tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13046907547080066822024-03-26T23:35:57.547-07:00Rhode Island Striped BassTimetables, Places to Fish, Latest in Equipment, Tackle and Plug Building, Rigging, Fishing Bait and Artificials, Info on other Fish, Techniques from Shore, Boat and Kayak!
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Copyright 2008-2024. All Rights reserved.Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comBlogger1321125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-65981459231116071452024-03-25T16:29:00.000-07:002024-03-25T16:29:24.856-07:00Just Can't Let Winter Go!<p> I haven't been fishing this much this winter, but I have sure been enjoying my skiing. I'm up to about 60 visits to the mountains. In recent weeks it has been good as ever with tons of snow north of us. I've especially enjoyed skiing with 2 of my grandkids who, like their father and grandfather, are addicted to it. I've also been doing some hiking with the grandkids in Vermont in the mountains. It's been so good, I can't just let it go.</p><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xISSOfS9iEb26zAr1oAc30GBAcW7LtuwwHH26FM4dOEO5srFBm4QWUF1oJX5z_MHWXrUNYvX9eSt0BFVX6S8xxzxfz3Npv4Td2D-EQpIlXMaBvyoe0fEi-lCcBDdyJkbwDYUs7EyixbEpGGWuXY2kqd9AfHH_YzWNwO24T542o4LxFQVc5a7VS5A50DD/s1533/IMG_0518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="1193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xISSOfS9iEb26zAr1oAc30GBAcW7LtuwwHH26FM4dOEO5srFBm4QWUF1oJX5z_MHWXrUNYvX9eSt0BFVX6S8xxzxfz3Npv4Td2D-EQpIlXMaBvyoe0fEi-lCcBDdyJkbwDYUs7EyixbEpGGWuXY2kqd9AfHH_YzWNwO24T542o4LxFQVc5a7VS5A50DD/s320/IMG_0518.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiing with 2 of my grandkids in Killington, Vt.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc5Kk12r-n0U_oS_XJ1uJ0hB9NI4ktPdmhPFpFiBq8S6pcwVb1OYDH7J7ifTxaqpp9n_4ar-HPYPv5zGj9vDzZAqhjlPZUNWRRQDRihGV1v1vukg7BBRi9G3D-3kB11TGL0sFbWdKRLzyGpJMWWH46kGJjo3H7nQwW1zGcS9HR1Fkk9y0ZxcZZQPgC3ci/s2016/IMG_0527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc5Kk12r-n0U_oS_XJ1uJ0hB9NI4ktPdmhPFpFiBq8S6pcwVb1OYDH7J7ifTxaqpp9n_4ar-HPYPv5zGj9vDzZAqhjlPZUNWRRQDRihGV1v1vukg7BBRi9G3D-3kB11TGL0sFbWdKRLzyGpJMWWH46kGJjo3H7nQwW1zGcS9HR1Fkk9y0ZxcZZQPgC3ci/s320/IMG_0527.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wife and I hiking with the grandkids in Vermont. Even the baby<br />joined us in a backpack!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMvR-OMaenDQOIVFh0SVrwDbf6SZIZjB1YzOKWtAe5KKTkfzjW-ZhwZaR-6XdrmLh4kG_kCylpgs9Qhuqif3up81LaZKBVI-CIuZ7gGzU09o7iIR18guOZc6l5vQnJDpUIVVpulf_Tazd7p8i6CQWwZhPheLLdDis860vEbXVJH5Mu9CJ8Dx84XOoKSj6/s1649/IMG_5145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1649" data-original-width="1049" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMvR-OMaenDQOIVFh0SVrwDbf6SZIZjB1YzOKWtAe5KKTkfzjW-ZhwZaR-6XdrmLh4kG_kCylpgs9Qhuqif3up81LaZKBVI-CIuZ7gGzU09o7iIR18guOZc6l5vQnJDpUIVVpulf_Tazd7p8i6CQWwZhPheLLdDis860vEbXVJH5Mu9CJ8Dx84XOoKSj6/s320/IMG_5145.jpg" width="204" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of the world in Gunstock, NH today.<br />Free tickets for those over 70!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-69311555705266820122024-03-23T10:22:00.000-07:002024-03-23T10:22:50.287-07:00The Waiting Game<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMt1P6MsGEw-d5Zz7ThmajDtVQc-xRfjinMtVm1TyKw5Yg2TEptlXQJyC-vpF1ZgIr2i0zto-pIQY_7p79aouVHDiiidR80hH4hQLtg_nNwp3KeSsDGSmaBNc3qdIl1yI66i30KYI0KnFzSv_1PG7VCOW7fABoKm54IlLuPMaZuOfhCenR84Tgq8m8IGq/s4032/IMG_2453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMt1P6MsGEw-d5Zz7ThmajDtVQc-xRfjinMtVm1TyKw5Yg2TEptlXQJyC-vpF1ZgIr2i0zto-pIQY_7p79aouVHDiiidR80hH4hQLtg_nNwp3KeSsDGSmaBNc3qdIl1yI66i30KYI0KnFzSv_1PG7VCOW7fABoKm54IlLuPMaZuOfhCenR84Tgq8m8IGq/s320/IMG_2453.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The NLBN paddle tails were hot lures<br />in the early going last year.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For the next month it will be a waiting game until we see the first migrating stripers arrive here in RI. It's been a warm winter but that does not necessarily translate into an early season. Stripers are just like migrating birds- they come north at just about the same time every year regardless of the weather. I like that time period from April 15 to April 20 to deliver the first big wave of fish. You might see a few early season "scouts" before then. In the past few years, here are the dates that I caught my first stripers along the south shore of RI: April 19, 2021, April 15, 2022 and April 18, 2023. Note that I tried several times with no success before catching my first ones each year.</p><p>Usually, small fish, schoolies, make up the bulk of the fish in April. However, we all know there is a shortage of small ones around, and I suspect that we are going to see good numbers of decent fish, slots, in the early going. Last year, my first 5 fish of the new year were all slots. That could very well happen again this year.</p><p>In general, Narragansett Bay tends to produce about a week after the first fish are landed along the oceanfront. I will hit my bay spots beginning at the end of April. Surprisingly, there are years in which we see more stripers in the Bay during the first month of fishing than along the oceanfront. That's because the Bay waters heat up much faster and they attract more early season bait.</p><p>The start is often a simple affair in terms of lures. Pack a lot of jigs- bucktails, plastic bodies with jigheads and even floats and jigs. Last year I landed many early season keepers on bucktail jigs. I also did real well in the early going on white NLBN paddle tails.</p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-80380647637960596262024-02-18T07:52:00.000-08:002024-02-21T14:38:36.511-08:00Next Stop.....Springfield Sportsmen's Show<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkLKzU1-w8WfIFzSuuaC-cQQCaL3bzaneKCUjVbruPqAFjDcsSMjKT0BhhE80CaznI9UhRzrGMt73zqj55EpaoV0sjSc-wRfWK4B82HWK83zXFCRWuOUYVJLSKQL07YOXb_reeNkEDakUNV0tZL8EqirAT1Xva1fIvrqEZx4_4e5_oqZiHOW4ipXuLx3y/s913/IMG_3638.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="589" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkLKzU1-w8WfIFzSuuaC-cQQCaL3bzaneKCUjVbruPqAFjDcsSMjKT0BhhE80CaznI9UhRzrGMt73zqj55EpaoV0sjSc-wRfWK4B82HWK83zXFCRWuOUYVJLSKQL07YOXb_reeNkEDakUNV0tZL8EqirAT1Xva1fIvrqEZx4_4e5_oqZiHOW4ipXuLx3y/w248-h385/IMG_3638.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br /> My next stop on my winter seminar tour is the Springfield Sportsmen's Show on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the Big E in Springfield, MA. I will be doing seminars at 1:00 and 4:00. <p></p><p>For anyone who has never been to this popular show, it is a mix of everything outdoorsy. There's hunting and fishing stuff, camping stuff, outfitters, charter boat captains, tackle shops, boats, kayaks, etc., all in a massive venue. It also features an all star line-up of seminar speakers.</p><p>I will be doing my striper and carp fishing shows.<b> </b>My striper fishing show is called Finesse Fishing for Stripers. <span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">This show is loaded with info on using a finesse approach to catching stripers from shore and kayak when the bait is small (which it was most of the time last year). The show is filled with tackle and plugging ideas. Some terrific video footage and photos from last year's fishing are in the narrated presentation.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">My carp fishing show is titled </span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">Carp Fishing Strategies</span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">. This show focuses on different approaches to catching carp. also nicknamed "freshwater tuna"! These monsters of freshwater can be difficult to catch on rod and reel, and I'll offer many suggestions on how to do it that should appeal to beginners as well as seasoned pros. I've got some serious photos in the show that include multiple potential state records.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">My striper seminar will take place at 1:00 while the carp fishing seminar will take place at 4:00.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">Hope to see many of my loyal readers at the show! Form more info, check out the show information at <a href="http://www.osegsportsmens.com">www.osegsportsmens.com</a></span></p><p><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-8338392629614281662024-02-09T15:32:00.000-08:002024-02-09T15:32:25.602-08:00Where do I get my wooden eggs for the egg float?<p> Every time I do a seminar, someone asks me where I buy my wooden eggs to use with the float and jig.</p><p>I buy them online in a place called Craftparts. Here is the<a href="http://Craftparts.com"> LINK.</a> I buy the 2 1/2 inch wooden "hen" eggs. You can buy these as unpainted or painted white. I buy mine already painted.</p><p>It's a homemade project from here. Drill the eggs out with a 1/8 inch drill bit. You might need an oversized bit to get through them. Run some plug wire through and put a loop on the end of the wire by twisting around a screwdriver. Clip off the excess. If you want, add a nail to the side of the float as a holder.</p><p>Some guys make this even easier by simply putting screw eyes in through the top and bottom. Note that the through wiring is much more durable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCdLNEw-86u7YprmjnznoxKGAcSU_FnYqPQUOd8Kxv-7y0saZhffe0TV1NTUdMK5IbZhFWRw1fYBld8YG876F0ecOTt4KwcEx2GGZY6IeVzoIvWk95kKsRyPRLz5oPtH43-kHJW7DXEOJLIb7T7lvchGWrnHarf-Vm620lAZ4yVPCVdKr2RX144AZcaCJ/s821/20201217_150111_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCdLNEw-86u7YprmjnznoxKGAcSU_FnYqPQUOd8Kxv-7y0saZhffe0TV1NTUdMK5IbZhFWRw1fYBld8YG876F0ecOTt4KwcEx2GGZY6IeVzoIvWk95kKsRyPRLz5oPtH43-kHJW7DXEOJLIb7T7lvchGWrnHarf-Vm620lAZ4yVPCVdKr2RX144AZcaCJ/s320/20201217_150111_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqo-jBaEDxO5xXDzujV2uP_Nx5qbxGys_clOmDp2IAxT9S8GmBDYAS-ksYmkGOByA2lBe8Z5Ujqhh9ovZHRywS1IHkkxXmGbRemGV4BurHRnWysTkpF1WGQpSOh5g6uIVbF3yPGH9UnA2HhBdkYXyRoedng5JfJasmSf2vdPRr2HFxH4cQvyP0hDiCyA1/s821/20201217_150919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqo-jBaEDxO5xXDzujV2uP_Nx5qbxGys_clOmDp2IAxT9S8GmBDYAS-ksYmkGOByA2lBe8Z5Ujqhh9ovZHRywS1IHkkxXmGbRemGV4BurHRnWysTkpF1WGQpSOh5g6uIVbF3yPGH9UnA2HhBdkYXyRoedng5JfJasmSf2vdPRr2HFxH4cQvyP0hDiCyA1/s320/20201217_150919.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q412AEU24hLDB6hcs9WrJkXqeu73pfHKeEMQEiPPhgXyxujkyjD9Ok6rgtG_sVGA4jRYd-LjQiC0Kpqn5y8viAYvLkOe3wsGLm8DT7UGz-vNugX-Qa75OvqzXh6xA6W2YIChtx29bN591fd0qTX-mJPymdX9ylCZfF8LJcagkUwOuNdvOq-xFx9dAB8l/s821/20201217_151044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q412AEU24hLDB6hcs9WrJkXqeu73pfHKeEMQEiPPhgXyxujkyjD9Ok6rgtG_sVGA4jRYd-LjQiC0Kpqn5y8viAYvLkOe3wsGLm8DT7UGz-vNugX-Qa75OvqzXh6xA6W2YIChtx29bN591fd0qTX-mJPymdX9ylCZfF8LJcagkUwOuNdvOq-xFx9dAB8l/s320/20201217_151044.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdThMgIhSWnWF5d3UhFZp6hMSU68drtKI7RTlHEONG4rzkrd-0zMUTOii66EZ8EFsqUVibYjUI99j1SKBqqYVxpbH5F9RdTcjCmBOtQilgwDRzcIr-aVBt_RKHdizAWGEWFxCgzeVxRttElZmNPjaJrEYYyL6CFpxMWdvcNIL4InuWLX_AWsPjaVyW9bm/s821/20201217_152210_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAdThMgIhSWnWF5d3UhFZp6hMSU68drtKI7RTlHEONG4rzkrd-0zMUTOii66EZ8EFsqUVibYjUI99j1SKBqqYVxpbH5F9RdTcjCmBOtQilgwDRzcIr-aVBt_RKHdizAWGEWFxCgzeVxRttElZmNPjaJrEYYyL6CFpxMWdvcNIL4InuWLX_AWsPjaVyW9bm/s320/20201217_152210_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-51826142947407172542024-01-30T16:29:00.000-08:002024-01-30T16:32:57.870-08:00Fishing Seminars this Weekend- NE Fishing Expo!<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZsUVh7EaCbcUc9EKkn9OGVWBZfW6OTCsnv6rWM59lnbIDlsSiX5kQZtvaKYxsgWfQPiMoztXKT-8pnJX_ye6hA4KrkoZ2zO-O9z-d4kJZpvTzmjRWgSkI4czlh8ggCMOXHSUQvQ13DgdajuOeL_M6HkBDJT8lmpK9W2BYGZRQh-2aRrkpFMMA6OCY3pv/s1593/IMG_2231.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1593" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZsUVh7EaCbcUc9EKkn9OGVWBZfW6OTCsnv6rWM59lnbIDlsSiX5kQZtvaKYxsgWfQPiMoztXKT-8pnJX_ye6hA4KrkoZ2zO-O9z-d4kJZpvTzmjRWgSkI4czlh8ggCMOXHSUQvQ13DgdajuOeL_M6HkBDJT8lmpK9W2BYGZRQh-2aRrkpFMMA6OCY3pv/s320/IMG_2231.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope to see many of you at the NE Fishing Expo<br />this weekend!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> I will be at the NE Fishing Expo this weekend on Saturday and Sunday doing my latest carp and striper fishing seminars for 2024. The NE Fishing Expo is a pure fishing show that has gotten rave reviews in recent years. This year it will move to the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA which is right off Rt. 495. This is a show that caters to both freshwater and saltwater fishermen with loads of vendors, tackle dealers and the latest equipment on display. Show info can be found at their website at www.nefishingexpo.com<p></p><p>Here is my schedule. Hope to see many of my followers at the show.</p><p><b>Saturday- 2:00 PM- Seminar- Finesse Approach to Catching Stripers</b>. This show is loaded with info on using a finesse approach to catching stripers from shore and kayak when the bait is small (which it was most of the time last year). The show is filled with tackle and plugging ideas. Some terrific video footage and photos from last year's fishing are in the narrated presentation.</p><p><b>Sunday, 11:00 AM- Seminar- Carp Fishing Strategies</b>. This show focuses on different approaches to catching carp. also nicknamed "freshwater tuna"! These monsters of freshwater can be difficult to catch on rod and reel, and I'll offer many suggestions on how to do it that should appeal to beginners as well as seasoned pros. I've got some serious photos in the show that include multiple potential state records.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqf2pd4B0jgiARTgA1hb1hijMSJ6QxKe9W0QPy1iY65bHyRXJEwLUbCdgaa0_q5pq_e57_ymgEGdx4U7w9zJoRKpmtHdY6yAc6Yfr2e7hZHVeh-HFDE3T5SUyA7wjqOeO7eqQeKC1Gr2jvAJFzVGcYMYzZ8NDGgblVIvjHSFv8LalW_3PQeSvrlb-r1WJS/s1080/71129.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqf2pd4B0jgiARTgA1hb1hijMSJ6QxKe9W0QPy1iY65bHyRXJEwLUbCdgaa0_q5pq_e57_ymgEGdx4U7w9zJoRKpmtHdY6yAc6Yfr2e7hZHVeh-HFDE3T5SUyA7wjqOeO7eqQeKC1Gr2jvAJFzVGcYMYzZ8NDGgblVIvjHSFv8LalW_3PQeSvrlb-r1WJS/s320/71129.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-35489791639217142172024-01-27T11:45:00.000-08:002024-01-27T11:45:14.430-08:00Surprises of 2023= New Ideas for 2024!<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVeXMVkuiaitAhPG5ELdUkm7okt8qdbRmcHcOw-oa4w2Ivxd438tNIK4uc1LH6JmiotkEZ0cePKixc8PSbfEPgKx95ANDz288cwabUnNaSkh7j459GodaAif9qHuE8dBkHqfCWbib_2nJKb81KvfygajBKcTfzadVhdFmdmg2GSsr_KMBjiVl0zuKHlK-/s4030/IMG_3835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3023" data-original-width="4030" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVeXMVkuiaitAhPG5ELdUkm7okt8qdbRmcHcOw-oa4w2Ivxd438tNIK4uc1LH6JmiotkEZ0cePKixc8PSbfEPgKx95ANDz288cwabUnNaSkh7j459GodaAif9qHuE8dBkHqfCWbib_2nJKb81KvfygajBKcTfzadVhdFmdmg2GSsr_KMBjiVl0zuKHlK-/s320/IMG_3835.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hopkins No Equal- 3 oz.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In terms of fishing lures, 2023 brought some surprises. Normally, I stick with the same stuff year after year because it has worked. But, in 2023 I branched out a bit and found some surprising new effective lures which I had not used much of in the past. We'll give these a worked next season.</p><p><b>*Metal</b>- I was out on a windy and rough northeaster in September. I could barely cast my trusty egg/jig combo with the stiff wind in my face. I had a big metal Hopkins lure (4H-3 oz.) in my bag that I barely used in the past. What the heck. I snapped that on and heaved a booming cast into the wind, way beyond what I was casting with the egg. A few cranks of the reel and I was onto a decent over slot fish. I was sold. On just about every adventure after that day, I at least tried the Hopkins when I needed a long cast in rough water. It delivered good numbers of slots and over slots for me in that two week period of northeast roughness in September.</p><p><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnW8HN1QdqcxZZoaoEGOR_fWbxE15gAF_sXZsr6A137dNPbYeEkzoNEIN6w6zjvw27kf5abe_Gq52r1Dvl14Eap8HcqHwRwg42djN_Jq9rjHddvIJnacSUQVLmprHhBu7Qn4C_5bsE0OMldggloAq8kKVh73kJAO3z5CVAdDlo-pVP7yVBpzGzZUyY6ab/s4032/IMG_2205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnW8HN1QdqcxZZoaoEGOR_fWbxE15gAF_sXZsr6A137dNPbYeEkzoNEIN6w6zjvw27kf5abe_Gq52r1Dvl14Eap8HcqHwRwg42djN_Jq9rjHddvIJnacSUQVLmprHhBu7Qn4C_5bsE0OMldggloAq8kKVh73kJAO3z5CVAdDlo-pVP7yVBpzGzZUyY6ab/s320/IMG_2205.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yo-Zuri Mag Darter</td></tr></tbody></table><br />*Yo-Zuri Mag Darters</b>- I was never much of a darter fisherman. I tended to opt for skinny plastic swimmers like a Daiwa SP Minnow when I wanted a plug that swims. But, one night, while plugging one of the breachways, I unsnapped the SP Minnow and snapped on a Yo-Zuri Mag Darter. Right away, I hit a decent fish. I suspect there were mullet around and that smaller Mag Darter ( 5 inch) is a dead ringer for imitating a mullet. I continued to use this plug and the larger Mag Darter (6 1/2 inch) for much of the fall as my primary swimmers, and I landed a lot of fish on them at night in moving water. I'm sold!</p><p><b>*NLBN Paddle Tails</b>- I used these as my primary paddle tails along with the NLBN jigheads. I used to fish Cocahoes a lot but these NLBN lures will far outfish the Cocahoe. They have a tighter wiggle due to a smaller tail and that seems to elicit more hits. When the bait was small, I went with the three inch models. When we had large peanut bunker around, I went with the 5 inch models. I used only white colors. And, they were killers!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rNroNniFjkAnSMdaz2JAJXkR-meUTWyyrMd0wzZnQJVd6hku00HOAamuokjoOLRZFSNayq9UPY0O_8oU6oOipjIGaMlPQ91IsBRMYtlwIV-jH1aEThLcREWsI3u11pvW2KGplfK3_6Pzn2z1YLXSyf2YVGMZTdX8m7DS3QiMVaYo4WwIIrST2gOyWlHL/s2776/IMG_3964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1741" data-original-width="2776" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rNroNniFjkAnSMdaz2JAJXkR-meUTWyyrMd0wzZnQJVd6hku00HOAamuokjoOLRZFSNayq9UPY0O_8oU6oOipjIGaMlPQ91IsBRMYtlwIV-jH1aEThLcREWsI3u11pvW2KGplfK3_6Pzn2z1YLXSyf2YVGMZTdX8m7DS3QiMVaYo4WwIIrST2gOyWlHL/s320/IMG_3964.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 inch NLBN paddle tail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-48251538303427039572024-01-24T16:57:00.000-08:002024-01-24T16:57:07.925-08:00NE Fishing Expo....Coming SOON!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuACIvBGDvV8X4s1vX4i0NG3fq9Lhzhch02vu3nwXRExyXAgvG3TjRwOdPrXOEFdU27AVmeCyB2dAA_uP2E61AMc9770A4YXANkIVuchPE60GkXGPTPS_7Ll2AG7Ru0Q5cPWgdNxu2HmhZwM0XBa_z9pF4optk0zxM5es46prhq-jvWOECeXd_WyRoSRoG/s1080/71130.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuACIvBGDvV8X4s1vX4i0NG3fq9Lhzhch02vu3nwXRExyXAgvG3TjRwOdPrXOEFdU27AVmeCyB2dAA_uP2E61AMc9770A4YXANkIVuchPE60GkXGPTPS_7Ll2AG7Ru0Q5cPWgdNxu2HmhZwM0XBa_z9pF4optk0zxM5es46prhq-jvWOECeXd_WyRoSRoG/w365-h365/71130.png" width="365" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-60380151453187424162024-01-10T07:21:00.000-08:002024-01-10T07:21:27.459-08:00SHOWTIME<p> It's that time of year when I will be going around various big shows doing seminars. I've got a great striper fishing seminar planned for this year titled <b><i>"Finesse Approach to Catching Stripers".</i></b> I lived this during much of the striper season often turning to small "stuff" to fool many of my stripers from shore and kayak. Because of the abundance of small bait, a finesse approach was often needed to consistently catch stripers this year. This seminar should be informative as well as entertaining since I have packed it with all new photos and video clips shot in the last year. I know many of my loyal readers attend these shows since I have seen a lot of you there in recent years.</p><p>I will be doing my striper fishing shows at the <b>New England Fishing Expo</b> that runs from Feb. 2-4. It will be held this year at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlboro, MA. The seminar schedule is not out year so keep and eye on the website for more info. It can be found at www.nefishingexpo.com </p><p>I will also be at the <b>Springfield Sportsmens Show </b>at the Big E in Springfield, MA . That show runs from Feb, 23-25. Once again, check the website for updates. It can be found at www.osegsportsmens.com</p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-7594267728798571622024-01-05T16:46:00.000-08:002024-01-05T16:46:12.094-08:00Photo of the Day....First SLOT of the New Year<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2Yw0lxQI92AQwEKveDRosOngQ-ydWf026PI_l9NV-bhtqD0pS78-Rgmx2H7PSrD09k-LRAsNkds3P-bjXaj70uHQ2qMmssXuquGPswrM1yb3TBLkuRA48LLI4SotLnidAkVDkf8-8WrrO1PPYpum7wKfe0o1LUlN-pUxFMifVYlBf5oqzDXJPIlNfwxA/s2014/IMG_4238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2014" data-original-width="1510" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2Yw0lxQI92AQwEKveDRosOngQ-ydWf026PI_l9NV-bhtqD0pS78-Rgmx2H7PSrD09k-LRAsNkds3P-bjXaj70uHQ2qMmssXuquGPswrM1yb3TBLkuRA48LLI4SotLnidAkVDkf8-8WrrO1PPYpum7wKfe0o1LUlN-pUxFMifVYlBf5oqzDXJPIlNfwxA/w281-h375/IMG_4238.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, it can happen in January if you are <br />fishing the right spot and the right time.<br />And, you need a bit of luck!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-19687852288856497202024-01-01T13:24:00.000-08:002024-01-01T13:24:35.166-08:00Celebrating New Year's Day.....From the Kayak!<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOynh9wgy-mnGPZAbA_On5gfpM7yk8q2SsNQB78kglkwjhFanouMLt7Zr8QxQCGltlpaPQu9oZMLLRyW1zu2TnLdRw38iql-Y90CxjfVppqAFQOhtVzF0A-Hu76BmabCvSAKjpW92f0VjEPRkqMSDQ0wDZAQ7ptInEc-CN5Wt53_0w9zVhZJbF45qQSwPP/s2738/GOPR1834%20-%20Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2738" data-original-width="1672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOynh9wgy-mnGPZAbA_On5gfpM7yk8q2SsNQB78kglkwjhFanouMLt7Zr8QxQCGltlpaPQu9oZMLLRyW1zu2TnLdRw38iql-Y90CxjfVppqAFQOhtVzF0A-Hu76BmabCvSAKjpW92f0VjEPRkqMSDQ0wDZAQ7ptInEc-CN5Wt53_0w9zVhZJbF45qQSwPP/s320/GOPR1834%20-%20Copy.JPG" width="195" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This hefty schoolie was one<br />of three that I landed today<br />from the Yak.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm on the board for 2024.</p><p>I went out today on New Year's Day in my kayak, the first adventure of the year in the yak. I had low expectations but was fishing a winter holdover location. I figured one striper, any size, would be an accomplishment. Well, I ended up with three of them along with another hit. They were all schoolies from 20 to 24 inches. All were caught on NLBN paddle tails.</p><p>One New Year's resolution for me is to fish more from the kayak this year. Last year on many occasions that I went out, I landed staggering numbers of fish, sometimes under a noon day sun. And, I had a lot of big ones in the 30 to 40 inch range. There was rarely anyone else fishing in the spots I frequented, much like today. No crowds to deal with and good numbers of fish- can't beat it!</p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-87454139899993380982023-12-25T07:13:00.000-08:002023-12-25T07:13:40.733-08:00To all my Loyal Followers.....<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><i>Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiFMUbQ-jbaK6LXUdvCs4pbORKs_ce840L2B8WTRk1FnP3BPbiMRNtn9lRjb3YXnGDgB0QPW7V1wnCwLwcC-oB5zSwdl-Hp_5onsjZEV2kZ2wJz0IYQEeR8AjVaSaGgsDO77rzRegaGZrfXB50oLMT7UsOUog3oa_1ih0RqH8H_jO3GbyxSamW7ADT5yN/s3904/IMG_4030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2928" data-original-width="3904" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiFMUbQ-jbaK6LXUdvCs4pbORKs_ce840L2B8WTRk1FnP3BPbiMRNtn9lRjb3YXnGDgB0QPW7V1wnCwLwcC-oB5zSwdl-Hp_5onsjZEV2kZ2wJz0IYQEeR8AjVaSaGgsDO77rzRegaGZrfXB50oLMT7UsOUog3oa_1ih0RqH8H_jO3GbyxSamW7ADT5yN/w412-h309/IMG_4030.jpg" width="412" /></a></b></span></div><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><br /><i><br /></i></b></span><p></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-25286711956215904272023-12-21T17:45:00.000-08:002023-12-21T17:45:43.692-08:00Grading the 2023 Season Here in RI<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRATdEOHG-OY257HiiQMJtfvu14gG_i4kyT-CFXdGKT89zjNJPL1IfAZH3RRkai5tJs3zLdVxESCNxk3YmAn6wf6DOY-hiVMvqMcEuXskxuXzSU5jcA2efblMJGVMaZKFIsgAdy3HKKbKNX5csLL9sArwBr9RbAfmauvlgDqL_NRtptdtDDjHhgPGCfNLv/s4000/GOPR1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRATdEOHG-OY257HiiQMJtfvu14gG_i4kyT-CFXdGKT89zjNJPL1IfAZH3RRkai5tJs3zLdVxESCNxk3YmAn6wf6DOY-hiVMvqMcEuXskxuXzSU5jcA2efblMJGVMaZKFIsgAdy3HKKbKNX5csLL9sArwBr9RbAfmauvlgDqL_NRtptdtDDjHhgPGCfNLv/s320/GOPR1714.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a very good year for slot and above slot<br />stripers from shore and kayak in Narragansett Bay.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This season had its ups and downs. Striper fishing overall was very good for large fish, slots and above, but a lack of schoolies was evident. Bluefish showed in good numbers with large fish fairly plentiful in the first half of the season. Albies were a disappointment overall. Here is an in depth look at how things went for me in 2023.</p><p><b>Stripers:</b></p><p><b>Schoolies</b>- We continue to see a decline in the numbers of schoolies which is probably due to poor spawning over the last five years in the Chesapeake Bay. The lack of schoolies, mostly those fish in the 14-24 inch range, was evident in the spring as the spring run of these small fish was poor along the south shore. I knew we were in for a different type of season when I landed my first five stripers along the oceanfront on April 18. They were all slot fish! It would be the first time in decades that I failed to catch a striper at the West Wall (hotspot in past years) in the month of April even though I tried there often. The schoolies were just not around in any numbers. For me, the Bay fished better than the oceanfront in the spring. It was mostly slot fish there with some schoolies mixed in. In fact, I caught very few small stripers through much of the year except in the late fall when we did have fair numbers of 16 to 20 inch schoolies around. <b>Grade for schoolies-C-</b></p><p><b>Slot fish- </b>The year started off at a 28-35 inch slot and then slimmed down to 28-31 inches. Regardless of what size you are using, there were very good numbers of these larger fish. Once again, the Bay fished hotter for me than the oceanfront in the spring and early summer. I was getting good numbers of these fish from both shore and kayak. May was especially good. Mixed in with these fish were good numbers of large bluefish (more on that later). This was a year in which I found less big menhaden in the Bay, although these slot fish were very willing to hit plugs like Jumpin Minnows, weightless flukes and Finesse Fish and NLBN paddle tails. This hot fishing for slots carried right into the fall with September being the best month of the fall. The big northeast blows from mid to late September brought super fishing along the oceanfront in the rough water. Still, the Bay continued to produce real well since a lot of peanut bunker were holed up in the Bay which attracted big numbers of slots. October and November fishing overall was subpar along the oceanfront. Note that we saw very few schools of peanut bunker along the oceanfront in mid to late fall. <b>Grade for slot stripers-A<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9YPXEKoZf1DLNlBnCTqLdF58SP_lgPLfURP7EwfdXTlwgGOm0WTS20lSiebFbyQZmD22o9q-71U72bOcQG0IeMz1DRyFe8znmB7HE1n8DG23uD6b1WpkH6fn7SMIxovSmobRjnbBKfpxjDrtP8L6NtfrKGamuPXLY8BFi3Y9VkjPyuEHbSkze73ozAqu/s2238/IMG_3801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="2238" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9YPXEKoZf1DLNlBnCTqLdF58SP_lgPLfURP7EwfdXTlwgGOm0WTS20lSiebFbyQZmD22o9q-71U72bOcQG0IeMz1DRyFe8znmB7HE1n8DG23uD6b1WpkH6fn7SMIxovSmobRjnbBKfpxjDrtP8L6NtfrKGamuPXLY8BFi3Y9VkjPyuEHbSkze73ozAqu/s320/IMG_3801.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both slots and over slots were abundant in 2023.<br />This one was taken in a September northeaster.<br />September was the hottest fall month this fall.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></p><p><b>Over Slots- </b>Those bigger fish, mostly over 35 inches were also around in good numbers, though I thought there were less around than last year. In other years I would find these fish around schools of large menhaden in the Bay. With less of this large bunker around, there were less large stripers around. Still, I was catching fair numbers of those 35 to 40 inch fish from both shore and kayak in the spring. September was excellent for slots and above slots in the stormy weather. My biggest striper of the year from RI, a 45 incher was caught on a float and jig in a September northeaster. I had quite q few fish from shore in the 40 inch during that rough September weather along the oceanfront. I also got several 40 inch stripers in the Bay fishing around schools of large peanut bunker from my kayak. <b>Grade for over slots- B</b></p><p><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApjVyuOPiWpaGlnV_1cMNqJgsjn62yEVNEqqQgiL6l_qv2yzKOiKLX9y_NaiRB12Wg8HRt_JENen0LoKD0FztugQ0GnuY4nF-2PBAgL8OVj-m3smwZrN9t2KQ__HvXBiu2cC2209T7pvLcUyJQg6yDPzs_ykfBRF1CDi9gTsPg4oNZejyILEI1n4eVLEg/s2695/IMG_3174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2695" data-original-width="1994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiApjVyuOPiWpaGlnV_1cMNqJgsjn62yEVNEqqQgiL6l_qv2yzKOiKLX9y_NaiRB12Wg8HRt_JENen0LoKD0FztugQ0GnuY4nF-2PBAgL8OVj-m3smwZrN9t2KQ__HvXBiu2cC2209T7pvLcUyJQg6yDPzs_ykfBRF1CDi9gTsPg4oNZejyILEI1n4eVLEg/s320/IMG_3174.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This monster blue was landed in <br />Narragansett Bay in May. There<br />were some monsters around, especially<br />in the first half of the season.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Bluefish-</b> I will say that I landed more bluefish this year than any year in the last decade. And, I had some monsters. They were around in good numbers, especially from May to September. While I never found massive blitzes of these fish, these seemed to be mixed in with the stripers. I found more in Narragansett Bay than along the oceanfront and had some wild days from my kayak in late spring. My first big hit on blues happened on May 20 in the Bay when I landed 17 from shore with fish up to 10 lbs. This hot fishing for blues would continue right into early summer as I landed many bluefish up into the 15 lb. range. The big ones were especially keying on the sparse schools of big menhaden. I was also getting big loners along the oceanfront, mostly on bucktail jigs. But, the blues seemed to all disappear as fall progressed and I caught very few in October and November. <b>Grade for blues- B</b></p><p><b>Albies- </b>One word spells it out- SUBPAR. Overall, the shore fishing was way off, but you had a better shot at catching from a boat. There were some around, but way off compared to other years. In fact, this will be the first year in recent memory that I failed to catch even one albie. In all my travels I never saw any within casting range. Those sharpies who put in a lot of time and effort from shore probably caught less than half of what they caught in 2022. I threw in the towel on these and opted to put in my time chasing the far more abundant stripers. I think the lack of peanut bunker and the big storms along the oceanfront in September contributed to the subpar albie fishing this year. <b>Grade for albies- C-</b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAPuGd6xr85SzendGRpb_Pjfqc8_i-7CN3OAxAYM0LfI5WsV1W0kx6pvc7Ri0AUbXyolthhcVXUG65jpYoHx_N8djbErOjX4J-NpIr9wQbF-wT9hA1y8p6jqgQQCqB15GGf7U-aa8cEEjLwXvfAyQ2B6ZqloAhxtsCgfdrubwbETOCWA8hyphenhyphenP-7abUH1Su/s4000/GOPR1670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAPuGd6xr85SzendGRpb_Pjfqc8_i-7CN3OAxAYM0LfI5WsV1W0kx6pvc7Ri0AUbXyolthhcVXUG65jpYoHx_N8djbErOjX4J-NpIr9wQbF-wT9hA1y8p6jqgQQCqB15GGf7U-aa8cEEjLwXvfAyQ2B6ZqloAhxtsCgfdrubwbETOCWA8hyphenhyphenP-7abUH1Su/s320/GOPR1670.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I caught good numbers of big blues from the kayak<br />in Narragansett Bay. They were often feeding<br />with the larger stripers.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-56010608928240667062023-12-03T08:12:00.000-08:002023-12-03T08:12:07.018-08:00Subpar November Exposes Big Problems<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgY0fMDOfrkAIxH5cUsx57_Bt4opfawQfGn6tFM_v0hjeNsacQledImbzK-Y7Z8p1h-LRYyRSI7tuc8wJav7ORZ7Lz9sqDCdlPR3MdB7B7pPUPc94gY39lUH39TY2SAzOGXVzh5aahM_51Swv3e1eetR-doPN4KUMM71JQOjlaJxSV1yNYBkAEwAiNcjb/s640/IMG_4069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgY0fMDOfrkAIxH5cUsx57_Bt4opfawQfGn6tFM_v0hjeNsacQledImbzK-Y7Z8p1h-LRYyRSI7tuc8wJav7ORZ7Lz9sqDCdlPR3MdB7B7pPUPc94gY39lUH39TY2SAzOGXVzh5aahM_51Swv3e1eetR-doPN4KUMM71JQOjlaJxSV1yNYBkAEwAiNcjb/s320/IMG_4069.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a November schoolie that hit<br />my NLBN paddle tails. It was a <br />subpar November with schoolies in<br />short supply.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />November is in the books, and it was NOT memorable. There was a time just a short while ago when November shore fishing was lights out. I remember that surf casters would simply sit on a lawn chair on any of those south shore beaches and just wait for waves of fish to move along the beach. Almost daily blitzes were common along much of the south shore of RI. In fact, I wrote many times that November was the new best month of the fall. Not this year. That has all gone by the wayside this in what I think might be a new trend for future Novembers.</p><p>For me, this November was a matter of picking off fish here and there. I would probe the white water, fish the boulder fields and work the breachway currents in search of a fish here and there. Rarely did I find blitzing fish with birds diving and lots of bait. And, even when I did find numbers of fish, I rarely saw anything showing. </p><p>This subpar November fishing exposes a big problem with the striped bass fishery. Novembers in the past, especially the second half of the month, used to be dominated by small schoolies, those fish in the 16 to 20 inch range. Those schoolies used to make up the bulk of the late November migration. Today, because of poor spawning in the Chesapeake Bay for the last 4 years, there are fewer and fewer of these schoolies around. Generally, I saw almost none all year until the end of November when we had some.</p><p>Everyone will rave about the bigger fish that were around in good numbers this year, mostly slots in the 28 to 31 inch range, but I also think there were less of them than last year for shore fishermen. Mixed in with those few November schoolies were occasional slots and even over slots that I caught mostly after dark. But, once again, less of them than last year.</p><p>This all points to a disturbing pattern of less fish with the pressing problem of far fewer schoolies. It does not bode well for the future unless the regulations are tightened.</p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-24533916917594324042023-11-28T15:53:00.000-08:002023-11-28T15:53:28.574-08:00Winding Down?<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbTyNXhpByGsc5DssRXBVrm87zaFUYzsYYC33LbdqqR2YzIYc7uAh79egLJrJf62EZlWngGKsCO6FzmJEH9GSbBcjfC_0UIbfa2aObDo9XHs-hsCQs1jLoIDj2pwwebr_g3TG5fIeFLJgx0S6KDngXzFjLpKRSbct2MmKbxz0dc0rd4a4z10n4SptAbtU/s2016/IMG_4086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbTyNXhpByGsc5DssRXBVrm87zaFUYzsYYC33LbdqqR2YzIYc7uAh79egLJrJf62EZlWngGKsCO6FzmJEH9GSbBcjfC_0UIbfa2aObDo9XHs-hsCQs1jLoIDj2pwwebr_g3TG5fIeFLJgx0S6KDngXzFjLpKRSbct2MmKbxz0dc0rd4a4z10n4SptAbtU/s320/IMG_4086.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the stripers lately have been schoolies<br />under 20 inches. Bucktail jigs and 3 inch NLBN<br />paddle tails have been the hot lures.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Normally I don't fish the oceanfront much after Thanksgiving, but I have had such good success lately that I am still fishing. While most of the fish of late November have been smaller schoolies (fish we have not seen most of the year), there are still some good fish around. I am also getting them in multiple spots along the oceanfront. On Thanksgiving evening/night I landed 9 bass with 3 slots and one over slot. I went back two days later and landed 7 bass, all under 20 inches. Yesterday afternoon/ evening I went out again and got skunked for the first time in weeks. Is it winding down? I think so but there are still fish trickling through and with a little effort I think you can still find some action. I plan to give it another week or so.</p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-32207636065788867262023-11-21T17:38:00.000-08:002023-11-21T17:38:34.066-08:00From Cold to HOT- Fishing Picks up Dramatically!<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA9TPjKHMFiBdgesB-rV064hF5xTVuWZ4YGnQVsM2bVQpVUMsqe2hcEzwCPlC9lNm9-5Z1YVoRzaR_S8OhWeoFqsJVRHW1FBMzoGum5dwKnKpBD3VOVJvwVfhuu2BzFZemvz02G4ZLVdxKZxR1Wua5oxKVXP6q98m3OeFePiqI2tpMKJ8LYGE1QPy7BtC/s1343/IMG_4074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1343" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikA9TPjKHMFiBdgesB-rV064hF5xTVuWZ4YGnQVsM2bVQpVUMsqe2hcEzwCPlC9lNm9-5Z1YVoRzaR_S8OhWeoFqsJVRHW1FBMzoGum5dwKnKpBD3VOVJvwVfhuu2BzFZemvz02G4ZLVdxKZxR1Wua5oxKVXP6q98m3OeFePiqI2tpMKJ8LYGE1QPy7BtC/s320/IMG_4074.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's been red hot fishing in the last four days for me.<br />The fish are all sizes from 15 inches to 40 inches!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />You never know what's going to happen in this game. I had been having a fair to poor November like everyone else, and I was just about ready to give it up when suddenly my luck turned around. The last 4 days/nights have been super good for me- over 60 stripers. While most of these fish have been schoolies, I've also had some real impressive fish in the 30 to 40 inch range. This has come with just about no other fishermen around since many have given up or they've chosen to stay home in this frigid weather. I'm catching good numbers both after dark and in the daytime and in multiple spots, so everything seems to be working right now.</p><p>What has touched this off in the places that I'm fishing is a sudden run of peanut bunker that I have not seen all month. Yesterday I saw big numbers of stripers blasting them out of the water at times as the bass were in a feeding frenzy. The lure that has worked great for me has been a 3 inch NLBN paddle tail on a half ounce jighead. In places where I need a long cast I am fishing this off a float. Where a long cast is not needed, I fish it alone. When the stripers are on peanut bunker, there is no better lure to use than the NLBN paddle tail.</p><p>So, while the fishing may be winding down for some, it is still going pretty well for me. How long will it continue? Don't know, but I do plan to keep fishing while the goings good.</p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-44478512600239111802023-11-19T15:31:00.000-08:002023-11-19T15:31:01.485-08:00Photo of the Month- Beauty of the Surf<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxERwhJB_6Mc1igjkFB1VjcDVfK-inZ6XnBfpv0vbaByg9Sn8MA8h4bdZ17wi34zpIk_U5fN1hC5t5mFaPm_BROJxWbLxQmdlmOtf_1UWjoU4Et3Vr2eN7FCr5nZ5a1x2kINKIT9yxz0Oo8GCZUuZ5wRLd8Gjm6nIsBJ22ImktBVG52eeC7liVgubLLBqm/s3410/IMG_3995%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2360" data-original-width="3410" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxERwhJB_6Mc1igjkFB1VjcDVfK-inZ6XnBfpv0vbaByg9Sn8MA8h4bdZ17wi34zpIk_U5fN1hC5t5mFaPm_BROJxWbLxQmdlmOtf_1UWjoU4Et3Vr2eN7FCr5nZ5a1x2kINKIT9yxz0Oo8GCZUuZ5wRLd8Gjm6nIsBJ22ImktBVG52eeC7liVgubLLBqm/w384-h265/IMG_3995%20(1).jpg" width="384" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of us live it every day!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-3366685778772419302023-11-10T16:09:00.001-08:002023-11-10T16:09:30.367-08:00Photo of the Day- The Photo Says it All<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN9FwEiOedb7A1jYz2cuhQorD5cCi5TuephYCIuLvXo_eVbJjRCWuwBtJyAgelMq7Bjlqq5iemW7aI7_L9Pq56aI6skZ01a4xfoqVMm_DZP4borDlGofiEcd3OjaCmD7U4f_Qus8yeXKtBnZh2W0-kFzeuXLB7SQL6KzB-qPyxgB3Q9vdx3aP6MgBZJfk/s640/IMG_4053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN9FwEiOedb7A1jYz2cuhQorD5cCi5TuephYCIuLvXo_eVbJjRCWuwBtJyAgelMq7Bjlqq5iemW7aI7_L9Pq56aI6skZ01a4xfoqVMm_DZP4borDlGofiEcd3OjaCmD7U4f_Qus8yeXKtBnZh2W0-kFzeuXLB7SQL6KzB-qPyxgB3Q9vdx3aP6MgBZJfk/w377-h282/IMG_4053.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know the fishing must be poor when there is <b>not<br />a single fisherman </b>off Charlestown Breachway right<br />before dark!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-6132779687423652552023-11-07T16:58:00.002-08:002023-11-19T15:35:48.707-08:00Should Be Better<p> This should be the peak of the fall fishing. Instead, we are looking at a November lull that has brought only fair to poor striper fishing along much of the oceanfront these first seven days of November. I've done a lot of driving around in November looking for fish, and I have seen and caught very little- way off compared to other years. In the last three days, I have seen no birds working or fish breaking anywhere. I have had to resort to slugging it out in some rough white water where I was able to pick up a fish here and there. Today I fished for about four hours in multiple spots in daylight and darkness and landed only two schoolies. I saw other people fishing yet did not see another fish landed. </p><p>As the calendar ticks away, we are staring at about two and one half to three weeks of worthwhile fishing left. The season is quickly winding down, but I do feel we will have more good fishing. I suspect we will have one more push of fish and bait along the RI oceanfront in mid November. </p><p>In the past, November has been blockbuster month for striper fishing in RI. So far, it's been a dud. Hopefully, it will change.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPHyZPssFYWEKGmtWAjt4yrA58A3CCTDsaozb5cLKd7UbrtzgR0XZkPi6ROypfI0TiBALGPGtoNCy7RczCnPFGmQtYrXdNCC60M0ewAUaENVM_-bf3mwqE5ZRTD5eDMfDqu0PyoEY8nqB_Rv7aoz-WlFyvqE6jiy8zdfZHYXQKd2eB0xq9kvN4BX6xko8/s2016/IMG_4050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPHyZPssFYWEKGmtWAjt4yrA58A3CCTDsaozb5cLKd7UbrtzgR0XZkPi6ROypfI0TiBALGPGtoNCy7RczCnPFGmQtYrXdNCC60M0ewAUaENVM_-bf3mwqE5ZRTD5eDMfDqu0PyoEY8nqB_Rv7aoz-WlFyvqE6jiy8zdfZHYXQKd2eB0xq9kvN4BX6xko8/w365-h274/IMG_4050.jpg" width="365" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of a couple of schoolies landed today on the <br />float and NLBN paddle tail. Fishing in November has<br />been a disappointment so far.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-76490841941218270922023-11-02T18:28:00.003-07:002023-11-02T18:28:25.933-07:00Loads of Bait, Cormorants and Gulls Diving, but Where's the Stripers?<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F9GshebpfMgVzgj1TzWow8PUW4Am4EF8nKVEQLAN7knLz7bHlegGJO9RtJzkTCLCb2xu5AMdDVdJVeQ7K3NzNrXYYT3u0WRv54dBGfRdXhkWxYTRTh4RTsd7QbcbWXmECLIInOb3tL7Yt3WBAvP4Q6OVfTdrzaOG5jm9em334oH9l7BnQCLeKNbkjYPM/s1932/IMG_4040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="1932" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F9GshebpfMgVzgj1TzWow8PUW4Am4EF8nKVEQLAN7knLz7bHlegGJO9RtJzkTCLCb2xu5AMdDVdJVeQ7K3NzNrXYYT3u0WRv54dBGfRdXhkWxYTRTh4RTsd7QbcbWXmECLIInOb3tL7Yt3WBAvP4Q6OVfTdrzaOG5jm9em334oH9l7BnQCLeKNbkjYPM/s320/IMG_4040.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big pile of mackerel at dark saved the day<br />which had been disappointing. The bait is around<br />but the stripers are in short supply as November<br />gets off to a slow start.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Today was a strange day. In fact, it has been a strange week that brought big numbers of small bait to the shore along with birds diving. But, stripers have been in short supply. Everywhere I went today I saw cormorants and gulls working close to shore, but I only saw exactly four stripers caught by loads of fishermen who were trying. I also saw very few stripers breaking on the bait. My only saving grace was at dark when I found big schools of mackerel (bullet or Spanish (no sure)) feasting on the bait and more than willing to hit my small NLBN offering. In addition, I was able to coax one striper into hitting my swimmer after dark in the same area where I found the macks.</p><p>So, here we are entering November. It has not been a memorable October for shore fishermen along the oceanfront here in RI. And, things are starting off very slowly for shore fishermen in November. I'm hoping it perks up quickly because we are staring at about three to four weeks left to our season.</p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-45527726054862314732023-10-27T18:10:00.000-07:002023-10-27T18:10:39.559-07:00Video of the Day- "You've Just Got to Find Them!"<p> And, I found big numbers of fish today. They are not in all the locations along the south shore, but with a little looking, you might just find a blitz underway. The fish are really on the move!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzD71tOvh7hpYQkosT6YFrH8tPkD1y5mlKL-cAh8rarLztRUBMlE3gEwMR2HH6RCV8mT-bBOvjkPC0eXFlsDQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-9477016984576152652023-10-25T17:37:00.001-07:002023-10-25T17:37:16.278-07:00Photo of the Day....NLBN Paddle Tail Strikes Again!<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA0t3XxpfpE2u3Q8DsnTYKtbi7qUglu27bu214xvGyXuQmmJ1tk4W4_UY1vUYAm81e0mPY4BP4786_nONTM5cPHPTbX3amVE5E1b-yA3IXvVckXVZhQv8jKxT36Z-_NPP-2PA61gWj9mMXe9EwA2L1qEXpn-fAjI4XJv7LePsq_cF2k3UulYpjY86AHd7/s2016/IMG_4018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA0t3XxpfpE2u3Q8DsnTYKtbi7qUglu27bu214xvGyXuQmmJ1tk4W4_UY1vUYAm81e0mPY4BP4786_nONTM5cPHPTbX3amVE5E1b-yA3IXvVckXVZhQv8jKxT36Z-_NPP-2PA61gWj9mMXe9EwA2L1qEXpn-fAjI4XJv7LePsq_cF2k3UulYpjY86AHd7/w363-h272/IMG_4018.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bait was small today, and the stripers were plentiful and fussy.<br />It was a perfect set-up for a 3 inch NLBN (No Live Bait<br />Needed) paddle tail. And, it worked like a charm!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-81772768044290487302023-10-24T17:20:00.000-07:002023-10-24T17:20:48.693-07:00Loaded with Bait/Fish BUT Way Out<p> I had a frustrating day of it yesterday. For hours, I watched masses of birds diving onto bait as predators attacked from below (see video below). This was happening in multiple spots. And, it was all happening out of casting range. This is a pattern that I've seen very often this fall. A lot of the bait and migrating stripers are tracking well off the shore. It was only during those northeast blows in September that we saw consistent action close to shore.</p><p>Yesterday, I was almost sure something big would happen close to dark. And, just as the sun set I saw a small pod of stripers start busting right in front of me. I tossed my float and jig right into them two casts in a row but no takers. So, I scrambled to quickly snap on a Yo- Zuri Hydro Pencil which got hit immediately. I was onto a decent fish when suddenly I lost it. I reeled in quickly and ran to my right as the fish were moving in that direction. Next cast, Bang! I had another fish on but I lost that one also close to shore after a decent fight. And, those were my chances. Darkness arrived and it was all over.</p><p>Yup, this was a frustrating day for a surfcaster, but that's the way it goes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzSMR-dILLbpyRy6BaY0zsBvZ14thg649Dca7YNQY7pzziBl7kuKRBErJZXAh27ATzizIMamCI80ckFSkHnFw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-37851175307725412382023-10-17T16:40:00.003-07:002023-10-17T16:44:02.497-07:00Photo of the Day....Stunning Rainbow off the Beach<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R9yJjyaJAyr29GCZn9tVuxUk3f51aRJgS8m71nBufMM-tfdTjnKlRgHaqNMX8P9eC0W7PM-zShjg71zm8Z4wX9LFm5BYxMJqYyNl-ggmbnnp3VYJNNG6NS0o0ctG4BkyTNFwyNNpnyCweOYELlpQXgd8pwvDnTq1d0I9Qfia_vjywt6eXOAWpdkizud0/s3787/IMG_3972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3787" data-original-width="2840" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R9yJjyaJAyr29GCZn9tVuxUk3f51aRJgS8m71nBufMM-tfdTjnKlRgHaqNMX8P9eC0W7PM-zShjg71zm8Z4wX9LFm5BYxMJqYyNl-ggmbnnp3VYJNNG6NS0o0ctG4BkyTNFwyNNpnyCweOYELlpQXgd8pwvDnTq1d0I9Qfia_vjywt6eXOAWpdkizud0/w262-h350/IMG_3972.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yesterday's rainbow was a stunner.<br />Unfortunately, there was no pot of gold<br />and no fish at the end of the rainbow!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-3348227869261617092023-10-15T18:36:00.001-07:002023-10-17T16:19:04.321-07:002023 Chesapeake Bay Young of the Year Index of 1.0 Near Historic Low; Will this Trigger BIG Changes for Striper Fishermen in 2024?<p> The future of our striped bass fishery took a big hit in the recent release of the 2023 Young of the Year survey in Chesapeake Bay. Stripers spawn in the Chesapeake and this index is a measure of the the spawning success or failure. This year's index was an abysmal 1.0, one of the worst spawning years ever (it was .89 in 2012). This comes on the heels of 5 poor spawning years in a row (see chart below). In addition, the young-of the year index for Virginia waters was 4.2, significantly less than the average of 7.7. It is clear to see that the fishery is in trouble. Some blame warming waters, others blame over fishing and poor management.</p><p>For the average fishermen, this was a pretty good year. We have had very good numbers of 26 to 34 inch stripers around. But, there are big warning signs here. First off, there are almost no small stripers under 24 inches. Those should make up the bulk of the population. Poor spawning in the last 5 years has taken a toll on the small ones. In addition, I think there are less of those 26 to 34 inch stripers around this year than in previous years. The recreational fishermen have taken those out in record numbers in recent years, and that's why the slot size was decreased to 28 to 31 inches. Poaching and mortality rates have also reduced this population. And finally, those big fish (over 34 inches) numbers seem to be less this year than in previous years. The commercial fishery has targeted those fish. Those are the problems; the fix is more complicated and will be painful for many.</p><p>This Young of the Year result will force the issue for fisheries councils that have been simply kicking the can for years in an effort to appease a lot of user groups. If I were to venture a guess, I think we are in for big changes next year in an effort to preserve those slot size fish. Right now, they are the hope for the future. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNHMZJzgW3Bg_z8sLujrow_XXME5r7ESbvSfjBCzd2Dj8Nnh6_6G4r5nfeJ_NVGi5JTdkovrt8ngGFXtjDKWf1zr71BNrE0U7gRoWhv28t71m4o_Yf5AoQPKTrN4_lQDbcBEL0X8SmLd26PyseVNb8s1QMXrvTMP9IBjGm2yJqDwsPz2tW9aJeqzqEm-X6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1000" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNHMZJzgW3Bg_z8sLujrow_XXME5r7ESbvSfjBCzd2Dj8Nnh6_6G4r5nfeJ_NVGi5JTdkovrt8ngGFXtjDKWf1zr71BNrE0U7gRoWhv28t71m4o_Yf5AoQPKTrN4_lQDbcBEL0X8SmLd26PyseVNb8s1QMXrvTMP9IBjGm2yJqDwsPz2tW9aJeqzqEm-X6=w504-h315" width="504" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1304690754708006682.post-54902582613964320442023-10-14T17:56:00.001-07:002023-10-14T17:56:40.909-07:00Mayhem on the Beach!<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaP1ahI8wstrM2VkrIR-IgPUShgyPKej9X79VcSsXgyuz7OzXGq0dkSMSok2yrc-NaNm1zf2Cn3pDXERC1vFLHGr4ZblzO0ZGLTqBEWnx_vzG9ZTDdjNx002AUa-jmOSwmLkxJ1e8UMCfZ25fAlfZu5Xvkv3aC7IKk4Et9YXmEzikFyHWT1vtmkZQ9U0Ya/s2776/IMG_3964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1741" data-original-width="2776" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaP1ahI8wstrM2VkrIR-IgPUShgyPKej9X79VcSsXgyuz7OzXGq0dkSMSok2yrc-NaNm1zf2Cn3pDXERC1vFLHGr4ZblzO0ZGLTqBEWnx_vzG9ZTDdjNx002AUa-jmOSwmLkxJ1e8UMCfZ25fAlfZu5Xvkv3aC7IKk4Et9YXmEzikFyHWT1vtmkZQ9U0Ya/s320/IMG_3964.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beachfront was running hot today with lots<br />of slot fish in a mid day blitz.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> I have been chasing stripers up and down beaches for the last three days. Today I set out on a long walk in search of them. I saw a few birds working in the distance about a quarter mile from where I was so I went down the shore to investigate. As I got to the spot which seemed to be a longer walk than what I anticipated, the water in front of me erupted. Birds diving, fish breaking all around me, peanut bunker flying out of the water. It was mayhem, and the stripers were on a rampage. They were jumping all over my 5 inch NLBN paddle tail as soon as it hit the water.</p><p>It was a rare moment where I was completely alone on the beach. The nearest fisherman was maybe three hundred yards away. For half an hour it was a fish or a hit on just about every cast. And, the fish were decent, running 26 to 30 inches.</p><p>Right now, the stripers and the bait are on the move. They are popping up in various places daily along the RI south shore oceanfront. I've seen everything from a few fish breaking to all out blitzes to completely dead in the last few days. You just have to find them. Realize, too, that those dead spots can suddenly erupt just when you think there is nothing around.</p><p>The fall migration is in full swing right now.</p>Dave Pickeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15004175653983821214noreply@blogger.com