(Hey, those are just the words to a song by Don Henley--remember?) Anyway, these big ol' things are what we would be using for baits. The theory is big bait, big fish--and that theory would indeed prove to be correct.
It couldn't have been a nicer day. We could feel the cares of the world begin to be left behind as the calm of the bay water began to work its way into our souls...
He followed us for a while, no doubt thinking we might have a tasty treat. Because as we all know, for most gulls it is not flying that matters, but eating.
Paul fast on to a big fish. Look at that smile! Paul says that catching big fish is a lot like work, but I'm not sure he smiles like that at the office.
The fish, of course, not me! I knew this was a big one from the moment I picked up the rod. It was the first striper I've caught that I would say really put up a great fight. Of course, the fact that it was 44 inches long probably had something to do with it.
but the fish looks great! Immediately after this picture she, like all our fish, was let go to swim again another day--and hopefully to make more big fish babies next year.
About 4 inches shorter than my fish, but probably 10 pounds heavier. Look at the belly on that fish! She hadn't spawned yet. Paul is into another one as well...
This was the biggest fish of the day. Forty seven inches long and probably closing in on forty pounds. Paul said this fish let him know he (Paul) had arm muscles he never knew he had before.
Look at the bend in those rods. Those are some serious fish... and serious fishermen!
The rods back in the holders, a chill returning to the air, we are well contented as we head for home.
Enjoying our last bit of time on the water. What a relaxing day... Why do I always wait so long to go back out?