Surfcasting Philosophy

"Fishing bait is like kissing my mother...its easy to do, but it doesn't give me a thrill" - Anthony Lombardo

"Sometimes chicken, sometimes feathers" - Ken Kassan

"You can sleep in December" - Vito Orlando

"Any asshole can drop a bucktail into an inlet and catch a bass" - George Wade

"Fishing isn’t fair." - Mike Arma

"I’d rather be lucky than good." - Bob Jones

"Some guys are 100% honest in every aspect of their lives, but when it comes to fishing, they lie like hell." - Bill Kelly

"He catches one good fish, or he sees a good fish, and the whole beach knows within 24 hours! It doesn't matter who he's talking to, he spills his guts on demand. He's like one of those birds when feeding its young." - Mike Arma

On fishing contests: "The pen is mightier than the rod." - Mitch Sarro

"So much water.......So little time" - Manny Moreno

"I've had plenty of 30's (pounders), but that was before I carried a scale" - old Farragut saying

"When you spent a lot of time on the water, you lose touch with what's happening on the land. Record deals, family problems, career decisions, all that stuff is somehow washed from your mind and you just think about the fish, the wind, the water depth, the current, the tide, the voyage." - Jimmy Buffet, from A Pirate Looks At Fifty

"I fish, therefore I am." - René Descartes (1596-1650)

"For our discussion of surfcasting is no trifling matter, but is the way to conduct our lives….nobody untrained in fishing may enter my house." - Plato (c.428-c.348 BCE)

"All men by nature desire to fish." - Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

"There are two modes of acquiring fishing knowledge, namely by reasoning and experience. Reasoning draws a conclusion and makes us grant the conclusion, but does not make the conclusion certain, nor does it remove doubt so that the mind may rest on the intuition of truth, unless the mind discovers it by the path of experience….the only way you will know for sure is to get your ass out there and make that first cast." - Roger Bacon (c.1220-1292)

"While fishing, Man is free, and everywhere else he is in chains." - Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

"No man's fishing knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Locke (1632-1704)

"Fishing is pleasure accompanied by the idea of catching a fish, and pain accompanied by the idea of getting skunked." - Benedict Spinoza (1632-1677)

"Three things are necessary for the salvation of a trip: to know where to go; to know what to throw; and to know what tide." - Thomas Aquinas (c.1224-1274)
 
 

 1. Want your line to glide through your guides with less friction? Try spraying some WD40 on the spool.

2. If you hook into a big fish, ease up on the drag when you get it in close. Chances are, that big fish is going to make one last attempt at freedom, especially when it feels the bottom. This is how many trophy fish are lost.

3. Line is cheap. We spend so much time trying to catch that one fish. Change line as often as possible. When fishing around heavy structure, some veterans change line after each trip.

4. Replacement hooks are cheap. There's no excuse for losing a fish to a rusty or dull hook. Replace them as soon as they show signs of rust, and SHARPEN them frequently.

5. Crushing the barbs has little impact on your ability to hold a fish. As a matter of fact, a sharp barbless hook will probably penetrate faster and hold better. Of course, a barbless hook is better for the fish, and it makes release a snap.

6. When fishing at night, always carry two (2) lights. That primary light always seems to die at the worst possible time.

7. Plier sheaths and scale pouches are good, but chances are, you will still lose the contents in the water, or on some dark beach. Use phone cord to attach all items to your belt.

8. Check your line and leader often. Run your hand up and down the line and leader after each fish. This is especially true for the lighter leaders (tippets) used by flyrodders.

9. Many plugs come with three sets of treble hooks. There is usually no need for the middle hook. Remove as soon as you take it out of the package. Many plugs require an "upgrade," that is you may need to go one size larger on the hooks.

10. Always use "3X Strong" hooks for plugs. Even medium size bass and blues will straighten out a weaker treble if they get a little leverage.

11. Always carry pliers capable of cutting a heavy gauge saltwater hook. It will eventually save you or a buddy a trip to the emergency room.

12. Jetties and waders do not mix. Wading belts offer little help should you decide to go for a swim. Splash pants, or even a wet suit will offer you the best protection on the rocks.

13. Rusty hooks are a reality of surf fishing. Make sure you are current with your tetanus shot.

14. Always carry your bug spray, even if the mosquitoes are not out in force. The beach and marsh areas are home to deer ticks. If you are not feeling well, don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor to test for Lyme disease.

15. Carry a water bottle, and always have some fresh water in your truck. We lose large amounts of water in hot wet suits and heavy waders.

16. Try Liquid Turtle Wax on your rods.  It will minimize the effects of weather and U/V, and will add more than a few years to them.

17.  When fishing in close proximity to other anglers, let the fisherman downtide make the first cast, and only cast when his plug or bucktail starts to swing.  Keep the same sequence for all anglers working up to the person standing all the way uptide.  This will minimize the chances of a tangle for all parties.

18. New to the sport? Fish around, and try as many new and different spots as you so desire, but resolve to learn one or two spots very well.  Make it your business to dedicate a year to sample a given spot at every stage of the flood and ebb, and during every single month of the season.  You'll be surprised at the amount knowledge you'll gain.

19.  Be flexible.  The memories of last year's honey hole and last year's patterns are hard to forget.  Keep it honest, but if things are not working out, it's time for more prospecting.

20. Tides are important, sometimes a certain stage of the tide is crucial, but finding out what tide is best can be a hit or miss proposition.  When in doubt, start by fishing the change, a good choice for so many locations would be the last of the incoming and the beginning of the outgoing.

21.  A "weather proof" light may seem like it will suffice for most situations, but a small SCUBA light, though a bit more money, has many advantages.  The biggest advantage being that the light will not leak and fail should fall into the drink - the very time when you may need it most.
 

Answers to emails we get throughout the year.

1. Who does your web site?

Hardware, software and set-up service is provided by I-Net Solutions, a consulting firm located in NJ. Articles and photographs are provided by club members and friends.

2. Why don’t you include fishing reports on the web site?

We’ve gone back and forth on this one. Some of you may recall that we did have fishing reports when the site was first launched. The problem is, its very difficult to keep the reports fresh. When the fishing is good, we’d rather be fishing! The other issue is that its not always constructive to publish fishing reports for those couch potatoes who really should be out there on the beach with the rest of us. After all, finding the fish is half the fun.

3. How often do you update the web page?

We try to update it at least four times a year.

4. Where do your members like to fish?

Anywhere that holds promise of good surfcasting. Some folks like Long Island’s North Shore. Some prefer the South Shore. Some swear by Montauk. Members also visit places like Cape May (NJ), Sandy Hook (NJ), Block Island, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and Cape Cod. Each location seems to attract a following, based on specific opportunities. Some members specialize in working inlets and jetties, some prefer working the bars and open beaches. Some members will only fish artificials, while some will readily use bait. Then we have the flyrodders. The common denominator is that there are many productive ways to catch striped bass, bluefish and weakfish from the shoreline.

5. How does someone apply for membership to the club?

Farragut limits its membership to 40. This ensures that the club remains a close knit group of friends, and that new members are responsible, conservation-minded individuals. Prospective members generally come into the club via a sponsor - a member who is responsible for making sure applicants know what the club is about, and what is expected of them. The best new members always seem to come from friendships cultivated while suffering through the elements in the hunt for a trophy striper - misery loves company.

6. I’d like to try Montauk. What should I bring and what can I expect?

Montauk is a very big place, and fishing it for the first time can be a little intimidating. There are literally hundreds of points, coves, rips, rocks, bars, beaches and holes that deserve a look. Many spots have reputations for being productive at certain times of the year, with certain wind and weather conditions, and at certain stages of the tide. You will find some sandy beaches, but much of the surfcasting landscape is paved with rocks and boulders. This is not an easy place to fish. Expect plenty of wear and tear on both you and your equipment. Pack one or two pairs of korkers with spare korker studs. Waders and a foul weather top are mandatory, but you will notice some surfcasters wearing neoprene wet suits to fight the elements. If you feel ambitious, you should plan to bounce between Montauk's north and south sides. Montauk is one of those places where fish can appear at any time, in any given location, and at any stage of the tide. Its important to fish as hard as you can, when conditions permit, since the effects of weather are magnified at Montauk Point. On the east end of Long Island, the wind always seems stronger, the air cooler, and the ocean rougher. Its best to plan a trip of 3 or more days, knowing full well that some tides may be a bust. Montauk is a very popular place and complaints about crowded beaches are valid. Fishing etiquette, or lack thereof, has been a sore topic in recent years. The same rules that apply on other beaches apply at Montauk...give fellow surfcasters plenty of casting room...if someone has a fish on, hold off on your cast until the fish has been landed etc. In short, repect fellow anglers, and use common sense.

7. Mind if I copy articles on your web site for friends or members of my fishing club?

Not at all. Enjoy. Remember, if you want to "pay us back," join or support a conservation group in your area. If you live or fish in New York, consider the Montauk Surfcasters Association, the Long Island Beach Buggy Association, or the Coastal Conservation Association. We have links to the web sites of all three organizations.

A computerized surf fishing log is available to Farragut members for FREE.  See John at an upcoming meeting for details.  You need to be running MS Office 97 or greater.  This is a fully customizable (private) database application, with extensive search capabilities:  Search and analyze your log by location, month, wind, bait, tide, lunar phase, or any possible combination thereof.  Also includes a section for general observations, trends, patterns. etc. or reports from others.  You are limited only in the amount of data you want to enter into the log book.

Subject:  Getting a Woodie

A number of people have recently emailed asking for information on where to buy wooden lures, particularly "polaris" type poppers like the blue one shown in the picture.  The most popular wooden lure that is widely distributed in our area is manufactured by Gibbs.  The company has changed hands, and there appears to be a general increase in price, but the lures look like they are up to snuff.  If you are not stuck on wood, Super Strike makes a polaris type popper out of plastic that is also very productive.  The blue lure in the picture is a Super Strike.  The yellow lure is a wooden Gibbs pencil popper.

If you have a little time, and the tools, its not very difficult to make these lures yourself.  The white lure is an early attempt at a home-made jointed swimmer, and has already accounted for a few nice fish.  If you'd prefer to buy, a quick call to a local east coast tackle shop like Betty N Nicks in NJ or Garans in NY might be in order.  We have links to both in our links sections and they may be able to hook you up with an order by mail.  The Surfcaster is a catalog business, and has been carrying both brands.  We also have a link to The Surfcaster in CT.  The lures may not be listed in the on-line catalog, but they are listed in the printed catalog.

We hope this general information helps.  Please note that this is a fishing club site and we have no affiliation or financial interest in any product or business mentioned anywhere on the web site.

I am Ken's friend from Istanbul Turkey. I was in the internet cafe in Bahrain (I'm on tour now in the Arab Emirates) and I looked up the club page. Its funny how much the desert looks like the ocean at night, and I've been thinking alot about my dear friend and mentor Ken Kassan. So I just wrote down some thoughts to share with all our surf fishing buddies. I hope to see eveyone this fall at Montauk. Best regards to everyone at Farragut.

Dream Remington

Nice tribute, Dream.    While we have never met, you should know that Kenny still speaks fondly of you, and I've heard him tell the same story of that chance meeting at Montauk ten years ago.  If you don't mind, I will publish your letter "A Salute to Ken Kassan" on our web page for all to see.  And if you do find your way to Montauk, look for the club logo on trucks parked at Camp Hero, or in the Lighthouse parking lot, or on the North Side.  You are right: There is a unwritten code of honor and respect between all "true surf fisherman," a code that seperates the men from all the other bums who can fish.

To whom it may concern, while fishing for striper one day in Massachuessets, we caught a keeper with a yellow tag, 450873 it says to return to Littoral, soc highlands New, Jeresy 07732, my question is this do you know anything about it, and if you do could you please let us know. We would be happy to know if you do.

Thank you
Rich

This sounds like an American Littoral Society Tag.  You can send the tag, along with any particulars about the fish...location, size, weight, etc. to the Amercian Littoral Society at the address listed.  They will also be able to tell you when & where the fish was originally tagged.  ALS periodically publishes a booklet on all tag and recapture data.  It was always interesting to see the migration routes of different fish.  If you are interested in tagging fish yourself, you can ask ALS about membership. and for a tagging kit.

Subject:      Please help

Hi my name is Mike and I am a striper fishermen out here in california. I'm looking for any kind of pencil poppers I can find. I'm looking for top quality lures, please let me know if you know of any tackle shops which carry quality pencil poppers.

Thank you

Mike, You have a couple of different options.  There are two basic styles of pencils poppers to consider.  The first is the classic wood pencil popper made by Gibbs.  There are a host of other wood carvers who also make quality lures here on the east coast, but Gibbs is the most widely available.  The second is the plastic model sold by Cotton Cordell.  The Cotton Cordell does not cast as well as its wooden cousin, but it has a rattle - a feature which can make a difference.  The Cotton Cordell is also about 1/2 the price of the Gibbs. The Surfcaster at www.thesurfcaster.com has pencil poppers.  Some of the local east coast bait and tackle shops have pencil poppers too, and for a small fee you can probably talk one of the shops into doing a mail order.  Try Garans or Betty N Nicks.  We have links to each shop in the "Links" section.

Subject: A True "fish story"

Hi Guys !!!

You may have heard this story before and I know it is true but my version may differ from the actual history ...here goes:

Back in the late 40's/early 50's up in Phonecia NY there lived a lady who had a little house along the Esopus Creek. One Spring an elderly gentleman stopped at her house, where she rented rooms for the opening of trout season, to spend the night. Before turning in, the man explained that he had come a long way just to fish there and that he was outfitted for the task and had the finest of fly- fishing equiptment. She told him of the Beaverkill, the Willowemac and the other world-famous streams and tributaries that abounded that area of the Catskills. He asked if she would make trout and eggs for his breakfast when he returned with his "catch". She agreed. Just before sunup, he left on his adventure poised and assured that this should be easy for a man of his experience and in a place where "browns" and "rainbows" were native to these waters. "Piece of cake", he thought. Hours after the sun had risen, he returned to the house empty-handed. As the lady greeted him with a smile, he told of his tale of woe - wrong fly, wrong nymph, wrong spot,... As he entered the dining room there was his breakfast, freshly-caught trout and eggs - just what he asked for. While he enjoyed the meal, the lady explained that she had gone to her back porch just after he left with her old cane pole and caught a few "just in case". The man thanked her very much for the thoughtfulness and asked for her name so that he could send her a Christmas card - then left and was never seen there again. Late in December of that year, she had to go to the Post Office to pick up a parcel. When she arrived home and opened it - there was a hand-made bamboo fly rod !!! The card with it said "Merry Christmas and good fishing" and it was signed by the world-famous rod maker T.Payne (who only made a few a year). After the lady passed away, the fly-rod ended up in the Fokker Bros. tackle shop in Phoenecia, NY and has been exhibited on their wall even till today - I guess.

I guess the moral of the story is that you never know just who a stranger may be - so treat everyone the same - with love and kindness, like that lady in Phonecia. .....................................sincerely, tight lines...........Hoozie (Charlie)

PS. I enjoy your web site alot (which brought about this story). I surf fish often from Breezy Pt. to Fort Tilden to Riis Pk. using "poppers", "pencils" & "plugs".

Subject: Fishing Page

Great job fellas.... I really enjoyed this site. I am brand spanking new to Surf Casting, and I am somewhat of a loner, so I obviously enjoy some solitude which is something of a rarity in this world. Hopefully I'll find a stretch of beach somewhere that hasn't been overrun by the maddening crowd. A promise, be it in the woods hunting, on a river spin casting or at edge of the salty, let etiquette rule and this adage I always abide by.

God Bless, Rich