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
I did go fishing yesterday for an hour. I probably shouldn’t have but then again, according to my Doctor I shouldn’t go fishing …..ever. But then again, he is looking at it as what’s best for my elbow, I am looking at it as what’s best for my sanity. It was nice being on the water but although I made maybe fifty casts with a seven foot rod I can feel tingling in my elbow. Which is kind of weird since I have been pain free since January. Wait, check that. I painted a room in February and after that weekend I was screaming like a girl for a few days. So basically, this will never go away, sometimes it bad, sometimes is worse. Maybe once in awhile I’ll get to do it and feel nothing. That would be cool. But others have so much worse and they still fish. So will I.
Anyway, enough of self-pity. While I was casting, I thought about a discussion I recently read on a web. Specifically, how many plugs should one carry. What kind of question is that, seriously? And how can any one of us give advice on how many plugs to carry and keep a straight face?
I’ve seen guys trek with bags size of Lois Vitton luggage on their back, loaded with at least fifty plugs and I’ve seen guys walk around in wetsuit with a bucktails on a leader and another embedded in the wetsuit (don’t ask, I have no idea). Either one of these anglers was superior surfcaster than I am six days a week, and twice on Sundays. Was either one of them “fishing wrong”? I don’t think so. Each carried as many plugs as they thought they need it. Each person has to find their own comfort zone. There are only so many slots in the surf bag and competition for those spaces is intense as we all have way more plugs that we can use in a lifetime. But to tell someone you “must have” this of that plug in your bag is a joke.
I think we can all agree that Bombers are awesome plugs that catch as many fish along the whole coast of USA as any other. In fact, its probably the most popular plug of that type (regardless of your opinion on SP Minnow). So if we established that fact, then that is the plug that should be in everyone’s bag, correct?
Last time I cast a Bomber was…I am not sure, five years ago? Do I have anything against the Bomber? Hell no, are you crazy? But I usually do not have them in my bag, same goes for any plastic lip swimmer other then RedFin. Now Redfin is useless 90% of the time compared to Bomber or SP Minnow. So why I wouldn’t carry one instead of Redfin? Because its my bag, and that is way I fish. You could call me tomorrow that you caught twenty fish that wanted no other lure other than XYZ and I will still come down with a bag full of lead. I am a little dense
I have needlefish that does everything SP minnow does far from the beach and sluggo to do it in tight. For the whole month of May, I generally will not touch a plug. I have no desire or urgency to replace hooks either as I will be fishing with nothing but bucktails on my belt for the whole month. It wont be the first or last time when my partner Silver Fox starts nailing fish on Bombers or Darters. I am very happy for him and always offer my professional photo service…lol…but I never come back next night with anything but a TA Angler pouch full of bucktails and shads. Wrong? Maybe for you, but it works for me. I have friends who love, just love a bottle darter. Its their go-to plug, its their mojo plug. Its a plug I use few times a season at best. Caught plenty of fish on it but I rather have few SS darters in different colors than bottle darter. Its the confidence thing, something very few ever talk about. Because explaining the “confidence-in-a plug” is much more difficult then just recommending more must have plugs like SP Minnow, everyone current “cant-live-without-it” plug
And that brings me to my point.
Why does everyone wants everyone else to fish the way they do? To own same rod, same reel? If you like fishing with a clam and a beer in another hand, that is awesome. If you like to stuff you bag with $100 a pop metal lips swimmers you bought on ebay, good for you. And if you like to use a spare bucktails as an earring, I dig that too. Whatever way you like to fish is better than sitting on a couch. But no one should make general statements exactly which plugs you “must have” in his bag. There are no must have plugs. The only “must have” is one must have a desire to get his ass on the beach and cast. Everything else you can wing it
And we have not even gotten into different regions having different baitfish, water temp, bait profiles and such.
Now that i got off my chest..next issue of the magazine is coming your way in few days
I really have no other way to put it
If you are going to watch ONE video this year then this has to be up there, on top of your list
probably most insane surf fishing video i have ever seen. If these dudes make a movie out of this trailer I am buying. You got to watch the last minute of it !
[youtube]http://youtu.be/ob5l1lkV-pg[/youtube]
and for today’s “how they get that shot?” segment, lets just say we have a looooooooong GoPro Stick..haha
Surfcaster’s Journal Magazine announces SPRING STRIPERTHON 2014
Coast wide Catch and Release Tournament on June 13th to June 15th
The STRIPERTHON 2014 is open to all subscribers of the Surfcaster’s Journal Magazine. There is no entry fee, as a subscriber you are automatically entered. Subscribe today at www.surfcastersjournal.com to be eligible.
Only saltwater striped bass may be entered into the tournament.
All fish entered into the STRPERTHON 2014 must be caught in a surfcasting situation. A surfcasting situation constitutes contacting the ground, rocks, beach or a dock with ones feet. Any means may be used to reach these destinations, such as boat, ferry, swimming or kayaking but the fish must be hooked and landed while the angler’s feet are in contact with the Earth or something permanently affixed to the Earth.
All fish entered must be caught using a rod and reel and a legal live (or dead) bait or lure.
The CONTEST TAG will be posted on the blog at 5 pm on Friday June 13th. TAG must be included in the photo for each fish entered into the tournament. You may also download it onto your cell phone and show the TAG on your phone screen in the photo as well
All measurements will be ROUNDED UP to the nearest whole inch.
All qualifying fish have to be photographed with the CONTEST TAG and next to a measuring tape showing entire length of the fish in inches visible in the photo accompanied by a SECOND photo of the angler holding the fish. This event is intended to be a CATCH AND RELEASE competition, remember all fish must be photographed alive. Minimum size 32 inches
The largest fish by length will win first prize, second largest second prize and so on. In case of a tie, the first entry submitted will be placed ahead of a second entry of the identical size.
You must send us your entry pictures by 5PM on Sunday June 15th. Email pictures to info@surfcastersjournal.com with email heading “SPRING STRIPERTHON 2014”. Include your name and phone contact.
Anyone caught cheating in any way will be disqualified, ejected and publicly shamed. This means any photo editing, unannounced substitutions, entering fish caught by non members etc, will result in disqualification. We reserve the right to disqualify any entries in which the measurements are not clearly visible without enlargement. The SJ tournament committee will have final say in all disputes concerning the legitimacy of photos, size of the fish and quality of the photo submitted. Photos entered without a CONTEST TAG shown will not be counted, no exceptions.
Contest TAG must be printed at a size of 6 inches by 6 inches or larger.
You are urged to take whatever means necessary to protect the TAG. Designating a page in your leader wallet is a great way to protect the tag. It is also wise to print several extras because, water and paper don’t mesh well.
All anglers fishing in any STRIPERTHON 2014 tournament agree to do so at their own risk. Surfcaster’s Journal, it’s owner, partners, sponsors or employees are in no way liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur during the act of fishing or traveling, walking, boating or kayaking to or from a fishing location. By printing the Contest TAG you agree to indemnify and defend Surfcaster’s Journal, it’s owner and/or employees against all claims, causes of action, damages, judgments, costs or expenses, including attorney fees and other litigation costs which may, in any way, arise from your participation in the STRIPERTHON 2014.
First Prize – courtesy of Van Staal Reels
Van Staal 250 Reel vanstaal.com
Second Prize, courtesy of StormR http://stormrusa.com/
Choice of one:
STRYKR or Surf Top
AND
Third prize, courtesy of CTS and RH Custom Rods http://www.rhcustomrods.com/
CB1003-1 10’ Surf & Jetty Series 2-4 oz. 1pc
Forth Prize , courtesy of Guppy Custom Lures http://www.guppylure.com/
Lure set
Fifth prize courtesy of RockHopper http://rockhopperfishing.com/
Surf Belt a Quick Draw Pliers Holster and a Belt Clip
Sixth prize, courtesy of Super Strike Lures http://www.superstrikelures.com/
Lure Set
Seventh prize, courtesy of Hansom Tackle http://www.hansomtackle.com/
Saltwater Pliers
Eight prize
Surfcaster’s Journal Swag
.
also in the news for this weekend
