One of your own does you proud!

[riptide]

This is a Mass Report, but since Jim is a New Yorker and post in this section I thougt I'd put it here as well.



I met up with Jim Miller and his 12-year-old son Logan today. They were hoping that we could find a few big bass like we had been getting a few weeks ago. We had eels a-plenty and were headed out to find some likely spots to sling our little friends. The visibility was fair to very poor for the whole day. I must say it was very impressive the level of skill I saw navigating around Vineyard Sound. The word of the day “security” Everyone (including us) were using security calls to keep others updated of our positions when transiting the holes and other potentially dangerous areas. The radio traffic was clear, concise, professional and necessary today. It was a pleasant change from yesterday’s weekend warriors. Back to the report. They HAMMERED the BIG fish. We found some good water and within a few minutes Jim had a pick-up. A little quick on the hook-set and the first swing was a miss. It wasn’t long before young Logan showed Dad how it’s done. He single handedly brings to boat side a beauty that measures around 49” and weights 39.4 pounds on the digital scale. Jim tried to make his comeback with several nice fish in the 38” to 43” range, but young Logan would have none of it. He raises the bar AGAIN! This time 49.5” and 41.8 pounds. The kid was on fire! We were able to fish the area for only a few hours before a little stomach problem caused us to have to cut the trip shot. In around two and a half hours they managed around a dozen fish all upper 30” to upper 40” fish. The old Capt even manage one during a lunch break. It was a solid 42”er, but nothing like what young Logan was dragging in. Jim and his son are SUPER people and it was a pleasure to fish with them today. I had a great time watching the two of them work those fish. I love to see a father and son together enjoying a day like this. It makes it all worth wild. Weather was foggy, light SW wind and the water was 61 degrees. Eels, eels and more eels were the tactic of choice. Overall a banner day. http://www.riptidecharters.com/MillerBass.jpg

[Sedotti]

Were any of these fish caught on flies? Somehow I don't think so (I mean you mentioned only eels). What is this doing here on "The Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing"? Are you even a fly fishing guide?
Mark

[Jim Miller]

Mark
what makes you want to act like such a...????........well.......Uhh.....like you do?
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :(

BTW on the same long weekend I fished South Beach/Chatham for a total of about 12 hours.....flyfishing only....2 schoolies and a mess of small blue fish.
On the Riptide for 2 1/2 hours... 14 stripers 22 to 41.5 lbs...."when in Rome"
AND I'm a "decent" flyfisher.......probably would have switched to FF on the riptide also.....if we had stayed out longer!
See Terry's site for fly caught fish......;)

[FLYRODER]

What is this doing here on "The Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing"? Mark I have to agree with you. I have read a lot of posts on this site and lots of the pictures are of stripers that were caught either using bait or lures on spinning gear.

[riptide]

Originally posted by Sedotti
Were any of these fish caught on flies? Somehow I don't think so (I mean you mentioned only eels). What is this doing here on "The Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing"? Are you even a fly fishing guide?
Mark
This was my reply to Mr. Sedotti's issues on the NE board. I'll save time and just paste it here. BTW Marc if you've been to my site it says FISHING GUIDE I'm and equal opportunity guide. As a Fishing Guide, I'm happy to be helped out and/or endorsed by FLY FISHING companies like Hayden Fly Reels, Bauer Fly Reels, Redington Fly Rods, I'm a member of the ORVIS Pro Guide Program, RIO fly Lines. Just to name a few.

Well since this one SEEMS to be about me I'll jump right in. Mark, I post every report for every day that I go out. No matter how, where, or what I fish for. If I get sunked, blow a motor it gets posted. I always have a flyrod on board. I charter some exclusive (read purist) fly fisherman, but it is the rare exception that a person ONLY flyfishes. I think that the majority of the people on this board , as well as others read the reports to find the area that they should target. Knowing that fish are in the area, the depth and the temp they are in is a help to all regardless of the method they are sought with. the area we are fishiing these big fish (WITH EELS) is conducive to fly fishing. We have tried numerous times to catch these very large fish on a fly. WE have caught and landed fish to 40" and around 30-35# on fly. The REALLY big fish continued to elude us. There are a few other guides and locals that fly fish the area. To the best of my knowledge they too have cqught excelent fish on fly, but never the monsters that we can look down and see. My situation is this: Do I continue to cast away with a fly on fish that clearly didn't get old eating feathers (they aren't dumb) and continue a solid catch of mid 30" to 40" fish. Or do I use the knowledge I possess to adadpt to the situation, come out on another day with a method that may fool the big smart old bass. I chose the latter. Yes, I would love to land a 50 pound bass on a fly. Yes, we have fly rods on board every trip out there rigged for an IGFA record attempt due to the size of these fish. But the truth is these very big fish are very unlikely to take a fly. They are feeding on lobster. 1 1/2 to 3 pound lobster. I'm unaware of any pattern that can effectivly imitate this bait. I know there are crayfish and small lobster patterns, but nothing 18" long and 8" wide. The eels are a known favorite and I chose a method of fishing them that I felt would be effective in the area. I was right. My customers, some of whom are fly fisherman at heart seemed happy to try an alternet method for these big girls. I do a VERY limited number of charters every year (around 40) I get a fair number of people that saw my reports on Reel Time. I have recieved numberous thank you's and emails about my reports from the people on this site. This is the first real issue I've had here. I would think that this is directed at me, excuse me if I'm wrong, you neglected to point outhe person whom you had issue with in your post. This is not an attempt to drum up business. I have more charters or potential charters than I can do in a season. Again that number is smalll by comparision. I love to fish, I love to take people fishing and I love to see the look in the eye of a person who's loved one has just landed the fish of a lifetime. Lastly I love to share that expeirence. Jim Miller was so happy when his son landded that 40+ pound fish the other day. Probably more then young Logan was. There is little chance that Logan or any of us would have taken that fish on a fly in this area. Does that take away how great a moment it was. A 12 year old, with a 7' spinning rod, and a small Penn reel landing a 40 pound fish with his dad. I certainly think that would be impressive if it were ajusted to your scenario of trout fishing. .... Report to read, I went wading for a great early mornign hatch with my son. I was able to land several nice rainbows and a sizable brown on my split bamboo 3 wt. My son 12 years old was using a worm and split shot on a 5 1/2 foot ultra light. He hooked, fought and landed BY HIMSELF a 12 pound brown trout. He later landed several more nice fish including a 13.5#er. All of the fish were released to fight again. How's that going to go over Mark? As for the killing of fish, we have tken less than a half dozen fish from that spot in around a months time. Nearly all of the fish were mortaly wounded or exhausted beyond recovery. You may say that if we were using fly gear this would not have happened, I disagree. While the mortal hooking would be down, the exhausted fish would be higher. In Jim's case we had several fish we dragged along beside the boat for an extended period of time (close to 10 minute in one case) They and I were determined to make as little impact on the fish as we could. Lastly I seems the moderators and leaders of this board agree with my take on why poeple come to this board. My reports are regularly in the Fish Wire, including reports of heathenistiic spin and God forbid live eel fishing. They make that choice based on what the people of the board want. Not me. I will continue to submit "the good, the bad, and the ugly" in my reports. Where you catagorize each report is entirely up to you.

[Frequent Fly-er]

I also agree with Mark. On my boat all I carry is Fly rods. The reason I and my customers fly fish is not for instant gradification, no matter the size of the fish or how difficult they are to catch on a fly. Daaaaaa, that is the point of fly fishing, it is difficult to catch big fish on a hook with feathers. Maybe the forum needs a "Fish Caught on Bait section" so guys that feel the need to post their bait caught fish on "The Internet Journel of Saltwater Fly Fishing" will not feel left out.

[Jim Miller]

Capt. Ken
What's the point my friend?
excerpts from YOUR webpage:

Gear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" If you need it, all gear will be provided for you. I fish with the following companies' high quality gear: Thomas & Thomas fly rods, Abel reels, Airflow, SciAnglers Mastery and Teeny fly lines. Loomis GLX light tackle spinning rods with VanStaal spinning reels."

"CAN A FLY FISHERMAN AND A SPIN FISHERMAN FISH TOGETHER? Yes, spinning tackle is also available if needed"

I don't get it?
Best fishes and good times to you!

;) ;) ;)

[Frequent Fly-er]

Jim
I do own other fishing gear. Offshore big game rods, surf rods, boat rods and spinning gear. I have been fishing for fifty years and have collected alot of gear over the years. The spin equipment I mention in my web site are Vanstal vs100 reels with eight pound test line and the Loomis GLX spin rods are rated for 1/4 to 5/8 oz. lures. In the past seven years according to my logs my customers have used the spinning tackle on twelve trips. I do not carry them on board. A customer will request the use of this equipment for varrious reasons, a none fly fishing friend or relative, a non fly fishing spouse etc. I do not encourage the use of spinning gear on my charters, do not use bait or tease fish to the boat with spin gear. Now if you and your son were banging big Bass in the rips on 5/8 oz jigs and eight pound test line or fly fishing gear your names would be in the record books alot longer than on this web site.

[Jim Miller]

I personally do not need a record book. The smile on my son's face has been recorded for life! I do not see his fun and happiness as being any less than a 35 lb king salmon on 6 lb tippet or a 20 lb steelhead on 4lb flour. Put it in perspective brother. My son is a 3 time in the salt fisher. I charter a guy who strikes me to "be able to work w/ us and come away with a good,fun experience!" That what the Captain did. We were overjoyed and grateful. Terry was happy that it all turned out so well. I A M HAPPY> MY SON IS HAPPY<TERRY IS HAPPY!
I really don't see how it figures in WHAT YOUR FEELINGS ARE ABOUT MY TRIP........that's all!

[Jim Miller]

Also
In my basement and on my boat, I have spinning rods, flyrods (more than I should!) and offshore 30# standup outfits. I fish anywhere there is water.....and with the gear most appropriate for the occasion. I enjoy tieing flies and building rods.....I even enjoy making repairs and maintainence on my Grady. I enjoy crabbing, clamming...picking mussels. I enjoy eating.....

I feel I'D be missing out if I dismissed or stopped doing any of those activities!
But that's just me! :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

and not you!

[BIGE]

Hey Jim, not really interested in all this hubbub, but...


GO HOKIES!!!!


I'm really excited about the ACC move.

[Jim Miller]

BIGE
class of 77
They are going to kick butt!:D :D :D

[riptide]

Originally posted by Jim Miller
BIGE
class of 77
They are going to kick butt!:D :D :D

No wonder your son wooped up on you Jim ...... Your OLD :p

[Jim Miller]

Terry
Don't let my boyish good looks .....fool ya!
You are only as old as you feel.:-% :-% :D

[Albiemanmike]

Gentlemen,
I don't see the point arguing about who caught what and how it was caught...........PERIOD! Lighten up already!!! I have spoken to both Mr. Sedotti on the phone and Mr. Nugent in email's, I am impressed by both. Mark I am a bit confused as to why you suddenly attacked all of the non-flyfishing content on this website???? In the past I have followed and read your postings on this board, not in any of those previous posts have you ranted on about the methods used to catch fish, why now? Frankly I am disappointed at your outburst but this is a public website and you are well within your right to post your feelings. Terry please don't let any of this distract you from doing what is that you do, I personally enjoy reading your reports and corresponding with you concerning your trips. As a guide you must do whatever is in your power to make the day a success for your clients and you are doing that in spades. From what I can gather Jim and his Son had a wonderful time with you and the day can be summed up in one word............AWESOME! Let us all not lose sight of the main mission for all of us when out on the water, catching fish! I'd rather catch fish on fly tackle, I took up the flyfishing method 8-10 years ago because I wanted more of a challenge and something new, it is all of that and then some, but there are times when the fish just are not interested in devouring a homemade feather dinner. When this occurs do I give up...........NO, I try everything I know and then some to try and fool those sly big fish with fly gear, but will I flog the water till my arms fall off................NO! I fish until I feel the fish have told me enough is enough with the flyrod, then if I feel like I still want to catch some of those fish I breakout my conventional fishing gear and commence with the catching. Are there times when I just throw in the towel and move or go home..............YES, there are times when I just don't feel like catching fish just for catching fish, but there are equal as many times when I want to catch fish, and if that means I have to breakout the light tackle spin and conventional gear than so be it. I rarely use bait so maybe that is a feather in my cap, although I doubt it in Mark or Kens eyes, but I do use all manner of techniques and tackle to fool my favorite fish. I am after all a fisherman first and a flyfisherman second, don't misconstrue this to mean I am not passionate about my flyfishing disease, I am as rabid as the next guy but flyfishing is just a compliment to my ever growing arsenal of weapons to defeat the fish with. I have spent 1,000's of hours reading,studying, practicing, and tying to get proficient at flyfishing and it shows but it is only a compliment and not the be all end all. It is by far the most rewarding method with which I employ to catch fish but I do enjoy fooling fish the other ways too, there have been far too many times when others around me are not hooking fish and I am, using conventional tackle techniques. Don't fool yourselves into thinking that anybody wielding a spin/conventional outfit can catch fish, they can't!!! It takes alot of knowledge and experience to catch fish regardless of the technique. I have been a member of this website almost since it's inception and there has always been a good mix of information exchange and I hope that it will continue, there are much more pressing issues concerning our fisheries than how do you catch fish. Let's all just relax and enjoy the fishery while we still have one and stop bashing each other about trivial matters. I apologize for my raving rant but this really got me flusttered, I truly am turned off immnesely by elist flyfishing attitudes there is no place for it anywhere on the planet, I don't want to be personal but my recommendation is, that if that is the way you view flyfishing than maybe this is not the site for you.

Sincerely,
Michael Mayo
striper@optonline.net

P.S. Reply to my personal email with any and all flames please, I don't want the board to get cluttered up with useless name calling and inuendo.

[BIGE]

Hey, class of '93 here. Learned to flyfish on New River smallmouth.

My season tickets should be here any day!!

[Jim Miller]

and don't forget those mountain Brookies? VT is the place for outdoor sports.....fishing, rock climbing, canoe/kayak, hunting, list goes on and on.....I do miss that place! :-% :-% :-%

[fdwyer]

As already asked in another forum Mr. Sedotti, are bookings off?
It's just fishing.
Have a great summer.

Originally posted by Sedotti
Were any of these fish caught on flies? Somehow I don't think so (I mean you mentioned only eels). What is this doing here on "The Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing"? Are you even a fly fishing guide?
Mark