Intelligent.........

[EarnedStripes44]

Do you mostly fish sand or rocky coastline and why?
- I generally always think rocks over sand (85%). South of Delaware bay, stripers are called rockfish, so there is my logic. Nonetheless, I have caught large fish on the sand with clams.

What length rod do you prefer for the type of fishing you do and why?
-I have 7 rods, all between 7 feet and 13 feet. Generally, if I fish a beach, where I need max. distance I go with my 12 footer. For a pier or wharf or any other relatively easily accessible deep water, anything longer than 8 feet for me is just unneccessary.

Do you prefer to roll your own rods, have them custom made or by ready made brands?
- I have one custom-made 10 footer, it is by far my favorite and it casts smoother than triple-distilled gin. I do, however, purchase ready made.

What reel type and size, conventional or spinning?
- I have both, but for the most part I go with spinning. I have several Okumas, I don't know the model numbers off top (im at work).

Do you prefer to throw bait (eels, chunks, liveys) or plug fish mostly?
What gear you feel essential, other than rod and reel, to be successful?
I chunk 80% of the time, I fish mostly North of Cape Cod so I use a lot of mackeral. I use eels on payday. The gear, depends on the location, waders, plugs, jigs, lamp, bridge net, pvc pipe sections, knife, pliers, etc . I have several spots, each requires different equipment. But the most universal tool in my arsenal is patience. I have no problems fishing 12 hrs straight.

What time of year, for your locale has been the kindest to you in your search for the big one?
Mid to Late september

Do you feel satisfied upon the end of a nights struggle with whatever you take or do you feel only big bass caught make tyhe effort worth it?
Just being out there in the middle of the night or watching the sunrise is fullfilling for me. Its like therapy.

Do you ever think it's getting old and maybe it's time to find a new pastime?
After this dismal summer, I thought long and hard, I even contemplated buying a Playstation 3, but actually landing a keeper or for that matter, anything (except dogfish and skate) makes it all worth it. And besides, the season is just getting started.