16 May Bob Smith, age 90, first weigh-in.
The Plum Island Real Deal
Bob Smith has been around. Yeah, he’s 90 and was fishing the river this morning at first light, 5:30. What? You were asleep? Yeah, me too. Not him. 13.8 lb Striped Bass. 30”. 5:30 am bottom of outgoing tide on a bucktail jig at the mouth of the Merrimac!!
If you don’t know him, Bob’s a Plum Island living legend. He started fishing here in 1953. A longtime Surfland customer and close friend of Kay Moulton, he ran a Beach Buggy for a while, and then got into boat fishing. He’s the real deal. If you get a chance to pick his brain, he’s happy to oblige. But speak up a bit, Bob’s hearing is not one of his superpowers.
Today’s fish
There were 4 herring inside his bass this morning
White Bucktail Jig with no longer produced Bomber Bucktail.
Segment from Reel People The Fishermen of Plum Island: Living Legend Bob Smith from James Waldron Design on Vimeo.
(See the entire Film here)
Bob’s Beach Buggy around 1960
Bob Smith on his Boat, The Keeper
Parker River Striper Ice Fishing, 1964
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Erik
Posted at 09:06h, 16 MayThe ice fishing pic is a great shot
Russ Gunnard
Posted at 09:28h, 16 MayBob is one great friend. We are so lucky to have him in our lives.
The first keeper of the season. Way to go Bob!!
John
Posted at 09:32h, 16 MayGreat catch Bob Smith.
Jim C
Posted at 10:33h, 16 MayStickman & the crew from SBT. That photo of Bob with the bass caught through the ice may be the single best striper photo I’ve ever seen!!!
Jim C
Peter Philbrook
Posted at 08:05h, 21 MayIn that ice picture – Bob’s trunk is still open from taking his mounted fish out. Funny photo though – nice mounted fish too!
James Jewkes
Posted at 11:21h, 16 MaySaw Bob at the Plum island Surfcasters meeting last night what a legend congrats Bob
Nanci Smith
Posted at 20:08h, 16 MayAwesome Dad! I so remember that beach buggy and many early morning fishing on The Keeper. Love you
Laura Smith
Posted at 16:40h, 06 AprilHi Nanci, I reached out to you on Facebook. I’m your half cousin, my dad is your dad’s half
Peter Philbrook
Posted at 10:21h, 17 MayI noticed Bob doing the old, pull the scale down during weigh-in trick! – Just kidding…nice fish – can’t wait to get out there!
Al Williams
Posted at 16:41h, 17 MayThat’s a terrific pic of Bob. He’s not just a PI legend and an exceptional fisherman.
He’s one of the classiest gentlemen you’ll ever meet.
Well done!.
sully
Posted at 20:09h, 17 MayOutstanding Report!
Joe Witt
Posted at 13:55h, 19 MayGreat story about Bob Smith. 90 Wow
jeff H
Posted at 16:45h, 19 MaySpectacular post. Thank you for all this great info and history. Such a gift.
Love it.
Peter W Seeley
Posted at 13:23h, 23 MayI grew up on Plum Island over 55 years ago.I use to go fishing with Bob Smith and my father George Seeley. Ask him about the night Peter dropped all the live eels while climbing up the cliffs at Boars Head N.H.,we had fished all night pulled out 4, 35 lb plus stripers.Great night,great memories. That was 45 years ago.Bob Smith one of the nicest guys on this planet.Good job ,Bob work that buck tail jig!