The Van Staal VM150 is the latest and greatest addition to my reel collection and will have a primary task of landing big striped bass here on the east coast. Its secondary, but most urgent task, is to join me on my upcoming trip to the British Virgin Islands to chase tarpon and several other species. I’m sure I’ll have a lot to say about this reel when I return in mid November, but for now, enjoy the unboxing!

“Never before has the strength and power of a Van Staal machined reel been offered in such a versatile and affordable option. The new VM150 features a changeable left- or right-hand retrieve, holds 350 yards of 30-pound braided line and can handle up to 30 pounds of drag stopping power. At $399 it’s the strongest, most affordable reel in its class. The fully machined aluminum and stainless steel construction of the VM150 create more than enough strength to tackle big and exotic fish and the precision gears and smooth drag performance make it the perfect go-to reel from boat or from shore.”

In typical Fishing Fury fashion, we met up shortly after midnight to begin our 4.5 our voyage to Fredericton, New Brunswick. The drive went surprisingly fast thanks to good company and energy drinks and we got to our destination about 40 minutes before sunrise. I gave the boys a few tips, setup a few rods and gave them a crash course on casting big lures with heavy gear. They both caught on quickly and we all began casting out as far as we could searching for the fish of ten thousand casts.

Within two hours, we had covered some serious shoreline. For reasons unknown, the city of Fredericton thought it would be a good idea to to line the shores of the river with the most jagged, tipsy, slippery rocks they could find. Incredibly, we managed to balance on the rocks in just the right place and Aaron hooked into something mean. Two hours into the trip, Aaron had his first muskie, and biggest fish of his life!

After a few quick photos and some cut hooks, this beauty muskie, estimated to be about 38×16 inches, was on its way back into the river. Shortly after getting some new hooks ready for Aaron’s new favourite lure (the Rapala Super Shad Rap), Jarrod decided to take full advantage of the situation and manage to hook into another big fish before I had even had a chance to cast. The result, Jarrod’s first striped bass, and biggest fish of his life! Aaron decided to lend a helping hand and earned the assist on this one after the striper made a run and crossed his line.

After the lads caught some pretty serious fish, I was able to relax and go after my own. My chance came a few hours later when a I saw a good size muskie chasing my lure toward the dock. I executed a figure 8 at the side of the dock and watched in awe as the muskie lunged at the lure not once, not twice, but three time – missing each time and retreating into the darkness below.

After 10 hours of fishing the boys each lost a solid fish, most likely muskie. Worrying that they were losing interest, I told them we could switch to lighter gear and look for some smallmouth bass, to which they magnanimously agreed that they did not want to do. We fished until darkness, casting big lures in search of another muskie, but in the end I was the only one without a single fish.

We spent the drive home recapping the excitement of the day. A day in which we witnessed bald eagles soaring, massive sturgeons leaping, and Double Downs inside of Baconators. After an epic 24 hour marathon of fishing and driving, we all agreed that we would return for round two as soon as possible.

via xtranormal.com

Thanks Yuri!

Check out more from the Jordan brothers on Junkfish Journal!

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This offer is only good from March 4th – 11th and while supplies last, so act quickly!

Download the Wily X coupon from Abu Garcia (PDF)

Personally I’d be a little put off if something this gnarly looking crawled out of the face of my dinner, and so was David…

I purchased a 6kg pack of sea bass, cleaned and gutted four and popped two of them on my barbecue.

After about 10 minutes I turned them over, and after a further 5 minutes went to check on them. It must have become too hot in there for the parasite, which became visible half out of the fish’s mouth.

I didn’t realize what it was, so didn’t check to see if the fish still had a tongue. I’m not even sure if the parasite crawled out, or was pushed out as a result of the fish cooking.

We are not intending to eat sea bass for a while!!

Regards,
David

Thanks David!

Bush senior is no slouch when it comes to fishing either. Here he is with a monster tarpon…which is almost certainly Photoshopped.

And finally, a shot of the Bush family fishing with their good buddy, Russian President, Vladimir Putin.