At some point in ones life the saying, "doesn't get any better than this" is perfect for the time, place, or given situation your in. That was definately the situation for this weekends charters. Fishing the famed "Race" in Long Island Sound, two new groups came out to try their luck with the Kingfisher. Needless to say they were treated with the best weather of the season along with the best fishing of the year so far. I love using the saying, the fish were "stacked like cordwood". And they were, the fishfinder was loaded with fish, and big fish at that. Saturday's group booked by Tanya as a birthday present for her boyfriend caught fish in the 30 and 40 pound range from the very first hickory shad dropped down to the bottom all the way until the last shad in the livewell went overboard. Everyone hooked up and they caught their limit within the first hour and a half. Primarily fresh water fisherman they were treated to phenominal saltwater action on trophy sized Striped Bass.
Sunday was a mirror image of saturday. Perfect weather and even better fishing. Again, a new group for the Kingfisher and to striped bass fishing, they were treated to a saltwater bonanza. First drift produced two hook ups on 30 pound fish for two of the group members (neither ever catching a striper in their lives). Hardened striper fisherman know exactly how lucky these two were to hook up with such fish on their first try. But for Bernie who booked the trip, long time striper fisherman may be upset with what was instore for him. First timer Bernie held on for dear life as a huge fish took his live bait offering and made a run for the deep. 10 minutes later my mate Matt let's out a scream of "oh my god" and nets the biggest fish he has ever seen. The fish measured out at 51 inches and weighed approximately 50 pounds. To make a long story short, Bernie will probably never see another striper like this again but for being a guy who does charters for many different species in many different places he may just be one lucky guy and happen upon another fish of a lifetime. Many, many long time striper fisherman have never had the opportunity to battle such a majestic beast and may never get the chance. For me, three customers last season had such an experience and the state of striped bass fishing leads me to believe it surely won't be the last aboard the Kingfisher. As I write this report my brother Capt. Mark Anderson is out with a group right now who has been fishing with us for years (Domingo Mateo). They have already limited out with fish up to 40 pounds in the first two hours and may get there own 50+ striper to add to their already awesome catch of big fish. Photos of the 50 pounder caught will be posted on my website within a week.
Written by Capt. Scott Anderson
Kingfisher Charters
Mystic, CT
www.charterfishingconnecticut.com