Hello my favorite readers……….

      I would also like to give you all some info about Striper Mike and his "Unique writing style"………….like all those PERIODS!!!! I am very educated……I have been a teacher for 25 years. My writing style is from the emotions I get when recalling these exciting sagas. The excessive periods are used to emphasize a moment or to pause the reader during a tense phase of the story. I really am not terrible at writing compositions……….I am simply passionate about it!!!

     So……..When your not fishing......remember it!! What we have left is memories….We all have them,...... forever .......all my years of fishing have memories. One of the greatest parts of this sport is that failures are as vivid in the anglers mind…and his friends.. as are successes. When you are with a pal..or he with you, and a good fish gets off…..that moment is bonding for anglers. When I want to recall the friends I have fished with….I always remember their great LOSSES instead of their great catches. Why?…….I am not sure……It may be that for that brief instant,  total emotion is exposed for all to see…….That rarely occurs with men ,whose feelings are so often enclosed in the shell of maleness. Fishing with a friend is priceless……and forever. It is a time when only fishing is important….winning or losing….landing them or losing them…….it’s the same….Try it yourself …think about fishing with your buddies…and you tell me………..just how vivid those frantic moments are when "The big ones get away". I bet the image is as clear as yesterday……………..and so

COMRADERY

     I was given this old framed poem….its about fishing …and friends… and how it always brings buddies together in a unified way. I want to share it with you

OUT FISHIN

A feller isn't thinkin mean,

Out Fishin;

His thoughts are mostly good an" clean

Out Fishin;

He doesn’t knock his fellow men

Or harbor any grudges then: A fellers at his finest when

Out Fishin’.

The rich are comrades to the poor

Out Fishin’;

All brothers of a common lure

Out Fishin’;

The urchin with the pin an string

Can chum with millionaire an’ king;

Vain pride is a forgotten thing

Out Fishin’.

A fellers glad to be a friend

Out Fishin’;

A helping hand he’ll always lend

Out Fishin’;

The brotherhood of rod an’ line

An sky an’ stream is always fine;

Men come real close to God’s design

Out Fishin’.

     Alas , memories…………..yes I remember the adrenal crash from going to a point where a good fish is hooked up……to where a good fished is unhooked….its is a gasping, light-headed feeling. I have felt it and some old comrades allowed me witness to the same experience for them.

     I remember the 30 lb striper that broke the line in "Fish Don’t Swim and Birds Don’t Fly"………I remember the feeling of having a monster pike on my tip up when fishing in "Black Ice"…..and the sickening moment when it snapped 40 lb ice fishing line……Oh and please don’t remind me of when a nice yellow fin tuna raced toward the boat after I hooked it up and , almost purposefully, wrapped itself around the anchor……till the line snapped……..probably because I was so frustrated that my arm power over took patience and he was gone. My defeats continue, as "The Re-Match", so vividly describes. A predicted 50 lb striper that made a fool out of me in my early years., freeing itself with fury that can only be displayed by such a huge linesider.

     How about the time I tried to break a world record for a Blue Shark on 17 lb test. The excitement mounted , when after 20 minutes the beast was near the boat….easily 250 lb. The leader was nearly within grasp…oh so nearly….and then , as many blue sharks do, it rolled up on the line and its sandpaper skin snapped the mono and I watched my world record sink into the depths of the unknown. Need I remind you of the leaping Mako Shark in "Proximity of Breath"?..that gladiators contact was so brief but so eternal. I can still relate to the smells of that second.

     Blue fin Tuna leave sportsman with many hollow hearts. They can man handle you.....your boat…and your equipment. …….and one that I never saw ….did that to me. Imagine watching the line peel off of a penn130, while desperately trying to use the drag to slow down this metal behemoth. With the captain frantically trying to position the boat, I silently pleaded for the tuna to stop and engage me in a tug of war. He did not accommodate me……instead he removed 700 yds of line……….and spooled the reel…….with the drag maxed to the 60 lb range. It was a remarkable display of will and power…another moment that will be with me forever…..but as with the above mentioned, this fish also WON, but you know what?…They deserved to win. .......because sometimes, in order to have incredible memories, we NEED to lose. On many of these "he got away" moments, my fishing buddies were with me….They witnessed my inadequacies in the raw. That stuff stays with you. I am glad they were there. Thrills do not come from conquest….they come from contact!!!!!!!….Think about your fishing buddies and those moments of defeat that you were there for. Vivid moments aren't they??? The following moments are dedicated to those pals that shared those times with me and the discussion that always follows. Believe me, you guys, I remember every second …and I know you do too. Thanks for letting me be there! I have landed countless epic fish, as the photos would indicate each month….but no photos can help you recall a lost fish…but that gasp when the fish gets off…..needs no photo for recall. You are about to meet some super anglers, that have super catches to their name, but I will introduce you to them by their lost fish. Their true personality is best evidenced when they were humbled…….

     Butch and I probably did more rugged stuff together than any ten sportsmen.Butch on the left ...me on the right..20 below!!! ........sunrise

      We both angled on the edge. Always the earliest….and fished the longest…and the hardest….under extreme conditions. When Butch is backed into a corner, or caught off guard….there is no fight or flight…there is only fight! As mentioned , Butch has landed many epic fish so lack of skill does not come into play. Many years ago , we both began our pursuit for big stripers and being Striper Mike…I tallied like 20 huge cows before Butch could put a 36" in the boat or on the beach. He became frenzied over this dilemma. The guy was down right determined. The first "gasp " was when we were into a huge school of bluefish from the beach. They would bite , one after another and it was fun to turn the drag up tight and really feel their pulling. Butch was smiling ear to ear as we both pulled hard on these big blues. Suddenly a huge boil took his plug and Butch buried his heels in the sand to "give another blue a ride to the beach". With the drag to tight…and Butch’s biceps to flexed……..Butches first huge STRIPER bolted for the deep blue and snapped his line like sewing thread. The incredible tan that the summer had built on Butch's face turned to ashen gray….It seemed like I had lost it also. No lecture was needed…he knew the flaws that had occurred The reason we remember our buddies lost fish so well is because we want our pals to land the fish….We want them to succeed, and when they don’t, we seem to crash with them. This is the magic of the sport. This ass kicking only made Butch more determined and we felt that eels drifts at night would surely give him the first notch on his belt. The night in mention gave me 4.. 36inch plus fish and none for Butch. His frenzied pursuit continued. A glance over at him in the high sea s of that evening showed him arched over again and I knew this was the one. He fought it well, until it got to the surface…I saw it in the night light from the boat….40" at least and hooked in the side of the jaw. I got the net and the fish headed toward the bow. Before I could even say" don’t muscle him…He did!!!! And when he pulled the hook, the sinker almost hit me as his gear whizzed by my face …….8 oz sinkers can hurt….but not as much as the painful look on Butches face . The whole boat was quiet because we all felt his loss…everyone took a break . You cant encourage a real man when he knows what he did wrong…Butch would get up from this . And he did. So you ask….did he ever get that big keeper? Of course he did, because as the night ended and we had all reeled in except Butch...... As he bantered with the Capt. to stay longer, his eel was attacked and with the newly learned poise needed to land a big cow, he brought the fish to tape at 37"……..to end the night and his obsession.

     Hank is one of the most knowledgeable sportsman I know.  He knows the inner workings of all his firearms and fishing equipment.  He knows many techniques for both sports.  He is a fair and honest participant.  He will keep what he needs and release the rest.  He is a good man.  HE ALSO HAS MORE TATTOOS THAN ANY ONE I EVER MET.  Has a new black Harley...and is presently sporting a Mohawk hair style.  He can make a great cast and kick your ass with about the same effort.  You definitely would not want to fist fight old biker Hank........but he sure is great to fish with.  Big ol Hank likes boats....in fact he usually has an array of them.  All of which are designed to fish the haunts of INSHORE.  I was a big tuna nut back at the time of this saga and I really wanted Harley Hank to wrestle a nice yellow fin.  His delay was his unsure ness about the BIG ocean.....and the long boat ride needed to get there.  His questioned his tummies frailty.  That is usually the case with all of us who have not been  on boats for very long runs to the fishing grounds.  I put Hanks name on one of our trips and he grunted....alright , I'll go.  I could tell Hank was in awe of the real deep blue sea .....his eyes twinkled as the dolphins and whales did their tricks.  He loved the big sea turtle we saw......and he really  really loved looking at the first yellow fin that I brought to gaff that day.  His finger twitched and palms sweated for his chance at one of these rockets.  Although Hank is as burley and brutal as one man could appear he is actually a true naturalist like myself.  He immerses himself into the setting. ....he does not invade it!!!!. The result of this good karmic approach has given him good luck in angling.  Hank always catches fish....and usually really good ones......like the 50 lb striper he caught a few years back!!  The reason for this additional spiel about my buddy Hank is because I was sure a yellow fin would rip his line off that reel in a drag smoking attempt for freedom.  Within the hour... 50 lb glowing tuna shattered Hanks daze and the fight was on.  Although he has arms like most guys legs...he still uses them with the skill of jeweler.  For his first bout with a tuna...he did GREAT.  The fight came to the tuna circle faze and I announced to him that the tuna was his as I described this traditional behavior of defeat for tuna fish.......circling!  The Capt. grabbed the gaff and Hank barely squeaked out a smile as an indication that the catch was his.  We all watched Hank allow the tuna its final turns...we all watched the Capt. get the gaff....we all watched him lean over the side and barely touch the edge of the gaff to the taunt line..........and we all watched Hanks first ..and to date...only yellow fine swim away due to 100% Capt. error.  He had cut Hanks line through careless gaffing.  There were many sharks around that day...so I really hoped Hank would not throw the Capt. into the ocean.  He didn't.....Instead he put the rod in the holder and walked to the other side of the boat ...in total silence. When I went over to assure him that it was not his fault...I saw that his hands were shaking as much as I had ever seen them.  In fact he was shaking!!!!!!  I asked him if he was alright ...and a quick yes  was his reply.  I patted him on the back and complimented his fishing skills.  He said thanks.  Those moments make friends forever......not motorcycle rides....or bar fights......or getting drunk together.....none of those times are as powerful as the GASP of a lost "Good"  fish.  In the case of Hank and his cut off tuna, it is clear that this sport bares your soul....even through the hard shelled exterior of this eternal biker.  So as the world shivers when Hank goes by , I only see a buddy and a pat on the back...........and that's how he and I like it.

One of my most precious places in the world is UPPER GOOSE

DIGGING HOLES ON UPPER GOOSE POND.....HEAVEN

  It is a shelter , right off the Appalachian trail , that is housing for thru hikers as they take on the incredible trek of 2100 miles from Georgia to Maine.  I was the caretaker at the lodge  and I met an array of remarkable personalities that were attempting this soul searching endeavor.

     Upper Goose Pond and its big brother...Goose Pond, are pristine , glacier dug, bodies of water.  The state of Mass puts great trout in the waters as well as the indigenous bass, perch, etc.  They also put in some very big salmon as a testing ground in Goose pond. Every year some guys get some...I never did...and never saw anyone get one......to me...they were still rumor. 

      Lenny came to the cottage after a 17 mile day on the trail and the strain of the hike was clear as he winced while trying to take of his 50 lb back pack.  Soaked with sweat ..he dove into the glacier pond and swam one mile...to stretch his tight muscles!!!!.  Think this cat was in shape???  That night while gathered around the old granite fire place , he told his story............when he was a dealer on the floor of the Chicago stock exchange....He described the ruthless tactics and in human behavior that is ongoing in that scene.  He seemed so far removed from it as the crickets were the only interruptions to our night talk.  I informed him that I was launching the canoe for some morning fishing and if he wanted to delay his trek for a bit, he was welcome to come with me. "I haven't been fishing since I was a kid. I would really enjoy that as part of my whole Appalaition trail experience. I told him that my voice would be his alarm clock.....he didn't even hear me as he nodded off in the old chair with the flames still dancing on the evenings fire.

     The morning came quickly ...as most mornings do when you are excited about the dawns activities.  I did not have to wake Lenny up........he was standing there ..coffee in hand and my cup was puffing steam into the cold morning air.  "You want me to do anything Mike?".....just relax you big palooka....I will prepare this motley charter.....we both laughed out loud.  I had lugged in some shiners and I felt that would be the best bet for a couple of brown trout to have for a nice shore lunch.  I wanted to leave Lenny with some real fishing magic to remember.  In the end, the shore lunch would not be needed to assure memories!!!!

     High Glacial lakes are magic in the early morn.  The rising mist off the water....the first goose calls...the echoing woodpecker..the first chipmunks racing between the shore boulders.  I just love its ruggedness displayed with soft scenes.  Oh the fishing????..well the rises were evident on the glassy surface...I told him we would live line the small shiners ...no weight....no float....!  I always fished he pristine private ness of Upper Goose Pond....but for some reason Lenny suggested we try the cove in Goose Pond....we maneuvered the canoe up stream into the bigger....broader....Goose Pond.  

     The cabin canoe was blowing around...so I tossed over the old makeshift anchor....a barbell weight!  As the canoe righted itself , we baited up...tossed a short cast....and reached for the thermos of boiling hot coffee and Lennys conversational flair took over again.  THE CHAT WAS ON.  I am not sure what his chosen topic was at that moment, but I am sure that his entire rod and reel, which he had put down to get some java, jumped straight up into the air!!!!  The coffee went everywhere.....the rod and reel went between his legs....and the MAGNIFICENT 12 POUND, SILVER SALMON, went straight out of the water....spit the shiner out....and belly flopped during its landing, that echoed a slap over the entire tranquil lake.  He saw the hook come loose...but he still reeled desperately.. obviously to no avail.  He then, without talking  (unusual for him) rebaited and threw the new shiner back out.  His staring at the line was to little to late.  Anyone who fishes alot knows that a trophy like that will not be stung twice.  The salmon was gone.  But Lennys reaction ....so god awful sincere....bonded our meeting.  "Mike, think he will bite again"...No Lenny.  "Think he will bite another kind of bait"....No Lenny.  "How about if I chum the water with stuff"....No Lenny.  "He's gone right?.....Yes Lenny.  "Well I almost had him...right?".....Wrong Lenny...that whopper caught you..and me...and us...totally off guard!  We were made fools of.  For that reason, you and I will remember this for a long time....alot more than the three trout we have already caught. "I believe your right mike"  I was....He finished hiking the AT....he returned to Chicago.....He sent me a photo of he and I taken by another hiker, and he wrote on it...COMRADES...hence the title of this saga.  He mailed me Christmas cards for years and they always referred to the lost leaping salmon....not the tasty trout we had for lunch.  When someone says that one of the greatest HIGHLIGHTS on hiking a 2100 mile trail, is when he LOST the big salmon,....it confirms my notion that the lost ones stay with friends as well as the caught ones.

     And then there was Syd....who left his surf rig unattended....and a big striper took it home with him!!!!!  Don't laugh Vic from Humarock...remember when you were peeing on the snow fence and your surf rig went out into the deep blue!!!!!!!...Hello to Old Petey  who watched he 12 lb brown trout rip loose through the ice, ....inches from his grasp....Big trout must have a way with that stuff.   Remember the trophy brownie from the Ausable  River Trophy fishing section...My old buddy Stan.  When that whale took his fly...Stan's hand shook so much afterwards that he could not retie for some time.  He almost appeared hypothermic...but the day was 75 degrees!   A lost fish can do that to you.  I did not forget you Bob, when that huge striper was smoking off your line and instead of letting it be done, you over pressured the spool with your palm and snapped that cow right off.  I felt like I lost the fish myself.    

     You can beat a guy up and hurt him less than defeat at the hands of a trophy fish.  The moment is crippling and able to be brought back exactly how it was when ever the comrades meet...............WHEN IT ALL HAPPENED.  Don't define your adventures with success....successful adventures are ones that you remember.....when your.......................... ......OUT FISHIN.......Striper Mike

 Here are a few INTERNATIONAL e-mails..........

How be ya Striper Mike?..

..I am sure that the type of fish are different where you live.. I can see that by the photographs.  There are a few locals that do land fishing and I was hoping for a few Striper Mike ideas to start my surfcasting ........

Here's to you, Ronald

Scotland hey Ronald. that is so cool.

  I imagine your shore line is pristine, but I would have to see it to be very personalized in my tips.  However...Be sure to use a worthy rod.....11ft at least....the appropriate weight and hook....not to big in either case.....and finally , Ronald....go talk to those locals you spoke of.....surfcasting is a unique club....they will give you the personal bait tips ...rigs ...etc....Best of luck and write back to tell me what kind of fish you do get in Scotland...

.Striper Mike

Hi Striper Mike...

I live in in Denmark and the selection of fish is different from your part of the world, but we have lots of shore.  I recently purchased a surfcasting rod and thought I would go fishing, but casting is rather different experience than I am used to from normal fishing gear and it was not a rewarding experience.  Is there ways that help me to improve the experience?  Which casting weight is best?  Can you recommend any books on the subject?  Does the line have to feel like its ready to rip off your finger?  I try to use fireline but have considered starting to wear to survive the casting, so I am supposing that I do something wrong.  I would appreciate if you could help me along with a few hints.

  Thank You, Peder

Well hello Peder,

what a cool letter..........Are you ready??    The ROD gives you casting distance.........10 or 11 feet for your purposes......Don't use fireline, use Triliene, big game line..20 lb test...and use leaders with higher test line...use slip weights and the kind, depends on the bottom and the current........"Striper Surf" is about surf casting for striped bass but has much info...also, wwwthesurfcaster (I think that's it) is a catalog with great surfcasting literature.........use a spinning reel unless you are very comfortable with a conventional reel..........they are easier to cast.....also, read the "tip" and old editions of "Angling Lore" and there are many, many hints there........thanks for the note and best of luck my overseas friend.....

.Striper Mike

Hi, I live in Brazil.

  For kindness to find out if the reel Daiwa Emblem 5000T is good to practice the surfcasting.  I need to accomplish long throws.  If they could send me some techniques it would be also very thankful. 

Thank you very much.  Eduardo

Hi Eduardo......

it's fun to get overseas mail.....Yes my friend that is a good reel....I have always use Penn equipment....Penn 704Z to be exact....it is a tough, long lasting reel.....but Diawa is good.....Eduardo, the reel helps in casting distance....but the key to distance is the ROD.....it must be at least 10 or 11 feet long and must have the ability to throw the size weights you are using...remember, casting distance comes from the rod!.........a medium/heavy surf rod will allow you to cast 2,4oz weights and the bait.....if the rod is not the right one, the reel will not help you....Rod = Distance......

Sincerely, Striper Mike

Mike: 

 What a great story!  I had chills reading it.  Also, I really liked the "Philip" saga as it happened to me when I was a kid at the jersey Shore some 50 years ago.  Currently I fish Wasque Point on the Vineyard with my son and his friends and now starting to take a grandson as well.  I get a bigger kick out of teaching them than actually fishing, well almost.  Great site!  Keep up the good work and as always release one for me.

  Kevin Riley

Hi Kev....

Guess you liked the "Swimmer" and" Philip"....I am glad....You will see that this month is a vote for your favorite of all from last year.....Want a revote or are those your entries?  Stay with your young angler, stay with surfcasting, and stay with the joy of life that this arena bring to men like us..

.Good luck...Striper Mike 

Striper Mike,

I recently moved from Cape Cod to Duxbury.  I am like you a "Fishaholic", but find myself somewhat at a loss.  The fishing, except for a few schoolies has proved rather uneventful from Duxbury beach.  Maybe the waters on the outer cape beaches with the troughlines have spoiled me.  I haven't done much research in the area due to the Bonito and false "Albies" taking me back to Woods Hole.  Most of my stripers come in the spring.  I am a live liner and I live for the surf.  I am depressed and despondent, the cold weather setting in for the season.  I stumbled across your website, and it woke me up for a minute.  It's reassuring to see there are others like me out there.  This winter I will attempt to deal with the powers that be to set up a re-stoking program for herring in Duxbury and Marshfield.  I have dealt with Dennis the herring warden from Plymouth, he has successfully brought a non active run back to life.  I look to Middleborough for the seed to stock the runs.  I am hoping this will keep me from losing my mind until the fish return to the outer cape.  The catch and release program is everything!  These big cows need food.  More herring = bigger linesiders (pajamas).  Got bait?  ps.  I also fish with Dr. Bob and Bill W.    I owe them my keepers.

"Wow"

Welcome to paradise my friend......  I particularly love Duxbury......those beaches are great for the linesiders.. I fish right up the road.....fish the Plymouth power plant for the last of the seasons holdouts...Stay in touch and we will do the season the right way, next year.  Retain your civility........be an example of catch and release and an example of a good man.....Surfcasting allows you the first avenue......Bob and Bill lead you in the other.  Take care...Striper Mike.

 Dear Striper Mike

In your last edition tuna seemed to be a hot picture item.  I figured a tuna recipe was in order since my husband brought one home recently.  Although the summer has ended we haven't lost our inkling for grilling.  Hope you like this quick and tasty grilled tuna.

4, 6oz tuna steaks...5 Tbls olive oil...1 large fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into 1/4inch pieces...1 red pepper, and 1/2 of a sweet onion both cut like the fennel...2 garlic cloves, minced...1/2cup orange juice.

Heat 4Tbls oil in heavy skillet, add fennel, red pepper, onion, and garlic, sauté until tender, 6 minutes or so.  Add orange juice, cook another minute.  Brush tuna steaks with remaining Tbls of oil, season with salt and pepper.  Grill, watching closely (tuna cooks quickly) about 2 minutes per side for medium.  Plate each of the tuna steaks individually, spoon 1/4 of the sauce over each, serve immediately. 

TUNA!!!!

                        

PLEASE NOTE THE AGE OF THE BIG ONES, THEY ARE THE PROVEN BREEDERS, LET THEM GO.

 GREAT COD FISHING....go get some and breathe the open ocean air again.

COD!!!

Don't you Miss it !!!!!!!!

...Striper Mike

  I found this format and I feel that this tip is better than any I can give from a personal viewpoint...............Please Practice Catch and Release.........Striper Mike

.....HOWS THAT ONE???  There is just a great feeling letting them go .......40 inches and released unharmed....

Why Release Fish

1. A fish is too valuable a resource to be caught only once.
2. A personal commitment to conservation adds fun to fishing.
3. Size, season, and bag regulations make release mandatory.
4. Stressed fish populations need your help to recover.
5. The future of sport fishing is in your hands. Pass it on!

How to Begin

1. Decide to release a fish as soon as it is hooked.
2. Land your quarry quickly; don’t play it to exhaustion.
3. Set the hook immediately. Try to prevent a fish from swallowing the bait.
4. Work a fish out of deep water slowly, so it can adjust to the pressure change.
5. Use hooks that are barbless and made from metals that rust quickly.
6. Always keep release tolls handy.

Handling Your Catch

1. Leave the fish in the water (if possible) and don’t handle it. Use a tool to remove the hook or cut the leader.
2. Keep the fish from Thrashing.
3. Net your catch ONLY if you cannot control it any other way.
4. Protect against personal injury by handling each species carefully and correctly
5. When you must handle a Fish:

• Use a wet glove or rag to hold it.
• Turn a fish on its back or cover its eyes with a wet towel to calm it.
• Don’t put your fingers in the eyes or gills of your catch.
• Larger fish can be kept in the water by holding the leader with a glove or by slipping a release gaff through the lower jaw.
• Avoid removing mucous or scales.
• Get the fish back in the water as quickly as possible.

Removing The Hook

1. Cut the leader close to the mouth if a fish has been hooked deeply or if the hook can’t be removed quickly.
2. Back the hook out the opposite way it went in.
3. Use needle-nose pliers, hemostats, or a hookout to work the hook and protect your hands.
4. For a larger fish in the water, slip a gaff around the leader and slide it down to the hook. Lift the gaff upward as the angler pulls downward on the leader.
5. Do not jerk or pop a leader to break it. This damages vital organs and kills the fish.

The Final Moments

1. Place the fish in the water gently, supporting its mid-section and tail until it swims away.
2. Resuscitate an exhausted fish by moving it back and forth or tow it alongside the boat to force water through its gills.
3. Use an ice pick, needle, or hook point to puncture the expanded air bladder on a fish taken from deep water.
4. Watch your quarry to make sure it swims away. If it doesn’t, recover the fish and try again.
5. REMEMBER, A RELEASED FISH HAS AN EXCELLENT CHANCE OF SURVIVAL WHEN HANDLED CAREFULLY AND CORRECTLY.

Got a fishing tale?

E-mail Striper Mike

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The glorious ,golden marsh draws a contrast with the brilliant blue sky.....

Autumn winds are constant..............

and rival the sun's warmth.............

 penetrating every inch of my being

Oct 7,2000.......Striper Mike