Tri-State Rhode Island Leg ~ 2013

Posted on October 30, 2013October 10, 2017 by Julio Silva

This past weekend I had the opportunity to fish the Rhode Island leg of the Tri-State Tournament. This was my first Tri-State. But it shall not be me last! 😉

Fish360 Tri-State Rhode Island Leg

I met with my team at 9:15 PM on Friday night in room 5 of the Sand Dollar Inn. We were at the water’s edge by 4:30 AM on Saturday. The atmospheric temperature was “wicked” cold for this time of year. My new AquaSkinz Rampage top performed exceptionally well. I was warm through the whole tide. 😉

Fish360 Tri-State Rhode Island Leg

My team leader was focused on getting us in front of fish. He found bait. We matched the bait in size and profile. Fish on!

Fish360 Tri-State Rhode Island Leg

This fish was the meanest, badest, bluefish terrorizing 18″ striped bass in the state of Rhode Island! 😉 I could not thank my team mate enough for lending me a 3″ white Zoom fluke on a 1/4 oz jig head!

I know now why the Tri-State is the longest running catch and release team tournament on the East Coast for surfcasters. The tournament is well managed. Surfcasters with various skill levels come from near and far to compete and refine their skills. Plug builders leave their lathes to field test their new creations. The result is an escape from the noises of life and total submersion in a friendly (but reel!) competition for striped bass and bluefish from terra firma.

Fall Stripers Steve Pappos

Posted on October 23, 2013October 11, 2017 by Julio Silva

I had the opportunity to see Steve Poppas present “Fall Stripers” at the October 2013 Plum Island Surfcasters club meeting. The first time that I saw Steve present was many new moons ago. I was chunking the surf. He inspired me to start plugging the surf.

Fish360 Steve Pappos Fall Stripers

Steve’s presentation overflowed with fishy knowledge, stories, and jokes. He spoke to the gear that he uses and why. He also shared proven techniques that he has refined in his 40+ years of Surfcasting. For those who listened closely, Steve shared six of his prized hot spots!

Steve Pappos is a Surfcaster. He has landed several trophy striped bass from the surf via plugs that cast a shadow on boat fish landed via bait. So when he says: “You can use any plug, as long as it’s yellow.”….I believe him! 😉

Surfcasting: Traction Control

Posted on October 13, 2013October 11, 2017 by Julio Silva

When I made the transition from slinging baits, eels, and plugs from sandy beaches to rocks with seaweed dread locks, I purchased a pair of Simms boots from First Light Anglers and a pair of K1100 Korkers from Paulies.

Fish360 Simms Boots Korkers

I have used the my Simms boots and K1100 Korkers for several years now. I am satisfied with their comfort, support, and gripping performance. They have also held together pretty well, complements of their quality construction.

Although the Simms boots and K1100 Korkers are made with non-corrosive and anti-corrosion materials, I always rinse them with fresh water after each fishing trip in Poseidon’s domain. Sodium chloride is a terribly efficient corrosive ionic compound.

The my Simms boots and Korkers are inexpensive. Bones are not. If you surfcast from slippery rocks, get a pair! 😉

Striperfest 2013

Posted on October 6, 2013October 11, 2017 by Julio Silva

Striper Cup 2013 had 3,900 registered anglers. At Striperfest, it felt like all 4,000 of us were there. 😉

Fish360 Striperfest 2013

Patrick Sebile was working the SpiderWire knot testing machine. The knot challenges were impressive. But, if your knot lost, you had to drink water from the lure tank. Although the angler who lost was spared, I did not participate. 😉

Fish360 Striperfest 2013

A new exhibitor was Old Town, a long standing New England company. Their new Predator kayak was on display. Impressive!

Fish360 Striperfest 2013

At the begging of the awards ceremony, 0ld Town awarded a Predator kayak to a Striper Cup 2013 angler who survived the Boston Marathon bombing. He walked effortlessly onto the stage, complements of a modern prosthetic. He was surprised, grateful, and full is emotion. Boston Strong!

At the end of the awards ceremony, the golden ticket was drawned. The angler who won the Pursuit boat was from New York. He was welcomed to the stage in Red Sox fan fashion by the crowd: “Yankees suck!” He as walking on air and took his welcome quite well. 😉

Fish360 Striperfest 2013

Since 2006, the Striper Cup has done one thing consistently: improve. Striper Cup 2014 is no exception: Kayak Division. Yes! Striper Cup 2014 will have a Kayak Division! I am already planning next year’s trips in my fishing journal. Fish beware! 😉