I actually believe you have a BETTER chance of landing record fish on light tackle and smaller boats than you do open water trolling. ESPECIALLY on the flats. When the big fish are condensed in the rivers and small areas they are much more vulnerable. I will agree with skip, that more things have to go right in order to get the fish into the boat than the big gear...I know I have busted off more big fish at the boat due to being nervous, busted split rings, straightened hooks and line break offs than I want to admit- but thats fishing and the risk you assume by using light tackle. (I wish SOMEONE would make a dang hook that is big enough for striper baits, razor sharp and strong enough not to straighten on big fish) I still believe my Dad and I caught and released the state record striped bass on light tackle almost a year ago, but im probably a bit biased
