TheFin.com

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.