Ridge Runners and River Rats on the Road

Last weekend found the RRRR crew in Southern Maine sniffing the salty sea air.  As the pungent brine smell hits my olfactory glands I instantly flash back to the last three times I have been either on the ocean or it's shoreline in my pursuit for a finned creature that calls that high salinity environment it's home.  The Striped Bass, Striper or Rockfish are all names that this elusive (at least to me) fish bear.  The striper has always appealed to me and those three excursions previous were my attempts to put my hands on one.  Every person I have talked to has a slightly different approach on putting a hook into one.  After hours of researching on the internet, I decided that any method you can dream up is someone's "secret" method.  This trip, I had an extra trick up my sleeve.  That was local knowledge!  Heather has family that lives in Old Orchard Beach and Saco.  I mentioned my quest for stripers to three of her uncles, Roger, Rick and Joe, and before I knew it plans were made and bait was bought!  We were headed out the next morning!  The location that was decided upon was Gougan's Rocks (not sure on the spelling) right on Old Orchard Beach.  A few of the fellow beach dwellers raised an eyebrow as we walked by with a varied assortment of surf rods, but we were not to be diverted on our quest.  I quickly learned how to sew on a whole mackerel and set a slide sinker, and then it was wade as far into the pounding surf as you could and use the length of the surf roads to cast the bait away from the shore.  The waiting game then commenced as we slid the rods into custom built PVC pipes made to stand firm in the sand.  It was different than  I am used to as each wave gave the illusion of a bite which made me jumpy in the beginning.  Then we noticed the birds feeding and Clinton explained to us that it was a good sign, because they are usually feeding above feeding fish.  Sure enough as the birds worked over us the rod bent deeply and pulled free of the rod holder.  I dove for the rod and as my knuckles tightened around the grips, I could feel the unmistakeable head shake of a fish.  My first observation was that this fish was strong, and was not interested in coming to see me!  As I fought the fish, I was getting some good coaching tips, the main one was to use the waves to help.  I would gain ground as a wave would roll in, and lose ground as it receded, but I was gaining more than I was losing.  Before I knew it,  I could see the dorsal fin breaking the surface of a wave, I was gaining on it!  After a careful, very fun tug-of-war, the beautiful striped fish was laying on the sand.  A quick measure showed it was 34" and therefore would have to go back as in Maine only fish between 20-26" or over 40"can be kept.  We quickly unhooked it, held it up for a couple of pictures and then I waded out into the waves and held it under water for only a few seconds before it sprang to life.  I had caught a striper and a nice one at that!  My goal was achieved!  Thanks to all who had a hand in helping make my wish a reality!    The picture is below.

Drake also had his first Cabela's visit and he was thoroughly impressed!

Stay tuned as there is lots more going on, I spent today on the water and have lots of pictures and video yet to come.  Check back soon!