drumroll please...... 31.2 lbs, making Andy G the winner, at only 1.2 lbs off. Levy couldn't have been any closer without at least tying Andy, at only 1.3 lbs off. My buddy Steve, shoulda' leaned the other way
Anyway, at 43" long, it certainly could have weighed close to 40, but it was pretty hollow in the belly, and not as stacked across the shoulders as it could have been.
Now, the full scoop is, I caught this fish 1 year ago, on a 14" dead Split Tail. {the fish was released. I have a whole special hook, and rigging for this, that I will probably share in a photo essay soon} I just never posted this particular vertical shot anywhere, because the photo quality was so terrible.... way out of focus. I mean, I know it looks okay here, but that was after a ton of photoshopping. Too bad the full size file would never make a decent print.
Anyway, I almost hate to admit it, but this is still actually my PB. All of the trophy Striper guys I know have caught 40's.... some of them even 50's ! And those are the guys from these parts. I have good buddy from back East who has caught a bunch of 50's, and his PB is 60 1/4 !!!! I'm not worthy !
But my 40 is coming... hopefully within the next month

Course you gotta' know I'll be showing it off here
Thank you guys for playing,
Peace,
Fish
PS, I feel just as strongly about the C/R of giant, trophy Striped bass, as I do trophy Largemouths. In my local waters however, the undisputed bait for giant Stripers is Split Tails. Unfortunately, for all of the years up until now, guys have just assumed that all big Spilt Tail caught Stripers would be killed (because of the typical hooks and rigging), and I guess they are okay with this. I'm totally not. Which is why I brainstormed an answer. Will post about this soon.
BTW, nothing wrong with keeping a 5 to 8 lb'er every now and again, if you like to eat Stripers, but IMPO, their is just no good reason to kill a giant.
PPS, Anybody know where to find a nice 110 lb Stripper ? I just figured since I see those mentioned on this forum all the time....
