I was hoping to start on this blog Sunday evening but elected to just stare at my wife and kids for hours. I am not sure I have ever been gone from home for 6 days before. To be honest, I don’t think I ever want to. My first stop was Cape Cod Canal where I got to hang out with the Hess family, makers of Guppy Lures, our own Dave Anderson and many other celebrities like DJ Muller, Tony O and others. I had stars in my eyes the whole time! Special thanks to Wayne Hess from Guppy lures for giving me a 1 1/4 ounce pencil popper to cast at Canal and alleviate elbow discomfort from tossing heavier stuff. Guys grabbed it from me at Cutty and were a little surprised at just how well it cast for such a small size lure. But then again, when you are knows for pencil poppers like guys from Guppy are , you can bet that they put it a lot of thought and testing into it

Then it was off to New Bedford to hop on a Sea Horse water taxi and off to our annual Cuttyhunk trip. You probably noticed that I was gone and no, I don’t ever give advance notice. First of all, I never let people know that I am not home, and two, I just prefer to kind of sneak out to places instead of announcing to the world. That way when I get skunked ( a usual occurrence last few years) I get to leave with a tail between my legs without anyone noticing….That is not joke

Anyway, hanging with Hess brothers was cool and fishing with Dave Anderson was awesome too. The Canal action was nowhere near where it should have been but plenty of people were there which was cool if I wanted to take pictures. Unfortunately they were not catching and wind was coming at 30mph out of northeast with rain nonstop. Did I already  mentioned there was no fish? I spent two full days there and one morning and seen about 5 fish caught at most. I’ve heard some have done well, but I was not there to see it. I did get to Interview the Guppy guys for a future SJ issue, got some decent footage (did I mentioned there was no fish?) and that was basically that.

Few  things always amaze me about the Dig Ditch.

One. Bikes

It is just crazy how many bikes rigged for fishing are at the canal. Hundreds and hundreds. Big ,small, tricycles, rigs that put some cars to shame. Awesome

Two

If you wear waders AND particularly if you wear a belt with pliers, boga, pork rinds, ets…you look like a Googan. I am not kidding. Maybe googan is a wrong term but you definitely look like an out-of-towner. You stick out like a sore thumb. White  boots with felt or studs, sneakers, korkers, studded flip-flops…anything but waders.

Three

Stick shads…Mother of God there are so many of them hanging off the rods!

No, I do not see people use that where I fish. Almost never. Yeah,  there will be one guy here going “I use them!”

Yes you do…and 99% of people do not. Why? I have no idea but I swear on my mother that they do not. And if anyone tells you that everyone on LI uses stick shads I will tell you besides testing some Sebille personally I have never, ever seen anyone using one. Again, I must have seen 200 over two days being tossed into the Canal. All shapes and sizes. Patrick Sebille must be thrilled..

After two days, it was time for me to bid adieu and head over to New Bedford to meet my usual crew, Ray, Charlie, Boggie and Buoy Tom (formerly know as Yo-Dude). This time we were joined by Bill Wetzel who was taking the same scheduled Sea Horse Taxi with his crew. In his crew were a fellow who set up the trip but had to cancel at last minute. So  Bill was now traveling with a buddy instead of two. Unfortunately his partner got a word of father-in-law having a  heart attack in Florida and he had to leave after the first night which left Bill alone for the next two nights. As you will read, Bill did not only not get lost, but ended the trip with the biggest fish amongst all of us. After carrying around a bag of live eels for three days he nailed his fish on ****** lure….just bustin, you’ll find out what plug in due time.

Since I was on the road for few days before meeting my crew, I was not able to bring any food as I did not wanted to lug it around the canal in my cooler. I stopped by Charlie at CMS Enterprise tackle shop in New Bedford and asked him for the nearest seafood store. Few minutes later, I purchased five live lobsters for the crew and the captain John Paul got his Sea Horse water taxi pointing towards the promised land, Cuttyhunk, MA.

To say that I was uneasy on a ride over would be understatement. Two years ago I did not even got a bump over three days and last years we arrived during some stupid tropical storm, Andrea I think, which dumped so much rain that we fished in water that looked like chocolate milk for three days. Needless to say I got skunked for a second consecutive year. Thankfully on both of these trips guys in crew got few (just not I) but it was starting to wear on them too. Besides, the canal was dead (usually a good indicator), it was cold winter, everything seemed few weeks late and we were going the earliest date ever. A call from Bonnie that informed was that fishing sucked and if we wanted to reschedule did not help. But there we were…on the way to one place that fulfilled all my dreams and then some over the years. The Promised Land

When we came up with the idea of giving away the digital camo ZeeBaaS reel, we thought it would be fun to award this reel to a deserving vet. When the nomination letters started rolling in, we realized that we had a problem. All these brave men & woman who have at one time or another put their lives on the line so we could enjoy our freedom deserve this special edition reel. Actually, they all deserve so much more than just a fishing reel. As committee members, we found ourselves wishing we could award a reel to all these special people. With only one to give, this turned out to be a difficult process to say the least. Reading the nomination letters made us realize even more how special the people who serve in the armed forces are, and how surfcasting brings a peace that seems so hard to come by for so many of them. As we remember those who paid the ultimate price today, we would ask that you think of a service member, past or present and pick up the phone and let them know how thankful you are that they decided to serve this country.
Now the big announcement: The recipient of the special edition digital camo ZeeBaaS ZX27 is Scott Halverson. Scott just returned home last week from a deployment in Afghanistan and is currently serving in the US Army as an apache pilot out of Fort Rucker, AL
Scott grew up fishing with his dad in Idaho and after 1 deployment in Iraq and another in Afghanistan, he was stationed in Rhode Island where his love for surf fishing was born. Scott ended up winning the first Habs Memorial Tournament with a 39 lb striped bass.
Our sincerest thanks go out to all who are currently serving or have served in the past. We owe you and your families a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices you have made.

I know most f our readers are enjoying their weekend so I’ll keep this brief. Tune in tomorrow for a winner of ZeeBaaS Camo Reel.

Ok, the winner of a guided trip with Bill, one or two anglers is  Bigjim121165@yahoo.com

The winner should call Bill directly–631-987-6919

Trip is good for 2014 and expires at year end so call Bill

Congratulation, you will have a great time no matter what.

Two, winner of Guides Secret Bunka Boy Swimmer and a Popper is Mark Konarski

You have 5 days to email us at info@surfcastersjournal.com

Please be advise that they will not ship before next Sunday as will all online store orders because I will not be around.

Lets remember why we celebrate this holiday while we are gathered in back yards with our families.

The Freedom is not Free. Many have sacrificed for us to leave in peace and purse our passion of surfcasting. Our hats of to all of them

And last and not least, Happy 18th birthday to my best friend, fishing partner and a person that changed my life in so many ways when he was born eighteen years ago today, Wimy son Steven.

Special thanks to Steve Musso from Super Strike Lures who surprised us both with this super special NY Mets signed darter.

Today we are going to do something special, a giveaway of a possible trip of a lifetime for one or two anglers. If you ever wanted to fish the legendary Montauk rocks but were unfamiliar, if you need a refresher course or even if you are an old salt and want to expand your knowledge, I cant think of another Surf Guide I would recommend before our friend, and SJ blog contributor Bill Wetzel. We call him “The Hardest Working Guide in a Business” and for a reason. He works his butt off for his clients but never, ever loses the passion. Spend 10 minutes with him and you will be jonesing to go fishing…right that minute! From Montauk to South Shore ocean and bays to North Shore harbors, Bill covers them all.

The winner should call Bill directly–631-987-6919

The enter the giveaway, post “I want to fish with Bill”

Bill runs a wonderful website and forum at www.surfratsball.com of which I am a member. Every single time he goes out, which is just about every day, his subscribers can read his report few hours later. Its the next best thing to standing on a rock beside him. Unlike other forums where keyboard fishermen with inferiority complex dominate the conversations, there is no such thing at surfratsball.com

Its more like family than a fishing forum

Bill believes that in order to stay fair and open minded he cannot accept advertising on his forums. That way he is free to rip to shreds products everyone raves about and he find to be sub par. And boy does he!

In addition, Bill runs a month long season tournament for his members, at no coast to them. There are some awesome prizes and a shindig to celebrate with some great food. And all for a great cause. The tournament benefits MORE ” Serving Kids with Life Threatening Illness”

Here is the poster. any question email Bill at bill@longislandsurffishing.com

See Ya On The Beach!
Bill Wetzel
NYS Licensed Guide
www.SurfRatsBall.com
631-987-6919

Some people think I am weird. Sometimes (ok, all the time) my wife does. And even I question my sanity sometimes. And sometimes I even have my doubts about talking about things that happened in the past in a public forum like this or at seminar in fear of being wrong.

Don’t you ever wonder that things that happen to you, do they only happen to you or is this actually a pattern that you can expand on it? The curse of being a seminar speaker is twofold. First, we all know I have a face for radio. And number two, tendency of people from different parts of the striper coast to fish different ways…and I don’t mean slightly different. I mean VERY different.

For example, east of CT many more people utilize eels and fish from boat and surf then south of CT. I also find that my friends in MA do not care for hard wind in their face, but frankly, neither do NJ guys. But when either of these groups get to Montauk, them and regulars cant get enough of the wind in your face.

Ok, where am I going with this?

Wind

No, not passing wind out of your buttocks. I am talking about influence of winds on where you fish. Many times when I speak at seminars I try to tell people “this is the way I fish”, not necessarily the way you should. I know a lot of guys that will fish nothing but wind in their back and gentle surf and they do great. That really is not my point.

The other day I arrived at spot in Jones Inlet where bluefish have been very active at dusk. I mean very active. Kind of stupid fishing where you are either tossing a bucktails or a tin. You must be crazy wanting to deal with trebles on every cast.

Anyway, on this day wind switched from being a wind with the tide to wind against the tide. One of my fellow club members remarked how water was “not moving as it should”, because the wind was holding it back. Consequently, the rip never properly set up either. My son and I plugged for about an half an hour, myself with bucktails , him with AOK tin. I really did not care the way water was moving. There were about thirty guys lined up and I’ve seen no fish caught until I nailed one.

I asked my son if he was up to finding a spot where wind did not screwed up current as much. This spot was less than mile away in the inlet. He said sure, so off we went

When we got there we found five guys all hooked up with bluefish to 15lb and I mean , they had them on every cast. The funny thing is this spot had no fish the evening before while the one we just came from was hot as pistol

Coincidence? I doubt it

Because for the past 4 days while we had hard east wind this spot lit up every day while the other that was hot for a week while southwest winds were prevalent was ok at best. You are talking spot A had few fish at dawn and dusk while spot B has enough fish to make you scream “I cant fight another monster blue in this current because my arms will fall off”. And they were very close to one another.

I would bet good money that today spot B will go to its regular fish-here-or-there routine where spot A might get hot.

Love it of hate it, wind has tremendous influence on our success. You don’t need to like the wind in your face or you back, but you do also should not fight it. Part of being a successful surfcaster is to understand the influence wind has on a particular location. That is why sharpies recommend of learning few spots really well instead of running around chasing yesterday reports in the unfamiliar spots.

Don’t take my word for it, ask a good surfcaster when you meet one

Confidence….by Crazy Alberto Knie

I’ve written many articles and done countless seminars about the art of trophy fishing, but seldom discussed about something that is equally as important as tackle, skill set and techniques. We all enjoy fishing and are constantly sharpening our skills to be the best of what we can be. However, often times we concentrate on the obvious and forget what really makes us tick… or to understand the why and how we think about it before and during the outing.

As you can see, this is not my typical or the normal topic that I usually write… but it is something that needs to be brought out, and I believe it is part to becoming a better surfcaster (or complete fisherman). No matter what level of a surfcaster we are, we are all triggered by an internal drive or need. What I am basically saying is that we want to strive, and excel … and be a proficient angler at will. I guess this is about becoming the top 10% of the fishermen that catches 90% of the fish.

 As I understand, to some, fishing is supposed to be a recreational and fun event, a time for an escape, or to enjoy nature and possibly to provide fresh food for the table. Regardless of the reasons – For those who have been in this game for a very long time, and have reached a greater level of satisfaction, and achievement (a sharpie if you will)… They possess a level of greater confidence, and understand the philosophical mindset of a accomplished fisherman.  Without confidence, they cannot strive and excel the leaps and bounds of achievements. I believe this trade of thought is fed by experience and consciousness of will!  In which point has everything to do with the successful outcome. At this point, you are probably thinking that I am reaching and gone crazy with this article, but am I really?  Let’s put it this way, without the confidence and mindset, you really don’t have much to go by. You would only be prospecting and hoping for the best –  where those who have the awareness and fish with a positive attitude, their outcome are far more rewarding. Overall, I am guessing this is based on the philosophical & power of the mind.

Before you come to the conclusion that I’ve have lost it, or I am writing about nothing, allow me to present you with a case. There were times where I fish with friends and I ask them this simple question.  “What are we doing tonight?”  And their answers were “oh, I don’t know, let’s see what happens”. The results of most of the outings were non memorable to say the least.  On the other hand, the nights where I asked the same innocent question to different friends…and their replies are  “I am confident and have a good feeling about tonight…”  Much to my findings, those outcome were stellar with greater results. One would probably think it  a coincidence of  just a great outing, but I like to think otherwise.  The results were due to the positive mindset, and having everything to do with fishing and transmitting positive energy.

Allow me to further my findings and allow me to ask you this question.  Have you ever talked to a seasoned and accomplished fisherman? Have you ever noticed their attitude and demeanor? Upon knowing many accomplished trophy hunters – Through my experiences, I find them wired, full of positive / high energy and they are constantly thinking of positive thoughts. Although many may think they are full of themselves, I have to say there is a very fine line between arrogance and being ambitious. Next time you are in the presence of an experienced angler… pay closer attention and try to see what I mean. I honestly believe there is something to this philosophy… and it has a lot to the positive thinking and believing.  

Now let’s get back to the obvious, understanding tides, tackle, techniques helps the outcome – but having the confidence / positive attitude will definitely help you break the leaps and bounds.

Now let’s get to the bottom of this, and try to find out how one can possibly achieve this state of positive mindset. The truth, I really don’t know… but I am confident that the secrets lie in there. Although time on the water empowers the knowledge and sets the stage of being at the right time and day, by achieving awareness of the said confidence and positive thinking, it will create and open doors to greatness.

Mind you, in my defense (so you don’t think I’ve lost it),  I’ve discuss this very topic with my fellow colleagues and they all concur that there is something to this… but they can’t finger-point it out. But it is definitely an added value to their successes and catching abilities. Moreover, they totally understand the positive train of thoughts, the confidence and the will powers that they have within. In fact, a few even described it as a disease and being addictive. The funny thing about it all, I agree because yours truly also feel it, but since I am not a philosopher or psychologist, it is difficult to unravel it. If you are wondering who the folks are… I am referring to Avid and World record holders, Captains, tournament winners and the “under the radar” folks. One thing for sure, whatever it is, it’s very empowering and it makes us do the things most other won’t do. As an example, make us sacrifice our obligations to fish, forego countless sleepless hours, and push the limits where some call it extreme and outright crazy. More ironically, we do it with great confidence and with an unparallel eviction.

Since this is my Surfcaster’s Journal blog… I figured I could speak my mind and share my thoughts.  I am eager to have an open dialog and welcome any feedback you may have.  Overall, I am confident we can learn from this and hopefully crack another code to becoming a better fisherman.

Sincerely yours,

Crazy Alberto Knie

We put up new issue last night. I think you will find a lot of things to your liking. Sign into your account and enjoy. Tommy is working on an app with our web designer this week. We hope to have some news for you in about a week.

https://surfcastersjournal.com/

If that all works our well, we will re-upload the new issue with an app capabilities where you can download the mag to your phone and tablet and read it off line and pinch and zoom on your tablets, starting with this issue and all future ones. Bare with us as we working out the kinks.

I didn’t have a camera with me (again) last night but in a pinch the phone would do. Just get to any inlet at dawn and dusk and you will find some life…bass are still scarce, at least where I fish

Ok, lets celebrate this issue and invasion of our devil eyed friends with a giveaway

One winner, two lures from Guides Choice Lures

One Bottle Pop Popper and One Bunka Boy swimmer…both are sure to be readily engulfed by your friendly yellow eye devils

Go read…wait, go catch fish then read

we’ll still be here

How does that old joke goes  ” Boy I just flew in and are my arms tired!”

Substitute “flying” to coming off the beach. My elbow is wrapped up so tight in ice I am afraid circulation will get cut off.

Silver Fox and I ran into a school of bluefish last night that we are going to remember for a long time.

You know how we call early bluefish” racers”? Long and thin, all head and no body in the spring?

We’ll these were not that type. There were the fattest, meanest blues I’ve seen in a long time outside month of November. They were so thick around the belly, I could barely get my hands around the shoulders to unhook it. They looked like small blufin’s instead bluefish. Why were they not long and thin?

The fact that they had pinned two big schools of bunker to the beach might have something to do with it. Its been a long time since I had to drive with a left hand because my right hand was totally useless but this morning my elbow feels much better than I expected. My shoulder which I hurt two weeks doing yard work  is sore as anything but that I expected. Anyway, I hope you guys are catching.

I know fishing them can be maddening at times as they feed like a heard of angry birds with no rhyme or reason. Silver Fox and I ran east on Saturday and even on Sunday morning and got there as the bite was done. As always, making your own reports is much more pleasurable than chasing others. The only reason I entertain  them is because I wanted people catching fish in a spot where I could film. I wasn’t really interested in making a cast myself. So I chased and chased and chased….and only when i was late on three bites by an hour and i said, ‘enough’ of trying to chase other’s bites to use a camera did I walk into my own.

Last night was like old days….no camera, no distractions…But I have to admit that I would have traded all those fish for a camera in my hand! One time I ran into a school of bunker and I left my camera in the car, which is something I never do. Murphy’s Law I guess

Anyway, new issue of the Surfcaster’s Journal Magazine should be uploaded tonight baring any unforeseen circumstances

and one more thing

winners of Pelican LED Nemo 1960 lights are

Chip… oopydoop@nycap.rr.com

and

mike rose mikerose1966@yahoo.com

you both have 5 days to get back to us at info@surfcastersjournal.com with your shipping addresses

.

and one last thing..for those of you who think that I am joking when i say i only fish with few bucktails most of the month of May. That is my set up Ultimate surf belt, rockhopper clip, TA pouch with lead, rinds, boga and pliers