I spent most of my life in South Florida and after 27 years as a police officer in Miami Beach, I retired and moved here in 2004. I was tired of the flat land, no seasons - except hot and hotter and way too many people. So we bought 14 acres in the Burnt Chimney area and built a house. We’re not on the lake, but there are 2 ponds in the neighborhood which are stocked with bass, crappie and bluegill. Our daughter graduated last year from Franklin Co. HS and is now attending Florida State University (Go ‘noles). I also have 2 grown sons and 3 grandsons who live out of state.
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Growing up in the Miami area, it would have been unnatural not to fish. I started fishing for bluegills in the local canals and then moved on to saltwater species when my dad bought a boat when I was about 14. My favorite fishing is still probably the flats and mangrove shorelines of the gulf coast, one of the few things about Florida that I miss. The stripers have filled in nicely though, being a transplanted saltwater fish. I do occasionally fish for other species here, but 98% of the time it’s the stripers. When I’m not fishing I spend most of my time hanging around home with the family and hunting in the fall, and the other necessary things like mowing and home maintenance. I’ve also recently taken up making my own jig heads and bucktails which has been fun.
My first couple of years trying to catch stripers was spent trolling for them and for the most part unsuccessfully. I joined the Striper Club in 2007 after learning about it at one of the big bass tournaments. I learned a lot about stripers by attending the meetings, a lot more from hanging around after the meetings and listening and talking to others. I started helping out at the first meeting by helping put away the chairs afterwards and have continued to volunteer at most club functions, even serving on the board, which turned out to be a great way to make friends and fishing connections.
My first couple of years trying to catch stripers was spent trolling for them and for the most part unsuccessfully. I joined the Striper Club in 2007 after learning about it at one of the big bass tournaments. I learned a lot about stripers by attending the meetings, a lot more from hanging around after the meetings and listening and talking to others. I started helping out at the first meeting by helping put away the chairs afterwards and have continued to volunteer at most club functions, even serving on the board, which turned out to be a great way to make friends and fishing connections.
Landlocked Striped Bass are the most frustrating species I have ever fished for and I guess that’s why they’re so addictive. I fish out of my JV17 Carolina Skiff and fish primarily artificials, but will occasionally go bait fishing with Macky May. I’ve spent most of my time on the Blackwater side although the last couple of winters on the Roanoke side chasing birds with Don Hutchinson. My favorite time to be on the water is when the schools are breaking on top during the spring and early fall. I also enjoy the night fishing in the winter and early spring. My biggest stripers so far were the 2 citations (37 & 37 ½ in) I caught night fishing with Macky last winter.
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