Today’s marine forecast predicted winds of 10 knots or more. Weathermen, as any seasoned mariner knows, need to put more emphasis on the word “more.” Putting Joe on a boat with a two foot chop would be the last place anyone in a similar condition might be. We strategized a game plan knowing full well of today’s conditions. Striper fishing has been fabulous in the upper bay this spring. We had a great morning tide. It is tough to pass on conditions like this. There is time to rest when the summer months slow the bite. What made this trip feasible are the pulpits that are mounted onboard Cast a Fly. Joe felt comfortable and controlled while capsulated by the cage.
Over the past three weeks I’ve gotten some insight about the man. Believe me he is no ordinary guy when he come to setting goals. I suspect catching a quality striper on a fly has to be near the top of his list.
We tie on the same olive and white Clouser pattern but this time it is a slightly different. Joe has his brand new Sage 9 weight and wants to christen that puppy in a big way. Talk about pressure. After three casts, he’s tight to a striper. He lands a dozen bass in the 3-4 lbs range along the Bristol shoreline between Colt State Park and Popasquash Point. The tide starts to pull and with the up coming wind turbulence develops. There are ample amount of bunker all over the bay. First we see a bass swirl and a bunker fleeing. Seconds later a second attempt hits a bull eye. Joe makes a cast across the port beam and the minute the fly hits, this bass rolls on the surface like slapping a bunker. He’s on and the reel is singing a tune every fishing captain likes to hear, “Kind of a Drag.”
There are different mountains to climb in life. Glad Joe I was in this expedition to see first hand a gentleman make it to the top. I trust you’ll be looking for other taller mountains to conquer.
