I love fish! Glad you are having fun. I'm a fish, see if you can catch me.
|
|
|
Post by Christinko on Apr 25, 2006 8:33:35 GMT -6
Gary--Give me another week and I'll make my best effort, you slippery thing, you!
|
|
|
Post by Cherbunny on Apr 25, 2006 8:41:23 GMT -6
Gary, He's still there. Unfortunately, he works every day. His trip has been extended, so he'll be there until around 20 May or so.
I'll PM you his number.
Thanks for looking out for him.
Hugs~ Cher
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 25, 2006 15:38:44 GMT -6
Gary--Give me another week and I'll make my best effort, you slippery thing, you! If I remember correctly, the last time you 'caught' me, I was sound asleep at the pool. Won't make that mistake again!
|
|
|
Post by Christinko on Apr 25, 2006 20:38:20 GMT -6
But Gary, I know your darling wife and who knows what evil could be wrought in the bosoms of two lasses with impure thoughts.
|
|
|
Post by Alice on Apr 26, 2006 5:50:45 GMT -6
We need to talk Chris.
|
|
sabrina1
Member
Early morning at HII
Posts: 151
|
Post by sabrina1 on Apr 26, 2006 17:39:37 GMT -6
Gary -
We bought a 22' Crest 3 pontoon fishing boat. Steve wanted a real fishing boat but I wanted something where I could lay out and sun and have friends with us. Sad to say we did not get it yesterday but we will have it Saturday morning.
You should see the boat traffic here! Has really picked up in the last 3 weeks. Also a lot of jet skis. One guy I see all the time puts his dog (big black lab) on the front of it and that dog is having a BIG time!
Nothing compared to Lake Norman though. I heard a story from friends of ours that their friend just got something like a 38' boat because the last three they owned were sunk from wakes of other boats. Sure glad our house on Lake Norman fell through and we are on High Rock Lake! Lake Norman is where all the race car drivers live. High Rock Lake is dubbed the "Red Neck Lake" and where the race car mechanics live. Our lake is the best!
|
|
|
Post by Just Mike on Apr 26, 2006 19:28:58 GMT -6
I've been catching a huge number of bass(largemouth) in the lake in our backyard. We've got a little dock also..unfortunately not allowed to have gas motors as this little lake winds thru the neighborhood. So it simply electric trolling motors for us. Not even gonna tell you the size of my boat after hearing of Sabrina's and Gary's. lol. alright, it's a big, HUGE 10 footer. lol. Just perfect for me to catch a few bass with my son in the evenings after dinner.
Hey, contributing to thread drift...Tammi and i are in the market for about a 20 foot Deck boat or jet boat or ski/pleasure boat..something like that. Used, of course. Haven't seen anything that tickled our fancy yet..but we're keeping our eyes open still. So far, we like the yamaha jet boats( i think the 21 footer) and the Tahoe deck boats(but they seem to be too friggin expensive). Neither of us knows anything about boats(other than bass boats) so have no idea if they are good brands or not..so any opinions would help. thanks guys. See you in a few days. Mike
|
|
sabrina1
Member
Early morning at HII
Posts: 151
|
Post by sabrina1 on Apr 27, 2006 18:38:55 GMT -6
Mike -
Some people here have deck boats and like them. They are kind of like pontoons but faster. You lose some of the seating space. I will ask around and get some ideas on brands that people like.
Sabrina
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 27, 2006 18:43:43 GMT -6
Hey Mike, let's talk about what type of boat we are going to buy you next week! ;D Trip number 3 today (I know the subject says First...) First fish was 31", exactly an hour after we started. Threw it back, limit is 33" About an hour and a half later, the tide switched to outgoing with the wind. The current was moving at about 2.1 kts. Within the next 2.5 hours we caught a 42", 37" and 44"! That 44" tied the boats best from last year. We've never caught 2 over 40" on a single trip. Things died down for about an hour and we were trolling back toward the river that our marina is on. Just like the last trip, just a few minutes before calling it quits, we hooked up with the final fish that put us at our limit. A 33.1" beauty! Weather was very nice for April, mostly sunny, north wind 10 kts, waves about 1' and 72 degrees. Three more days of fishing, then taking a break for a little R&R in Florida.
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 27, 2006 18:47:07 GMT -6
But Gary, I know your darling wife and who knows what evil could be wrought in the bosoms of two lasses with impure thoughts. I can hardly wait to see what evil you two can come up with! All I know is that whatever happens, I'll be wide awake!
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 27, 2006 18:50:04 GMT -6
Gary - We bought a 22' Crest 3 pontoon fishing boat. Steve wanted a real fishing boat but I wanted something where I could lay out and sun and have friends with us. Sad to say we did not get it yesterday but we will have it Saturday morning. You should see the boat traffic here! Has really picked up in the last 3 weeks. Also a lot of jet skis. One guy I see all the time puts his dog (big black lab) on the front of it and that dog is having a BIG time! Nothing compared to Lake Norman though. I heard a story from friends of ours that their friend just got something like a 38' boat because the last three they owned were sunk from wakes of other boats. Sure glad our house on Lake Norman fell through and we are on High Rock Lake! Lake Norman is where all the race car drivers live. High Rock Lake is dubbed the "Red Neck Lake" and where the race car mechanics live. Our lake is the best! Pontoon boat make very nice fishing boats. You can also pack lots of people on it and party! ;D Lake Norman sounds a lot like Lake of the Ozarks in MO where Georgette is from. Boats get swamped there every weekend. I would hate being on a lake that crowded. Looking forward to seeing your place sometime, sounds like a great place.
|
|
|
Post by Christinko on Apr 27, 2006 20:32:27 GMT -6
Not 24/7 you won't be! And your roommate is most amenable. [insert evil grin] And you thought this would be a relaxing vacation. [insert evil Bwa-ha-ha sound] But Gary, I know your darling wife and who knows what evil could be wrought in the bosoms of two lasses with impure thoughts. I can hardly wait to see what evil you two can come up with! All I know is that whatever happens, I'll be wide awake!
|
|
|
Post by Alice on Apr 28, 2006 6:03:56 GMT -6
And there are times I don't remember how something happens (BEG)
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 29, 2006 5:49:33 GMT -6
Friday was NOT a good day to be fishing on the Bay. A backdoor cold front had just gone through around 4am. When we got to the boat 1.5 hours later, the winds were well into the 15-20 Kt range from the north, with higher gusts. (this is the longest axis of the Chesapeake Bay, so the long fetch allows for the most time for the waves to build) We all said we'd go out to see what it was like, but most likely would not fish. When we rounded Drum Point, the waves were a steady 3-5. I kept the boat headed into the waves at trolling speed to get a feel for what it would be like at trolling speed. Except for the occasional 6 footer, it seemed like we could handle a slow troll with just one pole over, so that is what we did. The clouds hadn't cleared out yet (and wouldn't until 1030 or so), and it was 50 degrees. At least we didn't have a hard time keeping the beer cold! ;D Trolling north into the winds and waves, we were making about 1.1 kts over ground speed. Heading south, about 8.2 kts. Lots of wind, waves, and current! It was my second son's 18th birthday. He celebrated initially by throwing up over the side about an hour into the trip (Hi DJ! ;D). About an hour after that, he was feeling better, so we celebrated with an ice cold beer. Another hour and my hands were so numb I was having a hard time keeping hold of the helm. (Notice I haven't mentioned catching any fish yet?) About the time the clouds cleared, the tide went slack and the wind actually died down a bit. We put two more poles over and within about half an hour caught a 35" striped bass. When the tide started moving in again (to the north), the wind freshened again and it got real snotty. With the tide against the wind, the waves were quite a bit steeper and still 3-5 feet. Finally, around 1230, beat, battered, and with only one fish in the boat, we called it quits. (is that too many commas?) We entered Solomons Harbor to fill up for today's trip and it felt 20 degrees warmer and the smooth water felt SO GOOD. The bad news... Last week's $2.89 gas is now $3.40! The real bad news... Due to some minor problems at work, we won't be able to go fishing today. The really, really, bad news... The 5-10 kt winds forecast for today are now expected to be back in the 20 kt range tomorrow. Something about a big high pressure in New England and the resultant pressure gradient. Fuck New England! This may be the last installment of striper fishing until we return from Florida.
|
|
|
Post by Captain Gary on Apr 30, 2006 15:27:56 GMT -6
This will be the final installment until we return from Florida sometime after the 8th of May. Left the dock at 7:45, had a hard frost at the house, but was in the 50's near the water. Winds were ENE at 10 kts, waves 1-2 feet. Put the first line over at 8:00, in the process of putting the 3rd line out when the 150' line with 8 oz chartruse hit hard! Hooked up that one, brought the 3rd line in. Then boated a very nice 36 incher. Then we trolled around for another 6 hours and only had one more hook up. It got off. Lousy day for fishing, nice day on the water. Things will be better in 10 days! I'm tired...
|
|
|
Post by JustIan on May 3, 2006 9:30:01 GMT -6
Gary I just got this email fyi: May 3, 2006 MarineFisheries Advisory UPDATE TO SALTWATER ANGLERS ABOUT STRIPED BASS SKIN DISEASE The striped bass skin disease reported in a recent Boston Globe article is not a new disease to fish biologists and is not considered a serious health risk by regional public health agencies. It is known as Mycobacteriosis and was first identified on striped bass in Chesapeake Bay in 1997. Fish that contract this disease develop a bacterial infection that results in inflammation, tissue destruction and formation of scar tissue in one or more organs. While Mycobacteriosis can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected fish or water, this disease can be treated with antibiotics; the bacteria responsible for this disease are not flesh-eating. Any persons with questions or concerns should contact a physician. Myobacteriosis in Striped Bass Signs of infection in striped bass are first noted in internal organs such as the spleen and kidney. Nodules (called granulomas) composed of inflammatory cells and fibrous connective tissue form in response to the bacteria in an attempt to stop the infection. An increase in the number and size of granulomas leads to the formation of extensive scar tissue and eventual loss of normal tissue architecture. This disease progresses slowly in fish and has been characterized as a “wasting disease” due to loss of body mass and emaciation. Striped bass may contract the disease because of weakened health caused by poor water quality and forage-related issues in Chesapeake Bay. Many striped bass from Chesapeake Bay reside in coastal waters of Massachusetts between May-October. However, MarineFisheries has not received any reports of external lesions and has not observed any internal signs of the disease in fish examined over the last two years. We are unsure why the disease has not been observed in Massachusetts, but some scientists suggest that the Chesapeake Bay migratory stock may be less susceptible to disease because they stay only about two months in the Bay to spawn and have reduced chances of exposure (most of the fish reported to have the disease in Chesapeake Bay are the year-round residents) or the disease is eliminated or becomes lessened once the fish move into colder, cleaner, ocean water and experience better food supplies. Anglers have inquired if striped bass that have been “tainted” with Mycobacteriosis are still edible. The answer is yes! A recent check of published medical studies by Maryland Department of Health on this kind of infection in human beings shows that eating properly prepared and cooked rockfish has not been associated with human mycobacterial illness. They recommend that people not consume any raw striped bass or any fish that appears diseased. In preparing striped bass for consumption, common sense should prevail. Fish with open, reddened lesions on the body or with signs of hemorrhage or darkened patches in the fillets should be discarded. Fish that appear to be healthy and are properly cooked are safe to eat. While handling an infected striped bass, especially if the skin is cut or scraped, can lead to skin infections, simple hygiene precautions can prevent this. Human Myobacterial Illness Is Treatable Infections in humans are generally limited to the extremities such as fingertips and feet, but may involve the joints, bones and lymph nodes. Individuals with cuts or scrapes are at higher risk for infection. The most frequent symptom is the formation of a persistent bump or nodule under the skin. Additional symptoms may include the formation of ulcers, swelling of lymph nodes and joint pain. When handling any type of fish, use a few practical and simple precautions: 1. wear heavy gloves and boots to avoid puncture wounds from fish spines; 2.If cuts, scrapes or other open or inflamed areas of the skin are present, cover hands and wrists with an impermeable barrier (like a rubber or vinyl glove) to prevent any bacteria from getting into the soft tissue under the skin where Mycobacterium organisms are known to cause infections; 3. Dispose of any leftover fish parts after preparing raw fish; 4. Wash off all cutting boards, surfaces, knives and other utensils used to process raw fish with warm soapy water. (Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources.) Again, this disease can be treated with antibiotics, and any persons with questions or concerns should contact a physician. For further information please visit our website at: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.
|
|