07-03-2004, 12:24 AM
Veteran striper anglers who've been chasing that elusive trophy 50-pounder all their lives will be gnashing their teeth after hearing that a 14-year-old boy caught a 52 1/2-pounder Friday at Surf City on a live bunker -- and did so with 10-pound spinning tackle from a 9-foot kayak.
Bob Capri Jr. of Manahawkin fought that bass for 15 minutes and was towed past two jetties. The kayak actually helped him as the big fish wore itself out just as a harpooned swordfish does fighting a barrel. He put his arm through the gill cover to get it into the kayak, and then did the same thing upon reaching the beach. To make the pros even more jealous, Capri said that was his very first striper from a kayak -- and he hasn't caught another since. Several other "fifties" have been caught so far, but none on such light tackle.
[signature]
Bob Capri Jr. of Manahawkin fought that bass for 15 minutes and was towed past two jetties. The kayak actually helped him as the big fish wore itself out just as a harpooned swordfish does fighting a barrel. He put his arm through the gill cover to get it into the kayak, and then did the same thing upon reaching the beach. To make the pros even more jealous, Capri said that was his very first striper from a kayak -- and he hasn't caught another since. Several other "fifties" have been caught so far, but none on such light tackle.
[signature]