The Bass Are Getting Bigger

[kurtzr]

On 10/31 I caught my first striper of the fall season, a nice fat 38”. On 11/7, my brother landed a 40” while I caught 4 skates. Today 11/12, I was back on the bay by myself and landed three stripers (16”, 43”, 37”) and a ling (which I then livelined). Getting the 43” (32#) fish in the boat while the outgoing tide was ripping was an extreme challenge. It took 3 runs away from the boat before it was ready for the net. Glad it was the reel with 40# power pro. Then, after 3 attempts to stuff it in the net while fighting the current, I was starting to think that it wasn’t going to happen. I remembered that I bought myself a lip gripper for Christmas, so I figured now was as good a time as any to give it a try. After putting the rod in holder near the bow, the fish came up alongside the boat, and I grabbed it with the lip gripper. Turns out that was a good investment. Lifting the fish in was easier than struggling with the net.


Sorry no pictures this time. I've got to remember to add my camera to the checklist.

[MartyJ16]

I may lose a few but I just don't like messing with the net if I can help it. I just try to get them by the boat and grab them in the mouth. If they are big, I'll use that orange glove for more grip. I might get one of those lip grippers cause, of course, there are a lot of fish you would not grab in the mouth.;D

[Harry]

Great story and job Capt Bob, *yay**yay*

Without giving up your secret spot, what area were you fishing? Bait ? Lures?

[kurtzr]

No secret here. Most of the Cape May boats fish in the 20' slough or the 60' slough. Yesterday's trip, I was near the middle of the 20' slough off of the Villas (with a small fleet of about 20 boats). Bunker chunks and heads.