to me fishing isnt just leisure time, I am obsessed and adicted. However, like my fiance said, its better than being hooked on drugs and alcohol.

Tinkering around with all my equipment before the next day's trip, brings almost as much fun to me as actually going. As i build a game plan I work myelf up so much I can barely sleep. And, I do this several times a week.

What do you consider a monster fish?

What do you consider a monster fish? Ive hooked into so many 20 lb plus reds that I cant even spit out a number, catch countless offshore species every year, have landed a large number of trout in the 28" to 30" range, and many more saltwater species.

My point is, that I have caught plenty of "monster" saltwater fish and now I am just not into the size of a fish, but rather I look for the allround package, and Bass seem to take it all in my book. The size and fight come secondary to the actual process of going about and getting that fish hooked to me. I guess for someone who has not had the chance to fight and land a big fish, it might be thrilling to do so, but to me it is just not something I worry too much about.

However, there are two species of saltwater fish that are quite thrilling for me to catch, though they are not widely targeted in TX. These fish are the Spanish Mackeral and Bluefish. Both of these fish are super agressive, hitting a wide variety of lures, and put up a tremendous fight, relative to their size, on lighter tackle. Smacks are like trout on steroids, and the bigger ones will darn near jerk the rod out your hand when they hit a lure. Plus, I think they are one of the tastiest fried fish out there, though many will disagree. Down here, they average between 14" and 28" with fish over 30" not too uncommon. Blues remind me of a saltwater smallmouth bass for their tenacity and a largemout for size and shape. They absolutly destroy lures and will not give up fighting. Their fight is like the pull of a red, and the headshake of a trout, with the speed of a offshore fish. A 20 inch Blue will plum whare you out. They average between 14" and 20" down here with bigger ones not too uncommon. They are not the tastiest fish but will do allright in a coconut batter or other heavy flavored preparation. Both of these species school and can be caught by the 100's making for lots of fun.

So, dont get me wrong, I enjoy all types of fishing, but am in love with bass fishing because of all that it entails. It is extremly challenging and for the thinking fisherman. Though the fight is not like the larger redfish, I think that the acrobatic jumps and thick cover they inhabit make for a great fight.