First time really fishing this morning...

[ped579]

I will post a picture later but for now we caught bass to 22" this morning.  If you think they are not here yet that's okay I will catch them and tell you about them here.

We hit the beach around 9:30 after a late start.  Went in at Gillkins and saw birds working right away.  We set up right there and started fishing.  We were using fresh clams and salted clams that my Uncle just had to have.  The rigs were identical in line and rigs. We both were not too successful for the first hour so I decided to change things a bit.

I went to a lighter sinker so the rig would slowly skid along the bottom.  Cast out and with in 15 minutes fish on.  It was great to feel that first real tug of the season.  It was a nice 22" bass.  Nice and clean fish with a full belly.  Released it to grow a tad more.

So the rig that is catching now is a HI/LO rig with either a 2/0 or 3/0 circle hook.  Why so small?  Because that is what the fish are looking for right now.  Small hooks that hold small baits.  The working bait of choice right now is fresh clams cut small.

I found out that by letting the sinker bounce a bit does a couple of things you can target your cast to the opening of a trough (slough to the real marine fanatics) and let the rig slowly slide into the opening (the current today was from south to north).  If there are any fish in there feeding on bait that has been trapped your chances of the slow motion won't spook the fish and well, clams to a striper right now is like candy to a kid.

My best advice is to learn to read the beaches and use that knowledge because everything has changed drastically out here.  The outer bar is way out but the trough is about twice the size it was last year.  Debris is still washing up as there were telephone pole size logs on the beach.  If you are boating just off the beach be careful as I'm sure there will be debris just below the surface that you won't be able to see but your hull or underwater workings will find with ease.

They're here and they will only get bigger as the season goes on.  Get out there and enjoy the fishing before the crowds of summer are upon us.

One other side note I won't be fishing till next week, my airbags on the Expedition went while in the driveway after the beach access, so now its time to see the dealer for a repair on Monday, UGG I can't catch a break this year.

Happy Catching

Paul

[IrishAyes]

It's starting. Thanks for the report Paul. 

[Kenny]

Great start to 2013 Paul 

[Bucktail]

 

[Reel McCoy]

Thanks for the report, Paul. 

[Hunter 2]

Good info Paul.

[fluke - u]

 .......

[Salty Dog]

Thanks Paul .

[gymrat987654321]

Nice 

[Hotrod]

 

[Still Running]

 

[ped579]

Finally got the picture off the phone.

[PeggyLee]

You got it figured out. 

[Pops Soul]

Nice report Paul 

[Luna Sea 5]

 

[RON B]