The Fin - Show Me The Fish!

Surfcasting in Montauk Rocks!

MONTAUK ROCKS a film by Richard Siberry

From the surfcasting capital of the world...comes the story of those who helped Montauk earn, and keep, it's title.

I spent a few moments on the phone today with Richard Siberry.  If you don't know his name by now, you've probably heard of his movie, Montauk Rocks, as it's getting tons of buzz online.  I've never met Richard in person but I've been following the progress of his film for the last few years.  My first intro to what he's been up to was this trailer on YouTube which was uploaded in 2009!  Being a die-hard Montauk surf fisherman, it of course was love at first sight.  Montuak is a fascinating and complex place to fish and the dedicated surf rats who fish her shoreline have endless tales to tell.  Setting out to make a move is one thing, but actually completing it is another.  For Richard, the journey of making Montauk Rocks took about 5 years from concept to completion... FIVE YEARS!.  During the 5 years, Richard shot approximately 80 hours of video, and let me tell you, having just finished watching it, he definitely captures the essence of what it's all about.   

I asked Richard...what was the hardest thing about making this film? His answer, "Staying motivated". There is a lesson here for all of us.  Staying motivated and focused for 5 years on a single project is really hard.  As in life, the movie making process has many ups and downs and Richard hit many speed bumps along they way but ultimately stuck with it and by doing so created a film for all to enjoy and he gets to reap the personal reward which is priceless.

'Like' the Montauk Rocks Facebook page

To order the DVD:

UPDATED DEALER LIST 11/15/12

LI Outdoorsman, Rockville Center, NY
The Campsite Sport Shop, Huntington Station, NY
Cow Harbor Tackle, Northport, NY
Paulies Tackle, Montauk, NY
Rivers End, Old Saybrook, CT
The Saltwater Edge, Middletown, RI
Ramsey Outdoors, Paramus, Ramsey and Succasunna, NJ
J&J Sports, Patchogue, NY

Fishermen's Supply Co. Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

This list will be updated as more dealers come online.

OR ONLINE FROM THE FOLLOWING:
SurfcastersJournal.com
Thesurfcaster.com
Amazon.com
Korkers.com
Edgeangling.com
Campsitesportshop.com
Pauliestackle.com
Riversendtackle.com
Ramseyoutdoor.com

 

John Montana Carp On The Fly - The Fin APP Featured User

I'm fascinated by the whole fly fishing for carp movement, so I decided to feature John Montana from Carp On The Fly, who has been posting some killer photos on The Fin APP.  In his own words, "I used to be a respectable angler...now I fly fish for carp".  (I'm assuming by respectable angler, he means someone who floats dry flies in search of trout and not  someone slinging snakes at night from the rocks in Montauk ;) ;) ;).. 

John grew up in Montana fly fishing for trout. He moved to OR and has been there for about 10 years now and for the first few, he did the whole trout and steelhead thing, but started on carp 7 years ago just before his daughter was born.  So why carp?  One of the main factors was that he wanted to find some fishing closer to home.  Little did he know, that he would fall in love with fly fishing for carp of all things.... so much so that he now fishes almost exclusively for carp. 

In a quick email interview he said.... "I am a sight fishing junkie, and in freshwater it simply gets no better than stalking and hooking carp. They get big, fight hard, and you chase them in ankle to thigh deep water. I have had a great time chasing them the past 7-8 years".

When it comes to carp on the fly, he obviously knows what he's doing.  I'll let his photos do the talking!

World Record Catfish (likely) Caught in Virginia

While we're on the subject of records (Rhode Island state record striped bass) here is another one for ya.  And by the way, unlike the striped bass I would have no problem sacrificing this big cat. The fish weighed in at 143 pounds, 13 pounds over the previous record.  You can get all the details here: Greenville man's 143 lb. catfish likely a new world record

Note to all: I have decided to stop fishing for striped bass

As many of you who know, if you read my blog, fishing reports, follow @the_fin on twitter or are on The Fin Facebook page, my love for striped bass is off the charts.  It is because of this love that I have decided to stop fishing for them.  I have decided to focus my efforts on bluefish.  Yes bluefish!  With the decline of the striped bass population getting worse by the day I think it is only right to not only end commercial fishing for our beloved striped bass but to stop all fishing for it.  I know this might seem a bit extreme but I think we must make the message clear. 

Bluefish are under appreciated in the waters I fish and it's my goal to raise them up to the status they deserve.  I'm tired of seeing them kicked back into the ocean like a piece of trash.  Bluefish are a much tougher fish than the striped bass.  To me, part of the fun of handling them is to knowing that at any second they could shake a hook into my hand or even bight my finger off with their sharp teeth.  Bass don't even have teeth!  Any fish that you can just stick your hand right into their mouth does not have my respect.  Sure, striped bass grow to be much bigger but let's be honest, how many people actually catch those fish??  How many times have you heard people say that "bluefish are pound for pound the hardest fighting fish" ??? well its true. 

So from this point forward, it's nothing but bluefish for me!  This is of course an April Fools joke :) but seriously, please do all that you can to protect striped bass.  The best fish in the world!  Visit StripersForever and join the fight.

A striperman in Andros?

In 17 days I'm heading to Andros Island Bonefish Club for 3 days of fishing!  I'm already getting geared up.  What's on my list? So far I have 1 8twt from Rise (http://www.risefishingco.com) ... That's the only 8wt I have but it has two tips so I think I'm good there.  I'll probably bring my 9wt GLX and either my echo2 or Sage xi2 as well. and maybe a 10wt for the big cudas I keep reading about.  With those, I have 3 Tibors and a G loomis reel)  I desperately need flies too.  Any suggestions??

Record Stingray: Largest freshwater fish caught by rod and line?

As reported by metro.co.uk, Ian Welch, a British biologist landed (tagged & released) a 771lb giant stingray yesterday.  The fish took 90 minutes and 13 men to land.