About Fishaholic

You may know me as that crazy saltwater surf fisherman or kayak fisherman or you may not but anyway here's my story. I was born and raised in New Jersey and because of my father I became hooked on fishing at an early age. Primarily Fishing our small local lakes, rivers, and ponds throughout the seasons. Also we would venture to the Jersey shore to surf fish frequently and for many years we ventured to Montauk for one week for family summer vacation. Back home though Largemouth bass and competition between father and son is what ignited the flame. As I became more knowledgable we would open up an old map and look for new water to fish, and figure out. This was a daily routine between us and it really helped me hone my skills and adapt to various different fishing situations. 

Surf fishing first came into play in Montauk. Go figure when your family summer vacation is in the Surf fishing Capital of the World! Our vacation was a tradition for many years for as long as I could remember and as soon as I could hold a surf rod I was out there climbing on rocks, and jumping in the water. I would fish the surf every chance I got. Even as an 7-8 year old kid I would wake up at dawn solo surf fish, eat, go to the beach, then surf fish again. The Striped Bass fishing was amazing and fueled the beginning of an addiction! I had days catching countless schoolie Striped Bass which really helped me understand feeding habits and experiment with presentations. Eventually though vacation came to an end and to satisfy this addiction my father and I would day trip to the Jersey shore a lot more. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall we honed our skills with anticipation for our return to the Mecca.

Although traditions change and when I was a preteen our family decided to do something else for vacation. Montauk motel's got more expensive, we all got older, and figured change would be good. I was kinda devastated but this actually made my father and I fish Montauk even more. Basically giving us the freedom to go without the girls throughout the season. Therefore, any chance we got we would venture out, camp in the car, and fish every day. All this time in the surf helped me gain even more knowledge of the tides, currents, and structure. 

Eventually though surf fishing wasn't enough! I needed to do something different to feed the fire. Unfortunately as a young teenager I couldn't afford a boat. After some research about small crafts. A kayak seemed like the next game changing move. In a kayak I could fish hard to get to places, and deeper water so I could catch more and bigger fish. Kayaking sparked new interest and opened up new fishing opportunities. Days that were bad for surf fishing I kayaked and vis versa. As a 13 year old I was probably the only crazy kid who wanted to fish the Montauk rips in the kayak. By the way that was a father and son secret for a few years until I could drive and I got my first camera. 

Once I was of age to drive and had freedom to do what I wanted where I wanted. Spearfishing was something else to feed the fire. Surprised right? Probably not, of course as a wild young buck I would decide to do something else dangerous. Although it was because of spearfishing I bought my first GoPro camera. I used the camera to take video shots of me free diving. Not really using the footage for much of anything but showing family and friends. But once i graduated high school and went to college that all changed.

When I got accepted to Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island one thing I thought about was fishing opportunities. The little Ocean State ended up becoming a dream come true having tidal rivers, Narragansett Bay, Long Island Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean in close proximity. Also Striped Bass could be caught fall, winter, and spring. Therefore my season never ended I fished Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey fall, winter, and spring. I also acquired a sport fishing job in Montauk so I fished all summer long in the Mecca. Striped Bass fishing surrounded my life even around school, work, and living. Rhode Island though was the first place I decided to put the GoPro camera on my head.

My first day in the Rhode Island surf was dreamlike overcast, misty, and clean water washing over the rocks creating turbulent white water. I had a feeling it would be an unreal day in the surf so I pushed the record button and on my very first cast it was either a bite or a Striper for two hours till the tide ended and my camera died. After watching the footage I was amazed because I could relive that epic bite and I realized I wouldn't have to tell a fish story. "Just watch the video" I would say, so from then on I always push that record button. When the footage began pilling up I spent countless hours, and days in the library teaching myself how to edit and upload to YouTube. I felt this was the best option so I could clear my college laptop of hundreds of raw fishing video files. I really didn't think much of it at the time but any video I uploaded I just posted as a public file for anyone to view so my family and friends could see what I was up to. Before I new it other fisherman who were addicted to fishing started watching. Hundreds of views turned to thousands, and now millions and thats how FishAholic Fishing came to be.

Thanks for reading a little bit about me and I hope you found it interesting!

Live to Fish, Fish to Live!  

Rich J

FishAholic