way cool Tony - got news for you - a 30" fish on a fly is a big deal for any of us. We all write about the bigger fish we see, we don't write about all those 18" fish we hook that we wish were a foot longer.
And the first good sized fish you meet up with is a major thrill and accomplishment and all around good feeling. For what its worth it probably took me 3 years of serious striper fishing before I landed my first keeper. Its a great feeling - enjoy it...
L.
P.S. - where on the south side did you say it was :-)?