In case you missed it in January issue of the Surfcaster’s Journal magazine,
[youtube]https://youtu.be/E2MUxAr0a78[/youtube]
and yeah, its time for us to start to get ready to do this
all details at www.striperday.com
We will update the Show website as we go along with seminar schedule and door prize packages for attendees
Today’s giveaway will be a very special ones since we have not done something like this before but first, lets pick a winner of last week MEGA Charlie Graves Lures giveaway
One winner get ALL of this, the whole shebang
And the winner is ..drum roll please …Nick Schiralli
Congrats Nick, you have 5 days to contact us at info@surfcastersjournal.com with your shipping address. (In case you wonder we use random number generator to spit out a winning # then we match it to the entry on our blog)
Today’s giveaway is for a par of Salt Life Polarized Sport Optics.
I have to tell you, besides my Costa’s, you will probably find me wearing my Salt Life Optics most of the time. There is no secrets here, their ZEISS lenses offer superior optical result with distinctive visual performance. What does that mean? That ZEISS has over 160 years of optical lens experience and if you ever get a chance to buy ZEISS lenses for your DSLR, don’t flinch, just buy it. For those connoisseurs of finer fair, you’ll be happy to know that they are Made in Italy
The winner walk receive a pair of FUJI gloss black Salt Life Shades with smoke—blue sense, courtesy of Salt Life. They come in a handsome leather case and with microfiber cleaning cloth.
You can check a whole line at http://www.saltlife.com/optics.html
last but not least, this weekend only thought Monday, 35% OFF Mermaid shirts in SJ Online Store www.surfcastersgear.com(reg$23-now $16).Its our way of saying thanks..more videos coming next week including new Van Stall VR reel introduction
What About Bob?
The Midnight Rambler
John W. Papciak
You know what they say, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting a different outcome.”
Well, that’s about how I felt two weeks ago, when I was visiting Egypt Beach in East Hampton on the East End of Long Island.
If you’ve been fishing reasonably hard this fall you already know – in many places – it’s been very hard to scare up a few fish. Those gravy years in the late 90s and early 00s, with 20, 30 or ever 40 fish outings are now a distant memory. That’s not to say some of you (and even me once in a while) are not finding fish – but we’ve gone on and on in blogs and articles worrying about where all the fish have gone.
Sure, sure, we might have a good year class or two coming up. Just maybe. But it doesn’t make it any easier being on the beach in Montauk, and seeing school after school of adult bunker go by, but with not so much on them – and certainly not enough to push the bunker toward the beach and create the blitz conditions that we almost took for granted more than a decade ago.
Zeno had a really good story he shared at one of the bass hearings last year on Long Island. I dunno, I guess he gives the fish names, you’ll have to ask him about this. He called this fish Bob.
What about Bob?
Well Bob was a striped bass that Zeno could always find, almost like that time tested and trusted friend. Didn’t matter what else was going on, up and down the beach, as the season went along. Sometimes all the other fish were gone, but he could always count on Bob, or a small handful of fish just like Bob, at some very specific places.
OK, I’ll admit I never named my fish, but I also had those reliable places.
But just like Zeno, over the past few years in particular, those fish are just not there. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll keep fishing for them, but I’ve more or less gotten used to the fact that Bob is just not around like he used to be.
Anyway, let’s get back to Egypt Beach.
This is usually at the western end of my jurisdiction, and one of the last places where I can use my East Hampton beach driving permit.
Lotta good memories here, especially during those epic years with the peanut bunker.
It’s right by the hoighty-toighty Maidstone Club. That’s the golf club where even Bill Clinton was not allowed a tee time (you’ll have to Google the tabloids to get the full dirt on that).
Anyway, two weeks ago, the Bonackers were at it again. Remember Haul Seines have been outlawed in New York, but not the beach launching of gill nets. Turns out the Bonackers were following the schools of bunker, just like any good fisherman should. And when they saw some hints of activity in the way of predators on one of the schools, they set a net around it that must have gone out the better part of a mile. You would think they would have netted the motherload of cow bass – that would certainly have been the case 15 years ago – but on this set, pretty much all they got was a big pile of bluefish. You might wonder exactly how many fish, and what sizes, are out there. Well this will tell you all you need to know.
Was kinda sad to be honest. But I wasn’t only disturbed by the dead fish now rotting in the sun. Was just as sad for the guys doing the netting. Just all this effort, and all this equipment, and all they will get is (reportedly) is 90 cents a pound for that small portion that will make it to the market in reasonably decent shape. The rest I’m not even sure will be eligible for catfood.
Just imagine how many fishermen –especially surfcasters – who would have given half the bills in their wallet to tangle with these fish on an otherwise dead weekend afternoon.
It’s just one more reminder of how greedy we’ve been, and how the recreationals are just as guilty of this as any commercial.
We can only hope those more recent year classes do make it out of bay, and into the coastal stock (they call that process “recruitment”).
Let’s hope so – we humans appear to be incapable of knowing when to cut back when Bob is nowhere to be found.
The wait is over
Surfcasters Journal Online Magazine issue # 34 is up for your reading pleasure
-Articles from all your favorite columnists, John Skinner, Crazy Alberto Knee, Dave Anderson, Al Albano, John Papciak, DJ Muller and Roger Martin
-Feature articles from Dennis Zambrotta, Dave Anderson, John Lee, Fred Strausbaugh and John Papciak
-Almost 50 minutes on new and original video content including
-Montauk Time & Tide
-Interview with Advanced Fishing Ryan White
-Surf Fishing 101 series
-Episode # 1 The basic Tools
-Episode # Needlefish lures with Donny Musso
-Episode #3 Bucktails in the rough surf
-Episode #4 Surf Belt
Happy Veteran’s Day to all the members of our Armed Services.
You guys and girls are big part of why this is the greatest country in the world. Thank you for your service and sacrifices .
New issue coming up in a day or two.Here is a video preview of Surf Fishing 101 series. I think most of our readers will find something relevant and interesting in it.[youtube]https://youtu.be/5LALM6-HbdI[/youtube]
Happy to say that I reshot the video yesterday morning that I screwed up on Friday with Craig Cantelmo of VS Reels. Long ass haul to North Fork to do it but those who don’t have in their heads, have it in their feet , my grandfather use to say.
I think their new VR reels which are hitting stores in few weeks I think will be a massive hit. I got to play with one last few days and considering pricing under flagship VSX line, i think they will be guys salivating at the lightest reel I ever held in my hand.
Video coming up
I spent morning shooting the videos and missed a blitz which was occurring about 1/2 a mile away from where we were set up. But that wasn’t the painful part. I missed plenty of blitzes before but I never imported the footage to start editing before, only to find out that its unusable due to a single button being switch the wrong way.Yes, that is painful and very much embarrassing especially since people took time out of their day to be there. My bad, my really, really bad screw up. Unfortunately probably not the last one.
Speaking of videos, and if you are one who likes watching what we do, you might get a kick out of what’s coming in the new issue next week. There is almost an hours worth of new videos for your viewing pleasure.
In this issue we are introducing Surf Fishing 101 series. I shot over 30 videos with some of todays best surfcasters, Donny Musso, Lou Caruso, Ralph Votta, Craig Cantelmo, Bill Jakob, Dave Anderson and of course our stalwarts like Mr. Skinner and Wetzel. What is Surf Fishing 101? Glad you asked
With Surf Fishing 101 we are going to try to demystify sport of surfcasting and break it down on a basic level. There will be a video on how and why to use teasers, how to fish a darter, how to improve your cast, what to look in a surf belt. How to pick a rod for back bays, how to fish a needlefish, anything that you can think of, we are a game.
In addition some videos will be all action footage, recorded with ago pro while we are catching fish and explaining the thought process behind why we are there, and what are we doing with our lures. There are also few night footage sequences captured with infra red light, aerial footage….and on and on. From lures to bait to rods to gear, this should be something for everyone
In next week issue of the Surfcaster’s Journal Online magazine first 4 videos will debut. Each episode is between 5 and 15 minutes although we shot an episode with Ralph Votta last week which will easily push 20 minutes
Obviously in addition to this you will get reviews and awesome articles from your favorite writers and columnists.
Just a little reminder to myself that I actually am not as miserable as I feel about my screw up this morning.Hope you guys enjoy it
and a little note, only as a courtesy to our blog readers
For the first time, there are pullover Creeping while you sleeping hoodies in our store, creeping bumper stickers and yes, those elusive Night Crew Zip hoodies are making appearance for a limited time.We have not publicized this because we make small batches and want our readers to get them first if the wish instead of soccer moms shopping on Cyber Monday..www.surfcastersgear.com
..Some dude named Craig let us play with his toy for next week.
…a little weekend treat to our readers
New MTK show special shirt, regularly $23, this weekend only $15..35% OFF, shipping inluded
a little late edition of fish porn
25 pound blue caught and released by Chris Voorhies yesterday on South Shore of Long Island
Sand Eel bite has been pretty consistent this fall in the areas that are holding sand eels and albies are running wild in few places. SJ columnist John Skinner just uploaded a new video and on it he is saying he caught over 200 albies in the last month alone!
What do both of these things have in common? If you are targeting either bite in the daytime, tins are often your best friend. So todays giant giveaway will make someone smile from ear to hear because its truly a remarkable giveaway
This giveway is a courtesy of Ralph Votta from West End Tackle who makes Charle Graves Lures. Ralph will be one of our speakers at Striper Day (www.striperday.com) and also a star of one of our surf fishing 101 series of videos in 2016. We got him on camera last week for a 25 minute all-you-want-to-know about fishing metal lures. That’s coming in 2016.
One winner will receive this awesome collection of Charlie Graves Fishing Lures. You can check out the whole line at www.charliegraves.com
Thanks to Ralph Votta and Charlie Graves Lures for making this possible and good luck to all.
I haven’t had time to sit down and write something in a while so I am kind of enjoying this quiet Saturday morning with a cup of coffee. Lot of stuff on the mind lately occupying my time, my kid’s knee being a primary interest in my head and yeah, NY Mets got me sucked in. And there is my truck which went to shop on Monday and Wednesday and Friday and yes ,today. All for Service Engine Soon light that will not go off. It has not been a boring October that is for sure.
Fishing by me is terrible BUT if you are willing to drive east a little there is a constant bite. Its not spread along all the beaches, in fact is relegated to very few, but its there. When you get stormy conditions and high surf, the action spreads out and then reverts to the mean when things settle down. Mostly small fish, under the keeper size with some teen size fish mixed in. Remember that big 2011 year class? We’ll they are filling the void that is for sure.
Before I forget, let me announce the winners of last week giveaway. The winner of 3 spools of Spiderwire Ultracast InvisiBraid is Alton Cowings. The winner of two Guides Choice Bunka Boy swimmers is mjgalanti@comcast.net.You both have 5 days to contact me at info@surfcastersjournal.com
Stay tuned for a massive giveaway from Charlie Graves Fishing Lures and West End Tackle.
Few other things before I forget. There will be I think 8 videos in the new November issue of SJ , 6 of which are brand new. We have been busy on the video front and we’ll fill you in on it this week.
SJ Striper Day show, scheduled on January, 09 is coming along. Its a lot to fill you in that will that will take another post but do visit www.striperday.com to get all the info.
After many requests we have decided to order hoodies for the holidays. They are done and waiting to be added to the online store. This year we’ll have our Night Crew black hoodies and something new, Creeping While You Sleeping zip hoodies and color Creeping bumper stickers for the first time. As always we make these in small batches,and this year is no exception so you will get the first shot at them as always.
Last but not least, this video by Lou Casuso from 2013 was originally featured in the Surfcaster’s Journal magazine. in case you missed it, here it is [youtube]https://youtu.be/jt1kRp31GaY[/youtube]
I wish I could tell you I knew Jack as well as many of our subscribers did, but I did not. The unofficial mayor of Montauk was a special character, one of those people that make this sport so special. Many of us will fish those same rocks, but probably no one will remember us other then our closest friends.
Jack was a big part of surfcasting scene in Montauk for decades , from the early day of wetsuits, abundance of fish through moratorium and then he got to experience the glory days again. He left us this summer, leaving a void in the lives of many who knew him well.
Vito Orlando wrote a touching poem which he read at the ceremony recently on the north side of Montauk honoring Jack.
I though it deserved to be heard and read my many, because Jack like every one of us, had his demons but on the end of the day, he is one of the few we call the Legends of the Surf
RIP Jack
[youtube]https://youtu.be/QGRZ7AEoNHc[/youtube]
A Requiem For A Surfcasting Legend
By Vito Orlando
The Light House Went Dim
Its Fog Horn Fell Mute
As A Farewell To A Surfman
And A Final Salute
Angels In Wet Suits
Sent To Guide The Way
Pointed To The Heavens
As A Place He Could Stay
The Majestic Cliffs
Cried Out In Sorrow
And The Boulders Below
Knew Of No Tomorrow
Word Quickly Spread
Of His Departure From This Land
And Many A Tough Surfman
Shed A Tear In The Sand
Some May Recall
His Camper In The Grass
And The Offer Of Coffee
To All Who Would Pass
A Hook In Your Hand
No Reason To Ball
This Surf Casting Legend
Was Always On Call
He Loved To Drive
His Jeep On The Beach
And Always A Camera
Within Easy Reach
He Often Swam
To An Off Shore Stone
And Weakfish Rock
Was Considered His Home
As Time Went On
And Years Rolled Past
The Vigor Of His Youth
Could No Longer Last
It Was A Painful Day
When He Made Up His Mind
That The Best Days Of Fishing
Were Left Far Behind
As His Fragile Body
Began To Sore
He Fought A Brave Battle
Till He Could Take No More
He Now Fishes With Angels
And St. Peter Too
“Come On In Wabbit
We’ve Been Waiting For You”
Lets do a giveaway for our fans. I hope you are catching and if you have any aversion to teasers, get over it! Haha , just joking but they are sure deadly in my neck of the woods this year. But I still cant bring myself to tie one on. We have been asking where all those fish from big 2011 YOY class , they are on the lip of the beach rooting sand fleas.
Today’s giveaway will feature two winners
First winner will pick up two Guides Secret Bunka Boy swimmers while the second winner will receive one spool each of 30,40,50lb test Spiderwire UltraCast Invisi- Braid. I been using this line quite a bit last year and it looks like Spiderwire has a winner.
Good luck, its close to midnight, back to my video editing chores
Go get some fish !
New issue of your favorite magazine and $^%&*load of videos coming your way in few weeks
