Unexpected TOPWATER Fishing for GIANT Striped Bass!!

[@GulfCoastNation]

Nice video man and jealous of those stripers!! Epic stuff! Be careful reviving a fish like that. Water isn't mean to flow backwards in their gills, that actually drowns them. Figure 8 them on the side of the boat or have your buddy kick in barely in gear and let water flow through! You gave him air then took it out on repeat! Haha again sick video!

[@atatro5649]

Just watching that blitz got my heart racing. Awesome vid

[@SurfSkagit]

WOW!!! Great clip, glad to see you get in to big fish, finally there is live out there. Tell the guys not to release the fish that way, bass don’t swing backwards, back and forth is not the way, with two guys in the boat, if one of you is going to move the boat to go back to the hot spot, give the fish the best chances you possibly could by holding it with the boga against the current by the side of the boat. As always nice video.

[@stevenjonesj.r2759]

Obviously ur not tht much of a fisherman.. Bcuz if u were, u would knw tht wen u do catch a big striper like tht. U hve to bring it back nd forth in the water, just 2 revive it so u knw it swims away. So it doesn't turn on it's belly nd float up nd die!! Ive done the same exact thing w/ 15 to 20lb stripers... Never caught a 30 pounder nor yet anyway!!! (Im prying lol) Honestly catching stripers on the top water, is the best way too catch them...

[@kenz1031]

Not really practical to keep moving the boat just to revive a fish. Moving them back and forth gets oxygen through their gills without having to run the boat

[@SurfSkagit]

Kenny Chea Clearly in the video Rich is saying, after releasing the fish...“we move the boat back to the same spot”, I see no practical way or waste of time here in doing what I suggested and also saw and learned from others. I’m sure there is room to improve the actual way I’m practice C & R. I’m not a good fisherman, but I’m always open to learn and share anything is helpful for the SB, so hopefully it will be also good for the sport. Share what he saw from others is a risky business if we don’t educate ourselves , he is not wrong , he is doing what he learned, what Rich is doing in this platform is also very educational because he chose to share it raw, and that is priceless for me. Moving any fish back and forth was something that early freshwater fishing shows used to do in the 70s . It took few generations of fisherman to this day to do better, doing that is just not the right way. We are putting water in with the more natural forward motion, but for obvious reasons, in the next stroke backward, that same water is partially removed, that! won’t kill the fish but the technique is not the best if our goal is 💯 C&R. Here it’s a helpful link, about a group of younger generation of good fisherman are trying to share a entire “new” way of C&R for Tarpon and Bonefish. www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/catch-and-release/ It won’t hurt at all if we all start to think that .. there is always something we can do better to help the SB stock. Best Mag

[@ethangriffeth1042]

Such sick content Rich, and big respect for the quick releases my man.

[@ripptydevibes2581]

I learned that lesson early when fishing for anything out front, always have the selection to cover the gammot. The lesson for me was during a fluke session when 100lb bluefin swam right past the boat breaching. Thats bout the toughest one to be prepared for when fluking lol. Great video, awesome time!

[@leesolomon7959]

Epic evening for sure. Had it all to yourselves. Big fish on topwater. It doesn't get any better. Love your style and honest enthusiasm. Hope I run into out there this fall. Reminds me of what I was doing out there in the late 90's.

[@JonR35]

You need to move the tail in a swim motion to get blood flowing for a speedy recovery

[@FishAholicTV]

All fish swam off strong 💪🏻 and if they didn’t we would of circled back around and around to get the fish and revive it till it did. I’ve spent 20-30min in the dark in my kayak on the ocean reviving 30-40lb fish till they swam off strong. Some need more some need less to be revived. Bouncing up and down through the rips while dangling off the side of the boat holding and trying to revive a 30-40lb Striper looks easy behind the screen. They have a better chance in the water than on the boat.

[@oliewray8357]

pushing the fish back and forth isn't a good way to revive fish

[@georgesfouggatakis2334]

@@oliewray8357 he’s saying it’s more difficult than it seems idiot

[@georgesfouggatakis2334]

@@oliewray8357 he was doing his best. Give him the benefit of the doubt don’t just critique when you don’t read what he is saying

[@joem4012]

Epic video of some beautiful fish. Respect that you released them for another day. Loved the excitement !

[@TheFishinMagician20]

Notification squad! You have inspired me so much over these vids to make my own KZbin! Trying to make it out here! Keep up the great content

[@angeltooks1]

Epic video! Congrats on a great fishing session dude! 🤙🏼

[@michaelsimko7694]

EPIC EPIC EPIC!!!!! That sure was a blitz of a lifetime! Congrats on those cows! Topwater bite has been insane with cocktail blues and small tailors in southwestern CT for the past month and a half now, but am still waiting for the water temperature to get cool enough to bring the bigger tailors and gators in before the stripers take over. Peanut bunker has been so thick this season, I haven't seen so many terns along the shoreline in years.

This place is very good for fishing, Congratulations has *beautiful* fish. Hug and good fishing!👍

[@danaj4778]

Hardcore as always!! And sponsorship too!! You're a pro of these waters and deserve some recognition for your hard work.

[@MichaelBrown-ny3et]

You would think that your partner would get a popper while your layin the smack down. Pretty impressive. Snook or Stripers being the favorite, tough call...

[@SchusterFishes]

So sick man! Once in a lifetime kind of stuff

[@nonofyourbusiness954]

Thanks for the video Rich! Yep being at the right place makes the difference.....there’s always critics, I’d like to see there releasing techniques in the middle of a 30lb+ bass blitze? Probably wouldn’t post it, oh well just a typical day on the internet. Tight lines!

[@dylanreis3305]

Been watching u since 1k , love your vids man 👌👌

[@Exploremorefishing]

Epic bite action! Great vid..and ty for doing such a great job showing us how to revive/ release those beauties...textbook catch N release✌🏻

[@fishermann2776]

Awesome man. Loved the video. Nice job handling those on that tackle.👍

[@rogerpatton2242]

I'd rather catch two on top water than ten on bait.

[@FishAholicTV]

Heck yeah 🤙🏻

[@Mumaakil]

These videos are really calming. I cant imagine how it feels to be out here in person

[@Mumaakil]

If only I could afford a boat and a good rod :(

[@NotTheMedicH60]

We were out last year off block. Got into a once in a life time blitz. Was about a half mile long and wide. Water was boiling basically, Im not exaggerating or anything. I was amazed. They were all 25+ pounds bass. Even had a shark take a shot at a 35 pounder we had at the boat. doupt I will ever see that again.

[@chuckdumas1023]

Great video seeing fish that size comming out of the water is awesome ! We get those sometimes on the canal and if you are lucky enuff to hit it you are lucky enuff. Keep the vids comming Rich

[@B1gBoss100]

Epic video! That scenario is a dream for any angler!

[@goodman4773]

Can't wait till spring in Delaware. I need to get back on the flats.

[@Dogsrule777]

Nice revival skills! 🤙🏽 Beautiful fish!

[@iusoloman1527]

Epic. Never experienced a boil quite like yours. Awesome video as usual.

[@surfbum8069]

That blitz got me pumped!!! thanks for sharing rich.

[@TropicalZooms]

Good video. Enjoyed watching. Thank you.

[@espositoarnold4508]

UNBELIEVABLE, RIGHT TIME - RIGHT PLACE, BEAUTIFUL

[@peter791]

Is there anything better than top water? I think not.

[@deltapromasterlauj4848]

Peter nothing can’t compare to “sight” feeding boil/blitz top water fishing........with the exception of beautiful naked women all around you of course😂😂😂😂😂

[@ghalihitmi]

This is the life mate🙏😍🎣🎣🎣🐟🐟🐟thanks for sharing those moments

[@MrKveite1]

Free tip, NEVER pull a C/R fish back and forth in the water. Every time you pull it backwards u close its gills and its actually suffocating so either hold it still and let it recover or pull it slowly FORWARD with the boat. Exept that it's a cool vid:)

[@strichards5337]

Not sure I understand how sloshing the bass back and forth helps with the revive? Mouth looked closed. Gills didn’t appear open? Wouldn’t a slow idle forward and holding mouth open alongside improve revival and release? Not criticizing. Truly asking to learn. Thx u.

[@natesfishingct8865]

Ya pulling it backwards actually damages its gills

[@vitorsorin]

That was a bad release for sure, the fish seems ok when first touched the water

[@stevetautog880]

I will criticize,,,,, you man handled the release the forward move can be faster but when pulling back , like the other person said, YOU are hurting the fish,, gentle backwards and then more force forwards, but not the crazy force you used

[@nomaddamon670]

I suppose he could have chopped them up for chum and chunk bait. All his fish swam away. Pectorals standing straight up. Anyone can Monday morning quarterback a KZbin video. When you're on fish like that things tend to escape the mind. Awesome vid rich!

[@stevetautog880]

fair enough , point taken sorry

[@aen45basshunter96]

Awesome fish! A true fisherman uses what he has and lands two awesome fish go you. I see you got to dislikes those must from tree huggers

[@jobino511]

Great vid as always Rich. Ran into the same scenario in LIS last Thursday sunset. Bass and blues. Not the class you were catching but very nice. All alone. Wish someone was I the boat with me for that experience. 12 quality fish in an hour and 5 leaping blues. Stay safe. Enjoy the fall run.

[@jeffreymeyers543]

First, you're def my fav of the many excellent fishing vid guys, right there with Skinner and Flying Fish TV. So thank you. But I need to ask on this one - Wouldn't it be less stressful on the fish to shut off the motor when the fish is right next to it? Maybe the boat owner didn't like to do that. I see how careful you always are with these fish. Keep up the great work!

[@ereniyisoy4245]

If you have places to catch bluefish vs striped bass in New York, I don't have a boat. we catch it on the beach and the pier

[@The_Striper_Hunt]

Wow this video is awesome dude thanks for the great content 👍

[@paulfityo1]

have you caught the 20 lb striper on the fly yet?

[@dosburn8]

Sick catches! Great vid!

[@gregmorrison8384]

Awsome job rich 👏 hopefully I'll see the bass soon

[@hillfamilyfishin8474]

SO pumped! That was awesome!!

[@Peter-zg3em]

great fish and great to see it getting back in the water quickly. rich i know this is an old video but we can always learn something brother, this isn't thebest way to revive a fish. their gills are not designed to work in reverse. just the motion of the chop and current is often enough to provide oxygenated water to the gills. hold the fish in the water, level and upright, and by the lip. if you don't feel that the fish is getting adequate oxygen or the water is warm you put the boat in gear as slow as it will go. the real key is to get them in the boat faster. 4000 is usually not a heavy enough setup for fish that can approach or get over 30 lbs. especially in current. they truly feel like a toy if you hook a 40 lber. i daily drive a 200 staal for the torque, and an 8000 if i need the retrieve speed. those are 15-20 year old fish. can't be stressing them out this much for recreational fishing. wait for her to start to bite down on your hand. big ones will almost always bite before they kick. then i give her a little squeeze on the tail to ignite her flight reflexes and usually they will kick away. i swam out to a 30 lber to help some older guys with a release in a storm. water was like a bath and she went belly up after they took too long taking pictures. probably a 30+ fish. i had to walk with her for about five minutes in chest deep water. i know they appreciated when she swam off

[@maba8072]

I’m sorry if my question seemed insulting. It was a serious question about flattening barbs on trebles. I catch and release as you do and want to do what’s best for fish and easier for me. Apologies again if my question was insulting. Hopefully the fall will be awesome. Thanks and great video as usual.

[@canakkalebalkavcs1117]

Good hunting, nice video, amazing fishes. Congratulations

[@speiss24]

Great video, Keep up the good work.

[@kevind3203]

Looks like some light tackle to catch a 48" on. Nice job.

[@yakinwithbigfoot3832]

That was sick Rich. Great find lol. Were you guys backing down on that first fish? Lol

[@Scorpio_1974]

wow! 46-inch stripe that's about 40-44lbs Just wow! HUGE!

[@billmatson8711]

Sore arms from catching big bass nice problem to have Congrats on the biguns epic video

[@mannyNyc]

Epic! Awesome Vid!

[@bighead421]

I hate you. I can never get on a bite like this. Awesome video. Good for you bro.

[@richardjack4827]

Wow what a battle with those hogs!!

[@johnat136]

Mark that day as Epic - Right place @ Right time

[@FishAholicTV]

Haha you know it John!

[@wolfsvision940]

Pretty work!!! Top water can't be beat!! Next time let the guy who's boat it is catch one....lol

[@FishAholicTV]

I had to edit out a lot but after i caught my first one i drove the boat around a lot and tried to get him on one but it just didnt happen.

[@stevewolfakaheliarc2696]

What plug was your friend using to I know not to buy it. ;-)

[@ricardoantonio6391]

First, one of the best videos you got! Congratulations! I just want to warn you about one thing, be careful with your hands and your eyes while unhooking the artificial bait! Always use the net and a plier! I have seen some ugly accidentes while unhooking artificials. Be safe! Just love your videos!

[@petermavus4131]

Lesson here take a rigged plug pole too when goin fluke fishin…..the blitz a fishermans candystore….it must be fall

[@gettinreel8122]

That looks amazing!!

[@rogerlanoie5848]

I hope your buddy hooked up too ! Epic sesh.

[@FishAholicTV]

Unfortunately he didn’t have the right plug at the right time

[@paulistaII]

Simplismente fantastic👏👏👏🎣♻️👊

[@timcline1912]

Fired 🔥 Up!! 🚨

[@fishingbuddyph8786]

Time of your life....how do you beat that, Rich? Awesome day! Fluke? Maybe next time.

[@michaelweiss7880]

Amatuer stuff always bring a plug bag and 2 rigs one hooked up with swivel 3 foot 40 PD liter and a clip.

[@jeremsubtil3392]

Beau poisson , j'aimerais avoir ce type de poisson en France ! Bravo toi !

[@billyconnelly6468]

Epic!!!

[@brucebainmatunucksurfrat7911]

Hey rich I been trying to get smackits for 6 months can’t find em any help on who has them in stock

[@ericjensen4434]

Fantastic video. After watching this and one of your others, I would comment that it appears your plugs do not have the barbs crushed down. I could be wrong and I'm not criticizing you. I think it's awesome that your releasing these fish with care. When I used to fish plugs a lot I crushed the barbs and replaced the rear hook with a single to minimize foul hooked bass. Something to consider. Keep making these great videos. Really appreciate them.

[@daleockert6222]

Those days are few and far between. ENJOY ! !

[@bankmaster777]

Wish we have striper like that in California

[@chungl1758]

We do

[@bankmaster777]

I mean like boil of them u know... I dont see 40s in group boiling in California none stop action... I would love that to happen to us

[@maxturner7125]

Your laugh would indicate the use of a fish whistle

[@RikkiTikkiTavi290]

lol

[@FishAholicTV]

Haha 😆

[@lamiglass1]

For future knowledge back and forth motion like that is bad for the fish, as much as it might suck to get off the bite you should have grabbed its lip and put the boat in gear and held the fish in a forward motion until she kicked herself off

[@txaquatics3065]

F....ing epic bro!!

[@dkanoafry]

Where's that Tsunami sponsorship? I have that reel and .... holy smokes! #brostaff

[@xlandscaper]

Some beauties you got there👍👍

[@jnieves4750]

Hi i want to know why you let them go after a big fight

[@starvision5209]

Cool Ranch Doritos FTW!

[@nomaddamon670]

Yeah buddy!! Don't think I've seen you land bass that big since the West Wall video(s) a few years back. Gotta ask, did mike connect with any?

[@theoriginalcaptjack]

Good stuff!!

[@stretchcargo]

Where were you fishing at?

[@jacksonvang3429]

Nice video well done

[@gdiddy2274]

Atta boy rich great job

[@dustinfehr3466]

SICK!!!!!

[@jonnyboy513]

Great vid Rich! How big is that boat?

[@FishAholicTV]

Thanks! I think 25ft

[@seashurjewelry]

Awesome!

[@jamesmcdermott6934]

My favorite way to catch but haven't run into bigguns like that n I can only imagine the fight!!!

[@30minforasn]

All good ol striper boils.

[@chaddy5232]

is this in west coast?

[@FishAholicTV]

East

[@hookdup1927]

perfect conditions for A danny plug.

[@Hombythc]

Hurricane coming, they are going to feast

[@RikkiTikkiTavi290]

Man that back and forth is not good for fish. Just think about anytime you've used live baits. A tail hooked bait that gets dragged backwards all the time usually dies much quicker than a lip hooked bait.

[@TheCoastalGunner]

think your buddy as fishing his popper too fast ...great video

[@antonioguerradiaz8077]

Did you really keep the first tiny bluefish???

[@mxbass1036]

I think he said it was perfect big fluke bait.

[@FishAholicTV]

Yeah fluke bait

[@mustafabereket6108]

Tebrikler güzel bir av

[@thomasmathieu1850]

Nice gusto I'm jealous

[@huckfin1100]

Totally released that first one wrong, all that's needs to be done is hold the fish and gently move around until fish feels strong than let go , just my opinion of course !

[@reedrech1702]

I like to see you release big fish but one thing I saw you do and most people do it, but never pull the fish backwards in the water, it suffocates them

[@DSeibert_2026]

He used the fluke to catch the fluke Just like in the bay we use the perch to catch the perch