November 2013

Thanksgiving Day is upon us.  And, I think we all know what that means…  No, not turkey, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie, football, or even Black Friday, but striper.  BIG striper.  It is usually around this time of the year that people start to catch some really nice striped bass in the bay.  I have heard stories of 30+ inchers being caught on the HRBT this past week.  That is a good start.  So, grab some eels, jigging spoons, mo-jos, shad bodies, bucktails, or whatever you like to fish with, and put some bend in a rod.

Parks Rountrey has submitted this year’s first gar entry for a 5 pounder that he landed on September 15th.  He was fishing a live minnow on 4# line in Chippokes Creek when the gar took the bait.  This gar will earn Parks 109 points and the title of “Heaviest” and “Highest Points” for the species.  Great job Parks!

On September 27th Larry Allen was fishing a Mirrolure on 8# spinning tackle in the Piankatank River when he hooked into a 6 pound, 12 ounce speckled trout.  Larry will earn 225 points for his catch.  Beautiful catch!

It appears that Andrew Campbell found a few little tunny on October 2nd.  Andrew submitted 3 entries for little tunny that he caught that day while fishing Cape Lookout in North Carolina.  His first fish weighed in at 5 pounds, 6ounces.  This tunny earns Andrew 76 point and was landed on 16# tippet.  His next entry was for a 6pound, 0 ounce tunny that fell victim to a Silverside Deceiver fished on 16# tippet.  This tunny is worth 85 points.  Andrew’s final entry was for a 15 pound, 0 ounces little tunny!  This 125 point fish was landed on 20# tippet and a Half ‘n Half fly.  Great fish Andrew!

Karen Anderson has submitted her first ever club entry.  While fishing Chickahominy Lake with Art Conway, Karen landed a 1 pound, 4 ounce crappie.  Karen was fishing a live minnow on 8# line when she hooked into this slab of a crappie.   Karen’s catch will not only earn her 86 points, but, also the second place position in the Angler of the Month competition at October’s meeting.  Great job Karen!  Keep it up!

October 11th awarded Art Conway with quite a catch.  While casting a Trout Magnet on 4# spinning tackle in his relentless pursuit of crappie, Art hooked into a surprise.  After quite a fight Art boated a 9 pound, 8 ounce bowfin!  Art’s bowfin catch earns him 361 points, the 1st place position in October’s Angler of the Month competition, the “Heaviest” and “Highest Points” title for the species, and leader in the “Freshwater Spin Division”.  Wow!  Super catch, Art!

I would now like to take the time to highlight the club’s star fisherman of the month…  Mr. Glenn Carter.  Glenn is not being recognized for his time spent fishing, but his time spent NOT fishing.  Glen is responsible for the next catch entry.  His absence from the boat on Stuart Lee’s last fishing trip afforded Stuart quite the excitable experience.  I am joking of course.  It seems that every time Stuart and Glenn have gotten together in the past to fish for little tunny, the fish would just disappear.  With the dark cloud lifted Stuart managed to have an exceptional day on October 13th while fishing Atlantic Beach in North Carolina.  Stuart’s entry of a 17 pound, 4 ounce little tunny landed on 20# fly tackle earns him 191 points, the title of “Heaviest” and “Highest Points” for the species, and a new club record.  This little tunny was only one of the 29 that weighed in excess of 15 pounds.  Such a great day full of big fish resulted in two broken rods as well.  A fair trade I would imagine.  What a great day and a great catch for Stuart.  Congrats!  Sorry, Glenn.  Just having some fun.     

Keep the entries coming!  As the temperatures get cooler, the fishing gets hotter. 
 
Please let me know if you have any fun, exciting, informational, or scary fish tales from your recent trips out.  I would love to include them in future newsletters.  Any recent fishing reports or conditions would be greatly appreciated as well.  I can be contacted via phone, email, or text.  My contact info is listed below.  As always, tight lines and best fishes!

October 2013

Well…  It is officially striper season.  You don’t have to own a calendar or a copy of VMRC’s annual regulations to know that the season has opened.  Just look outside.  Rain, wind, cooler temperatures, and fog are all signal that it is time.  I’ve heard that there are some fish to be caught…  If the wind would lie down.  From October 04, 2013 through December 31, 2013 there is a two fish limit.  Fish kept can measure from 18” to 28” in length.  One of the two fish can exceed 28” in length.  Go get ‘em boys!  Just don’t forget the Old Bay seasoning and lemon.

I would like to state that I have made a few mistakes in the last publication.  I am still trying to learn this process and apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused.  I mistakenly added Raymond Nuckols’ release tarpon, worth 86 points, as the “Heaviest” and “Highest Points” for the species. I also did the same for Andrew Campbell’s 90 point cobia.  These entries were not valid due to a 100 point minimum entry requirement.  Andrew Campbell’s 4 pound, 3 ounce northern pike will also be removed as the “Heaviest” for the species as will Sal Peluso’s entry for the “Highest Points” for northern pike as these categories are reserved for local catches only.  Valid entries or not, these are some fish to be extremely proud of.  Great fish guys!

On September 15th, Bobby Broughton found himself fishing with Stuart Lee for smallmouth bass on the New River in Virginia.  While casting an artificial fluke on 6# spinning tackle, Bobby landed a 1 pound, 12 ounce smallmouth bass worth 100 points.  This smallmouth earned Bobby enough points to take second place in the “Angler of the Month” competition at September’s meeting.  Meanwhile, a couple hundred miles away on Hungers Creek, Bob Shepherd is casting a Mirro Lure She Dog when he hooks into a 4 pound, 8 ounce spotted seatrout.  Bob’s catch, made on 4# plug tackle, earns him 225 points for the catch and the first place position for September’s “Angler of the Month” competition.

Jeff Doughty submitted a pair of cards this month.  Both of the entries were caught the same day while fishing the Piankatank River with his friend Jeff Clodfelter on September 27th.  Jeff’s first catch was a white perch weighing in at 15 ounces and worth 170 points on 6# plug tackle.  This fish will now stand as the club record on 6# plug tackle and “Heaviest” for the species in the 2013 fishing year.  That same day Jeff landed a 12 ounce spot on live bait which he entered into the 6# general tackle class.  This fish will earn Jeff 129 points for the catch, as well as, the title of “Heaviest” and “Highest Points” for the species.  Nice job Jeff!

Keep the entries coming!  As the temperatures get cooler, the fishing gets hotter. 
 
Please let me know if you have any fun, exciting, informational, or scary fish tales from your recent trips out.  I would love to include them in future newsletters.  Any recent fishing reports or conditions would be greatly appreciated as well.  I can be contacted via phone, email, or text.  My contact info is listed below.  As always, tight lines and best fishes!  
                              
Contact Info:

Billy Nicar

September 2013

No Report.

August 2013

It seems as though salt is king.  Since our last meeting we have only received on freshwater entry.  With the tasty fishes of the sea abundant, and ripe for the picking in our Chesapeake Bay and off our coast, who could blame us?    The cards show that those who are able to venture into the briny seas have been blessed with some nice catches.

To start thing off, Vic Skakandy submitted an entry for a spotted Seatrout that he caught on 07/06/13 while casting a grub on 2# spinning tackle at Back River.  The trout weighed in at 1 pound, 12 ounces and measured 18.5” in length.  This trout earns Vic 116 points for the catch.  Two days later, on 07/08/13, while fishing at York Spit Channel, Andrew Campbell was not only fortunate enough to get casting opportunities at multiple cobia with his fly rod, but hooked and landed two.  The largest of which weighed in at 18 pounds and measured 40 inches in length.  Andrew was casting a baitfish pattern on 20# tippet to entice both fish.  His largest cobia is worth 90 points, and his second cobia which weighed 17 pound, 4 ounces and measured 37 inches is worth 86 points.  Andrew’s 18 pound cobia will also stand as the “Heaviest” and the “Highest Points” fish in the cobia category.  Pretty work Andrew!

If there were a day to be out fishing within the last month it would have to have been July 21, 2013.  The proof is in the cards my friends.  I received four catch entries from four anglers on this day.  Each was fishing in the salt.  First is Bob Schepker’s entry for a 6 pound, 14 ounce flounder worth 171 points.  Bob and Vic Skakandy were fishing together at the CBBT when the 26.5 inch flounder made its’ last meal out of a live spot that Bob was fishing on 12# line.  This fish earned Bob the 1st place title in the “Heaviest” division for the flounder tournament as well as “Heaviest” for the species.  Beautiful fish Bob!  Ryan Noland joined in on the action as well.  After a laborious day Ryan decided to make a few casts on the Piankatank River.  His efforts were rewarded with a 1 pound, 4 ounce croaker that bit a Gulp grub fished on 2# spinning tackle.  Ryan’s croaker is worth 166 points.  Robbie Robinson and Mike Cline were fishing together at The CBBT for flounder when Robbie hooked into a fish that they both knew immediately was no flounder.  After a nice fight Robbie boated a 55 pound red drum.  The drum struck a jig / Gulp combination that Robbie was fishing on 8# line.  This catch earns Robbie 687 points, as well as, “Heaviest” and “Highest Points” values for the species of red drum.  Robbie will also take the lead in the “Saltwater Plug” division.  Congratulations on an awesome catch Robbie!  One hour after Robbie caught his red drum Mike Cline boated a 4 pound, 1 ounce flounder on a jig / Gulp combo rigged on 4# line.  This flounder earns Mike 253 points in the plug division and 1st place in the “Highest Points” category for the flounder tournament.  What a day!!!

Mike Cline submitted the first catch entry for a black drum this year on 08/03/13.  Mike’s black drum bit a jig / Gulp combination being jigged on 6# line at the CBBT.  Mike’s drum is worth 140 points and now stands as the “Heaviest” and “Highest Points” fish for the black drum category.  Nice work Mike.

I would also like to mention a catch that was not submitted by catch entry card, but is well worth noting.  During a recent trip out in the Chesapeake Bay, on the hunt for six citation saltwater species of fish in one year from a kayak, Rob Choi landed what could be one of the most impressive catches that I have heard about recently.  On this trip Rob landed his 5th species of citation fish.  A 75 inch long blacktop shark!!!  From a Kayak!!!  Crazy?!?  You be the judge.  Watch the video at www.angling-addict.com.  Great job Rob!

And last, but not least, Fred Cousins submitted the only freshwater entry this month.  Fred was fishing the East River when he hooked up on a 12 ounce white perch while casting a grub on 2# spinning tackle.  Not only did this fish earn Fred 197 points in the spin division, but a first place title as “Angler of The Month” at July’s meeting, as well as, “Heaviest” and “Highest Points” for the species.  Nice fish Fred.

Please let me know if you have any fun, exciting, informational, or scary fish tales from your recent trips out.  I would love to include them in future newsletters.  Any recent fishing reports or conditions would be greatly appreciated as well.  I can be contacted via phone, email, or text.  My contact info is listed below.  As always, tight lines and best fishes!
                              
Contact Info:

Billy Nicar

July 2013

To start things off…  I would like to thank Buddy Noland for his service to the club in the past years for handling the catch entries and records for the club.  It is no easy task and he has done a remarkable job and we all owe him thanks for his dedication.  Buddy has now passed the torch to me.  I will now be collecting entry cards at the future meetings as well as retrieving them from the club’s post office box.  Please feel free to get your cards to me any way that suits you best.  They can be dropped off to me at Green Top or mailed directly to my home.  I will list my home address below. 

With all of the beautiful weather that we have seen in the past month it’s hard to believe anyone found a window of opportunity to fish.  But, we have some entries from those that are not afraid to literally weather the storm.  Funny thing though…  There was not a single entry from the James River this month.  I can only wonder why.

It looks as though David Nobles had a fun day fishing a private pond with a curly tail jig on 2# spinning tackle.  David submitted entries for a 7 ounce sunfish worth 115 points, a 12 ounce crappie worth 119 points, and a 1-8 largemouth bass worth 100 points.  It’s hard to beat a summer day on a pond with light tackle!  Also, enjoying some freshwater fishing this month was Lee Rothgeb.  Lee entered a 3-0 largemouth in the 6# spin division that he hooked on a wacky rig worth 120 points.

Saltwater fishing seems to be heating up for those who are able to brave the rain, or at least dodge the drops.  Bobby Broughton was fishing out of Oregon Inlet with Stuart Lee when he hooked and landed an amberjack on his FIRST CAST!!!  Now anyone who has fished for amberjack knows that ye’ ole’ wreck donkey will break you off more times than not.  Hooking and landing one on the first cast is quite a feat.  Bobby’s amberjack will be entered into the 12# plug division for a total of 123 points.  This catch gives Bobby the lead in “heaviest” and “points” for the species.

Lee Huss was fishing Lynnhaven Inlet when he landed the flounder that earned him second place angler of the month at June’s meeting.  The flounder that weighed 4-3 fell victim to a Gulp Strip / mullet combo.  Lee’s catch was entered in the 12# general division earning Lee 104 points.  Lee will now take the lead for the “heaviest” and “points” categories for flounder.  Bob Brown’s 1-4 croaker earned him the first place angler of the month title at June’s meeting.  Bob was casting a jig on 2# spinning tackle in the York River when he landed his 186 point croaker which will take the lead in the “points” category for the species.

On June 30, Larry Allen set a new club record while fishing Fleets Bay with Wilson Nobles.  Larry was drifting a minnow on 4# test when a 30” long, 7-9 spotted seatrout hit.  This catch entry earns Larry 302 points and the new 4# general record for spotted seatrout.  Larry also submitted another entry for a 4-6 spotted seatrout caught one week later in Dividing Creek.  This fish bit a mirrolure tied to the end of Larry’s 8# line and will earn him 145 points.

Please let me know if you have any fun, exciting, informational, or scary fish tales from your recent trips out.  I would love to include them in future newsletters.  Any recent fishing reports or conditions would be greatly appreciated as well.  I can be contacted via phone, email, or text.  My contact info is listed below.  As always, tight lines and best fishes!
                              
Contact Info:

Billy Nicar

June 2013

The lines are out and the fish are biting! Cobia are being caught all the way from Hatteras to a few showing inside the Chesapeake Bay.  Last week, a 104 pounder was landed off Oregon Inlet.  It is being reported that Yellowfin’s are plentiful off Oregon Inlet.  Recently, there have been rumors of Spadefish off the Virginia inshore wrecks.  Mobjack Bay is the current “hot spot” for Specs and small Puppy Drum.  Captain Chris Newsome, our monthly meeting speaker for March, recently took a friend of mine’s Dad to Mobjack and caught all the Speckled Trout and Puppies he wanted…all on fly!

An end of April fishing trip on the James Rives brought notoriety to Steve Knox with his catch of a 74 pound Stripped Bass.  As noted in the Richmond Times-Dispatch article, Steve was fishing with cut Shad for bait off Rocket’s Landing in the middle of the day on April 30th, when he hooked into the huge Striper.  Because the fish was caught in the upper reach of the James River during the spawning season, it will not be eligible as an entry in our Club.  In season, the fish would have counted for 308 points.  Immediately after the battle, Steve took a few photos, weighed the fish on his 100 pound scale, and then “released it”, so the big female could finish its journey.  Great job!

While fishing from the surf of the Virginia Barrier Islands, Bob Shepherd had several nice entries.  Bob’s first entry is a 42 pound Black Drum worth 350 points and the “surf division” lead and new Club Record.  Several weeks later fishing with our old friend, Dennis Cline, Bob landed a 33 pound Red Drum for 235 points.  Peeler crab was the bait of choice for both entries that currently lead both the “species” and “heaviest” categories.

Sal Peluso went to New York to complete the requirements for his “Angler’s Rating” in our fishing club.  Sal’s final three fish of the ten required, were a Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, and a Rainbow Trout, each worth 50 points.  Congratulations!

Fishing the Suffolk Lakes, Billy Nicar had a couple of entries late in May.  From Western Branch, Billy caught a 1 pound, 13 ounce, Chain Pickerel worth 147 points.  Then, he traveled to Lake Prince to get a 1 pound, 4 ounce, Shell Cracker for 125 points.  The Redear Sunfish was caught with a live night crawler and leads the “species” and “heaviest” categories.

Andrew Campbell traveled to Rudee Inlet to catch his 5 pound Spotted Seatrout on 12# fly tippet.  Andrew’s 156 point fish was caught using a Puglisi type pattern fly.

David Nobles has submitted the only Brook Trout of the season.  David was using a nymph on a spring creek and landed his 15 ounce, 133 point, entry.  In fact, it has been several years since a 100 point Brookie has qualified.

The “heaviest’ and “highest point” Spotted Seatrout entry of the season weighs 8 pounds and was caught by Robbie Robertson.  Mike Cline and Robbie were fishing Mobjack Bay at the end of May using 2# spin and a jig-jerk bait combination for three different species.  The Speckled Trout “spin division” leader is worth 533 points, a 1 pound, 5 ounce, Croaker for 175 points and a 2 pound, 14 ounce, Puppy drum.

Ryan Noland and I fished out of Oregon Inlet several weeks ago with past club member Frank Wilson and friend, Gary Gilmore.  We went to the 900 line and I had never seen so much bait and activity in one area.  Acres of Porpoise, several Pilot and Humpback Whales, and numerous Hammerhead Sharks were everywhere.  The day ended with a nice Mako Shark, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dolphin.  All in all, a beautiful day on the water with friends!
                                      
Keeping it reel,

Buddy

May 2013

The Shad season is over and the waters are warming.  Gaffer Dolphin are being caught off Oregon Inlet and Hatteras.  Lynn Spurlin had a great trip Tarpon fishing with member/guide Tony Horsley off Islamorada, Florida, with several fish greater than 100 pounds released.

John Wetlaufer and Johnny finished out the Shad season with several nice catches.  John’s best catch was a 1 pound, 2 ounce, Hickory on 4# spin for 107 points on a dart.  Johnny bested his Dad with a 1 pound, 8 ounce, Shad on 4# spin for 142points.

Lee Rothgeb beat his own Flathead Catfish Club Record on April 10th with a 26 pounder on 20# braid worth 154 points.  Lee was fishing the James River using cut bait.

Jim Sheffield caught the “heaviest” Shad of the year fishing the James River with Mickey Kodroff.  Jim’s fish weighed 2 pounds, 6ounces, on 4# spin for 226 points. 

Vic Skakandy and Bob Schepker also fished the James near the end of the Shad season.  Vic reported a 1 pound, 9 ounce, Hickory Shad worth 177 points on 2# spin.

David Nobles turned in the only saltwater entry this past month from Mosquito Lagoon, Florida.  David had a 3 pound, 12 ounce, Spotted Seatrout worth 125 points on 8# spin.

Bob Brown submitted the first Sunfish entry of the year for 197 points and the “heaviest” category lead. Several days later, Parks Rountrey, fishing with his wife Karen, landed a 10 ounce Sunfish worth 208 points for the “species” category lead.  The competition is really heating up on the private ponds!

Jeff Doughty, Ryan Noland, and I are currently fishing for Dolphin off Hatteras.  We managed some real nice gaffers both days for the cookout in two weeks. Several fish over 20 pounds.  Hope to see everyone at the Maymont Park fish fry for this month’s membership meeting!

                                      
Keeping it reel,

Buddy

April 2013

The current late March to early April time frame has provided some of the best Shad fishing of the season.  While fishing with fly tackle, Stuart Lee and Glenn Carter caught around 250 shad.  The team of Fred Murray and Bob Shepherd had a catch of 360 shad.  I guess you can say that April 6 was one fantastic day on the James River for these anglers. The river was very cooperative with lots of current and an outgoing tide.

There were no Saltwater entries this period but that season is starting to pick up.

Bob Shepherd also had a great month of freshwater fishing on the lakes and ponds.  Bob turned in a 2 pound, 12 ounce, Chain Pickerel on 2# spin for 275 points from a private pond.  From the same pond, he also landed a 3 pound, 10 ounce Largemouth Bass also on 2# spin with a grub for 241 points.  Bob’s best catch was for only 165 points but, one of the more difficult catch requirements of the Masters Angler rating.  A Largemouth Bass must be entered on 16# Plug tackle and be worth at least 150 points which computes to a catch heavier than 7 ½  pounds.  Bob’s catch was an 8 pound, 4 ounce Largemouth on 14# tackle and entered in 16# Plug on Lake Hastings.  The catch will be the leader of the “heaviest” category.

Fishing the Roanoke River on March 15th, Fred Cousins had several nice entries.  Fred turned in a 1 pound, 9 ounce, Hickory Shad on 2# fly for 223 points.  He also caught the “heaviest” category leader which is a 2 pound, 3 ounce Hickory on 2# spin worth 248 points.

Dr. Mickey Kodroff has entered the only American Shad of the season from the Tar River in North Carolina.  Mickey and Jim Sheffield were fishing together when Mickey landed a 3 pound, 12 ounce American on 4# spin worth 224 points.  The fish leads the “species” and “heaviest” categories.

While fishing the James River, Sal Peluso caught his first Hickory Shad of the year.  Sal caught a 1 pound, 8 ounce Shad on 8 spin for 106 points. 

Fishing from his kayak, Rob Choi, landed a 2 pound, 2 ounce Hickory Shad on 4# fly.  Rob’s catch was worth 252 points and leads the “species” category.

Bob Brown was fishing Taylor’s Pond to land a 2 pound, 3 ounce Chain Pickerel on a spoon for 218 points on 2# spin.  His best entry was a 43 pound Blue Catfish from the James River on 8# general.  The Catfish was caught on cut bait and leads both “species” and “heaviest” categories with 361 points.

It’s time to get on the river for some great Shad fishing; also, soon to come into the mix will be White Perch and Stripers!

                                      
Keeping it reel,

Buddy

March 2013

It appears Spring-type weather is trying to chase away our winter blues! The recent warm weather has provided some of our anglers the opportunity to fish the Roanoke River. This is a good indication that the Shad are preparing for their run up the James River.

While fly fishing on a private lake in Powhatan Andrew Campbell landed a huge 7 pound, 8 ounce, Largemouth Bass on 12# tippet.  Andrew was using a half & half Clouser to fool the 234 point fish.  Besides taking all the category leads, the Largemouth is also the 12# fly Club Record.  Andy has also been targeting and releasing some nice 20 pound range Stripers on 12# fly in the York River.  These catches cannot be counted as club entries since the Stripers are not in season during their spawning run up the rivers.

The months of January and February are always a good time of the year for fishing the Chickahominy River. Many of the club’s early entries have been landed from here.  Lee Rothberg and Fred Cousins have been fishing the Chick and caught several different species using Cicada Blade jigs.  Lee entered a 7 ounce Yellow Perch on 4# spin and a 15 ounce Crappie on spin.  The Crappie is worth 117 points.

Other anglers fishing the Chickahominy River were Bob Schepker and Vic Skakandy.  Bob had two catches which landed him several 100 point entries.  Bob had an 11 ounce Yellow Perch on 4# spin on a Silver Buddy for 149 points and then, using a live minnow he caught a 2 pound, 4 ounce, Largemouth worth 112 points.

And the good news is…the first Hickory Shad entry has been received!  Bob Brown was using 2# spinning tackle to land a 1 pound, 7 ounce, Shad from the Roanoke River for 163 points.  Bob’s fish will of course lead both the “species” and “heaviest” categories.

The parting news from the last Board Meeting was that “the Shad will be at the Rt. 95 Bridge by the 3rd week of March”!  

                                      
Keeping it reel,

Buddy

February 2013

The past several months have been somewhat of a disappointment for the coastal Striper and Bluefin Tuna fishery off the Virginian coast.  The Stripers have been a “hit and miss” season with the mass of the fishery staying from 5 to 15 miles off the beach outside the 3 mile coastal limit.  The Striper fishermen have also been extra cautious this year about venturing outside the coastal “limit” since several charter captains were “busted” last year and have faced severe punishment.

The Bluefin tuna fishery off Virginia has slowed this year also with just a few large Bluefins landed.  Lately, a few of the tuna were caught as far down as Hatteras. Recently, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a notice effective Feb 15, 2013, to close the “General category” fishery for large medium and giant (73” curved fork length or greater) based on the latest landing information.  This season will automatically open again on June 1, 2013 and run through August.  Fishermen are allowed to “catch and release” if they are up to the task! 

Fishing in Florida is nice this time of the year as proven by Parks Rountrey and his wife Karen. They were fishing the waters off Fort Lauderdale on January 15th when Parks landed a 9 pound Cero Mackerel for a new Club Record for the “20 pound general” category.  The catch is worth 120 points and was caught using live bait.

The Chickahominy River has been heating up lately as indicated by the recent entries.  Mike Cline and Robbie Robinson have been fishing the Chick for the last several weeks and have taken the lead in 3 “species” and “heaviest” categories.  Mike first entered a 1 pound, 11 ounce, Crappie worth 267 points and a 3 pound, 7 ounce, Largemouth Bass for 229 points on “blade baits” using 2# plug tackle for January.  In February, Mike had two additional entries, a 1 pound Yellow Perch on 2# spin and a Club Record 4 pound, 10 ounce, Chain Pickerel worth 462 points.  The Pickerel was landed on 2# plug using a “blade bait” and also leads the “freshwater plug division”.  In kicking off this season, it appears that Mike is doing all the catching and Robbie the netting.  But that all can change!

Bob Brown and Parks have also been catching Yellow Perch on the Chickahominy River.  Bob landed a 1 pound, 1 ounce, Perch on a grub tail using 2# spin worth 279 points and for the “species” and “spin division” leads.  Parks takes over the “heaviest” and “general division” leads for his 1 pound, 3 ounce, Yellow Perch on a live minnow.

The upcoming “yellow Perch Tournament” should be interesting!
 
Keeping it reel,
Buddy

January 2013

With the holidays behind us, the Striper season moves from the bays and rivers to the “shoreline and the 3 mile line”.  Anglers can continue to catch the fish inside the bay but must release them; which they are continuing to do from Deltaville to the High Rise. Restrictions exist past the 3 mile line to 200 miles offshore or the EEZ, where anglers are not allowed to fish for Striper even if they intend to release.

Stuart Lee and Fred Murray have been fishing off Eastern Shore and catching Stripers on Fly; and several miles south of them trollers, out of Rudee Inlet have been getting skunked.  Last weekend, Danny Noland and I went to the Triangle Wrecks area for some Sea Bass where we found thousands of birds working over bait 5 miles off Rudee Inlet.  About a dozen boats were trolling for the Bluefin Tuna about 12 miles out, but we only heard of one 165 pounder landed.  The Stripers this year have been large, but sporadic at best this season!

The biggest story this month is about Fred Cousin’s fishing season .  Besides his normal Spotted Seatrout, 4 pound, 2 ounce, on 2# spin entry, coming from the “hot ditch”, Fred had phenomenal day fishing with Reggie White on Captain Toney Horsley’s boat.  They were drifting live eels with the other 200 boats on the Eastern side of the bay, when Fred hooked a big one.  He was using 4# tackle and landed a 45 pound Striper worth 750 points.  They took it to Wallace’s Bait and Tackle off Back River to have it weighed.  Fred knew he had a potential President’s Cup size fish, but didn’t immediately realize that the fish had beat member, Jim Sheffield’s, current IGFA world Record of 44 pounds, 2 ounces.  Fred would have treated the fish a little differently with the required photos, etc., if he had known the Striper was a potential.  Last time I spoke with him he was thinking about putting a package together to send in to IGFA.  Best of luck on the approval!  Fred wasn’t the first one to do this in our Club and I’m sure he won’t be the last!

Hope to see everyone at the Banquet! 
 
Keeping it reel,
Buddy