im done fishing striped bass

[Scott Bailey]

im done fishing striped bass ive spent almost 800 bucks on  tackle and trips for them (5 trips) and i have not caught one single bass ive gotten skunked on every single trip and im tired of wasting money tonight was a major bust just like all my other striped bass trips this sucks and i know its not the tackle i use (30 lb floro leader and 5/0 gami octos)

[Hunter 2]

That's tough,  your chances are much better late April-May and the fall run.  Time for Fluking

[Still Running]

 

[Takes Prizoners]

where you fishing (location) and how (boat or surf)? The spring was pretty good for me striper wise but timing is everything

[Ms Fish]

When you look at it like that; sure I can see why you would be upset. But don't get yourself down or discouraged about fishing for them. Sounds like this may have been your first shot at them. The first season (spring run) I went for them I didn't catch one either. But with perseverance, learning from the guys on here, and fishing with some of them that know the in's and outs of 'how to', I managed to learn quite a bit and now able to produce them. Give yourself another chance this fall; talk with the guys on here and keep at um! You will be so happy you did when you land your first one. (that is if you haven't already) We are all here to help one another!       

[fellinger]

You gotta be in it to win it! I don't even want to know what some of us spend in a season to catch a few fish.... Gas, dock fees, tackle, gear, etc.

I would suggest booking a charter early or getting on a charter's open boat if they offer them. There are many great Captain's out there, each with their own specialty. The key is to book early because these guys book fast.

[Scott Bailey]

That's tough,  your chances are much better late April-May and the fall run.  Time for Fluking

i do better fluking then i do stripers AND IVE ONLY CAUGHT ONE KEEPER FLUKE IN MY LIFE

[Scott Bailey]

where you fishing (location) and how (boat or surf)? The spring was pretty good for me striper wise but timing is everything

I went out of both brielle and point pleasent both from the surf and from a boat

[Scott Bailey]

When you look at it like that; sure I can see why you would be upset. But don't get yourself down or discouraged about fishing for them. Sounds like this may have been your first shot at them. The first season (spring run) I went for them I didn't catch one either. But with perseverance, learning from the guys on here, and fishing with some of them that know the in's and outs of 'how to', I managed to learn quite a bit and now able to produce them. Give yourself another chance this fall; talk with the guys on here and keep at um! You will be so happy you did when you land your first one. (that is if you haven't already) We are all here to help one another!       

ive done everything right live eels live and cut bunker crocodile spoons 6 different trips and not one fish i have gone on a boat with 20 guys everyone left with a bass but me grrrr

[Scott Bailey]

You gotta be in it to win it! I don't even want to know what some of us spend in a season to catch a few fish.... Gas, dock fees, tackle, gear, etc.

I would suggest booking a charter early or getting on a charter's open boat if they offer them. There are many great Captain's out there, each with their own specialty. The key is to book early because these guys book fast.

only problem is i dont have the money to keep spending a hundred dollars each time to target them and catch nothing i have the gear and tackle if i could catch a few it would be different i have gone on  boats where everybody left with bass but me that drives me nuts!

[Fisherman120]

No disrespect meant to any other boats, but for livelining on a party boat, you need to go on the Big Mohawk. They charge 10$ less then the other boats and bring less people on, while staying out longer and have a much more experienced and involved crew. On top of that, their Captain really cares a lot. They're not out to make a buck, they want to fish.

I remember when I wanted to "give up" on stripers, I had 4 skunks in a row on party boats and countless skunks from the surf. I made "one last trip"(Which was on the BM) and I lost count of how many 25s I caught that night, to go with a 30 and my personal best at 40. I will never forget that night no matter what. I will have better trips then that night in the future, but I will never forget that one. The skunks is what makes good fishing so great. I've had countless trips on both surf and boat where I caught jackshit, but when I do catch them(And as I get older/more experienced I am catching more and more) it makes it just that much more worth it. The 1000's of dollars and hours is worth it in the end. Their is no better hobby then this one.

Surf fishing hasn't been good, and my 2 fluke trips on PBs this year haven't been good. When I limit out though or catch an 8 lber, etc, those trips will be all worth it. It balances out in the end, trust me.

[Scott Bailey]

No disrespect meant to any other boats, but for livelining on a party boat, you need to go on the Big Mohawk. They charge 10$ less then the other boats and bring less people on, while staying out longer and have a much more experienced and involved crew. On top of that, their Captain really cares a lot. They're not out to make a buck, they want to fish.

I remember when I wanted to "give up" on stripers, I had 4 skunks in a row on party boats and countless skunks from the surf. I made "one last trip"(Which was on the BM) and I lost count of how many 25s I caught that night, to go with a 30 and my personal best at 40. I will never forget that night no matter what. I will have better trips then that night in the future, but I will never forget that one. The skunks is what makes good fishing so great. I've had countless trips on both surf and boat where I caught jackshit, but when I do catch them(And as I get older/more experienced I am catching more and more) it makes it just that much more worth it. The 1000's of dollars and hours is worth it in the end. Their is no better hobby then this one.

Surf fishing hasn't been good, and my 2 fluke trips on PBs this year haven't been good. When I limit out though or catch an 8 lber, etc, those trips will be all worth it. It balances out in the end, trust me.

il have to try the big mohawk but if i dont get anything thats it im not gonna put another dime into those striped demons thanks fisherman

[Takes Prizoners]

where you fishing (location) and how (boat or surf)? The spring was pretty good for me striper wise but timing is everything

I went out of both brielle and point pleasent both from the surf and from a boat

wait til they're on the move again for the fall run and watch the reports before you go.  not just from here but from as many sources you can find.  I didn't get out to the surf this spring but it's usually a "should've been here yesterday" or "should've stay longer" trip when I do. I did get to fish SR and MI a couple times and again, slow days.  As far as boats go, Don't get caught in the hype of famous boats. try them all out atleast once.  I went to 2 of the big names last fall and they were 2 of the absolute worst trips ever. Mates slacking off while I need a net, grossly overcrowding when regulars decide they want to go fishing and show up 3 minutes to departure and then changing the game plan. Now I fish on 1 boat only for blues and 1 boat only for stripers. Now to increase your chances for the fall run, keep an eye out for the reports daily, search this site for past articles (one in particular was about reading the surf),  bring at least 2 setups (1 for tossing baits and 1 for tossing plugs/metals/etc), spend time out on low tide so you can see what's out there under the high tide.  There's a lot to learn and tons of prep to do to make every trip successful.  But it's fishing and there will still be bad days and then there will be stellar days.

Here was the big surprise for me this spring and I lost $50 on a bet because of it.  After the flooding rain storms last month, I bet my buddy I wouldn't catch anything in our spot because of the high water (never have before).  I was targeting walleye in the river by my house cause there was a hot bite according to the reports.  No one was there when I got there which also is very unusual.  Not 10 minutes later, I land a 30" striper.  I'VE NEVER IN MY LIFE SEEN A STRIPER UP HERE.  So you never know whats actually going to happen on your trip.  Keep at it and eventually it'll all come together.  

[Pfishingruven]

 

Fishing doesn't necessarily have to be about spending a lot of money. I won't tell you how many hours I spent from when I was a teenager into my mid 20's (before I had kids) fishing the surf. The ratio of time and money to fish caught is not very high! Yet, there were days that made all up for it and made me forget all the bad ones. Days of skunks, tangles, lost lures and even being hit in the back of the head with 8 ounces of lead from yahoo fishermen. Most importantly, I just enjoy fishing. The thrill of potentially catching is what keeps me coming back.

With that said, of course everyone wants to catch fish and not catching when others are can be aggravating. Sometimes it is luck, sometimes skill/experience, other times there is no explanation at all...it's up to the fish. If you are looking to catch, I would definitely save up and hop on a Charter Boat; either open or group charter. As you become more confident, then PB trips may get easier and more rewarding for you.

Like I tell my kids when we are fishing...have fun and don't get discouraged. When they get discouraged or aggravated, lines come out of the water and we take a walk, pack up for the day or just take a break. Somehow, the pressure and stress you put on yourself to catch and do everything right, seems to go right down the line. Relax, have fun and enjoy the free time of fishing, otherwise it is just not worth it (unless you are a commercial guy making a living off of catching )

 

[BigAl13]

Choose wisely, pick your time of year and moon phase as well as a good captain and you will spend fewer hours and dollars trying and more time catching.  I suggest hoping on a charter boat in the spring somewhere between April 20th and June 10th, they earlier you choose the further north you will want to fish. Spending $125- to $150 on a charter that provides everything and increases your odds at catching 75% will be beneficial to you in the long run.

[cricker]

i thought i was done striper fishing too after not catching a keeper for 2 years, then my first trip to graveling point this year i got a keeper and a bunch of shorts,the trip cost maybe $15 for gas and another $10 for bloodworms, just gotta keep at it, eventually it will happen

[fellinger]

If you don't buy your own tackle and gear you can certainly afford a charter. They all use top-shelf gear.

[IrishAyes]

I've been fishing for more years than you have probably been on this earth and I still catch the skunk, so don't let that get to you. If someone tells you they catch every trip you can bet that they are being less than honest with you.

Keep at it, fish with others and, if they are catching, watch them to see what it is that they are doing that you are not. Copy that and more often than not, you will then start to catch.

[wb]

ok then, give it up. more fish for me!

seriously, book a striper trip in spring or fall on da Monger or with FishStix. If they are there you will catch them. As close to garr-n-teed as you can get in fishing.

and that's just 2 of many great boats and Capts that come to mind.

[Scott Bailey]

thanks guys for all the help and advice but i dont think im cut out for stripers i hardly get out to jersey to fish anyway and paying 80 or 90 a shot to catch nothing isnt worth it il go for stuff i can catch (sea bass ling fluke flounder) maybe il try for stripers again in the future but not any time soon