I had been waiting for the tide and time to be right in an area I often fish. About 2 1/2 weeks and the wait was worth it. High tide at 2:56 am, figure an hour for slack and the outgoing tide gets rolling at 4 am. I'm by myself and no one else around. NICE!!!!
First pass, Big bluefish, second pass, Big bluefish, Water temp 74 and thought to myself its gonna be a bluefish day? Found a spot with big marks on the screen and pounded it. First bass about 20lbs. As the tide went on, this spot became absolutely loaded with fish. By 7:20 am the tally was 11 bass up to 35lbs and 3 big blues all released. I was beat!!!! By that time 2 other boats had shown up, started following me and going over my line and I called it quits. One guy fishing bait would drift thru the rip and come back up thru it at wide open throttle. What are they thinking? Its only 20/25 ft deep. Good way to scatter the fish.
Had my pizza and watched these guys for a while and it was an entertaining show. Saw them catch a few blues and decided it was time to head in. Back at the dock at 8:00 am. The homemade slope head swimmer I've been using is my last white, red head combo and its beat. I'll be willing to bet its caught over a hundred fish this season. I changed the thru wire twice and also replaced the 4x strong 4/0 hooks as they had gotten bent.
I try never to make plugs during the season cause they take SO LONG and fishing is the top priority, but I had no choice.
Those pictured had soaked a full week in a 50/50 mix of polyurethane and mineral spirits for sealing. Another week to dry and then a light sanding and 3 coats of shellac base primer. Another light sanding and another 7/8 coats of color and flash and then the epoxy top coat. The final is a test and adjust on the water. I have yet to finish them but I have too.
Anyways it was a great morning. Took a couple of Alleave and headed home by 9. Tired and very happy!!!
The guys at the dock think I'm obsessed with catching these things. I don't think so but I do thoroughly enjoy it!!! Hope it doesn't bore you?
.................Lou
Wow! Nothing boring about it! I find your drive and dedication to these striped monsters inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Very nice Lou. About that last comment...keep them coming. I always enjoy your reports and I'm sure so does everyone else. Nothing boring there my friend.
Thanks for sharing.
Sal
If anyone here thinks big bass are boring... well, I'm sorry for them!
Well done! Glad the blues turned off a bit and the stripers heated up. I know the "Blue" days your talking about, and as much fu as they are, they just don't compare to catching a big bass.
Blues are good for newbies ;)
Keep at it, Lou. Also, happy you're a catch and release guy otherwise you would've caught the quota by now. ;D
Enjoy,
Dom
Boy Lou you caught more in 0ne morning than I catch in a season great work. I really enjoy your reports I wish I could get out on the water more often Doug
Very nice! What kind of wood are your plugs?
Good Job once again Lou! I love your reports. You are a man on a mission and definitely know the ropes.
Lou,
Nice report and I find the process of making the lures interesting. When preparation meets opportunity you find success with some very nice fish.
Have you ever tried rod finish epoxy as the final coat? Just curious.
Dwight, I have not tried rod epoxy yet but its on the list. I've been using Enviro Tex lite as it is available at Michaels at 50% off. Its ok but on the soft side. These things are very time consuming and costly so I look for a break wherever I can find one. Would you recommend Flex Coat?
Thanks, .. Lou
Quote from: STRIPER LOU on August 08, 2015, 12:26:27 PM
Dwight, I have not tried rod epoxy yet but its on the list. I've been using Enviro Tex lite as it is available at Michaels at 50% off. Its ok but on the soft side. These things are very time consuming and costly so I look for a break wherever I can find one. Would you recommend Flex Coat?
Thanks, .. Lou
Diamond II is a better finish IMO it's also what Jon V uses on his rods. You would need to find a method on rotating the plugs for the finish to remain even, just leaving it sit would cause sags in the finish. Honestly it might be easier to use a good spar varnish Lou.
Joe
There were 2 REALLY NICE BASS caught at Montauk last week on the Caprice. 56.2# and 65.7#
Mike
I heard about those Mike! Really nice fish. Sal on the Caprice is a great captain with loads of experience. My biggest is 59lbs, caught during the day, and on artificials. 34 over 50lbs and countless numbers of 40's since I started this journey and still never get tired of catching these beasts!!!!! Although not an easy task catching the big girls, at night with bait definitely increases your chances. These big ladies are smart and my thinking is if I can get them to eat a piece of my wood I'm on the right track. Looking for a 60 or better on my homemade plugs and if I'm graced with that I guess I'll be looking for a 65.
Looks like it may never end!!!!
...............Lou