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Every year I buy stuff for the upcoming season based on what happened last year. My fishing showed that some of the hottest surface plugs last year were those pointy nosed skimmers. Many would call these "spook" type plugs based on the famous Heddon Zara Spook. These plugs would consistently outfish traditional poppers.
I've expanded my line-up of skimmers this year, stocking up on four different varieties.  These include the Rebel Jumpin' Minnow, the Heddon Super Spook, the Yo-Zuri Hydro Pencil and the Bomber Walk the Dog (see photo of these from top to bottom). You might have noticed that I used the Jumpin Minnow and the Super Spook a lot last year and had very good success on both stripers and bluefish.
All of these plugs are of the lightweight variety ranging in size from a half ounce to an ounce.  They are great to fish in Bays and protected waters with light tackle, not so great where a long cast and a big plug are needed. I also favor light colors on all these plugs as you can probably see from the photo.
The knock on just about all of these plugs is that the hooks and possibly the split rings should be beefed up.  Here are the modifications I make on each:
Jumpin' Minnow- Hooks must be changed to VMC 4X, size 1. Possibly change split rings to more heavy duty.
Super Spook- Remove middle hook and split ring.  Change front and rear hook to VMC 4X, size 1/0. Possibly change split rings.
Yo-Zuri- No change needed
Bomber- Change hooks to VMC 4X, size 1/0. Possibly change split rings.

2 MILLION

We have quietly gone over two million pageviews on the blog. Amazing!
I know there is huge and dedicated following because I constantly meet fishermen from all over New England.  I meet them at the fishing shows, along the water, in malls and even in some strange places.  I was skiing the other day at Wachusett Mountain and a guy came up to me and asked if I was the fisherman who wrote the RI striper blog. I can't believe he recognized me because I was all geared up in winter clothes, helmet, goggles, etc.
The guys and gals who are regular followers are in the thousands, and many have said how much they appreciate the info on the blog. One guy told me he checks it in the morning with his coffee, at lunch and again in the evening.....EVERY DAY! I can also tell you from my stats page that there are increasing numbers of readers from all over the world and there is a good following coming from the UK. Hmm, maybe tourist/fishermen who visit the East Coast. I also notice that the pageviews for my posts have really gone up this winter.  I suspect cabin fevered fishermen are going back and reading past posts.
So, thanks to everyone who frequents the blog. Watch the blog in the next month because soon we will REALLY have something to write about. It's coming!

Next Stop on Show Tour....River's End Tackle Striper Surf Day, March 25

My next show stop will be at River's End Tackle in Old Saybrook, CT. This popular and free event titled Striper Surf Day will be held on Sat., March 25.  It will feature sales on tackle, tackle reps., demonstrations, and seminars. This will be my first year doing this event.  Other seminar speakers include Toby Lapinski from the Fisherman magazine, Steve Mc Kenna, well known big striper hunter from RI and Dennis Zambrotta, another famous RI surf caster.  Looks like a great event.
Here is the link for more info: River's End Tackle Surf Day
My seminar will be a Power Point Presentation on fishing for keeper stripers, large blues and albies from shore. Hope to see many of you there for this fun event.