It’s day one of the MSSA annual spring striped bass tournament and the winner’s slot may already be locked up, because I just got word of a 52 inch striper, caught moments ago off of Chesapeake Beach!


“This is definitly the biggest rockfish I’ve ever caught,” said angler and cockpit crew chief Brian Lowery. “Before the clip even popped free the fish dragged the planer board behind the transom. I had to hang on tight, and I knew right off the bat that this was one big fish. I’m glad we checked and rechecked all of our gear, re-did all the leader material and all the lures the other night, and upped the leaders from 50 to 80 pound test.” It joined three other stripers all at 32 inches, already in the box. Crewmember Neil Wood gets credit for leadering the fish but more importantly, for bringing the lure. Captain Kevin Howel was essentially speechless, and when interviewed all he could say was “wow… wow… it’s a big one alright.” At the suggestion that their fish could win the tournament, he coyly responded “Hmmm… you think so?”


The monster striper struck a white banjo eye bucktail – now Neil’s favorite lure in the world - with a nine-inch tail on a tandam rig  fished in deep water, within sight of the radar towers, while trolling at three knots. Will anyone beat this monster? It’s surely possible but very not likely; only a handful of 50-something fish are caught each season, and last year’s tournament was won by a 47 pound fish, and this one is 52.55 pounds.


52 inch striped bass rockfish mssa tournament

Too big to fit into the photo, this 52 inch rockfish will likely win the MSSA tournament.


Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.