[WaltNJ]

Been a surf fisherman a good part of my life. A few years ago...took the plunge and bought a boat. However, was having the hardest time figuring out the striper fishing scene from the boat.

With the help of Gerry, some buddies, this site, and putting some serious learning time on the water, last night...on the troll in after being out on the water with my daughter and son finding only bluefish and marks of fish that weren't all that hungry...it happened!

I looked at the fish finder, barely got the words, "Wow...couple nice marks..." the rod goes down and line starts to peel off the rod.

A relatively short time later...a 26 pound beautiful striped bass hits the deck of the Nauti Mermaid!

Thanks so much for everyone's help. I'm confident this is the first of many, many good times and nice fish.

Got her on a stretch lure trolling the bay on the way back to the marina. A very special day...

(Same fish in both pics.)