TheFin.com

Fishing in Phoenix - The Hook Up Outfitters

I'm headed to Phoenix Arizona for a few days so decided I should try to get in a little fishing. Having never fished there so I put out some feelers to find a great guide. Eric Loeffler of Dry Creek Outfitters (also one of the client stars of Guide House: Montauk) turned me on to The Hook Up Outfitters guide Ben Koller. Based on the info found on their website ( www.TheHookUpOutfitters.com ) it seems that they offer an impressive selection of places to go. I'm booked for Dec 29... Report to follow.

Review:The Art of Surfcasting with Lures by Zeno Hromin

I always carry metal lips but now I will use them!

I just finished Zeno Hromin's book, The Art of Surfcasting with Lures. I'm an avid reader of all types of fishing books but have not read many specifically on surfcasting (which is odd considering that's basically the only type I do). The Art of Surfcasting with Lures is a book that anyone serious about hitting the surf in Montauk should read. I for one, think it will have a big effect on how I fish, specifically how I think about what's going on at the other end of my line. The information is presented in a straight forward way with just the right amount of personality to keep it interesting. It's clear that besides being obsessed with surf fishing that Zeno is a relentless student of the sport too. The knowledge he puts forth in his book would take some people a lifetime to figure out, if ever. Many fishermen, rely on reports, what worked yesterday, what the guy next to him is using, etc, instead of taking a moment to try and figure it out for themselves. Not unlike golf, fishing is a sport that you can never perfect but there are many things that you can do to better your odds. After reading The Art of Surfcasting with Lures by Zeno Hromin you will certainly be better equipped to tackle the surf and well on your way to more and bigger fish. More on Zeno and to buy the book click here

Note: For the fly fishermen out there (I split my time between both) there is great info here about reading the surf, where the fish feed, etc.

Martha's Vineyard striped bass & bluefish derby

The Martha's Vineyard striped bass and bluefish derby is probably one of the best known tournaments on the East coast. The month long competition attracts over 3000 anglers each year. There have been several attempts to capture it on film but to my knowledge there has yet to be a great one. I received this trailer yesterday, it's for a film entitled Feeding The Water. I have not seen the full film, but based on its trailer I doubt I will....... If you have seen it, let me know your thoughts. Maybe the sample does not do it justice..

Bill Wetzel: Montauk surf guide

We ventured out to Montauk this past weekend to shoot some video with legendary surf guide Bill Wetzel and his client Matt Martin. The conditions were tough but the waters Bill and his client fished looked very promising (the attached picture is a still from the shoot). When we started it was about 25 degrees with 35 mph winds from the Northwest. With that wind, we hit several North side spots but came up empty at each one. It was the same story on the South side, great looking water, gannets & gulls diving, but no fish. This time of year can be hit or miss and you have to move around a lot to find the pods of moving bait. Bill is one of the hardest working and most knowledgeable guides I have ever met. He really understands the intricacies of Montauk. If Bill is not catching fish, its safe to assume there are not many around. There are still reports of fish to the North of Montauk and of small herring at the opening of Montauk harbor so there are probably still fish to be had if you are willing to put in the time. Bill runs a great website that I recommend checking out and if you want to fish from the surf in Montauk whether you are new to the sport or a veteran surf fisherman you can't go wrong spending he day fishing with Bill.